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HISTORY 



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AND PERRY IjOITIES, 

OHIO. 



THEIR PAST AND PRESENT, 






"ONTAINING 



A COMPREHENSIVE HISTORY OF OHIO ; A COMPLETE HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD AND 
PERRY COUNTIES; THEIR TOWNSHIPS, CITIES, VILLAGES, TOWNS, SCHOOLS, 
CHURCHES, SOCIETIES, INDUSTRIES, STATISTICS, Etc.; A HISTORY OF 
THEIR SOLDIERS IN THE LATE WAR; PORTRAITS OF EARLY SET- 
TLERS AND PROMINENT MEN; MISCELLANEOUS MATTER; 
MAPS of the COUNTIES; BIOGRAPHIES AND HISTO- 
RIES OF PIONEER FAMILIES, Etc., Etc. 



COMPILED BY A. A. GRAHAM. 



ILLUSTRATED, 




CHICAGO : 

W. H. BEERS & CO. 



1883. 






COMPILER'S PREFACE. 



LESS than a century since not a white man dwelt in the present 
Hmits of the two counties, the history of which these pages 
chronicle. Now not an acre is unclaimed, and the eye sees the 
surface of the land dotted with comfortable homes. 

The Pioneers, whose lives are dimly portrayed in these pages, are 
the remote cause of all this ; the labor of their children, the immediate 



cause. 



The aim of this volume is to preserve the deeds and lives of those 
who have done all this. That errors are made, and that omissions 
occur, none are more sensible than the compiler and pubhshers. A 
diligent effort was made to get all, and a vigilant effort made to be 
correct. But as long as human minds are forgetful, so long will his- 
tory contain errors. 

In the preparation of Fairfield county the various newspapers freely 
lent all the aid they possessed. Competent waiters were sent to every 
township and every town, and thus every church, school, academy, 
and other public enterprise, was faithfully recorded. Very many con- 
flicting opinions arose among the oldest inhabitants, but these were 
carefully compared, and the one bearing the impress of truth pre- 
served. 

The compiler desires to extend his thanks to all who aided him m 
any way in the preparation of the part pertaining to Fairfield county. 
Although the patronage from that county was not so large as from 
Perry countv, yet no eflbrt and no expense was spared to obtain a com- 
plete and relii-ble history. In this he thinks he has been materially 

SUCCGSSIul • 

The history of Perry county is entirely the work of Mr. E. H. 
CoLBURN, who, in a faithful manner, has preserved his county's his- 
tory— in fact, better than any resident historian it has been the com- 
piler's lot to meet. ^ A.A.GRAHAM, 

^ COMPILER. 



Author's Preface.—Perry County, 



SOME eijj^ht years ago the idea presented itself that a history of Perry 
county might be written, or compiled and published, which would 
be of permanent value and benefit. Not long after I began collecting 
materials and, as time and opportunity premitted, preparing the manu- 
script. Not being able to secure sufficient capital to bring out the work 
as desired, the publication was necessarily delayed, and finally the 
manuscript disposed of to Mr. A. A. Graham, who was regularly en- 
gaged in publishing county histories. He concluded to publish Perry 
and Fairfield counties together ; hence, the present volume. The Perry 
County History is, with slight modifications, the same as contemplated 
b}' the author several years ago. 

In addition to the direct credits given in the book, the author is, of 
ourse, indebted to various sources for information, including the county 
newspapers, " Ohio in the War," and a large number of citizens, who 
have manifested an interest in the w^ork. The late J. W. Stinchcomb, 
of Nebraska, furnished many of the facts concerning the early history 
of Thorn township, and T. Spencer Stillman, of Somerset, con- 
tributed most of the information in relation to the old Scioto and Hock- 
ing Valley Railroad. Mr. Will Peoples gathered most of the in- 
formation for the township histories of Madison, Bearfield, and Pleasant 
townships, and presented it in tbrm verv nearly as published. 

It is impossible that such a publication should be free from errors, 
though great pains have been taken to make the history fair, correct 
and trustworthy, and one that will increase in interest and value as the 
years pass away. 

If it may appear, in some respects, that proportionate space has not 
been given to matters of equal interest, it should be remembered that 
available materials are not the same in all cases, and that persons from 
whom information must necessaril}^ be obtained are not always equally 
ready or able to give it. Nevertheless, it has been the aim of the au- 
thor and compiler to accord a fair and impartial presentation of all sub- 
jects and matters embraced within the scope of the work. 

I have had no control over the Biographical department, though 
that will, no doubt, prove to be one of the most interesting features of 
the volume. 

" With malice toward none," and charity and good will toward all, 
the Perry County History is respectfully submitted to the consideration 
of patrons and readers. E. S. COLBORN, 

A UTHOR. 



CONTENTS. 



PART I. 

HISTORY OF THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 
BY A. A. GRAHAM. 

PAGE 

Geographical Position 19 

Early Explorations , 20 

Discover}- of the Ohio 32 

English Explorations and Settlements 34 

American Settlements 59 

Division of the Northwest Territory 65 

Tecumseh and the War of 1812 69 

Black Hawk and the Black Hawk War 73 



PART H. 

HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

PAGE 

History of Ohio : 93 

French History 96 

Ordinance ot 1787, No. 32 105 

The War of 1812 122 

Banking 126 

The Canal System 128 

Ohio Land Tracts 129 

Improvements 132 

State Boundaries 136 

Organization of Counties 137 

Description of Counties 137 

Early Events 137 

Governors of Ohio 160 

Ancient Works 174 

Some General Characteristics 177 

Outline Geology of Ohio 179 

Ohio's Rank During the War 182 

A Brief Mention of Prominent Ohio Generals 191 

Some Discussed Subjects 196 

Conclusion 200 

Comments upon the Ordinance of 1787, from the Statutes 
of Ohio, Edited by Salmon P. Chase and Published 

in the year 1833 204 



CONTENTS— Co-NTisvKn. 

PART III. 

HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

PAGE 

Geologv I 

Topography o 

Flora and Fauna 12 

Archeology i? 

Indian Tribes 22 

Surveyors — Refugee Lands 29 

Pioneer History 32 

General George Sanderson's Notes 40 

Reminiscences of Early Times 45 

Agriculture and Horticulture 61 

Public Highwa3's 68 

Public Buildings 77 

County and Judicial Officers — Public Men 81 

Bench and Bar 89 

The Reform School 99 

The Log Cabin Campaign of 1840 104 

Statistics 109 

The War of 1812 and Mexican War 112 

The War of the Rebellion 115 

The Early History of Lancaster 133 

Incorporation of Lancaster — Its Additions 141 

Lancaster Schools 146 

Churches of Lancaster 156 

Lancaster Press and Authorship 168 

Medical and Dental Profession of Lancaster 175 

Secret Orders of Lancaster — The Temperance Movement, 178 
The City's Gas Works and Water Works — Something 

About Fires 184 

A Resume of Lancaster's Business Interests 189 

PART IV. 

TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



PAGE 



Amanda Township • 199 

Berne Township 205 

Bloom Township 210 

Clear Creek Township 213 

Greenfield Township 217 

Hocking Township 221 

Liberty Township 226 

Madison Township 232 

Pleasant Township 236 

Richland Township 243 

Rush Creek Township 249 

Violet Township 254 

Walnut Township 258 

Biographical Sketches 265 



COJVTBJVTS—Coi^TiNVED. 

PART V. 

HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

PAGIi 

Geography, Topography, and Geology i 

Coal, Iron Ore, Salt, and other Minerals 7 

Indians and First Whites 13 

Pioneer Habits and Customs — "The Good Old Days" 18 

Nationality and Races : 26 

Tragedy and Comedy 28 

Courts, County Officers, Public Buildings, etc 43 

The Seat of Justice 59 

Agriculture and County Fairs 69 

The Newspaper Press 74 

Railroads 82 

Political Matters 91 

The Military in Time of Peace 99 

The War of 1812 and Mexican War 103 

The War of the Rebellion 106 

Reunion of Veteran Soldiers 135 

The Centennial 139 

Cyclones and Floods 149 

Old Settlers' Association 154 

Miscellaneous Subjects 156 

Some Perry County Boys 166 

PART VI. 

TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF PERRY COUNTY. 

PAGE 

Bearfield Township 171 

Clayton Township 178 

Coal Township 190 

Harrison Township 192 

Hopewell Township 195 

Jackson Township 202 

Madison Township 208 

Monday Creek Township 215 

Monroe Township 219 

Pike Township 226 

Pleasant Township 256 

Reading Township 261 

Saltlick Township 302 

Thorn Township 307 

Biographical Sketches 321 



PART I. 



The Northwest Territory, 



COLUMBUS, OHIO: 
Ohio State Journal Printing Establishment. 
1883. 






The Northwest Territory. 



GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION. 

When the Northwestern Territory was ceded to the United States 
by Virginia in 1784, it embraced only the territory lying between the 
Ohio and the Mississippi Rivers, and north to the northern limits of the 
United States. It coincided with the area now embraced in the States 
of Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and that portion of 
Minnesota lying on the east side of the Mississippi River. The United 
States itself at that period extended no farther west than the Mississippi 
River ; but by the purchase of Louisiana in 1803, the western boundary 
of the United States was extended to the Rocky Mountains and the 
Northern Pacific Ocean. The new territory thus added to the National 
domain, and subsequently opened to settlement, has been called the 
"New Northwest," in contradistinction from the old "Northwestern 
Territory. " 

In comparison with the old Northwest this is a territory of vast 
magnitude. It includes an area of 1,887,850 square miles ; being greater 
in extent than the united areas of all the Middle and Southern States, 
including Texas. Out of this magnificent territory have been erected 
eleven sovereign States and eight Territories, with an aggregate popula- 
tion, at the present time, of 13,000,000 inhabitants, or nearly one third of 
the entire population of the United States. 

Its lakes are fresh-water seas, and the larger rivers of the continent 
flow for a thousand miles through its rich alluvial valleys and far- 
stretching prairies, more acres of which are arable and productive of the 
highest percentage of the cereals than of any other area of like extent 
on the globe. 

For the last twenty years the increase of population in the North- 
west has been about as three to one in any other portion of the United 
States. 

(19) 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



EARLY EXPLORATIONS. 

In the year 1541, DeSoto first saw the Great West in the New 
7"orld. He, however, penetrated no farther north than the 35th parallel 
P latitude. The expedition resulted in his death and that of more than 
alf his army, the remainder of whom found their way to Cuba, thence 
) Spain, in a famished and demoralized condition. DeSoto founded no 
ittlements, produced no results, and left no traces, unless it were that 
3 awakened the hostility of the red man against the white man, and 
isheartened such as might desire to follow up the career of discovery 
T better purposes. The French nation were eager and ready to seize 
pon any news from this extensive domain, and were the first to profit by 
eSoto's defeat. Yet it was more than a century before any adventurer 
lok advantage of these discoveries. 

In 1616, four years before the pilgrims " moored their bark on the 
ild New England shore," Le Caron, a French Franciscan, had pene- 
ated through the Iroquois and Wyandots (Hurons) to the streams which 
m into Lake Huron ; and in 1634, two Jesuit missionaries founded the 
:st mission among the lake tribes. It was just one hundred years from 
le discovery of the Mississippi by DeSoto (1541) until the Canadian 
ivoys met the savage nations of the Northwest at the Falls of St. Mary, 
dow the outlet of Lake Superior. This visit led to no permanent 
suit ; yet it was not until 1659 that any of the adventurous fur traders 
tempted to spend a Winter in the frozen wilds about the great lakes, 
)r was it until 1660 that a station was established upon their borders by 
esnard, who perished in the woods a few months after. In 1665, Claude 
llouez built the earliest lasting habitation of the white man among the 
idians of the Northwest. In 1668, Claude Dablon and James Marquette 
unded the mission of Sault Ste. Marie at the Falls of St. Mary, and two 
tars afterward, Nicholas Perrot, as agent for M. Talon, Governor Gen- 
al of Canada, explored Lake Illinois (Michigan) as far south as the 
•esent City of Chicago, and invited the Indian nations to meet him at a 
■and council at Sault Ste. Marie the following Spring, Avhere they were 
ken under the protection of the king, and formal possession was taken 
the Northwest. This same year Marquette established a mission at 
3int St. Ignatius, where was founded the old town of Michillimackinac. 

During M. Talon's explorations and Marquette's residence at St. 
:natius, they learned of a great river away to the west, and fancied 
-as all others did then — that upon its fertile banks whole tribes of God's 
lildren resided, to whom the sound of the Gospel had never come, 
illed with a wish to go and preach to them, and in compliance with a 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 21 

request of M. Talon, who earnestly desired to extend the domain of his 
king, and to ascertain whether the river flowed into the Gulf of Mexico 
or the Pacific Ocean, Marquette with Joliet, as commander of the expe- 
dition, prepared for the undertaking. 

On the 13th of May, 1673, the explorers, accompanied by five assist- 
ant French Canadians, set out from Mackinaw on their daring voyage of 
discovery. The Indians, who gathered to witness their departure, were, 
astonished at the boldness of the undertaking, and endeavored to dissuade- 
them from their purpose by representing the tribes on the Mississippi as 
exceedingly savage and cruel, and the river itself as full of all sorts of 
frightful monsters ready to swallow them and their canoes together. But, 
nothing daunted by these terrific descriptions, Marquette told them he 
was willing not only to encounter all the perils of the unknown region 
they were about to explore, but to lay down his life in a cause in which 
the salvation of souls was involved ; and having prayed together they 
separated. Coasting along the northern shore of Lake Michigan, the 
adventurers entered Green Bay, and passed thence up the Fox River and 
Lake Winnebago to a village of the Miamis and Kickapoos. Here Mar- 
quette was delighted to find a beautiful cross planted in the middle of the 
town ornamented with white skins, red girdles and bows and arrows, 
which these good people had offered to the Great Manitou, or God, to 
thank him for the pity he had bestowed on them during the Winter in 
giving them an abundant " chase." This was the farthest outpost to- 
which Dablon and Allouez had extended their missionary labors the 
year previous. Here Marquette drank mineral waters and was instructed 
in the secret of a root which cures the bite of the venomous rattlesnake. 
He assembled the chiefs and old men of the village, and, pointing to 
Joliet, said: " My friend is an envoy of France, to discover new coun- 
tries, and I am an ambassador from God to enlighten them with the truths 
of the Gospel." Two Miami guides were here furnished to conduct 
them to the Wisconsin River, and they set out from the Indian village on 
the 10th of June, amidst a great crowd of natives who had assembled to 
witness their departure into a region where no white man had ever yet 
ventured. The guides, having conducted them across the portage, 
returned. The explorers launched their canoes upon the Wisconsin, 
which they descended, to the Mississippi and proceeded down its unknown 
waters. What emotions must have swelled their breasts as they struck 
out into the broadening current and became conscious that they were 
now upon the bosom of ths Father of Waters. The mystery was about 
to be lifted from the long-sought river. The scenery in that locality is 
beautiful, and on that delightful seventeenth of June must have been 
clad in all its primeval loveliness as it had been adorned by the hand of 



22 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



Nature. Drifting rapidly, it is s^id that the bold bluffs on either hand 
" reminded them of the castled shores of their own beautiful rivers of 
France." By-and-by, as they drifted along, great herds of buffalo appeared 
on the banks. On going to the heads of the valley they could see a 
country of the greatest beauty and fertility, apparently destitute of inhab- 
itants yet presenting the appearance of extensive manors, under the fas- 
tidious cultivation of lordly proprietors. 




SOURCE or THE MISSISSIPPI. 



On June 25, they went ashore and found some fresh traces of men upon 
the sand, and a path which led to the prairie. The men remained in the 
boat, and Marquette and Joliet followed the path till they discovered a 
village on the banks of a river, and two other villages on a hill, within a 
half league of the first, inhabited by Indians. They were received most 
hospitably by these natives, who had never before seen a white person. 
After remaining a few da3-s they re-embarked and descended the river to 
about latitude 33°, where they found a village of the Arkansas, and being 
satisfied that the river flowed into the Gulf of Mexico, turned their course 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 23 

up the river, and ascending the stream to the mouth of the Illinois, 
rowed up that stream to its source, and procured guides from that point 
to the lakes. " Nowhere on this journey," says Marquette, " did we see 
such grounds, meadows, woods, stags, buffaloes, deer, wildcats, bustards, 
swans, ducks, parroquets, and even beavers, as on the Illinois River." 
The party, without loss or injury, reached Green Bay in September, and 
reported their discovery — one of the most important of the age, but of 
which no record was preserved save Marquette's, Joliet losing his by 
the upsetting of his canoe on his way to Quebec. Afterward Marquette 
returned to the Illinois Indians by their request, and ministered to them 
until 1675. On the 18th of May, in that year, as he was passing the 
mouth of a stream — going with his boatmen up Lake Michigan — he asked 
to land at its mouth and celebrate Mass. Leaving his men with the canoe, 
he retired a short distance and began his devotions. As much time 
passed and he did not return, his men went in search of him, and found 
him upon his knees, dead. He had peacefull}'' passed away while at 
prayer. He was buried at this spot. Charlevoix, who visited the place 
fifty years after, found the waters had retreated from the grave, leaving 
the beloved missionary to repose in peace. The river has since been 
called Marquette. 

While Marquette and his companions were pursuing their labors in 
the West, two men, differing widely from him and each other, were pre- 
paring to follow in his footsteps and perfect the discoveries so well begun 
by him. These were Robert de La Salle and Louis Hennepin. 

After La Salle's return from the discovery of the Ohio River (see 
the narrative elsewhere), he established himself again among the French 
trading posts in Canada. Here he mused long upon the pet project of 
those ages — a short way to China and the East, and was busily planning an 
expedition up the great lakes, and so across the continent to the Pacific, 
when Marquette returned from the Mississippi. At once the vigorous mind 
of LaSalle received from his and his companions' stories the idea that by fol- 
lowing the Great River northward, or by turning up some of the numerous 
western tributaries, the object could easily be gained. He applied to 
Frontenac, Governor General of Canada, and laid before him the plan, 
dim but gigantic. Frontenac entered warmly into his plans, and saw that 
LaSalle's idea to connect the great lakes by a chain of forts with the Gulf 
of Mexico would bind the country so wonderfully together, give un- 
measured power to France, and glory to himself, under whose adminis- 
tration he earnestly hoped all would be realized. 

LaSalle now repaired to France, laid his plans before the King, who 
warmly approved of them, and made hbn a Chevalier. He also received 
from all the noblemen the warmest wishes for his success. The Chev- 



24 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



alier returned to Canada, and busily entered upon his work. He at 
once rebuilt Fort Frontenac and constructed the first ship to sail on 
these fresh-water seas. On the 7th of August, 1679, having been joined 
by Hennepin, he began his voyage in the Griffin up Lake Erie. He 
passed over this lake, through the straits beyond, up Lake St. Clair and 
into Huron. In this lake they encountered heavy storms. They were 
some time at Michillimackinac, where LaSalle founded a fort, and passed 
on to Green Bay, the " Bale des Puans " of the French, where he found 
a large quantity of furs collected for him. He loaded the Griffin with 
these, and placing her under the care of a pilot and fourteen sailors, 




LA SALLE LANDING ON THE SHORE OF GREEN BAY. 

•Started her on her return voyage. The vessel was never afterward heard 
of. He remained about these parts until early in the Winter, when, hear- 
ing nothing from the Griffin, he collected all the men — thirty working 
men and three monks — and started again upon his great undertaking. 

By a short portage they passed to the Illinois or Kankakee, called by 
the Indians, "Theakeke," wolf, because of the tribes of Indians called 
by that name, commonly known as the Mahingans, dwelling there. The 
French pronounced it KiaJciki, which became corrupted to Kankakee. 
■*' Falling down the said river by easy journeys, the better to observe the 
•country," about the last of December they reached a village of the Ilh- 
;iiois Indians, containing some five hundred cabins, but at that moment 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 25 

no inhabitants. The Seur de LaSalle being in want of some breadstuffs, 
took advantage of the absence of the Indians to help himself to a suffi- 
ciency of maize, large quantities of which he found concealed in holes 
under the wigwams. This village was situated near the present village 
of Utica in LaSalle County, Illinois. The corn being securely stored, 
the voyagers again betook themselves to the stream, and toward evening, 
on the 4th day of January, 1680, they came into a lake which must have 
been the lake of Peoria. This was called by the Indians Pim-i-te-wi, that 
is, a place where there are many fat beasts. Here the natives were met 
with in large numbers, but they were gentle and kind, and having spent 
some time with them, LaSalle determined to erect another fort in that 
place, for he had heard rumors that some of the adjoining tribes were 
trying to disturb the good feeling which existed, and some of his men 
were disposed to complain, owing to the hardships and perils of the travel. 
He called this fort " Crevecoeur''^ (broken-heart), a name expressive of the 
very natural sorrow and anxiety which the pretty certain loss of his ship, 
Griffin, and his consequent impoverishment, the danger of hostility on the 
part of the Indians, and of mutiny among his own men, might well cause 
him. His fears were not entirely groundless. At one time poison was 
placed in his food, but fortunately was discovered. 

While building this fort, the Winter wore away, the prairies began to 
look green, and LaSalle, despairing of any reinforcements, concluded to 
return to Canada, raise new means and new men, and embark anew in 
the enterprise. For this purpose he made Hennepin the leader of a party 
to explore the head waters of the Mississippi, and he set out on his jour- 
ney. This journey was accomplished with the aid of a few persons, and 
was successfully made, though over an almost unknown route, and in a 
bad season of the year. He safely reached Canada, and set out again for 
the object of his search. 

Hennepin and his party left Fort Crevecoeur on the last of February, 
1680. When LaSalle reached this place on his return expedition, he 
found the fort entirely deserted, and he was obliged to return again to 
Canada. He embarked the third time, and succeeded. Seven days after 
leaving the fort, Hennepin reached the Mississippi, and paddling up the 
icy stream as best he could, reached no higher than the Wisconsin River 
by the 11th of April. Here he and his followers were taken prisoners by a 
band of Northern Indians, who treated them with great kindness. Hen- 
aepin's comrades were Anthony Auguel and Michael Ako. On this voy- 
age they found several beautiful lakes, and "saw some charming prairies." 
Their captors were the Isaute or Sauteurs, Chippewas, a tribe of the Sioux 
nation, who took them up the river until about the first of May, when 
they reached some falls, which Hennepin christened Falls of St. Anthony 



26 



THE NORTHWEST TEREITORt. 



in honor of his patron saint. Here they took the land, and travehn^ 
nearly two hundred miles to the northwest, brought them to their villages. 
Here they were kept about three months, were treated kindly by iheir 
captors, and at the end of that time, were met by a band of Frenchmen, 





headed by one Seur de Luth, who, in pursuit of trade and game, had pene- 
trated thus far by the route of Lake Superior; and with these fellow- 
countrymen Hennepin and his companions were allowed to return to the 
borders of civilized life in November, 1680, just after LaSalle had 
returned to the wilderness on his second trip. Hennepin soon after went 
to France, where he published an account of his adventures. 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 2T 

The Mississippi was first discovered by De Soto in April, 1541, in his 
vain endeavor to find gold and precious gems. In the following Spring, 
De Soto, weary with hope long deferred, and worn out with his wander- 
ings, fell a victim to disease, and on the 21st of May died. His followers, 
reduced by fatigue and disease to less than three hundred men, wandered 
about the country nearly a year, in the vain endeavor to rescue them- 
selves by land, and finally constructed seven small vessels, called brig- 
antines, in which they embarked, and descending the river, supposing it 
would lead them to the sea, in July they came to the sea (Gulf of 
Mexico), and by September reached the Island of Cuba. 

They were the first to see the great outlet of the Mississippi ; but, 
being so weary and discouraged, made no attempt to claim the country, 
and hardly had an intelligent idea of what they had passed through. 

To La Salle, the intrepid explorer, belongs the honor of giving the 
first account of the mouths of the river. His great desire was to possess 
this entire country for his king, and in January, 1682, he and his band of 
explorers left the shores of Lake Michigan on their third attempt, crossed 
the Portage, passed down the Illinois River, and on the 6th of February 
reached the banks of the Mississippi. 

On the 13th they commenced their downward course, which they 
pursued with but one interruption, until upon the 6th of March they dis- 
covered the three great passages by which the river discharges its waters 
into the gulf. La Salle thus narrates the event : 

" We landed on the bank of the most western channel, about three 
leagues (nine miles) from its mouth. On the seventh, M. de La Salle 
went to reconnoiter the shores of the neighboring sea, and M. de Tonti 
meanwhile examined the great middle channel. They found the main 
outlets beautiful, large and deep. On the eighth we reascended the river, 
a little above its confluence with the sea, to find a dry place beyond the 
reach of inundations. The elevation of the North Pole was here about 
twenty-seven degrees. Here we prepared a column and a cross, and to 
the column were affixed the arms of France with this inscription : 

" Louis Le Grand, Roi de France et de Navarre, regne; Le neuvieme April, 1682." 

The whole party, under arms, chanted the Te Beum, and then, after 
a salute and cries of '•'•Vive le Roi,'^ the column was erected by M. de 
La Salle, who, standing near it, proclaimed in a loud voice the authority of 
the King of France. La Salle returned and laid the foundations of the Mis- 
sissippi settlements in Illinois ; thence he proceeded to France, where 
another expedition was fitted out, of which he was commander, and in two 
succeeding voyages failed to find the outlet of the river by sailing along 
the shore of the gulf. On the third voyage he was killed, through the 



28 



THE NOBTHWEST TERRITORY. 



treachery of Ins followers, and the object of his expeditions was not 
accomplished until 1699, when D'Iberville, under the authority of the 
crown, discovered, on the second of March, by way of the sea, the mouth 
of the " Hidden River." This majestic stream was called by the natives 
*^ Malbouchia,'' and by the Spaniards, " ?a Falissade,'' from the great 




TRAPPING. 

number of trees about its mouth. After traversing the several outlets, 
and satisfying himself as to its certainty, he erected a fort near its •western 
outlet, and returned to France. 

An avenue of trade was no-w opened out which was fully improved. 
In 1718, New Orleans was laid out and settled by some European colo- 
nists. In 1762, the colony was made over to Spain, to be regained by 
France under the consulate of Napoleon. In 1803, it was purchased by 



THE NORTHWEST TERRIl'ORT. 29 

the United States for the sum of fifteen million dollars, and the territory 
of Louisiana and commerce of the Mississippi River came under the 
charge of the United States. Although LaSalle's labors ended in defeat 
and death, he had not worked and suffered in vain. He had thrown 
open to France and the world an immense and most valuable country ; 
had established several ports, and laid the foundations of more than one 
settlement there. " Peoria, Kaskaskia and Cahokia, are to this day monu- 
ments of LaSalle's labors ; for, though he had founded neither of them 
(unless Peoria, which was built nearly upon the site of Fort Crevecceur,) 
it was by those whom he led into the West that these places were 
peopled and civilized. He was, if not the discoverer, the first settler of 
the Mississippi Valley, and as such deserves to be known and honored." 

The French early improved the opening made for them. Before the 
year 1698, the Rev. Father Gravier began a mission among the Illinois, 
and founded Kaskaskia. For some time this was merely a missionary 
station, where none but natives resided, it being one of three such vil- 
lages, the other two being Cahokia and Peoria. What is known of 
these missions is learned from a letter written by Father Gabriel Marest, 
dated " Aux Cascaskias, autrement dit de I'lmmaculate Conception de 
la Sainte Vierge, le 9 Novembre, 1712." Soon after the founding of 
Kaskaskia, the missionary, Pinet, gathered a flock at Cahokia, while 
Peoria arose near the ruins of Fort Crevecceur. This must have been 
about the year 1700. The post at Vincennes on the Oubache river, 
(pronounced Wa-bS,, meaning summer cloud moving swiftly^ was estab- 
lished in 1702, according to the best authorities.* It is altogether prob- 
able that on LaSalle's last trip he established the stations at Kaskaskia 
and Cahokia. In July, 1701, the foundations of Fort Ponchartrain 
were laid by De la Motte Cadillac on the Detroit River. These sta- 
tions, with those established further north, were the earliest attempts to 
occupy the Northwest Territory. At the same time efforts were being 
made to occupy the Southwest, which finally culminated in the settle- 
ment and founding of the City of New Orleans by a colony from England 
in 1718. This was mainly accomplished through the efforts of the 
famous Mississippi Company, established by the notorious John Law, 
who so quickly arose into prominence in France, and who with his 
scheme so quickly and so ignominiously passed away. 

From the time of the founding of these stations for fifty years the 
French nation were engrossed with the settlement of the lower Missis- 
sippi, and the war with the Chicasaws, who had, in revenge for repeated 

* There Is considerable dispute about tills date, some asserting it was founded as late as 1742. When 
the new court house at Vincennes was erected, all authorities on the subject were carefully examined, and. 
1703 fixed upon as the correct date. It was accordingly engraved on the corner-stone of the court house. 



30 THE NOKTHWEST TERRITORY. 

injuries, cut off the entire colony at Natchez. Although the company 
(lid little for Louisiana, as the entire West was then called, yet it opened 
the trade through the Mississippi River, and started the raising of grains 
indigenous to that climate. Until the year 1750, but little is known of 
the settlements in the Northwest, as it was not until this time that the 
attention of the English was called to the occupation of this portion of the 
New World, which they then supposed they owned. Vivier, a missionary 
among the Illinois, writing from " Aux Illinois," six leagues from Fort 
Chartres, June 8, 1750, says : " We have here whites, negroes and 
Indians, to say nothing of cross-breeds. There are five French villages, 
and three villages of the natives, within a space of twenty-one leagues 
situated between the Mississippi and another river called the Karkadaid 
(Kaskaskias). In the five French villages are, perhaps, eleven hundred 
whites, three hundred blacks and some sixty red slaves or savages. The 
three Illinois towns do not contain more than eight hundred souls all 
Id. Most of the French till the soil; they raise wheat, cattle, pigs and 
horses, and live like princes. Three times as much is produced as can 
be consumed ; and great quantities of grain and flour are sent to New 
Orleans." This city was now the seaport town of the Northwest, and 
save in the extreme northern part, where only furs and copper ore were 
found, almost all the products of the country found their way to France 
b}^ the mouth of the Father of Waters. In another letter, dated Novem- 
ber 7, 1750, this same priest says : " For fifteen leagues above the 
mouth of the Mississippi one sees no dwellings, the ground being too low 
to be habitable. Thence to New Orleans, the lands are only partially 
occupied. New Orleans contains black, white and red, not more, I 
think, than twelve hundred persons. To this point come all lumber, 
bricks, salt-beef, tallow, tar, skins and bear's grease ; and above all, pork 
and flour from the Illinois. These things create some commerce, as forty 
vessels and more have come hither this year. Above New Orleans, 
plantations are again met with ; the most considerable is a colony of 
Germans, some ten leagues up the river. At Point Coupee, thirty -five 
leagues above the German settlement, is a fort. Along here, within five 
or six leagues, are not less than sixty habitations. Fifty leagues farther 
up is the Natchez post, where we have a garrison, who are kept prisoners 
through fear of the Chickasaws. Here and at Point Qoupee, they raise 
excellent tobacco. Another hundred leagues brings us to the Arkansas, 
where we have also a fort and a garrison for the benefit of the river 
traders. * * * From the Arkansas to the Illinois, nearly five hundred 
leagues, there is not a settlement. There should be, however, a fort at 
the Oubache (Ohio), the only path by which the English can reach the 
Mississippi. In the Illinois country are numberless mines, but no one to 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



31 



work them as they deserve." Father Marest, writing from the post at 
Vincenuesin 1812, makes the same observation. Vivier also says : " Some 
individuals dig lead near the surface and supply the Indians and Canada. 
Two Spaniards now here, who claim to be adepts, say that our mines are 
like those of Mexico, and that if we would dig deeper, we should find 
silver under the lead ; and at any rate the lead is excellent. There is also 
in this country, beyond doubt, copper ore, as from time to time large 
pieces are found in the streams." 




MOUTH OP THE MISSISSIPPI. 



At the close of the year 1750, the French occupied, in addition to the 
lower Mississippi posts and those in Illinois, one at Du Quesne, one at 
the Maumee in the country of the Miamis, and one at Sandusky in what 
may be termed the Ohio Valley. In the northern part of the Northwest 
they had stations at St. Joseph's on the St. Joseph's of Lake Michigan, 
at Fort Ponchartrain (Detroit), at Michillimackanac or Massillimacanac, 
Fox River of Green Bay, and at Sault Ste. Marie. The fondest dreams of 
LaSalle were now fully realized. The French alone were possessors of 
this vast realm, basing their claim on discovery and settlement. Another 
nation, however,,was now turning its attention to this extensive country, 



32 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

and hearing of its wealth, began to lay plans for occupying it and for 
securing the great profits arising therefrom. 

The French, however, had another claim to this country, namely, the 



DISCOVERY OF THE OHIO. 

This " Beautiful " river was discovered by Robert Cavalier de La- 
Salle in 1669, four years before the discovery of the Mississippi by Joliet 
and Marquette. 

While LaSalle was at his trading post on the St. Lawrence, he found 
leisure to study nine Indian dialects, the chief of which was the Iroquois. 
He not only desired to facilitate his intercourse in trade, but he longed 
to travel and explore the unknown regions of the West. An incident 
soon occurred which decided him to fit out an exploring expedition. 

While conversing with some Senecas, he learned of a river called the 
Ohio, which rose in their country and flowed to the sea, but at such a 
distance that it required eight months to reach its mouth. In this state- 
ment the Mississippi and its tributaries were considered as one stream. 
LaSalle believing, as most of the French at that period did, that the great 
rivers flowing west emptied into the Sea of California, was anxious to 
embark in the enterprise of discovering a route across the continent to 
the commerce of China and Japan. 

He repaired at once to Quebec to obtain the approval of the Gov- 
ernor. His eloquent appeal prevailed. The Governor and the Intendant, 
Talon, issued letters patent authorizing the enterprise, but made no pro- 
vision to defray the expenses. At this juncture the seminary of St. Sul- 
pice decided to send out missionaries in connection with the expedition, 
and LaSalle offering to sell his improvements at LaChine to raise money, 
the offer was accepted by the Superior, and two thousand eight hundred 
dollars were raised, with which LaSalle purchased four canoes and the 
necessary supplies for the outfit. 

On the 6th of July, 1669, the party, numbering twenty-four persons, 
embarked in seven canoes on the St. Lawrence ; two additional canoes 
carried the Indian guides. In three days they were gliding over the 
bosom of Lake Ontario. Their guides conducted them directly to the 
Seneca village on the bank of the Genesee, in the vicinity of the present 
City of Rochester, New York. Here they expected to procure guides to 
conduct them to the Ohio, but in this they were disappointed. 

The Indians seemed unfriendly to the enterprise. LaSalle suspected 
that the Jesuits had prejudiced their minds against his plans. After 
waiting a month in the hope of gaining their object, they met an Indian 



THE NORTHWEST TERKITORY. 



33 



from the Iroquois colony at the head of Lake Ontario, who assured them 
that they could there find guides, and offered to conduct them thence. 

On their way they passed the mouth of the Niagara River, when they: 
heard for the first time the distant thunder of the cataract. Arriving 




HIGH BRn)GE, LAKE BLIirF, LAKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS. 



among the Iroquois, they met with a friendly reception, and learned 
from a Shawanee prisoner that they could reach the Ohio in six weeks. 
Delighted with the unexpected good fortune, they made ready to resume 
their journey ; but just as they were about to start they heard of the 
arrival of two Frenchmen in a neighboring village. One of them proved 
to be Louis Joliet, afterwards famous as an explorer in the West. He 



34 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

had been sent by the Canadian Government to explore the copper mines 
on Lake Superior, but had failed, and was on his way back to Quebec. 
He gave the missionaries a map of the country he had explored in the 
lake region, together with an account of the condition of the Indians in 
that quarter. This induced the priests to determine on leaving the 
expedition and going to Lake Superior. LaSalle warned them that the 
Jesuits were probably occupying that field, and that they would meet 
with a cold reception. Nevertheless they persisted in their purpose, and 
after worship on the lake shore, parted from LaSalle. On arriving at 
Lake Superior, they found, as LaSalle had predicted, the Jesuit Fathers, 
Marquette and Dablon, occupying the field. 

These zealous disciples of Loyola informed them that they wanted 
no assistance from St. Sulpice, nor from those who made him their patron 
saint ; and thus repulsed, they returned to Montreal the following June 
without having made a single discovery or converted a single Indian. 

After parting with the priests, LaSalle went to the chief Iroquois 
Tillage at Onondaga, where he obtained guides, and passing thence, to a 
tributary of the Ohio south of Lake Erie, he descended the latter as far 
as the falls at Louisville. Thus was the Ohio discovered by LaSalle, the 
persevering and successful French explorer of the West, in 1669. 

The account of the latter part of his journey is found in an anony- 
mous paper, which purports to have been taken from the lips of LaSalle 
himself during a subsequent visit to Paris. In a letter written to Count 
Frontenac in 1667, shortly after the discovery, he himself says that he 
discovered the Ohio and descended it to the falls. This was regarded as 
an indisputable fact by the French authorities, who claimed the Ohio 
Valley upon another ground. When Washington was sent by the colony 
of Virginia in 1753, to demand of Gordeur de St. Pierre why the French 
had built a fort on the Monongahela, the haughty commandant at Quebec 
replied : " We claim the country on the Ohio by virtue of the discoveries 
of LaSalle, and will not give it up to the English. Our orders are to 
make prisoners of every Englishman found trading in the Ohio Valley.'* 



ENGLISH EXPLORATIONS AND SETTLEMENTS. 

When the new year of 1750 broke in upon the Father of Waters 
and the Great Northwest, all was still wild save at the French posts 
already described. In 1749, when the English first began to think seri- 
ously about sending men into the West, the greater portion of the States 
of Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota were yet 
under the dominion of the red men. The English knew, however, pretty 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 35 

conclusively of the nature of the wealth of these wilds. As early as 
1710, Governor Spotswood, of Virginia, had commenced movements to 
secure the country west of the Alleghenies to the English crown. In 
Pennsylvania, Governor Keith and James Logan, secretary of the prov- 
ince, from 1719 to 1731, represented to the powers of England the neces- 
sity of securing the Western lands. Nothing was done, however, by that 
power save to take some diplomatic steps to secure the claims of Britain 
to this unexplored wilderness. 

England had from the outset claimed from the Atlantic to the Pacific, 
on the ground that the discovery of the seacoast and its possession was a 
discovery and possession of the country, and, as is well known, her grants 
to the colonies extended " from sea to sea." This was not all her claim. 
She had purchased from the Indian tribes large tracts of land. This lat- 
ter was also a strong argument. As early as 1684, Lord H oward, Gov- 
ernor of Virginia, held a treaty with the six nations. These were the 
great Northern Confederacy, and comprised at first the Mohawks, Onei- 
das, Onondagas, Cayugas, and Senecas. Afterward the Tuscaroras were 
taken into the confederacy, and it became known as the Six Nations. 
They came under the protection of the mother country, and again in. 
1701, they repeated the agreement, and in September, 1726, a formal deed 
was drawn up and signed by the chiefs. The validity of this claim has 
often been disputed, but never successfully. In 1744, a purchase was 
made at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, of certain lands within the " Colony of 
Virginia," for which the Indians received <£200 in gold and a like sum in. 
goods, with a promise that, as settlements increased, more should be paid. 
The Commissioners from Virginia were Colonel Thomas Lee and Colonel 
William Beverly. As settlements extended, the promise of more pay was 
called to mind, and Mr. Conrad Weiser was sent across the mountains witK 
presents to appease the savages. Col. Lee, and some Virginians accompa- 
nied him with the intention of sounding the Indians upon their feelings 
regarding the English. They were not satisfied with their treatment, 
and plainly told the Commissioners why. The English did not desire the 
cultivation of the country, but- the monopoly of the Indian trade. In. 
1748, the Ohio Company was formed, and petitioned the king for a grant 
of land beyond the Alleghenies. This was granted, and the government 
of Virginia was ordered to grant to them a half million acres, two hun- 
dred thousand of which were to be located at once. Upon the 12th of 
June, 1749, 800,000 acres from the line of Canada north and west was 
made to the Loyal Company, and on the 29th of October, 1751, 100,000 
acres were given to the Greenbriar Company. All this time the French 
were not idle. They saw that, should the British gain a foothold in the 
West, especially upon the Ohio, they might not only prevent the French 



36 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

settling upon it, but in time would come to the lower posts and so gain 
possession of the whole countiy. Upon the 10th of May, 1774, Vaud- 
reuil, Governor of Canada and the French possessions, well knowing the 
consequences that must arise from allowing the English to build trading 
posts in the Northwest, seized some of their frontier posts, and to further 
secure the claim of the French to the West, he, m 1749, sent Louis Cel- 
eron with a party of soldiers to plant along the Ohio River, in the mounds 
and at the mouths of its principal tributaries, plates of lead, on which 
were inscribed the claims of France. These were heard of in 1752, and 
within the memory of residents now living along the "■ Oyo," as the 
beautiful river was called by the French. One of these plates was found 
with the inscription partly defaced. It bears date August 16, 1749, and 
a copy of the inscription with particular account of the discovery of the 
plate, was sent by DeWitt Clinton to the American Antiquarian Society, 
among whose journals it may now be found.* These measures did not, 
however, deter the English from going on with their explorations, and 
though neither party resorted to arms, yet the conflict was gathering, and 
it was only a question of time when the storm would burst upon the 
frontier settlements. In 1750, Christopher Gist was sent by the Ohio 
Company to examine its lands. He went to a village of the Twigtwees, 
on the Miami, about one hundred and fifty miles above its mouth. He 
afterward spoke of it as very populous. From there he went down 
the Ohio River nearly to the falls at the present City of Louisville, 
and in November he commenced a survey of the Company's lands. Dur- 
ing the Winter, General Andrew Lewis performed a similar work for the 
Greenbriar Company. Meanwhile the French were busy in preparing 
their forts for defense, and in opening roads, and also sent a small party 
of soldiers to keep the Ohio clear. This party, having heard of the Eng- 
lish post on the Miami River, early in 1652, assisted by the Ottawas and 
Chippewas, attacked it, and, after a severe battle, in which fourteen of 
the natives were killed and others wounded, captured the garrison. 
(They were probably garrisoned in a block house). The traders were 
carried away to Canada, and one account says several were burned. This 
fort or post was called by the English Pickawillany. A memorial of the 
king's ministers refers to it as " Pickawillanes, in the center of the terri- 
tory between the Ohio and the Wabash. The name is probably some 
variation of Pickaway or Picqua in 1773, written by Rev. David Jones 
Pickaweke." 

* The following is a trauslation of the inscription on the plate: "In the year 1749. reign of Louis XV., 
King of France, we, Celeron, commandant of a detachment by Monsieur the Marquis of Gallisoniere, com- 
mander-in-chief of New France, to establish tranquility in certain Indian villages of these cantons, have 
buried this plate at the confluence of the Toradakoin. this twenty- ninth of July, near the river Ohio, otherwise 
Beautiful River, as a monument of renewal of possession which we have taken of the said river, and all its 
tributaries; inasmuch as the preceding Kings of France have enjoyed it, and maiutaiued it by their arms and 
treaties; especially by those of Eyswick, Utrecht, and Aix La Ciiapeile." 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 37 

This was the first blood slied between the French and English, and 
occurred near the present City of Piqua, Ohio, or at least at a point about 
forty-seven miles north of Dayton. Each nation became now more inter- 
ested in the progress of events in the Northwest. The English deter- 
mined to purchase from the Indians a title to the lands they wished to 
occupy, and Messrs. Fry (afterward Commander-in-chief over Washing- 
ton at the commencement of the French War of 1775-1763), Lomax and 
Patton were sent in the Spring of 1752 to hold a conference with the 
natives at Logstown to learn what they objected to in the treaty of Lan- 
caster already noticed, and to settle all difficulties. On the 9th of June, 
these Commissioners met the red men at Logstown, a little village on the 
north bank of the Ohio, about seventeen miles below the site of Pitts- 
burgh. Here had been a trading point for many years, but it was aban- 
doned by the Indians in 1750. At first the Indians declined to recognize 
the treaty of Lancaster, but, the Commissioners taking aside Montour, 
the interpreter, who was a son of the famous Catharine Montour, and a 
chief among the six nations, induced him to use his influence in their 
favor. This he did, and upon the 13th of June they all united in signing 
a deed, confirming the Lancaster treaty in its full extent, consenting to a 
settlement of the southeast of the Ohio, and guaranteeing that it should 
not be disturbed by them. These were the means used to obtain the first 
treaty with the Indians in the Ohio Valley. 

Meanwhile the powers beyond the sea were trying to out-manoeuvre 
each other, and were professing to be at peace. The English generally 
outwitted the Indians, and failed in many instances to fulfill their con- 
tracts. They thereby gained the ill-will of the red men, and further 
increased the feeling by faihng to provide them with arms and ammuni- 
tion. Said an old chief, at Easton, in 1758 : " The Indians on the Ohio 
left you because of your own fault. When we heard the French were 
coming, we asked you for help and arms, but we did not get them. The 
French came, they treated us kindly, and gained our affections. The 
Governor of Virginia settled on our lands for his own benefit, and, when 
we wanted help, forsook us." 

At the beginning of 1653, the English thought they had secured by 
title the lands in the West, but the French had quietly gathered cannon 
and military stores to be in readiness for the expected blow. The Eng- 
lish made other attempts to ratify these existing treaties, but not until 
the Summer could the Indians be gathered together to discuss the plans 
of the French. They had sent messages to the French, warning them 
away ; but they replied that they intended to complete the chain of forts 
already begun, and would not abandon the field. 

Soon after this, no satisfaction being obtained from the Ohio regard- 



68 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

ang the positions and purposes of the French, Governor Dinwiddie of 
"Virginia determined to send to them another messenger and learn from 
them, if possible, their intentions. For this jjurpose he selected a young 
man, a surveyor, who, at the early age of nineteen, had received the rank 
■of major, and wbo was thoroughly posted regarding frontier life. This 
personage was no other than the illustrious George Washington, who then 
held considerable interest in Western lands. He was at this time just 
twenty-two years of age. Taking Gist as liis guide, the two, accompanied 
by four servitors, set out on their perilous march. They left Will's 
Creek on the 10th of November, 1753, and on the 22d reached the Alonon- 
gahela, about ten miles above the fork. From there they went to 
Logstown, where Washington had a long conference Avith the chiefs of 
the Six Nations. From them he learned the condition of the French, and 
also heard of their determination not to come down the river till the fol- 
lowing Spring. The Indians were non-committal, as they were afraid to 
turn either way, and, as far as they could, desired to remain neutral. 
Washington, finding nothing could be done with them, went on to 
Venango, an old Indian town at the mouth of French Creek. Here the 
Prench had a fort, called Fort Machault. Through the rum and flattery 
of the French, he nearly lost all his Indian followers. Finding nothing 
■of importance here, he pursued his way amid great privations, and on the 
11th of December reached the fort at the head of French Creek. Here 
he delivered Governor Dinwiddie's letter, received his answer, took his 
observations, and on the 16th set out upon his return journey with no one 
hut Gist, his guide, and a few Indians who still remained true to him, 
aiotwithstanding the endeavors of the French to retain them. Their 
homeward journey was one of great peril and suffering from the cold, yet 
they reached home in safet}'- on the 6th of January, 1754. 

From the letter of St. Pierre, commander of the French fort, sent by 
Washington to Governor Dinwiddie, it was learned that the French would 
not give up without a struggle. Active preparations were at once made 
in all the English colonies for the coming conflict, while the French 
finished the fort at Venango and strengthened their lines of fortifications, 
and gathered their forces to be in readiness. 

The Old Dominion was all alive. Virginia was the center of great 
activities ; volunteers were called for, and from all the neighboring 
colonies men rallied to the conflict, and everywhere along the Potomac 
men were enlisting under the Governor's proclamation — which promised 
two hundred thousand acres on the Ohio. Along this river they were 
gathering as far as Will's Creek, and far beyond this point, whither Trent 
had come for assistance for his little band of forty-one men, who were 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 39 

working away in hunger and want, to fortify that point at the fork of 
the Ohio, to which both parties were looking with deep interest. 

" The first birds of Spring filled the air with their song ; the swift 
river rolled by the Allegheny hillsides, swollen by the melting snows of 
Spring and the April showers. The leaves were appearing ; a few Indian 
sconts were seen, but no enemy seemed near at hand ; and all was so quiet, 
that Frazier, an old Indian scout and trader, who had been left by Trent. 
in command, ventured to his home at the mouth of Turtle Creek, ten 
miles up the Monongahela. But, though all was so quiet in that wilder-^ 
ness, keen eyes had seen the low intrenchment rising at the fork, and 
swift feet had borne the news of it up the river ; and upon the morning 
of the 17th of April, Ensign Ward, who then had charge of it, saw 
upon the Allegheny a sight that made his heart sink — sixty batteaux and 
three hundred canoes filled with men, and laden deep with cannon and. 
stores. * * * That evening he supped with his captor, Contrecoeur, 
and the next day he was bowed off by the Frenchman, and with his men 
and tools, marched up the Monongahela." 

The French and Indian war had begun. The treaty of Aix la 
Chapelle, in 1748, had left the boundaries between the French and 
English possessions unsettled, and the events already narrated show the 
French were determined to hold the country watered by the Mississippi 
and its tributaries ; while the English laid claims to the country by virtue- 
of the discoveries of the Cabots, and claimed all the country from New- 
foundland to Florida, extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The 
first decisive blow had now been struck, and the first attempt of the 
English, through the Ohio Company, to occupy these lands, had resulted 
disastrously to them. The French and Indians immediately completed 
the fortifications begun at the Fork, which they had so easily captured,, 
and when completed gave to the fort the name of DuQuesne. Washing- 
ton was at Will's Creek when the news of the capture of the fort arrived^ 
He at once departed to recapture it. On his way he entrenched him- 
self at a place called the " Meadows," where he erected a fort called 
by him Fort Necessity. From there he surprised and captured a force of 
French and Indians marching against him, but was soon after attacked 
in his fort by a much superior force, and was obliged to yield on the 
morning of July 4th. He was allowed to return to Virginia. 

The English Government immediately planned four campaigns ; one 
against Fort DuQuesne ; one against Nova Scotia ; one against Fort 
Niagara, and one against Crown Point. These occurred during 1755-6, 
and were not successful in driving the French from their possessions. 
The expedition against Fort DuQuesne was led by the famous General 
Braddock, who, refusing to listen to the advice of Washington and those 



40 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

acquainted •with Indian warfare, suffered such an inglorious defeat. Tliis 
occurred on the morning of July 9th, and is generally known as the battle 
of Monongahela, or " Braddock's Defeat." The war continued with 
various vicissitudes through the years 1756-7 ; when, at the commence- 
ment of 1758, in accordance with the plans of William Pitt, then Secre- 
tary of State, afterwards Lord Chatham, active preparations were made to 
carry on the war. Three expeditions were planned for this year : one, 
under General Amherst, against Louisburg ; another, under Abercrombie, 
against Fort Ticonderoga ; and a third, under General Forbes, against 
Fort DuQuesne. On the 26th of July, Louisburg surrendered after a 
desperate resistance of more than forty days, and the eastern part of the 
Canadian possessions fell into the hands of the British. Abercrombie 
captured Fort Frontenac, and when the expedition against Fort DuQuesne, 
of which Washington had the active command, arrived there, it was 
found in flames and deserted. The English at once took possession, 
rebuilt the fort, and in honor of their illustrious statesman, changed the 
name to Fort Pitt. 

The great object of the campaign of 1759, was the reduction of 
Canada. General Wolfe was to lay siege to Quebec ; Amherst was to 
reduce Ticonderoga and Crown Point, and General Prideaux was to 
capture Niagara. This latter place was taken in July, but the gallant 
Prideaux lost his life in the attempt. Amherst captured Ticonderoga 
and Crown Point without a blow ; and Wolfe, after making the memor- 
able ascent to the Plains of Abraham, on September 13th, defeated 
Montcalm, and on the 18th, the city capitulated. In this engagement 
Montcolm and Wolfe both lost their lives. De Levi, Montcalm's successor, 
marched to Sillery, three miles above the city, with the purpose of 
defeating the English, and there, on the 28th of the following April, was 
fought one of the bloodiest battles of the French and Indian War. It 
resulted in the defeat of the French, and the fall of the City of Montreal. 
The Governor signed a capitulation by which the whole of Canada was 
surrendered to the English. This practically concluded the war, but it 
was not until 1763 that the treaties of peace between France and England 
were signed. This was done on the 10th of February of that year, and 
under its provisions all the country east of the Mississippi and north of 
the Iberville River, in Louisiana, were ceded to England. At the same 
time Spain ceded Florida to Great Britain. 

On the 13th of September, 1760, Major Robert Rogers was sent 
from Montreal to "take charge of Detroit, the only remaining French post 
iu the territory. He arrived there on the 19th of November, and sum- 
moned the place to surrender. At first the commander of the post, 
Beletre, refused, but on the 29th, hearing of the continued defeat of the 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 41 

French arms, surrendered. Rogers remained there until December 23d 
under the personal protection of the celebrated chief, Pontiac, to whom, 
no doubt, he owed his safety. Pontiac had come here to inquire the 
purposes of the English in taking possession of the country. He was 
assured that they came simply to trade with the natives, and did not 
desire their country. This answer conciliated the savages, and did much 
to insure the safety of Rogers and his i^arty during their stay, and while 
on their journey home. 

Rogers set out for Fort Pitt on December 23, and was just one 
month on the way. His route was from Detroit to Maumee, thence 
across the present State of Ohio directly to the fort. This was the com- 
mon trail of the Indians in their journeys from Sandusky to the fork of 
the Ohio. It went from Fort Sandusky, where Sandusky City now is, 
crossed the Huron river, then called Bald Eagle Creek, to " Mohickon 
John's Town" on Mohickon Creek, the northern branch of White 
Woman's River, and thence crossed to Beaver's Town, a Delaware town 
on what is now Sandy Creek. At Beaver's Town were probably one 
hundred and fifty warriors, and not less than three thousand acres of 
cleared land. From there the track went up Sandy Creek to and across 
Big Beaver, and up the Ohio to Logstown, thence on to the fork. 

The Northwest Territory was now entirely under the English rule. 
New settlements began to be rapidly made, and the promise of a large 
trade was speedily manifested. Had the British carried out their promises 
with the natives none of those savage butcheries would have been perpe- 
trated, and the country would have been spared their recital. 

The renowned chief, Pontiac, was one of the leading spirits in these 
atrocities. We will now pause in our narrative, and notice the leading 
events in his life. The earliest authentic information regarding this 
noted Indian chief is learned from an account of an Indian trader named 
Alexander Henry, who, in the Spring of 1761, penetrated his domains as 
far as Missillimacnac. Pontiac was then a great friend of the French, 
but a bitter foe of the English, whom he considered as encroaching on his 
hunting grounds. Henry was obliged to disguise himself as a Canadian 
to insure safety, but was discovered by Pontiac, who bitterly reproached 
him and the English for their attempted subjugation of the West. He 
declared that no treaty had been made with them; no presents sent 
them, and that he would resent any possession of the West by that nation. 
He was at the time about fifty years of age, tall and dignified, and was 
civil and military ruler of the Ottawas, Ojibwas and Pottawatamies. 

The Indians, from Lake Michigan to the borders of North Carolina, 
were united in this feeling, and at the time of the treaty of Paris, ratified 
February 10, 1763, a general conspiracy was formed to fall suddenly 



42 



THE NOKTHWEST TEKEITOES". 



's^\^ '1 




PONTIAC, THE OTTAWA CHIEFTAIN. 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 43 

upon the frontier British posts, and with one blow strike every man dead. 
Pontiac was the marked leader in all this, and was the commander 
of the Chippewas, Ottawas, Wyandots, Miamis, Shawanese, Delawares 
and Mingoes, who had, for the time, laid aside their local quarrels to unit^ 
in this enterprise. 

The blow came, as near as can now be ascertained, on May 7, 176-^. 
Nine British posts fell, and the Indians drank, " scooped up in the hollow 
of joined hands," the blood of many a Briton. 

Pontiac's immediate field of action was the garrison at Detroit. 
Here, however, the plans were frustrated by an Indian woman disclosing 
the plot the evening previous to his arrival. Everything was carried out, 
however, according to Pontiac's plans until the moment of action, when 
Major Gladwyn, the commander of the post, stepping to one of the Indian 
chiefs, suddenly drew aside his blanket and disclosed the concealed 
musket. Pontiac, though a brave man, turned pale and trembled. He 
saw his plan was known, and that the garrison were prepared. He 
endeavored to exculpate himself from any such intentions ; but the guilt 
was evident, and he and his followers were dismissed with a severe 
reprimand, and warned never to again enter the walls of the post. 

Pontiac at once laid siege to the fort, and until the treaty of peace 
between the British and the Western Indians, concluded in August, 1764, 
continued to harass and besiege the fortress. He organized a regular 
commissariat department, issued bills of credit written out on bark, 
which, to his credit, it may be stated, were punctually redeemed. At 
the conclusion of the treaty, in which it seems he took no part, he v/ent 
further south, living many yeans among th6 Illinois. 

He had given up all hope of saving his country and race. After a 
time he endeavored to unite the Illinois tribe and those about St. Louis 
in a war with the whites. His efforts were fruitless, and only ended in a 
quarrel between himself and some Kaskaskia Indians, one of whom soon 
afterwards killed him. His death was, however, avenged by the northern 
Indians, who nearly exterminated the Illinois in the wars which followed. 

Had it not been for the treachery of a few of his followers, his plan 
for the extermination of the whites, a masterly one, would undoubtedly 
have been carried out. 

It was in the Spring of the year following Rogers' visit that Alex- 
ander Henry went to Missillimacnac, and everywhere found the strongest 
feelings against the English, who had not carried out their promises, and 
were doing nothing to conciliate the natives. Here he met the chief, 
Pontiac, who, after conveying to him in a speech the idea that their 
French father would awake soon and utterly destroy his enemies, said : 
" Englishman, although you have conquered the French, you have not 



44 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

yet conquered us ! We are not your slaves ! These lakes, these woods, 
these mountains, were left us by our ancestors. They are our inheritance, 
and we will part with them to none. Your nation supposes that we, like 
the white people, can not live without bread and pork and beef. But you 
ought to know that He, the Great Spirit and Master of Life, has provided 
food for us upon these broad lakes and in these mountains." 

He then spoke of the fact that no treaty had been made with them, 
no presents sent them, and that he and his people were yet for war. 
Such were the feelings of the Northwestern Indians immediately after 
the English took possession of their country. These feelings were no 
doubt encouraged by the Canadians and French, who hoped that yet the 
French arms might prevail. The treaty of Paris, however, gave to the 
English the right to this vast domain, and active preparations were going 
on to occupy it and enjoy its trade and emoluments. 

In 1762, France, by a secret treaty, ceded Louisiana to Spain, to pre- 
vent it falling into the hands of the English, who were becoming masters 
of the entire West. The next year the treaty of Paris, signed at Fon- 
tainbleau, gave to the English the domain of the country in question. 
Twenty years after, by the treaty of peace between the United States 
and England, that part of Canada lying south and west of the Great 
Lakes, comprehending a large territory which is the subject of these 
sketches, was acknowledged to be a portion of the United States ; and 
twenty years still later, in 1803, Louisiana was ceded by Spain back to 
France, and by France sold to the United States. 

In the half century, from the building of the Fort of Crevecoeur by 
LaSalle, in 1680, up to the erection of Fort Chartres, many French set- 
tlements had been made in that quarter. These have already been 
noticed, being those at St. Vincent (Vincennes), Kohokia or Cahokia, 
Kaskaskia and Prairie du Rocher, on the American Bottom, a large tract 
of rich alluvial soil in Illinois, on the Mississippi, opposite the site of St. 
Louis. 

By the treaty of Paris, the regions east of the Mississippi, including 
all these and other towns of the Northwest, were given over to England ; 
but they do not appear to have been taken possession of until 1765, when 
Captain Stirling, in the name of the Majesty of England, established him- 
self at Fort Chartres bearing with him the proclamation of General Gage, 
dated December 30, 1764, which promised religious freedom to all Cath- 
olics who worshiped here, and a right to leave the country with their 
effects if they wished, or to remain with the privileges of Englishmen. 
It was shortly after the occupancy of the West by the British that the 
war with Pontiac opened. It is already noticed in the sketch of that 
chieftain. By it many a Briton lost his life, and many a frontier settle- 



THE NOKTHWEST TERRITORY. 45 

ment in its infancy ceased to exist. This was not ended until the year 
1764, when, failing to capture Detroit, Niagara and Fort Pitt, liis confed- 
eracy became disheartened, and, receiving no aid from the French, Pon- 
tiac abandoned the enterprise and departed to the Illinois, among whom 
he afterward lost his life. 

As soon as these difficulties were definitely settled, settlers began 
rapidly to survey the country and prepare for occupation. During the 
year 1770, a number of persons from Virginia and other British provinces 
explored and marked out nearly all the valuable lands on the Mononga- 
hela and along the banks of the Ohio as far as the Little Kanawha. This 
was followed by another exploring expedition, in which George Washing- 
ton was a party. The latter, accompanied by Dr. Craik, Capt. Crawford 
and others, on the 20th of October, 1770, descended the Ohio from Pitts- 
burgh to the mouth of the Kanawha ; ascended that stream about fourteen 
miles, marked out several large tracts of land, shot several buffalo, which 
were then abundant in the Ohio Valley, and returned to the fort. 

Pittsburgh was at this time a trading post, about which was clus- 
tered a village of some twenty houses, inhabited by Indian traders. This 
same year, Capt. Pittman visited Kaskaskia and its neighboring villages. 
He found there about sixty-five resident families, and at Cahokia only 
forty-five dwellings. At Fort Chartres was another small settlement, and 
at Detroit the garrison were quite prosperous and strong. For a year 
or tAvo settlers continued to locate near some of these posts, generally 
Fort Pitt or Detroit, owing to the fears of the Indians, who still main- 
tained some feelings of hatred to the English. The trade from the posts 
was quite good, and from those in Illinois large quantities of pork and 
flour found their way to the New Orleans market. At this time the 
policy of the British Government was strongly opposed to the extension 
of the colonies west. In 1763, the King of England forbade, by loyal 
proclamation, his colonial subjects from making a settlement beyond the 
sources of the rivers which fall into the Atlantic Ocean. At the instance 
of the Board of Trade, measures were taken to prevent the settlement 
without the limits prescribed, and to retain the commerce within easy 
reach of Great Britain. 

The commander-in-chief of the king's forces wrote in 17G9 : " In the 
course of a few years necessity will compel the colonists, should they 
extend their settlements west, to provide manufactures of some kind for 
themselves, and when all connection upheld by commerce with the mother 
country ceases, an independency in their government will soon follow." 

In accordance with this policy. Gov. Gage issued a proclamation 
in 1772, commanding the inhabitants of Vincennes to abandon their set- 
tlements and join some of the Eastern English colonies. To this they 



46 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

strenuously objected, giving good reasons therefor, and were allowed to 
remain. The strong opposition to this policy of Great Britain led to its 
change, and to such a course as to gain the attachment of the French 
population. In December, 1773, influential citizens of Quebec petitioned 
the king for an extension of the boundary lines of that province, which 
was granted, and Parliament passed an act on June 2, 1774, extend- 
ing the boundary so as to include the territory lying within the present 
States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. 

In consequence of the liberal policy pursued by the British Govern- 
ment toward the French settlers in the West, they were disposed to favor 
that nation in the war which soon followed with the colonies ; but the 
early alliance between France and America soon brought them to the side 
of the war for independence. 

In 1774, Gov. Dunmore, of Virginia, began to encourage emigration 
to the Western lands. He appointed magistrates at Fort Pitt under the 
pretense that the fort was under the government of that commonwealth. 
One of these justices, John Connelly, who possessed a tract of land in the 
Ohio Valley, gathered a force of men and garrisoned the fort, calling it 
Fort Dunmore. This and other parties were formed to select sites for 
settlements, and often came in conflict with the Indians, wlio yet claimed 
portions of the valley, and several battles followed. These ended in the 
famous battle of Kanawha in July, where the Indians were defeated and 
driven across the Ohio. 

During the years 1775 and 1776, by the operations of land companies 
and the perseveranceof individuals, several settlements were firmly estab- 
lished between the Alleghanies and the Ohio River, and western land 
speculators were busy in Illinois and on the Wabash. At a council held 
in Kaskaskia on July 5, 1773, an association of English traders, calling 
themselves the " Illinois Land Company," obtained from ten chiefs of the 
Kaskaskia, Cahokia and Peoria tribes two large tracts of land lying on. 
the east side of the Mississippi River south of the Illinois. In 1775, a mer- 
chant from the Illinois Country, named Viviat, came to Post Vincennes 
as the agent of the association called the " Wabash Land Company." On 
the 8th of October he obtained from eleven Piankeshaw chiefs, a deed for 
37,497,600 acres of land. This deed was signed by the grantors, attested 
by a number of the inhabitants of Vincennes, and afterward recorded in 
the office of a notary public at Kaskaskia. This and other land com- 
panies had extensive schemes for the colonization of the West ; but all 
were frustrated by the breaking orlt of the Revolution. On the 20th of 
April, 1780, the two companies named consolidated under the name of the 
" United Illinois and Wabash Land Company." Thej afterward made 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 47 

strenuous efforts to have these grants sanctioned by Congress, but all 
signally failed. 

When the War of the Revolution commenced, Kentucky was an unor- 
ganized country, though there were several settlements within her borders. 

In Hutchins' Topography of Virginia, it is stated that at that time 
" Kaskaskia contained 80 houses, and nearly 1,000 white and black in- 
habitants — the whites being a little the more numerous. Cahokia con- 
tains 50 houses and 300 white inhabitants, and 80 negroes. There were 
east of the Mississippi River, about the year 1771 " — when these observa- 
tions were made — " 300 white men capable of bearing arms, and 230 
negroes." 

From 1775 until the expedition of Clark, nothing is recorded and 
nothing known of these settlements, save what is contained in a report 
made by a committee to Congress in June, 1778. From it the following 
extract is made : 

"Near the mouth of the River Kaskaskia, there is a village which 
appears to have contained nearly eighty families from the beginning of 
the late revolution. There are twelve families in a small village at la 
Prairie du Rochers, and near fifty families at the Kahokia Village. There 
are also four or five families at Fort Chartres and St. Philips, which is five 
miles further up the river," 

St. Louis had been settled in February, 1764, and at this time con- 
tained, including its neighboring towns, over six hundred whites and one 
hundred and fifty negroes. It must be remembered that all the country 
west of the Mississippi was now under French rule, and remained so until 
ceded again to Spain, its original owner, who afterwards sold it and the 
country including New Orleans to the United States. At Detroit there 
were, according to Capt. Carver, who was in the Northwest from 1766 to 
1768, more than one hundred houses, and the river was settled for more 
than twenty miles, although poorly cultivated — the people being engaged 
in the Indian trade. This old town has a history, which we will here 
relate. 

It is the oldest town in the Northwest, having been founded by 
Antoine de Lamotte Cadillac, in 1701. It was laid out in the form of an 
oblong square, of two acres in length, and an acre and a half in width. 
As described by A. D. Frazer, who first visited it and became a permanent 
resident of the place, in 1778, it comprised within its limits that space 
between Mr. Palmer's store (Conant Block) and Capt. Perkins' house 
(near the Arsenal building), and extended back as far as the public barn, 
and was bordered in front by the Detroit River. It was surrounded by 
oak and cedar pickets, about fifteen feet long, set in the ground, and had 
four gates — east, west, north and south. Over the first three of these 



48 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

gates were block houses provided with four guns apiece, each a six- 
pounder. Two six-gun batteries were planted fronting the river and in a 
parallel direction with the block houses. There were four streets running 
east and west, the main street being twenty feet wide and the rest fifteen 
feet, while the four streets crossing these at right angles were from ten 
to fifteen feet in width. 

At the date spoken of by Mr. Frazer, there was no fort within the 
enclosure, but a citadel on the ground corresponding to the present 
northwest corner of Jefferson Avenue and Wayne Street. The citadel was 
inclosed by pickets, and within it were erected barracks of wood, two 
stories high, sufficient to contain ten officers, and also barracks sufficient 
to contain four hundred men, and a provision store built of brick. The 
citadel also contained a hospital and guard-house. The old town of 
Detroit, in 1778, contained about sixty houses, most of them one story, 
with a few a story and a half in height. They were all of logs, some 
hewn and some round. There was one building of splendid appearance, 
called the " King's Palace," two stories high, which stood near the east 
gate. It was built for Governor Hamilton, the first governor commissioned 
by the British. There were two guard-houses, one near the west gate and 
the other near the Government House. Each of the guards consisted of 
twenty -four men and a subaltern, who mounted regularly every morning 
between nine and ten o'clock. Each furnished four sentinels, who were 
relieved every two hours. There was also an officer of the day, who pjr- 
formed strict duty. Each of the gates was shut regularly at sunset , 
even wicket gates were shut at nine o'clock, and all the keys were 
delivered into the hands of the commanding officer. They were opened 
in the morning at sunrise. No Indian or squaw was permitted to enter 
town with any weapon, such as a tomahawk or a knife. It was a stand- 
ing order that the Indians should deliver their arms and instruments of 
every kind before they were permitted to pass the sentinel, and they were 
restored to them on their return. No more than twenty-five Indians were 
allowed to enter the town at any one time, and they were admitted only 
at the east and west gates. At sundown the drums beat, and all the 
Indians were required to leave town instantly. There was a council house 
near the water side for the purpose of holding council with the Indians. 
The population of the town was about sixty families, in all about two 
hundred males and one hundred females. This town was destroyed by 
fire, all except one dwelling, in 1805. After which the present " new " 
town was laid out. 

On the breaking out of the Revolution, the British held every post of 
importance in the West. Kentucky was formed as a component part of 
Virginia, and the sturdy pioneers of the West, alive to their interests. 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 40 

and recognizing the great benefits of obtaining the control of the trade in 
this part of the New World, held steadily to their purposes, and those 
within the commonwealth of Kentucky proceeded to exercise their 
civil privileges, by electing John Todd and Richard Gallaway, 
burgesses to represent them in the Assembly of the parent state. 
Early in September of that year (1777) the first court was held 
in Harrodsburg, and Col. Bowman, afterwards major, who had arrived 
in August, was made the commander of a militia organization which 
had been commenced the March previous. Thus the tree of loyalty 
was growing. The chief spirit in this far-out colony, who had represented 
her the year previous east of the mountains, was now meditating a move 
unequaled in its boldness. He had been watching the movements of the 
British throughout the Northwest, and understood their whole plan. He. 
saw it was through their possession of the posts at Detroit, Vincennes, 
Kaskaskia, and other places, which would give them constant and easy 
access to the various Indian tribes in the Northwest, that the British 
intended to penetrate the country from the north and soutn, ana annihi- 
late the frontier fortresses. This moving, energetic man was Colonel, 
afterwards General, George Rogers Clark. He knew the Indians were not 
unanimously in accord with the English, and he was convinced that, could 
the British be defeated and expelled from the Northwest, the natives 
might be easily awed into neutrality ; and by spies sent for the purpose, 
he satisfied himself that the enterprise against the Illinois settlements 
might easily succeed. Having convinced himself of the certainty of the 
project, he repaired to the Capital of Virginia, which place he reached on 
November 5th. While he was on his way, fortunately, on October 17th, 
Burgoyne had been defeated, and the spirits of the colonists greatly 
encouraged thereby. Patrick Henry was Governor of Virginia, and at 
once entered heartily into Clark's plans. The same plan had before been 
agitated in the Colonial Assemblies, but there was no one until Clark 
came who was sufficiently acquainted with the condition of affairs at the 
scene of action to be able to guide them. 

Clark, having satisfied the Vii'ginia leaders of the feasibility of his 
plan, received, on the 2d of January, two sets of instructions — one secret, 
the other open — the latter authorized him to proceed to enlist seven 
companies to go to Kentucky, subject to his orders, and to serve three 
months from their arrival in the West. The secret order authorized him 
to arm these troops, to procure his powder and lead of General Hand 
at Pittsburgh, and to proceed at once to subjugate the country. 

With these instructions Clark repaired to Pittsburgh, choosing rather 
to raise his men west of the mountains, as he well knew all were needed 
in the colonies in the conflict there. He sent Col. W. B. Smith to Hoi- 



50 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

ston for the same purpose, but neither succeeded in raising the required 
number of men. The settlers in these parts were afraid to leave their 
own firesides exposed to a vigilant foe, and but few could be induced to 
join the proposed expedition. With three companies and several private 
volunteers, Clark at length commenced his descent of the Ohio, which he 
navigated as far as the Falls, where he took possession of and fortified 
Corn Island, a small island between the present Cities of Louisville, 
Kentucky, and New Albany, Indiana. Remains of this fortification may 
yet be found. At this place he appointed Col. Bowman to meet him 
with such recruits as had reached Kentucky by the southern route, and 
as many as could be spared from the station. Here he announced to 
the men their real destination. Having completed his arrangements, 
and chosen his party, he left a small garrison upon the island, and on the 
24th of June, during a total eclipse of the sun, which to them augured 
no good, and which fixes beyond dispute the date of starting, he with 
his chosen band, fell down the river. His plan was to go b}^ water as 
far as Fort Massac or Massacre, and thence march direct to Kaslcaskia. 
Here he intended to surprise the garrison, and after its capture go to 
Cahokia, then to Vincennes, and lastly to Detroit. Should he fail, he 
intended to march directly to the Mississippi River and cross it into the 
Spanish country. Before his start he received two good items of infor- 
mation : one that the alliance had been formed between France and the 
United States ; and the other that the Indians throughout the Illinois 
country and the inhabitants, at the various frontier posts, had been led to 
believe by the British that the " Long Knives" or Virginians, were the 
most fierce, bloodthirsty and cruel savages that ever scalped a foe. With 
this impression on their minds, Clark saw that proper management would 
cause them to submit at once from fear, if surprised, and then from grati- 
tude would become friendly if treated with unexpected leniency. 

The march to Kaskaskia was accomplished through a hot July sun, 
and the town reached on the evening of July 4. He captured the fort 
near the village, and soon after the village itself by surprise, and without 
the loss of a single man or by killing any of the enemy. After sufficiently 
working upon the fears of the natives, Clark told them they were at per- 
fect liberty to worship as they pleased, and to take whichever side of the 
great conflict they would, also he would protect them from any barbarity 
from British or Indian foe. This had the desired effect, and the inhab- 
itants, so unexpectedly and so gratefully surprised by the unlocked 
for turn of affairs, at once swore allegiance to the American arms, and 
when Clark desired to go to Cahokia on the 6th of July, they accom- 
panied him, and through their influence the inhabitants of the place 
surrendered, and gladly placed themselves under his protection. Thus 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 51 

the two important posts in Illinois passed from the hands of the English 
into the possession of Virginia. 

In the person of the priest at Kaskaskia, M. Gibault, Clark found a 
powerful ally and genereus friend. Clark saw that, to retain possession 
of the Northwest and treat successfully with the Indians within its boun- 
daries, he must establish a government for the colonies he had taken. 
St. Vincent, the next important post to Detroit, remained yet to be taken 
before the Mississippi Valley was conquered. M. Gibault told him that 
he would alone, by persuasion, lead Vincennes to throw off its connection 
with England. Clark gladly accepted his offer, and on the 14th of July, 
in company with a fellow-townsman, M. Gibault started on his mission of 
peace, and on the 1st of August returned with the cheerful intelligence 
that the post on the " Oubache " had taken the oath of allegiance to 
the Old Dominion. During this interval, Clark established his courts, 
placed garrisons at Kaskaskia and Cahokia, successfully re-enlisted his 
men, sent word to have a fort, which proved the germ of Louisville, 
erected at the Falls of the Ohio, and dispatched Mr. Rocheblave, who 
had been commander at Kaskaskia, as a prisoner of war to Richmond. 
In October the County of Illinois was established by the Legislature 
of Virginia, John Todd appointed Lieutenant Colonel and Civil Governor, 
and in November General Clark and his men received the thanks of 
the Old Dominion through their Legislature. 

In a speech a few days afterward, Clark made known fully to the 
natives his plans, and at its close all came forward and swore alle- 
giance to the Long Knives. While he was doing this Governor Hamilton, 
having made his various arrangements, had left Detroit and moved down 
the Wabash to Vincennes intending to operate from that point in reducing 
the Illinois posts, and then proceed on down to Kentucky and drive the 
rebels from the West. Gen. Clark had, on the return of M. Gibault, 
dispatched Captain Helm, of Fauquier County, Virginia, with an attend- 
ant named Henry, across the Illinois prairies to command the fort. 
Hamilton knew nothing of the capitulation of the post, and was greatly 
surprised on his arrival to be confronted by Capt. Helm, who, standing at 
the entrance of the fort by a loaded cannon ready to fire upon his assail- 
ants, demanded upon what terms Hamilton demanded possession of the 
fort. Being granted the rights of a prisoner of war, he surrendered to 
the British General, who could scarcely believe his eyes when he saw the 
force in the garrison. 

Hamilton, not realizing the character of the men with whom he was 
conten'ding, gave up his intended campaign for the Winter, sent his four 
hundred Indian warriors to prevent troops from coming down the Ohio, 



52 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

and to annoy the Americans in all ways, and sat quietly down to pass the 
Winter. Information of all these proceedings having reached Clark, he 
saw that immediate and decisive action was necessary, and that unless 
he captured Hamilton, Hamilton would capture him. Clark received the 
news on the 29th of January, 1779, and on February 4th, having suffi- 
ciently garrisoned Kaskaskia and Cahokia, he sent down the Mississippi 
a " battoe," as Major Bowman writes it, in order to ascend the Ohio and 
Wabash, and operate with the land forces gathering for the fray. 

On the next day, Clark, with his little force of one hundred and 
twenty men, set out for the post, and after incredible hard marching 
through much mud, the ground being thawed by the incessant spring 
rains, on the 22d reached the fort, and being joined by his " battoe," at 
once commenced the attack on the post. The aim of the American back- 
woodsman was unerring, and on the 24th the garrison surrendered to the 
intrepid boldness of Clark. The French were treated with great kind- 
ness, and gladly renewed their allegiance to Virginia. Hamilton was 
sent as a prisoner to Virginia, where he was kept in close confinement. 
During his command of the British frontier posts, he had offered prizes 
to the Indians for all the scalps of Americans they would bring to him, 
and had earned in consequence thereof the title " Hair-buyer General^" 
by which he was ever afterward known. 

Detroit was now without doubt within easy reach of the enterprising 
Virginian, could he but raise the necessary force. Governor Henry being 
apprised of this, promised him the needed reinforcement, and Clark con- 
cluded to wait until he could capture and sufficiently garrison the posts. 
Had Clark failed in this bold undertaking, and Hamilton succeeded in 
uniting the western Indians for the next Spring's campaign, the West 
would indeed have been swept from the Mississippi to the Allegheny 
Mountains, and the great blow struck, which had been contemplated from 
the commencement, by the British. 

" But for this small army of dripping, but fearless Virginians, the 
union of all the tribes from Georgia to Maine against the colonies might 
have been effected, and the whole current of- our history changed." 

At this time some fears were entertained by the Colonial Govern- 
ments that the Indians in the North and Northwest were inclining to the 
British, and under the instructions of Washington, now Commander-in- 
Chief of the Colonial army, and so bravely fighting for American inde- 
pendence, armed forces were sent against the Six Nations, and upon the 
Ohio frontier. Col. Bowman, acting under the same general's orders, 
marched against Indians within the present limits of that State. These 
expeditions were in the main successful, and the Indians were compelled 
to sue for peace. 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 53 

During this same year (1779) the famous " Land Laws" of Virginia 
were passed. The passage of these laws was of more consequence to the 
pioneers of Kentucky and the Northwest than the gaining of a few Indian, 
conflicts. Tliese laws confirmed in main all grants made, and guaranteed 
to all actual settlers their rights and privileges. After providing for the 
settlers, the laws provided for selling the balance of the public lands at 
forty cents per acre. To carry the Land Laws into effect, the Legislature 
sent four Virginians westward to attend to the various claims, over many 
of which great confusion prevailed concerning their validity. These 
gentlemen opened their court on October 13, 1779, at St. Asaphs, and 
continued until April 26, 1780, when they adjourned, having decided 
three thousand claims. They were succeeded by the surveyor, who 
came in the person of Mr. George May, and assumed his duties on the 
10th day of the month whose name he bore. With the opening of the 
next year (1780) the troubles concerning the navigation of the Missis- 
sippi commenced. The Spanish Government exacted such measures in. 
relation to its trade as to cause the overtures made to the United States 
to be rejected. The American Government considered they had a right 
to navigate its channel. To enforce their claims, a fort was erected below 
the mouth of the Ohio on the Kentucky side of the river. The settle- 
ments in Kentucky were being rapidly filled by emigrants. It was dur- 
ing this year that the first seminary of learning was established in the 
West in this young and enterprising Commonwealth. 

The settlers here did not look upon the building of this fort in a 
friendly manner, as it aroused the hostility of the Indians. Spain had 
been friendly to the Colonies during their struggle for independence, 
and though for a while this friendship appeared in danger from the 
refusal of the free navigation of the river, yet it was finally settled to the 
satisfaction of both nations. 

The Winter of 1779-80 was one of the most unusually severe ones 
ever experienced in the West. The Indians always referred to it as the 
"Great Cold." Numbers of wild animals perished, and not a few 
pioneers lost their lives. The following Summer a party of Canadians 
and Indians attacked St. Louis, and attempted to take possession of it 
in consequence of the friendly disposition of Spain to the revolting 
colonies. They met with such a determined resistance on the part of the 
inhabitants, even the women taking part in the battle, that they were 
compelled to abandon the contest. They also made an attack on the 
settlements in Kentucky, but, becoming alarmed in some unaccountable 
manner, they fled the country in great haste. 

About this time arose the question in the Colonial Congress con- 
cerning the western lands claimed by Virginia, New York, Massachusetts 



54 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

and Connecticut. The agitation concerning this subject finally led New 
York, on the 19th of February, 1780, to pass a law giving to the dele- 
gates of that State in Congress the power to cede her western lands for 
the benefit of the United States. This law was laid before Congress 
during the next month, but no steps were taken concerning it until Sep- 
tember 6th, when a resolution passed that body calling upon the States 
claiming western lands to release their claims in favor of the whole body. 
This basis formed the union, and was the first after all of those legislative 
measures which resulted in the creation of the States of Ohio, Indiana, 
Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. In December of the same 
year, the plan of conquering Detroit again arose. The conquest might 
have easily been effected by Clark had the necessary aid been furnished 
him. Nothing decisive was done, yet the heads of the Government knew 
that the safety of the Northwest from British invasion lay in. the capture 
and retention of that important post., the only unconquered one in the 
territory. 

Before the close of the year, Kentucky was divided into the Coun- 
ties of Lincoln, Fayette and Jefferson, and the act establishing the Town 
of Louisville was passed. This same year is also noted in the annals of 
American history as the year in which occurred Arnold's treason to the 
United States. 

Virginia, in accordance with the resolution of Congress, on the 2d 
day of January, 1781, agreed to yield her western lands to the United 
States upon certain conditions, which Congress would not accede to, and 
the Act of Cession, on the part of the Old Dominion, failed, nor was 
anything farther done until 1783. During all that time the Colonies 
were busily engaged in the struggle with the mother country, and in 
consequence thereof but little heed was given to the western settlements. 
Upon the 16th of April, 1781, the first birth north of the Ohio River of 
American parentage occurred, being that of Mary Heckewelder, daughter 
of the widely known Moravian missionary, whose band of Christian 
Indians suffered in after years a horrible massacre by the hands of the 
frontier settlers, who had been exasperated by the murder of several of 
their neighbors, and in their rage committed, without regard to humanity, 
a deed which forever afterwards cast a shade of shame upon their lives. 
For this and kindred outrages on the part of the whites, the Indians 
committed many deeds of cruelty which darken the years of 1771 and 
1772 in the history of the Northwest. 

During the year 1782 a number of battles among the Indians and 
frontiersmen occurred, and between the Moravian Indians and the Wyan- 
dots. In these, horrible acts of cruelty were practised on the captives, 
many of such dark deeds transpiring under the leadership of the notorious 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



55 



frontier outlaw, Simon Girty, whose name, as well as those of his brothers^ 
was a terror to women and children. These occurred chiefly in the Ohio 
valleys. Coteraporary with them were several engagements in Kentucky, 
in which the famous Daniel Boone engaged, and who, often by his skill 
and knowledge of Indian warfare, saved the outposts from cruel destruc- 




INDIANS ATTACKING FKONTlEIiSMEN. 

tion. By the close of the year victory had perched upon the American 
banner, and on the 30th of November, provisional articles of peace had 
been arranged between the Commissioners of England and her uncon- 
querable colonies. Cornwallis had been defeated on the 19th of October 
preceding, and the liberty of America was assured. On the 19th of 
April following, the anniversary of the battle of Lexington, peace was 



56 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

proclaimed to the army of the United States, and on the 2d of the next 
September, the definite treaty whicli ended our revolutionary struggle 
was concluded. By the terms of that treaty, the boundaries of the West 
were as follows : On the north the line was to extend along the center of 
the Great Lakes ; from the western point of Lake Superior to Long Lake ; 
thence to the Lake of the Woods ; thence to the head of the Mississippi 
River ; down its center to the 31st parallel of latitude, then on that line 
east to the head of the Appalachicola River; down its center to its junc- 
tion with the Flint ; thence straight to the head of St. Mary's River, and 
thence down along its center to the Atlantic Ocean. 

Following the cessation of hostilities with England, several posts 
were still occupied by the British in the North and West. Among these 
was Detroit, still in the hands of the enemy. Numerous engagements 
with the Indians throughout Ohio and Indiana occurred, upon whose 
lands adventurous whites would settle ere the title had been acquired by 
the proper treaty. 

To remedy this latter evil, Congress appointed commissioners to 
treat with the natives and purchase their lands, and prohibited the set- 
tlement of the territory until this could be done. Before the close of the 
year another attempt was made to capture Detroit, which was, however, 
not pushed, and Virginia, no longer feeling the interest in the Northwest 
she had formerly done, withdrew her troops, having on the 20th of 
December preceding authorized the whole of her possessions to be deeded 
to the United States. This was done on the 1st of March following, and 
the Northwest Territory passed from the control of the Old Dominion. 
To Gen. Clark and his soldiers, however, she gave a tract of one hundred 
and fifty thousand acres of land, to be situated any where north of the 
Ohio wherever they chose to locate them. They selected the region 
opposite the falls of the Ohio, where is now the dilapidated village of 
Clarksville, about midway between the Cities of New Albany and Jeffer- 
sonville, Indiana. 

While the frontier remained thus, and Gen. Haldimand at Detroit 
refused to evacuate alleging that he had no orders from his King to do 
so, settlers were rapidly gathering about the inland forts. In the Spring 
of 1784, Pittsburgh was regularly laid out, and from the journal of Arthur 
Lee, who passed through the town soon after on his way to the Indian 
council at Fort Mcintosh, we suppose it was not very prepossessing in 
appearance. He says : 

" Pittsburgh is inhabited almost entirely by Scots and Irish, who 
live in paltry log houses, and are as dirty as if in the north of Ireland or 
even Scotland. There is a great deal of trade carried on, the goods being 
bought at the vast expense of forty-five shillings per pound from Phila- 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. ' 57 

delphia and Baltimore. They take in the shops flour, wheat, skins and 
money. There are in the town four attorneys, two doctors, and not a 
priest of any persuasion, nor church nor chapel." 

Kentucky at this time contained thirty thousand inhabitants, and 
was beginning to discuss measures for a separation from Virginia. A 
land office was opened at Louisville, and measures were adopted to take 
defensive precaution against the Indians who were yet, in some instances, 
incited to deeds of violence by the British. Before the close of this year, 
1784, the military claimants of land began to occupy them, although no 
entries were reco.rded until 1787. 

The Indian title to the Northwest was not yet extinguished. They 
held large tracts of lands, and in order to prevent bloodshed Congress 
adopted means for treaties with the original owners and provided for the 
surveys of the lands gained thereby, as well as for those north of the 
Ohio, now in its possession. On January 31, 1786, a treaty was made 
with the Wabash Indians. The treaty of Fort Stanwix had been made 
in 1784. That at Fort Mcintosh in 1785, and through these much land 
was gained. The Wabash Indians, however, afterward refused to comply 
with the provisions of the treaty made with them, and in order to compel 
their adherence to its provisions, force was used. Daring the year 1786, 
the free navigation of the Mississippi came up in Congress, and caused 
various discussions, which resulted in no definite action, only serving to 
excite speculation in regard to the western lands. Congress had promised 
bounties of land to the soldiers of the Revolution, but owing to the 
unsettled condition of affairs along the Mississippi respecting its naviga- 
tion, and the trade of the Northwest, that body had, in 1783, declared 
its inability to fulfill these promises until a treaty could be concluded 
between the two Governments. Before the close of the year 1786, how- 
ever, it Avas able, through the treaties with the Indians, to allow some 
grants and the settlement thereon, and on the 14th of September Con- 
necticut ceded to the General Government the tract of land known as 
the " Connecticut Reserve," and before the close of the following year a 
large tract of land north of the Ohio was sold to a company, who at once 
took measures to settle it. By the provisions of this grant, the company 
were to pay the United States one dollar per acre, subject to a deduction 
of one-third for bad lands and other contingencies. They received 
750,000 acres, bounded on the south by the Ohio, on the east by the 
seventh range of townships, on the west by the sixteenth range, and on 
the north by a line so drawn as to make the grant complete without 
the reservations. In addition to this, Congress afterward granted 100,000 
acres to actual settlers, and 214,285 acres as army bounties under the 
resolutions of 1789 and 1790. 



58 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



While Dr. Cutler, one of the agents of the company, was pressing 
its claims before Congress, that body was bringing into form an ordinance 
for the political and social organization of this Territory. When the 
cession was made by Virginia, in 1784, a plan was offered, but rejected. 
A motion had been made to strike from the proposed plan the prohibition 
of slavery, which prevailed. The plan was then discussed and altered, 
and finally passed unanimously, with the exception of South Carolina. 
By this proposition, the Territory was to have been divided into states 




PEESEXT SITE OF LAKE STEEET BRIDGE, CHICAGO, IX 1833. 



by parallels and meridian lines. This, it was thought, would make ten 
states, which were to have been named as follows — beginning at the 
northwest corner and going southwardly : Sylvania, Michigania, Cher- 
sonesus, Assenisipia, Metropotamia, Illenoia, Saratoga, Washington, Poly- 
potamia and Pelisipia. 

There was a more serious objection to this plan than its category of 
names, — the boundaries. The root of the difficulty was in the resolu- 
tion of Congress passed in October, 1780, whicli fixed the boundaries 
of the ceded lands to be from one hundred to one hundred and fifty miles 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 59 

square. These resolutions being presented to the Legislatures of Vir- 
ginia and Massachusetts, they desired a change, and in July, 1786, the 
subject was taken up in Congress, and changed to favor a division into 
not more than five states, and not less than three. This was approved l)y 
the State Legislature of Virginia. The subject of the Government was 
again taken up by Congress in 1786, and discussed throughout that year 
and until July, 1787, when the famous "Compact of 1787" was passed, 
and the foundation of the government of the Northwest laid. This com- 
pact is fully discussed and explained in the history of Illinois in this book, 
and to it the reader is referred. 

The passage of this act and the grant to the New England Company 
was soon followed by an application to the Government by John Cleves 
Symmes, of New Jersey, for a grant of the land between the Miamis. 
This gentleman had visited these lands soon after the treaty of 1786, and, 
being greatly pleased with them, offered similar terms to those given to the 
New England Company. The j)etition was referred to the Treasurj^ 
Board with power to act, and a contract was concluded the following 
year. During the Autumn the directors of the New England Company 
were preparing to occupy their grant the following Spring, and upon the 
23d of November made arrangements for a party of forty-seven men, 
under the superintendency of Gen. Rufus Putnam, to set forward. Six 
boat-builders were to leave at once, and on the first of January the sur- 
veyors and their assistants, twenty-six in number, were to meet at Hart- 
ford and proceed on their journey westward ; the remainder to follow as 
soon as possible. Congress, in the meantime, upon the od of October, 
had ordered seven hundred troops for defense of the western settlers, and 
to prevent unauthorized intrusions ; and two days later appointed Arthur 
St. Clair Governor of the Territory of the Northwest. 

AMERICAN SETTLEMENTS. 

The civil organization of the Northwest Territory Avas now com- 
plete, and notwithstanding the uncertainty of Indian affairs, settlers from 
the East began to come into the country rapidly. The New England 
Company sent their men during the Winter of 1787-8 pressing on over 
the Alleghenies by the old Indian path which had been opened into 
Braddock's road, and which has since been made a national turnpike 
from Cumberland westward. Through the weary winter days they toiled 
on, and by April were all gathered on the Yohiogany, where boats had 
been built, and at once started for the Muskingum. Here they arrived 
on the 7th of that month, and unless the Moravian missionaries be regarded 
as the pioneers of Ohio, this little baud can justly claim that honor. 



60 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



Gen. St. Clair, the appointed Governor of the Northwest, not having 
yet arrived, a set of laws were passed, written out, and published by 
being nailed to a tree in the embryo town, and Jonathan Meigs appointed 
to administer them. 

Washington in writing of this, the first American settlement in the 
Northwest, said: "No colony in America was ever settled under 
such favorable auspices as that which has just commenced at Muskingum. 
Information, property and strength will be its characteristics. I know 
many of its settlers personally, and there never were men better calcu- 
lated to promote the welfare of such a community.'' 




On the 2d of July a meeting of the directors and agents was held 
on the banks of the Muskingum, " for the purpose of naming the new- 
born city and its squares." As yet the settlement was known as the 
"Muskingum," but that was now changed to the name Marietta, in honor 
of Marie Antoinette. The square upon which the block -houses stood 
was called ''Campus Martins ^ square number 19, '' Capitolium ^ square 
number 61, " Cecilia ;" and the great road through the covert way, " Sacra 
Via:' Two days after, an oration was delivered by James M. Varnum, 
who with S. H. Parsons and John Armstrong had been appointed to the 
judicial bench of the territory on the 16th of October, 1787. On July 9, 
Gov. St. Clair arrived, and the colony began to assume form. The act 
of 1787 provided two district grades of government for the Northwest, 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 61 

under the first of which the whole power was invested in the hands of a 
governor and three district judges. This was immediately formed upon 
the Governor's arrival, and the first laws of the colony passed on the 25th 
of July. These provided for the organization of the militia, and on the 
next day appeared the Governor's proclamation, erecting all that country 
that had been ceded by the Indians east of the Scioto River into the 
County of Washington. From that time forward, notwithstanding the 
doubts yet existing as to the Indians, all Marietta prospered, and on the 
2d of September the first court of the territory was held with imposing 
ceremonies. 

The emigration westward at this time was very great. The com- 
mander at Fort Harmer, at the mouth of the Muskingum, reported four 
thousand five hundred persons as having passed that post between Feb- 
ruary and June, 1788 — many of whom would have purchased of the 
"Associates," as the New England Company was called, had they been 
ready to receive them. 

On the 26th of November, 1787, Symmes issued a pamphlet stating 
the terms of his contract and the plan of sale he intended to adopt. In 
January, 1788, Matthias Denman, of New Jersey, took an active interest 
in Symmes' purchase, and located among other tracts the sections upon 
which Cincinnati has been built. Retaining one-third of this locality, he 
sold the other two-thirds to Robert Patterson and John Filson, and the 
three, about August, commenced to lay out a town on the spot, which 
was designated as being opposite Licking River, to the mouth of which 
they in-oposed to have a road cut from Lexington. The naming of the 
town is thus narrated in the "Western Annals " : — " Mr. Filson, who had 
been a schoolmaster, was appointed to name the town, and, in respect to 
its situation, and as if with a prophetic perception of the mixed race that 
were to inhabit it in after days, he named it Losantiville, which, being 
interpreted, means : ville, the town ; anti, against or opposite to ; os, the 
mouth ; L. of Licking." 

Meanwhile, in July, vSymmes got thirty persons and eight four-horse 
teams under way for the West. These reached Limestone (now Mays- 
ville) in September, where were several persons from Redstone. Here 
Mr. Symmes tried to found a settlement, but the great freshet of 1789 
caused the " Point," as it was and is yet called, to be fifteen feet under 
water, and the settlement to be abandoned. The little band of settlers 
removed to the mouth of the Miami. Before Symmes and his colony left 
the " Point," two settlements had been made on his purchase. The first 
was by Mr. Stiltes, the original projector of the whole plan, who, with a 
colony of Redstone people, had located at the mouth of the Miami, 
whither Symmes went with his Maysville colony. Here a clearing had 



62 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



been made by the Indians owing to the great fertility of the soil. Mr. 
Stiltes with his colony came to this place on the 18th of November, 1788» 
with twenty-six persons, and, building a block-house, prepared to remain 
through the Winter. They named the settlement Columbia. Here they 
were kindly treated by the Indians, but suffered greatly from the flood 
of 1789. 

On the 4th of March, 1789, the Constitution of the United States 
went into operation, and on April 30, George Washington was inaug- 
urated President of the American people, and during the next Summer, 
an Indian war was commenced by the tribes north of the Ohio. The 
President at first used pacific means ; but these failing, he sent General 
Harmer against the hostile tribes. He destroyed several villages, but 




LAICE BLUFF 

The frontage of Lake Bluff Grounds on Lake Michigan, with one hundred and seventy feet of gradual ascent. 

was defeated in two battles, near the present City of Fort Wayne, 
Indiana. From this time till the close of 1795, the principal events were 
the wars with the various Indian tribes. In 1796, General St. Clair 
was appointed in command, and marched against the Indians ; but while 
he was encamped on a stream, the St. Mary, a branch of the Maumee, 
he was attacked and defeated with the loss of six hundred men. 

General Wayne was now sent against the savages. In' August, 1794, 
he met them near the rapids of the Maumee, and gained a complete 
victory. This success, followed by vigorous measures, compelled the 
Indians to sue for peace, and on the 30th of July, the following year, the 
treaty of Greenville was signed by the principal chiefs, by which a large 
tract of country was ceded to the United States. 

Before proceeding in our narrative, we will pause to notice Fort 
Washington, erected in the early part of this war on the site of Cincinnati. 
Nearly all of the great cities of the Northwest, and indeed of the 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 63 

whole country, have had their nuclei in those rude pioneer structures, 
known as forts or stockades. Thus Forts Dearborn, Washington, Pon- 
chartrain, mark the original sites of the now proud Cities of Chicago, 
Cincinnati and Detroit. So of most of the flourishing cities east and west 
of the Mississippi. Fort Washington, erected by Doughty in 1790, was a 
rude but highly interesting structure. It was composed of a number of 
strongly-built hewed log cabins. Those designed for soldiers' barracks 
were a story and a half high, while those composing the officers quarters 
were more imposing and more conveniently arranged and furnished. 
The whole were so placed as to form a hollow square, enclosing about an 
acre of ground, with a block house at each of the four angles. 

The logs for the construction of this fort were cut from the ground 
upon which it was erected. It stood between Third and Fourth Streets 
of the present city (Cincinnati) extending east of Eastern Row, now 
Broadway, which was then a narrow alley, and the eastern boundary of 
of the town as it was originally laid out. On the bank of the river, 
immediately in front of the fort, was an appendage of the fort, called the 
Artificer's Yard. It contained about two acres of ground, enclosed by 
small contiguous buildings, occupied by workshops and quarters of 
laborers. Within this enclosure there was a large two-story frame house, 
familiarly called the " Yellow House," built for the accommodation of 
the Quartermaster General. For many years this was the best finished 
and most commodious edifice in the Queen City. Fort Washington was 
for some time the headquarters of both the civil and military governments 
of the Northwestern Territory. 

Following the consummation of the treaty various gigantic land spec- 
ulations were entered into by different persons, who hoped to obtain 
from the Indians in Michigan and northern Indiana, large tracts of lands. 
These were generally discovered in time to prevent the outrageous 
schemes from being carried out, and from involving the settlers in war. 
On October 27, 1795, the treaty between the United States and Spain 
was signed, whereby the free navigation of the Mississippi was secured. 

No sooner had the treaty of 1795 been ratified than settlements began 
to pour rapidly into the West. The great event of the year 1796 was the 
occupation of that part of the Northwest including Michigan, which was 
this year, under the provisions of the treaty, evacuated by the British 
forces. The United States, owing to certain conditions, did not feel 
justified in addressing the authorities in Canada in relation to Detroit 
and other frontier posts. When at last the British authorities were 
called to give them up, they at once complied, and General Wayne, who 
had done so much to preserve the frontier settlements, and who, before 
the year's close, sickened and died near Erie, transferred his head- 



^4 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

quarters to the neighborhood of the lakes, where a county named after 
him was formed, which included the northwest of Ohio, all of Michigan, 
and the northeast of Indiana. During this same year settlements were 
formed at the present City of Chillicothe, along the Miami from Middle- 
town to Piqua, while in the more distant West, settlers and speculators 
'began to appear in great numbers. In September, the City of Cleveland 
was laid out, and during the Summer and Autumn, Samuel Jackson and 
Jonathan Sharpless erected the first manufactory of paper — the " Red- 
stone Paper Mill" — in the West. St. Louis contained some seventy 
houses, and Detroit over three hundred, and along the river, contiguous 
to it, were more than three thousand inhabitants, mostly French Canadians, 
Indians and half-breeds, scarcely any Americans venturing yet into that 
part of the Northwest. 

The election of representatives for the territory had taken place, 
and on the 4th of February, 1799, they convened at Losantiville — now 
known as Cincinnati, having been named so by Gov. St. Clair, and 
considered the capital of the Territory — to nominate persons from whom 
the members of the Legislature were to be chosen in accordance with 
a previous ordinance. This nomination being made, the Assembly 
adjourned until the 16th of the following September. From those named 
the President selected as members of the council, Henry Vandenburg, 
of Vincennes, Robert Oliver, of Marietta, James Findlay and Jacob 
Burnett, of Cincinnati, and David Vance, of Vanceville. On the 16th 
of September the Territorial Legislature met, and on the 24th the two 
houses were duly organized, Henry Vandenburg being elected President 
of the Council. 

The message of Gov. St. Clair was addressed to the Legislature 
September 20th, and on October 13th that body elected as a delegate to 
Congress Gen. Wm. Henry Harrison, who received eleven of the votes 
cast, being a majority of one over his opponent, Arthur St. Clair, son of 
Gen. St. Clair. 

The whole number of acts passed at this session, and approved by 
the Governor, were thirty-seven — eleven others were passed, but received 
his veto. The most important of those passed related to the militia, to 
the administration, and to taxation. On the 19th of December this pro- 
tracted session of the first Legislature in the West was closed, and on the 
30th of December the President nominated Charles Willing Bryd to the 
office of Secretary of the Territory vice Wm. Henry Harrison, elected to 
Congress. The Senate confirmed his nomination the next day. 



THE NOKTHWEST TERRITORY. 



DIVISION OF THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

The increased emigration to the Northwest, the extent of the domain, 
and the inconvenient modes of travel, made it very difficult to conduct 
the ordinary operations of government, and rendered the efficient action 
of courts almost impossible. To remedy this, it was deemed advisable to 
divide the territory for civil purposes. Congress, in 1800, appointed a 
committee to examine the question and report some means for its solution. 
This committee, on the 3d of March, reported that : 

" In the three western countries there has been but one court having 
cognizance of crimes, in five years, and the immunity which offenders 
experience attracts, as to an asylum, the most vile and abandoned crim- 
inals, and at the same time deters useful citizens from making settlements 
in such society. The extreme necessity of judiciary attention and assist- 
ance is experienced in civil as well as in criminal cases. * * * * Xo 
minister a remedy to these and other evils, it occurs to this committee 
that it is expedient that a division of said territory into two distinct and 
separate governments should be made ; and that such division be made 
by a line beginning at the mouth of the Great Miami River, running 
directly north until it intersects the boundary between the United States 
and Canada." 

The report was accepted by Congress, and, in accordance with its 
suggestions, that body passed an Act extinguishing the Northwest Terri- 
tory, which Act was approved May 7. Among its provisions were these : 

" That from and after July 4 next, all that part of the Territory of 
the United States northwest of the Ohio River, which lies to the westward 
of a line beginning at a point on the Ohio, opposite to the mouth of the 
Kentucky River, and running thence to Fort Recovery, and thence north 
until it shall intersect the territorial line between the United States and 
Canada, shall, for the purpose of temporary government, constitute a 
separate territory, and be called the Indiana Territory." 

After providing for the exercise of the civil and criminal powers of 
the territories, and other provisions, the Act further provides : 

" That until it shall otherwise be ordered by the Legislatures of the 
said Territories, respectively, Chillicothe on the Scioto River shall be the 
seat of government of the Territory of the United States northwest of the 
Ohio River ; and that St. Vincennes on the Wabash River shall be the 
seat of government for the Indiana Territory." 

Gen. Wm. Henry Harrison was appointed Governor of the Indiana 
Territory, and entered upon his duties about a year later. Connecticut 
also about this time released her claims to the reserve, and in March a law 



60 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

was passed accepting this cession. Settlements had been made upon 
thirty-five of the townships in the reserve, mills had been built, and seven 
hundred miles of road cut in various directions. On the 3d of November 
the General Assembly met at Chillicothe. Near the close of the jenr, 
the first missionary of the Connecticut Reserve came, who found no 
township containing more than eleven families. It was upon the first of 
October that the secret treaty had been made between Napoleon and the 
King of Spain, whereby the latter agreed to cede to France the province 
of Louisiana. 

In January, 1802, the Assembly of the Northwestern Territory char- 
tered the college at Athens. From the earliest dawn of the western 
colonies, education was promptly provided for, and as early as 1787, 
newspapers were issued from Pittsburgh and Kentucky, and largely read 
throughout the frontier settlements. Before the close of this year, the 
Congress of the United States granted to the citizens of the Northwestern 
territory the formation of a State government. One of the provisions of 
the "compact of 1787" provided that whenever the number of inhabit- 
ants within prescribed limits exceeded 45,000, they should be entitled to 
a separate government. The prescribed limits of Ohio contained, from a 
census taken to ascertain the legality of the act, more than that number, 
and on the 30th of April, 1802, Congress passed the act defining its limits, 
and on the 29th of November the Constitution of the new State of Ohio, 
so named from the beautiful river forming its southern boundary, came 
into existence. The exact limits of Lake Michigan were not then known, 
but the territory now included within the State of Michigan was wholly 
within the territory of Indiana. 

Gen. Harrison, while residing at Vincennes, made several treaties 
with the Indians, thereby gaining large tracts of lands. The next year is 
memorable in the history of the West for the purchase of Louisiana from 
France by the United States for f 15,000,000. Thus by a peaceful mode, 
the domain of the United States was extended over a large tract of 
country west of the Mississippi, and was for a time under the jurisdiction 
of the Northwest government, and, as has been mentioned in the early 
part of this narrative, was called the "New Northwest." The limits 
of this history will not allow a description of its territory. The same year 
large grants of land were obtained from the Indians, and the House of 
Representatives of the new State of Ohio signed a bill respecting the 
College Township in the district of Cincinnati. 

Before the close of the year. Gen. Harrison obtained additional 
grants of lands from the various Indian nations in Indiana and the present 
limits of Illinois, and on the 18th of August, 1804, completed a treaty at 
St. Louis, whereby over 51,000,000 acres of lands were obtained from the 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY, 6V 

aborigines. Measures were also taken to learn the condition of affairs in 
and about Detroit. 

C. Jouett, the Indian agent in Michigan, still a part of Indiana Terri- 
tory, reported as follows upon the condition of matters at that post : 

" The Town of Detroit. — The charter, which is for fifteen miles 
square, was granted in the time of Louis XIV. of France, and is now, 
from the best information I have been able to get, at Quebec. Of those 
two hundred and twenty-five acres, only four are occupied by the town 
and Fort Lenault. The remainder is a common, except twenty-four 
acres, which were added twenty years ago to a farm belonging to Wm. 
Macomb. * * * A stockade incloses the town, fort and citadel. The 
pickets, as well as the public houses, are in a state of gradual decay. The 
streets are narrow, straight and regular, and intersect each other at right 
angles. The houses are, for the most part, low and inelegant." 

During this year. Congress granted a township of land for the sup- 
port of a college, and began to offer inducements for settlers in these • 
wilds, and the country now comprising the State of Michigan began to 
fill rapidly with settlers along its southern borders. This same year, also, 
a law was passed organizing the Southwest Territory, dividing it into two 
portions, the Territory of New Orleans, which city was made the seat of 
government, and the District of Louisiana, which was annexed to the 
domain of Gen. Harrison. 

On the 11th of January, 1805, the Territory of Michigan was formed, 
Wm. Hull was appointed governor, with headquarters at Detroit, the 
change to take effect on June 30. On the 11th of that month, a fire 
occurred at Detroit, which destroj'-ed almost every building in the place. 
When the officers of the new territory reached the post, they found it in 
ruins, and the inhabitants scattered throughout the country. Rebuild- 
ing, however, soon commenced, and ere long the town contained more 
houses than before the fire, and many of them much better built. 

While this was being done, Indiana had passed to the second grade 
of government, and through her General Assembly had obtained large 
tracts of land from the Indian tribes. To all this the celebrated Indian, 
Tecumthe or Tecumseh, vigorously protested, and it was the main cause 
of his attempts to unite the various Indian tribes in a conflict with the 
settlers. To obtain a full account of these attempts, the workings of the 
British, and the signal failure, culminating in the death of Tecumseh at 
the battle of the Thames, and the close of the war of 1812 in the Northwest, 
we will step aside in our story, and relate the principal events of his life, 
and his connection with this conflict. 



68 



THE NOKTHWEST TERRITORY. 




TECUMSEH, THE SHAWANOE CHIEFTAIN. 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 69 



TECUMSEH, AND THE WAR OF 1812. 

This famous Indian chief was born about the year 1768, not far from 
the site of the present city of Springfield, Ohio. His father, Puckeshinwa, 
was a member of the Kisopok tribe of the Swanoese nation, and his 
mother, Methontaske, was a member of the Turtle tribe of the same 
ipeople. They removed from Florida about the middle of the last century 
to the birthplace of Tecumseh. In 1774, his father, who had risen to be 
chief, was slain at the battle of Point Pleasant, and not long after Tecum- 
seh, by his bravery, became the leader of his tribe. In 1795 he was 
declared chief, and then lived at Deer Creek, near the site of the 
present City of Urbana. He remained here about one year, when he 
returned to Piqua, and in 1798, he went to White River, Indiana. ( In 
1805, he and his brother, Laulewasikan (Open Door), who had announced 
himself as a prophet, went to a tract of land on the Wabash River, given 
them by the Pottawatomies and Kickapoos. From this date the chief 
comes into prominence. He was now about thirty-seven years of age, 
was five feet and ten inches in height, was stoutly built, and possessed of 
enormous powers of endurance. His countenance was naturally pleas- 
ing, and he was, in general, devoid of those savage attributes possessed 
by most Indians. It is stated he could read and write, and had a confi- 
dential secretary and adviser, named Billy Caldwell, a half-breed, who 
afterward became chief of the Pottawatomies. He occupied the first 
house built on the site of Chicago. At this time, Tecumseh entered 
upon the great work of his life. He had long objected to the grants of 
land made by the Indians to the whites, and determined to unite all the 
Indian tribes into a league, in order that no treaties or grants of land 
could be made save by the consent of this confederation. 

He traveled constantly, going from north to south ; from the south 
to the north, everywhere urging the Indians to this step. He was a 
matchless orator, and his burning words had their effect. 

Gen. Harrison, then Governor of Indiana, by watching the move- 
ments of the Indians, became convinced that a grand conspiracy was 
forming, and made preparations to defend the settlements. Tecumselrs 
plan was similar to Pontiac's, elsewhere described, and to the cunning 
artifice of that chieftain was added his own sagacity. 

During the year 1809, Tecumseh and the prophet were actively pre- 
paring for the work. In that year. Gen. Harrison entered into a treaty 
with the Delawares, Kickapoos, Pottawatomies, Miamis, Eel River Indians 
and Weas, in which these tribes ceded to the whites certain lands upon 
the Wabash, to all of which Tecumseh entered a bitter protest, averring 



TO THE NOUTIIWEST TERRITORY. 

as one principal reason that lie did not want the Indians to give up any 
lands north and west of the Ohio River. 

Tecumseh, in August, 1810, visited the General at Vincennes and 
held a council relating to the grievances of the Indians. Becoming unduly 
angry at this conference he was dismissed from the village, and soon after 
departed to incite the southern Indian tribes to the conflict. 

Gen. Harrison determined to move upon the chief's headquarters at 
Tippecanoe, and for this purpose went about sixty-five miles up the 
Wabash, where he built Fort Harrison. From this place he went to the 
prophet's town, where he informed the Indians he had no hostile inten- 
tions, provided they were true to the existing treaties. He encamped 
near the village early in October, and on the morning of November 7, he 
was attacked by a large force of the Indians, and the famous battle of 
Tippecanoe occurred. The Indians were routed and their town broken 
up. Tecumseh returning not long after, was greatly exasperated at his 
brother, the prophet, even threatening to kill him for rashly precipitating 
the war, and foiling his (Tecumseh's) plans. 

Tecumseh sent word to Gen. Harrison that he was now returned 
from the South, and was ready to visit the President as had at one time 
previously been proposed. Gen. Harrison informed him he could not go 
as a chief, which method Tecumseh desired, and the visit was never 
made. 

In June of the following year, he visited the Indian agent a,t 
Fort Wayne. Here he disavowed any intention to make a war against 
the United States, and reproached Gen. Harrison for marching against his 
people. The agent replied to this ,- Tecumseh listened with a cold indif- 
ference, and after making a few general remarks, with a haughty air drew 
his blanket about him, left the council house, and departed for Fort Mai- 
den, in Upper Canada, where he joined the British standard. 

He remained under this Government, doing effective work for the 
Crown while engaged in the war of 1812 which now opened. He was, 
however, always humane in his treatment of the prisoners, never allow- 
ing his warriors to ruthlessly mutilate the bodies of those slain, or wan- 
tonly murder the captive. 

In the Summer of 1813, Perry's victor}'- on Lake Erie occurred, and 
shortly after active preparations were made to capture Maiden. On the 
27th of September, the American army, under Gen. Harrison, set sail for 
the shores of Canada, and in a few hours stood around the ruins of Mai- 
den, from which the British army, under Proctor, had retreated to Sand- 
wich, intending to make its way to the heart of Canada by the Valley of 
the Thames. On the 29th Gen. Harrison was at Sandwich, and Gen. 
McArthur took possession of Detroit and the territory of Michigan. 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 



71 



On the 2d of October, the Americans began their pursuit of Proctor, 
whom they overtook on the 5th, and the battle of the Thames followed. 
Early in the engagement, Tecumseh who was at the head of the column 
of Indians was slain, and they, no longer hearing the voice of their chief- 
tain, fled. The victory was decisive, and practically closed the war in 
the Northwest. 




r.u.M.su^aS^ 



INDIANS ATTACKING A STOCKADE. 



Just who killed the great chief has been a matter of much dispute ; 
but the weight of opinion awards the act to Col. Richard M. Johnson, 
who fired at him with a pistol, the shot proving fatal. 

In 1805 occurred Burr's Insurrection. He took possession of a 
beautiful island in the Ohio, after the killing of Hamilton, and is charged 
by many with attempting to set up an independent government. His 
plans were frustrated by the general government, his property confiscated 
and he was compelled to flee the country for safety. 



72 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

In January, 1807, Governor Hull, of Michigan Territory, made a 
treaty with the Indians, whereby all that peninsula was ceded to the 
United States. Before the close of the year, a stockade was built about 
Detroit. It was also during this year that Indiana and Illinois endeavored 
to obtain the repeal of that section of the compact of 1787, whereby 
slavery was excluded from the Northwest Territory. These attempts, 
however, all signally failed. 

In 1809 it was deemed advisable to divide the Indiana Territory. 
This was done, and the Territory of Illinois was formed from the western, 
part, the seat of government being fixed at Kaskaskia. The next year, 
the intentions of Tecumseh manifested themselves in open hostilities, and 
then began the events already narrated. 

While this war v/as in progress, emigration to the West went on with 
surprising rapidity. In 1811, under Mr. Roosevelt of New York, the 
first steamboat trip was made on the Ohio, much to the astonishment of 
the natives, many of whom fled in terror at the appearance of the 
" monster." It arrived at Louisville on the 10th day of October. At the 
close of the first week of January, 1812, it arrived at Natchez, after being 
nearly overwhelmed in the great earthquake which occurred while on its 
downward trip. 

The battle of the Thames was fought on October 6, 1813. It 
effectually closed hostilities in the Northwest, although peace was not 
fully restored until July 22, 1814, when a treaty was formed at Green- 
ville, under the direction of General Harrison, between the United States 
and the Indian tribes, in which it was stipulated that the Indians should 
cease hostilities against the Americans if the war were continued. Such, 
happily, was not the case, and on the 24th of December the treaty 
of Ghent was signed by the representatives of England and the United 
States. This treaty was followed the next year by treaties with various 
Indian tribes throughout the West and Northwest, and quiet was again 
restored in this part of the new world. 

On the 18th of March, 1816, Pittsburgh was incorporated as a city. 
It then had a population of 8,000 people, and was already noted for its 
manufacturing interests. On April 19, Indiana Territory was allowed 
to form a state government. At that time there were thirteen counties 
organized, containing about sixty-three thousand inhabitants. The first 
election of state officers was held in August, when Jonathan Jennings 
was chosen Governor. The officers were sworn in on November 7, and 
on December 11, the State was formally admitted into the Union. For 
some time the seat of government was at Corydon, but a more central 
location being desirable, the present capital, Indianapolis (City of Indiana), 
was laid out January 1, 1825. 



THE NORTHWEST TEREITORY. 73 

On the 28tli of December the Bank of Illinois, at Shawneetown, was 
chartered, with a capital of $300,000. At this period all banks were 
under the control of the States, and were allowed to establish branches 
at different convenient points. 

Until this time Chillicothe and Cincinnati had in turn enjoyed the 
privileges of being the capital of Ohio. But the rapid settlement of the 
northern and eastern portions of the State demanded, as in Indiana, a 
more central location, and before the close of the year, the site of Col- 
umbus was selected and surveyed as the future capital of the State. 
Banking had begun in Ohio as early as 1808, when the first bank was 
chartered at Marietta, but here as elsewhere it did not bring to the state 
the hoped-for assistance. It and other banks were subsequently unable 
to redeem their currency, and were obliged to suspend. 

In 1818, Illinois was made a state, and all the territory north of her 
northern limits was erected into a separate territory and joined to Mich- 
igan for judicial purposes. By the following year, navigation of the lakes 
was increasing with great rapidity and affording an immense source of 
revenue to the dwellers in the Northwest, but it was not until 1826 that 
the trade was extended to Lake Michigan, or that steamships began to 
navigate the bosom of that inland sea. 

Until the year 1832, the commencement of the Black Hawk War, 
but few hostilities were experienced with the Indians. Roads were 
opened, canals were dug, cities were built, common schools were estab- 
lished, universities were founded, many of which, especially the Michigan 
University, have achieved a world wide-reputation. The people were 
becoming wealthy. The domains of the United States had been extended, 
and had the sons of the forest been treated with honesty and justice, the 
record of many years would have been that of peace and continuous pros- 
perity. 

BLACK HAWK AND THE BLACK HAWK WAR. 

This conflict, though confined to Illinois, is an important epoch in 
the Northwestern history, being the last war with the Indians in this part 
of the United States. 

Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiah, or Black Hawk, was born in the principal 
Sac village, about three miles from the junction of Rock River with the 
Mississippi, in the year 1767. His father's name was Py-e-sa or Pahaes ; 
his grandfather's, Na-na-ma-kee, or the Thunderer. Black Hawk early 
distinguished himself as a warrior, and at the age of fifteen was permitted 
to paint and was ranked among the braves. About the year 1783, he 
"went on an expedition against the enemies of his nation, the Osages, one 



74 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 




BLACK HAWK, THE SAC CHIEFTAIN. 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 75 

of whom he killed and scalped, and for this deed of Indian bravery he was 
permitted to join in the scalp dance. Three or four years after he, at the 
head of two hundred braves, went on another expedition against the 
Osages, to avenge the murder of some women and children belonging to 
his own tribe. Meeting an equal number of Osage warriors, a fierce 
battle ensued, in which the latter tribe lost one-half their number. The 
Sacs lost only about nineteen warriors. He next attacked the Cherokees 
for a similar cause. In a severe battle with them, near the present City 
of St. Louis, his father was slain, and Black Hawk, taking possession of 
the " Medicine Bag," at once announced himself chief of the Sac nation. 
He had now conquered the Cherokees, and about the year 1800, at the 
head of five hundred Sacs and Foxes, and a hundred lowas, he waged 
war against the Osage nation and subdued it. For two years he battled 
successfully with other Indian tribes, all of whom he conquered. 

Black Hawk does not at any time seem to have been friendly to 
the Americans. When on a visit to St. Louis to see his " Spanish 
Father," he declined to see any of the Americans, alleging, as a reason, 
he did not want two fathers. 

The treaty at St. Louis was consummated in 1804. The next year the 
United States Government erected a fort near the head of the Des Moines 
Rapids, called Fort Edwards. This seemed to enrage Black Hawk, who 
at once determined to capture Fort Madison, standing on the west side of 
the Mississippi above the mouth of the Des Moines River. The fort was 
garrisoned by about fifty men. Here he was defeated. The difficulties 
with the British Government arose about this time, and the War of 1812 
followed. That government, extending aid to the Western Indians, by 
giving them arms and ammunition, induced them to remain hostile to the 
Americans. In August, 1812, Black Hawk, at the head of about five 
hundred braves, started to join the British forces at Detroit, passing on 
his way the site of Chicago, where the famous Fort Dearborn Massacre 
had a few days before occurred. Of his connection with the British 
Government but little is known. In 1813 he with his little band descended 
the Mississippi, and attacking some United States troops at Fort Howard 
was defeated. 

In the early part of 1815, the Indian tribes west of the Mississippi 
were notified that peace had been declared between the United States 
and England, and nearly all hostilities had ceased. Black Hawk did not 
sign any treaty, however, until May of the following year. He then recog- 
nized the validity of the treaty at St. Louis in 1804. From the time of 
signing this treaty in 1816, until the breaking out of the war in 1832, he 
and his band passed their time in the common pursuits of Indian life. 

Ten years before the commencement of this war, the Sac and Fox 



76 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

Indians were urged to join the lowas on the west bank of the Father of 
Waters. All were agreed, save the band known as the British Band, of 
which Black Hawk was leader. He strenuously objected to the removal, 
and was induced to comply only after being threatened with the power of 
the Government. This and various actions on the part of the white set- 
tlers provoked Black Hawk and his band to attempt the capture of his 
native village now occupied by the whites. The war followed. He and 
his actions were undoubtedly misunderstood, and had his wishes been 
acquiesced in at the beginning of the struggle, much bloodshed would 
have been prevented. 

Black Hawk was chief now of the Sac and Fox nations, and a noted 
warrior. He and his tribe inhabited a village on Rock River, nearly three 
miles above its confluence with the Mississippi, where the tribe had lived 
many generations. When that portion of Illinois was reserved to them, 
they remained in peaceable possession of their reservation, spending their 
time in the enjo3'"ment of Indian life. The fine situation of their village 
and the quality of their lands incited the more lawless white settlers, who 
from time to time began to encroach upon the red men's domain. From 
one pretext to another, and from one step to another, the crafty white 
men gained a foothold, until through whisky and artifice they obtained 
deeds from many of the Indians for their possessions. The Indians were 
finally induced to cross over the Father of Waters and locate among the 
lowas. Black Hawk was strenuously opposed to all this, but as the 
authorities of Illinois and the United States thought this the best move, he 
was forced to comply. Moreover other tribes joined the whites and urged 
the removal. Black Hawk would not agree to the terms of the treaty 
made with his nation for their lands, and as soon as the military, called to 
enforce his removal, had retired, he returned to the Illinois side of the 
river. A large force was at once raised and marched against him. On 
the evening of May 14, 1832, the first engagement occurred between a 
band from this army and Black Hawk's band, in which the former were 
defeated. 

This attack and its result aroused the whites. A large force of men 
was raised, and Gen. Scott hastened from the seaboard, by way of the 
lakes, with United States troops and artillery to aid in the subjugation of 
the Indians. On the 24th of June, Black Hawk, with 200 warriors, was 
repulsed by Major Demont between Rock River and Galena. The Ameri- 
can army continued to move up Rock Rivei- toward the main body of 
the Indians, and on the 21st of July came upon Black Hawk and his band, 
and defeated them near the Blue Mounds. 

Before this action. Gen. Henry, in command, sent word to the main 
army by whom he was immediately rejoined, and the v/hole crossed the 



I 



THE NORTHWEST TEREITORY. 77 

"Wisconsin in pursuit of Black Hawk and his band who were fleeing to the 
Mississippi. They were overtaken on the 2d of August, and in the battle 
which followed the power of the Indian chief was completely broken. He 
fled, but was seized by the Winnebagoes and delivered to the whites. 

On the 21st of September, 1832, Gen. Scott and Gov. Reynolds con- 
cluded a treaty with the Winnebagoes, Sacs and Foxes by which they 
ceded to the United States a vast tract of country, and agreed to remain 
peaceable with the whites. For the faithful performance of the provi- 
sions of this treaty on the part of the Indians, it was stipulated that 
Black Hawk, his two sons, the prophet Wabokieshiek, and six other chiefs 
of the hostile bands should be retained as hostages during the pleasure 
of the President. They were confined at Fort Barracks and put in irons. 

The next Spring, by order of the Secretary of War, they were taken 
to Washington. From there they were removed to Fortress Monroe, 
"there to remain until the conduct of their nation was such as to justify 
their being set at libert}^" They were retained here until the 4th of 
June, when the authorities directed them to be taken to the principal 
cities so that they might see the folly of contending against the white 
people. Everywhere they were observed by thousands, the name of the 
old chief being extensively known. By the middle of August they 
reached Fort Armstrong on Rock Island, where Black Hawk was soon 
after released to go to his countrymen. As he passed the site of his birth- 
place, now the home of the white man, he was deeply moved. His village 
where he was born, where he had so happily lived, and where he had 
hoped to die, was now another's dwelling place, and he was a wanderer. 

On the next day after his release, he went at once to his tribe and 
his lodge. His wife was yet living, and with her he passed the remainder 
of his days. To his credit it may be said that Black Hawk always re- 
mained true to his wife, and served her with a devotion uncommon among 
the Indians, living with her upward of forty years. 

Black Hawk now passed his time hunting and fishing. A deep mel- 
ancholy had settled over him from which he could not be freed. At all 
times when he visited the whites he was received with marked atten- 
tion. He was an honored guest at the old settlers' reunion in Lee County, 
Illinois, at some of their meetings, and received many tokens of esteem. 
In September, 1838, while on his way to Rock Island to receive his 
annuity from the Government, he contracted a severe cold which resulted 
in a fatal attack of bilious fever which terminated his life on October 3. 
His faithful wife, who was devotedly attached to him, mourned deeply 
during his sickness. After his death he was dressed in the uniform pre- 
sented to him by the President while in Washington. He was buried in 
a grave six feet in depth, situated upon a beautiful eminence. " The 



78 THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. 

body was placed in the middle of the grave, in a sitting posture, upon a 
seat constructed for the purpose. On his left side, the cane, given him 
by Henry Clay, was placed upright, with his right hand resting upon it. 
Many of the old warrior's trophies were placed in the grave, and some 
Indian garments, together with his favorite weapons." 

No sooner was the Black Hawk war concluded than settlers began 
rapidly to pour into the northern parts of Illinois, and into Wisconsin, 
now free from Indian depredations. Chicago, from a trading post, had 
grown to a commercial center, and was rapidly coming into prominence. 
In 1835, the formation of a State Government in Michigan was discussed, 
but did not take active form until two years later, when the State became 
a part of the Federal Union. 

The main attraction to that portion of the Northwest lying west of 
Lake Michigan, now included in the State of Wisconsin, was its alluvial 
wealth. Copper ore was found about Lake Superior. For some time this 
region was attached to Michigan for judiciary purposes, but in 183() was 
made a territory, then including Minnesota and Iowa. The latter State 
was detached two years later. In 1848, Wisconsin was admitted as a 
State, Madison being made the capital. We have now traced the various 
divisions of the Northwest Territory (save a little in Minnesota) from 
the time it was a unit comprising this vast territory, until circumstances 
compelled its present division. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 79 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 
AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 

We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, 
establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity, provide for the common 
defense, promote the general welfare, and seciue the blessings of liberty 
to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution 
for the United States of America. 

Article I. 

Section 1. All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in 
a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and 
House of Representatives. 

Sec. 2. The House of Representatives shall be composed of mem- 
bers chosen every second year by the people of the several states, and the 
electors in each state shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of 
the most numerous branch of the State Legislature. 

No person shall be a representative who shall not have attained to the 
age of twenty-five years, and been seven years a citizen of the United 
States, and who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that state in 
which he shall be chosen. 

Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among the sev- 
eral states which may be included within this Union, according to their 
respective numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole 
number of free persons, including those bound to service for a term of 
years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three-fifths of all other persons. 
The actual enumeration shall be made within three years after the first 
meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subse- 
quent term of ten years, in such manner as they shall by law direct. The 
number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty thousand, 
but each state shall have at least one Representative ; and until such 
enumeration shall be made the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled 
to choose three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode Island and Providence Plan- 
tations one, Connecticut five. New York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylva- 
nia eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten. North Carolina five, 
and Georgia three. 

When vacancies happen in the representation from any state, the 
Executive authority thereof shall issue^ writs of election to fill such 
vacancies. 

The House of Representatives shall choose their Speaker and other 
officers, and shall have the sole power of impeachment. 

Sec. 3. The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two 
Senators from each state, chosen by the Legislature thereof for six years ; 
and each Senator shall have one vote. 

Immediately after they shall be assembled in consequence of the first 
election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three classes. 
The seats of the Senators of the first class shall be vacated at the expira- 



80 Aim ITS AMENDMENTS. 

tion of the second year, of the second class at the expiration of the fourth 
year, and of the third class at the expiration of the sixth year, so that 
one-third may be chosen every second year; and if vacancies happen by 
resignation or otherwise, during the recess of the Legislature of any state, 
the Executive thereof may make temporary appointments until the next 
meeting of the Legislature, which shall then fill such vacancies. 

N o person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained .to the age 
of thirty years and been nine years a citizen of the United States, and 
who shall not, when elected, be an inhabitant of that state for which he 
shall be chosen. 

The Vice-President of the United States shall be President of the 
Senate, but shall have no vote unless they be equally divided. 

The Senate shall choose their other officers, and also a President pro 
tempore, in the absence of the Vice-President, or when he shall exercise 
the office of President of the United States. 

The Senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments. When 
sitting for that purpose they shall be on oath or affirmation. When the 
President of the United States is tried the Chief Justice shall preside. 
And no person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds 
of the members present. 

Judgment, in cases of impeachment, shall not extend further than to 
removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of 
honor, trust, or profit under the United States ; but the party convicted 
shall nevertheless be liable and subject to indictment, trial, judgment, 
and punishment according to law. 

Sec. 4. The times, places and manner of holding elections for Sen- 
ators and Representatives shall be prescribed in each state by the Legis- 
lature thereof ; but the Congress may at any time by law make or alter 
such regulations, except as to the places of choosing Senators. 

The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such 
meeting shall be on the first Monday in December, unless they shall by 
law appoint a different day. 

Sec. 5. Each house shall be the judge of the election, returns, and 
qualifications of its own members, and a majority of each shall constitute 
a quorum to do business; but a smaller number may adjourn from day to 
day, and may be authorized to compel the attendance of absent members 
in such manner and under such penalties as each house may provide. 

Each house may determine the rules of its proceedings, punish ita 
members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds, 
expel a member. 

Each house shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and from time to 
time publish the same, excepting such parts as may, in their judgment, 
require secrecy ; and the yeas and nays of the members of either house 
on any question shall, at the desire of one-fifth of those present, be entered 
on the journal. 

Neither house, during the session of Congress, shall, without the 
consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other 
place than that in which the two houses shall be sitting. 

Sec. 6. The Senators and Representatives shall receive a compen- 
sation for their services, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the 
treasury of the United States. They shall in all cases, except treason. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 81 

felony, and breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their 
attendance at the session of their respective houses, and in going to and 
returning from the same ; and for any speech or debate in either house 
they shall not be questioned in any other place. 

No Senator or Representative shall, during the time for which he was 
elected, be appointed to any civil office under the authority of the United 
States, which shall have been created, or the emoluments whereof shall 
have been increased during such time ; and no person holding any office 
under the United States, shall be a member of either house during his 
continuance in office. 

Sec. 7. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of 
Representatives ; but the Senate may propose or concur with amendments 
as on other bills. 

Every bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and 
the Senate, shall, before it becomes a law, be presented to the President 
of the United States ; if he approve he shall sign it ; but if not he shall 
return it, with his objections, to that house in which it shall have origi- 
nated, who shall enter the objections at large on their journal, and 
proceed to reconsider it. If, after such reconsideration two-thirds of that 
house shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent, together with the objec- 
tions, to the other house, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if 
approved by two-thirds of that house, it shall become a law. But in all 
such cases the votes of both houses shall be determined by j eas and nays, 
and the names of the persons voting for and against the bill shall be entered 
on the journal of each house respectively. If any bill shall not be returned 
by the President within ten days (Sundays excepted), after it shall have 
been presented to him, the same shall be a law, in like manner as if he 
had signed it, unless the Congress, by their adjournment, prevent its 
return, in which case it shall not be a law. 

Every order, resolution, or vote to which the concurrence of the 
Senate and House of Representatives may be necessary (except on a 
question of adjournment), shall be presented to the President of the 
United States, and before the same shall take effect shall be approved by 
him, or, being disapproved by him, shall be re-passed by two-thirds of 
the Senate and House of Representatives, according to the rules and lim- 
itations prescribed in the case of a bill. 

Sec. 8. The Congress shall have power — 

To lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts, 
and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United 
States ; but all duties, imposts, and excises shall be uniform throughout 
the United States ; 

To borrow money on the credit of the United States ', 

To regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several 
States, and with the Indian tribes ; 

To establish a uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on 
the subject of bankruptcies throughout the United States ; 

To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin, and 
fix the standard of weights and measures ; 

To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and 
current coin of the United States ; 

To establish post offices and post roads ; 



32 AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 

To promote the progress of sciences and useful arts, by securing, 
for limited times, to authors and inventors, the exclusive right to their 
respective writings and discoveries ; 

To constitute tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court ; 

To define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high 
seas, and oifenses against the law of nations ; 

To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules 
concerning captures on land and water ; 

To raise and support armies, but no appropriation of money to that 
use shall be for a longer term than two years ; 

To provide and maintain a navy ; 

To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and 
naval forces ; 

To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the 
Union, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions ; 

To provide for organizing, arming and disciplining the militia, and 
for governing such part of them as may be employed in the service of the 
United States, reserving to the states respectively the appointment of the 
officers, and the authority of training the militia according to the disci- 
pline prescribed by Congress ; 

To exercise legislation in all cases whatsoever over such district (not 
exceeding ten miles square) as may, by cession of particular states, and the 
acceptance of Congress, become the seat of the government of the United 
States, and to exercise hke authority over all places purchased by the 
consent of the Legislature of the state in which the same shall be, for 
the erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dock yards, and other needful 
buildings ; and 

To make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying 
into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this 
Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any depart- 
ment or officer thereof. 

Sec. 9. The migration or importation of such persons as any of the 
states now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited 
by the Congress prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight, 
but a tax or duty may be imposed on such importation, not exceeding ten 
dollars for each person. 

The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, 
unless' when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may 
require it. 

No bill of attainder or ex post facto law shall be passed. 

No capitation or other direct tax shall be laid, unless in proportion 
to the census or enumeration hereinbefore directed to be taken. 

No tax or duty shall be laid on articles exported from any state. 

No preference shall be given by any regulation of commerce or rev- 
enue to the ports of one state over those of another; nor shall vessels 
bound to or from one state be obliged to enter, clear, or pay duties in 
another. 

No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in consequence of 
appropriations made by law ; and a regular statement and account of 
the receipts and expeditures of all public money shall be published from 
time to time. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 83 

No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States : and no 
person holding any office of profit or trust under them, shall, without the 
consent of the Congress, accept of any present, emolument, office, or title 
of any kind whatever, from any king, prince, or foreign state. 

Sec. 10. No state shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or confeder- 
ation ; grant letters of marque and reprisal ; coin money ; emit bills of 
credit ; make anything but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of 
debts ; pass any bill of attainder, ex post facto law, or law impairing the 
obligation of contracts, or grant any title of nobility. 

No state shall, without the consent of the Congress, lay any imposts 
or duties on imports or exports, except what may be absolutely necessary 
for executing its inspection laws, and the net produce of all duties and 
imposts laid by any state on imports or exports, shall be for the use of the 
Treasury of the United States ^ and all such laws shall be subject to the 
revision and control of the Congress. 

No state shall, without the consent of Congress, lay any duty on 
tonnage, keep troops or ships of war in time of peace, enter into any 
agreement or compact with another state, or with a foreign power, or 
engage in war, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent danger as will 
not admit of delay. 

Article II. 

Section 1. The Executive power shall be vested in a President of 
the United States of America. He shall hold his office during the term 
of four years, and, together with the Vice-President chosen for the same 
term, be elected as follows : 

Each state shall appoint, in such manner as the Legislature thereof 
may direct, a number of Electors, equal to the whole number of Senators 
and Representatives to which the state may be entitled in the Congress ; 
but no Senator or Representative, or person holding an office of trust or 
profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector. 

[ * The Electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by 
ballot for two persons, of whom one at least shall not be an inhabitant of 
the same state with themselves. And they shall make a list of all the 
persons voted for, and of the number of votes for each ; which list they 
shall sign and certify, and transmit, sealed, to the seat of the government 
of the United States, directed to the President of the Senate. The Pres- 
ident of the Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of Rep- 
resentatives, open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted. 
The person having the greatest number of votes shall be the President, 
if such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed ; 
and if there be more than one who have such majority, and have an equal 
number of votes, then the House of Representatives shall immediately 
choose by ballot one of them for President ; and if no person have a ma- 
jority, then from the five highest on the list the said House shall in like 
manner choose the President. But in choosing the President, the vote 
shall be taken by states, the representation from each state having one 
vote ; a quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members 
from two-thirds of the states, and a majority of all the states shall be 
necessary to a choice. In every case, after the choice of the President, 

'This clause between, brackets bas been superseded and annulled by the Twelfth.amendment. 



84 AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 

the person having the greatest number of votes of the Electors shall be 
the Vice-President. But if there should remain two or more who have 
equal votes, the Senate shall choose from them by ballot the Vice-Presi- 
dent.] 

The Congress may determine the time of choosing the Electors, and 
the dny on which they shall give their votes ; which day shall be the same 
throughout the United States. 

No person except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United 
States at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible 
to the office of President ; neither shall any person be eligible to that 
office who shall not have attained the age of thirty-five years, and been 
fourteen years a resident within the United States. 

In case of the removal of the President from office, or of his death, 
resignation, or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the said 
office, the same shall devolve on the Vice-Pcesident, and the Congress 
may by law provide for the case of removal, death, resignation, or inabil- 
ity, both of the President and Vice-President, declaring what officer shall 
then act as President, and such officer shall act accordingly, until the dis- 
ability be removed, or a President shall be elected. 

The President shall, at stated times, receive for his services a com- 
pensation which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the 
period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive 
within that period an}'' other emolument from the United States or any of 
them. 

Before he enters on the execution of his office, he shall take the fol- 
lowing oath or affirmation : 

" I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the 
office of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, 
preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States." 

Sec. 2. The President shall be commander in chief of the army and 
navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several states, when 
called into the actual service of the United States; he may require the 
opinion, in writing, of thfe principal officer in each of the executive 
departments, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective 
offices, and he shall have power to grant reprieves and pardon for offenses 
against the United States, except in cases of impeachment. 

He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the 
Senate, to make treaties, provided two-thirds of the Senators present con- 
cur; ai)d he shall nominate, and by and with the advice of the Senate, 
shall appoint ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, judges of 
the Supreme Court, and all other officers of the United States whose 
appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be 
established by law ; but the Congress may by law vest the appointment 
of such inferior officers as they think proper in the President alone, in 
the courts of law, or in the heads of departments. 

The President shall have power to fill up all vacancies that may 
happen during the recess of the Senate, by granting commissions which 
shall expire at the end of their next session. 

Sec. 3. He shall from time to time give to the Congress information 
of the state of the Union, and recommend to their consideration such mea- 
sures as he shall judge necessary and expedient ; he may on extraordinary 



I 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 85 

occasions con7ene both houses, or either of them, and in case of disagree- 
ment between them, with respect to the time of adjournment, he may 
adjourn them to such time as he shall think proper ; he shall receive 
ambassadors and other public ministers ; he shall take care that the laws be 
faithfully executed, and shall commission all the officers of the United 
States. 

Sec. 4. The President, Vice-President, and all civil officers of the 
United States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and con- 
viction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. 

Article III. 

Section I. The judicial power of the United States shall be vested 
in one Supreme Court, and such inferior courts as the Congress may from 
time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the Supreme and 
inferior courts, shall hold their offices during good behavior, and shall, at 
stated times, receive for their services a compensation, which shall not be 
diminished during their continuance in office. 

Sec. 2. The judicial power shall extend to all cases, in law and 
equity, arising under this Constitution, the laws of the United States, and 
treaties made, or which shall be made, under their authority ; to all cases 
affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls ; to all cases of 
admiralty and maritime jurisdiction ; to controversies to which the United 
States shall be a party ; to controversies between two or more states ; 
between a state and citizens of another state ; between citizens of differ- 
ent states ; between citizens of the same state claiming lands under grants 
of different states, and between a state or the citizens thereof, and foreign 
states, citizens, or subjects. 

In all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers, and consuls, 
and those in which a state shall be a party, the Supreme Court shall have 
original jurisdiction. 

In all the other cases before mentioned, the Supreme Court shall 
have appellate jurisdiction, both as to law and fact, with such exceptions 
and under such regulations as the Congress shall make. 

The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall be by 
jury ; and such trial shall be held in the state where the said crimes shall 
have been committed ; but when not committed within an}^ state, the 
trial shall be at such place or places as the Congress may by law have 
directed. 

Sec. 3. Treason against the United States shall consist only in levy- 
ing war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, giving them aid 
and comfort. No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the tes- 
timony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open 
court. 

The Congress shall have power to declare the punishment of treason, 
but no attainder of treason shall work corruption of blood, or forfeiture, 
except during the life of the person attainted. 

Article IV. 

Section 1. Full faith and credit shall be given in each state to the 
public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. And 



86 AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 

tlie Congress may, by general laws, prescribe the manner in which sach 
acts, records, and proceedings shall be proved, and the effect thereof. 

Sec. 2. The citizens of each state shall be entitled to all privileges 
and immunities of citizens in the several states. 

A person charged in any state with treason, felony, or other crime, 
who shall flee from justice and be found in another state, shall, on demand 
of the executive authority of the state from which he fled, be delivered 
up, to be removed to the state having jurisdiclion of the crime. 

No person held to service or labor in one state, under the laws thereof 
escaping into another, shall, in consequence of any law or regulation 
therein, be discharged from such service or labor, but shall be delivered 
up on the claim of the party to whom such service or labor may be due. 

Sec. 3. New states may be admitted by the Congress into this Union ; 
but no new state shall be formed or erected within the jurisdiction of any 
other state ; nor any state be formed by the junction of two or more states, 
or parts of states, without the consent of the Legislatures of the states 
concerned, as well as of the Congress. 

The Congress shall have power to dispose of and make all needful 
rules and regulations respecting the territor^'^ or other property belonging 
to the United States ; and nothing in this Constitution shall be so construed 
as to prejudice any claims of the United States or of any particular state. 

Sec. 4. The United States shall guarantee to every state in this 
Union a republican form of government, and shall protect each of them 
against invasion, and on application of the Legislature, or of the Execu- 
tive (when the Legislature can not be convened), against domestic vio- 
lence. 

Article V. 

The Congress, whenever two-thirds of both houses shall deem it 
necessary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, or, on the ap- 
plication of the Legislatures of two-thirds of the several states, shall call 
a convention for proposing amendments, which, in either case, shall be 
valid to all intents and purposes as part of this Constitution, when rati- 
fied by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several states, or by con- 
ventions in three-fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratifi- 
cation may be proposed by the Congress. Provided that no amendment 
which may be made prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and 
eight shall in any manner affect the first and fourth clauses in the ninth 
section of the first article ; and that no state, without its consent, shall 
be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate. 

Article VI. 

All debts contracted and engagements entered into before the adop- 
tion of this Constitution shall be as valid against the United States under 
this Constitution as under the Confederation. 

This Constitution, and the laws of the United States which shall be 
made in pursuance thereof, and all treaties made, or which shall be made, 
under the authority of the United States, shall be the supreme law of the 
land ; and the Judges in every state shall be bound thereby, anything in 
the Constitution or laws of any state to the contrary notwithstanding. 

The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the mem- 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 



8T 



bers of the several state Legislatures, and all executive and judicial offi- 
cers, both of the United States and of the several states, shall be bound 
by oath or affirmation to support this Constitution ; but no religious test 
shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under 
the United States. 

Article VII. 

The ratification of the Conventions of nine states shall be sufficient 
for the establishment of this Constitution between the states so ratifying 
the same. 

Done in convention by the unanimous consent of the states present, the 
seventeenth day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand 
seven hundred and eighty-seven, and of the independence of the 
United States of America the twelfth. In witness whereof we have 
hereunto subscribed our names. 

GEO. WASHINGTON, 
President and Deputy from Virginia. 



Nev) Hampshire. 
John Langdon, 
Nicholas Gilman. 

Massachusetts. 
Nathaniel Goeham, 
RuFus King. 

Connecticut. 
Wm. Sam'l Johnson, 
Roger Sherman. 

Neio York. 
Alexander Hamilton. 

New Jersey. 
WiL. Livingston, 
Wm. Paterson, 
David Brearley, 
JoNA. Dayton. 

Pennsylvania. 
B. Franklin, 
RoBT. Morris, 
Thos. Fitzsimons, 
James Wilson, 
Thos. Mifflin, 
Geo. Clymer, 
Jared Ingersoll, 
Gocv. Morris. 



Delaware. 
Geo. Read, 
John Dickinson, 
Jaco. Broom, 
Gunning Bedford, Jr., 
Richard Bassett. 

Maryland. 
James M' Henry, 
Danl. Carroll, 
Dan. of St. Thos. Jenifer. 

Virginia. 
John Blair, 
James Madison, Jr. 

North Carolina. 
Wm. Blount, 
Hu. Williamson, 
Rich'd Dobbs Spaight. 

South Carolina. 
J. Rutledge, 
Charles Pinckney, 
Chas. Cotesworth Pinckney, 
Pierce Butler. 

Georgia. 
William Few, 
Abe. Baldwin. 

WILLIAM JACKSON, Secretary. 



88 AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 



Articles in Addition to and Amendatory of the Constitution 
OP THE United States of America. 

Proposed hy Congress and ratified hy the Legislatures of the several states, 
pursuant to the fifth article of the original Constitution. 

Article I. 

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment cf religion, 
or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of 
speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, 
and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. 

Article II. 

A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free 
state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. 

Article III. 

No soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house without 
the consent of the owner, nor in time of war but in a manner to be pre- 
scribed by law. 

Article IV. 

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, 
and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be vio- 
lated ; and no warrants shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by 
oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be uearched 
and the persons or things to be seized. 

Article V. 

No person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous 
crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in 
cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia when in actual 
service in time of war or public danger ; nor shall any person be subject 
for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb ; nor shall 
be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be 
deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law ; nor 
ehall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation. 

Article VI. 

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a 
Bpeedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district 
wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have 
been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and 
cause of the accusation ; to be confronted with the witnesses against him ; 
to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor ; and to 
have the assistance of counsel for his defense. 

Article VII. 

In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed 
twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES 89 

tried by a jury shall be otherwise re-examined in any court of the United 
States than according to the rules of the common law. 

Article VIII. 

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, 
nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. 

Article IX. 

The enumeration, in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be 
construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. 

Ariicle X. 

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, 
nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, 
or to the people. 

Article XI. 

The judicial power of the United States shall not be construed to 
extend to any suit in law or equity commenced or prosecuted against one 
of the United States by citizens of another state, or by citizens or sub- 
jects of any foreign state. 

Article XII. 

The Electors shall meet in their respective states and vote by ballot 
for President and Vice-President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an 
inhabitant of the same state with themselves ; they shall name in their 
ballots the person to be voted for as president, and in distinct ballots the 
person voted for as Vice-President, and they shall make distinct lists of 
all persons voted for as President, and of all persons voted for as Vice- 
President, and of the number of votes for each, which list they shall sign 
and certify, and transmit sealed to the seat of the government of the United 
States, directed to the President of the Senate. The President of the 
Senate shall, in presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, 
open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted. The person 
having the greatest number of votes for President shall be the President, 
if such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed ; 
and if no person have such majority, then from the jDersons having the 
highest number not exceeding three on the list of those voted for as 
President, the House of Representatives shall choose immediately, by 
ballot, the President. But in choosing the President, the votes shall be 
taken by States, the representation from each state having one vote; a 
quorum for this purpose shall consist of a member or members from two- 
thirds of the states, and a ma.jority of all the states shall be necessary to 
a choice. And if the House of Representatives shall not choose a Presi- 
dent whenever the right of choice shall devolve upon them, before the 
fourth day of March next following, then the Vice-President shall act as 
President, as in the case of the death or other constitutional disability of 
the President. The person having the greatest number of votes as Vice- 
President, shall be the Vice-President, if such number be the majority 
of the whole number of electors appointed, and if no person have a major- 



90 AND ITS AMENDMENTS. 

itj; then from the two highest numbers on the list, the Senate shall choose 
the Vice-President ; a quorum for the purpose shall consist of two-thirds 
of the whole number of Senators, and a majority of the whole number 
shall be necessary to a choice. But no person constitutionally ineligible 
to the office of President shall be eligible to that of Vice-President of the 
United States. 

Article XIII. 

Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a 
punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, 
shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their juris- 
diction. 

Sec. 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appro- 
priate legislation. 

Aeticle XIV. 

Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States and 
subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States, and 
of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law 
which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United 
States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, 
without due process of law, nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction 
the equal protection of the laws. 

Sec. 2. Representatives shall be appointed among the several states 
according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of per- 
sons in each state, excluding Indians not taxed ; but when the right to 
vote at any election for the choice of Electors for President and Vice- 
President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the execu- 
tive and judicial officers of a state, or the members of the Legislature 
thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such state, being 
twenty-one years of age and citizens of the United States, or in any way 
abridged except for participation in rebellion or other crimes, the basis of 
representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the num- 
ber of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens 
twenty-one years of age in such state. 

Sec. 3. No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, 
or Elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or 
military, under the United States, or under any state, who, having previ- 
ously taken an oath as a Member of Congress, or as an officer of the 
United States, or as a member of any state Legislature, or as an execu- 
tive or judicial officer of any state to support the Constitution of the 
United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the 
same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may, 
by a vote of two-thirds of each house, remove such disability. 

Sec. 4. The validity of the public debt of the United States author- 
ized by law, including debts incurred for j)ayment of pensions and boun- 
ties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be ques- 
tioned. But neither the United States nor any state shall pay any debt 
or obligation incurred in the aid of insurrection or rebellion against the 
United States, or any loss or emancipation of any slave, but such debts, 
obligations, and claims shall be held illegal and void. 



CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Article XV. 



91 



Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not 
be denied or abridged by the United States, or by any State, on account of race, 
color, or previous condion of servitude. 



/ 




PERRY'S MONUMENT, CLEVELAND, OHIO. 

On Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway. 



PART II. 



History of the State of Ohio, 



HI8T0EY OF OHIO. 



IT is not our province in a volume of this description, to delineate the chronol- 
ogy of prehistoric epochs, or to dwell at length upon those topics pertaining 
to the scientific causes which tended to the formation of a continent, undiscov- 
ered for centuries, by the wisdom and energy of those making a history of the 
Old World, by the advancement of enlightenment in the Eastern Hemisphere. 

Naturally, the geological formation of the State of Ohio cannot be entirely 
separated from facts relative to the strata, which, in remote ages accumulated 
one layer above the other, and finally constituted a "built-up" America, from 
a vast sea. The action of this huge body of water washed sediment and what- 
ever came in its way upon primitive rocks, which were subjected to frequent 
and repeated submersions, emerging as the water subsided, thus leaving a 
stratum or layer to solidify and mark its number in the series — a system of 
growth repeated in trees of the forest — in those descernible rings that count so 
many years. The southeastern part of North America emerging a second 
time from the Silurian Sea, which extended west to the Rocky Mountains and 
north to the primitive hills of British America, a succession of rock-bound, 
salt-water lakes remained. These covered a large portion of the continent, and 
their w^ater evaporating, organic and mineral matter remained to solidify. This 
thick stratum has been designated by geologists as the water-lime layer. This 
constitutes the upper layer of rock in the larger portion of the west half of 
Ohio. In other sections it forms the bed rock. 

Following the lime-rock deposit, must have been more frequent sweeps of 
the great sea, since the layers are comparatively thin, proving a more speedy 
chano-e. During this scientific risino; and falling of the sea, other actions were 
taking place, such as volcanic and other influences which displaced the regular- 
ity of the strata, and occasionally came out in an upheaval or a regular perpen- 
dicular dip. A disturbance of this character formed the low mountain range 
extending from the highlands of Canada to the southern boundary of Tennes- 
see. This "bulge" is supposed to be the consequence of the cooling of the 
earth and the pressure of the oceans on either side of the continent. Geolo- 
gists designate this as the Cincinnati arch. This forms a separation between 
the coal fields of the Alleghanies and those of Illinois. 

Passing over several periods, we reach the glacial, during which the topog- 
raphy of the continent was considerably modified, and which is among the 
latest epochs of geology, though exceedingly remote as compared with human 



94 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

history. Previously, a torrid heat prevailed the entire Northern hemisphere. 
Now the temperature of the frigid zone crept southward until it reached Cincin- 
nati. A vast field of ice, perhaps hundreds of feet thick, extended from the 
north pole to this point. As this glacial rigor came southward, the flow of 
the St. Lawrence River was stopped, and the surplus water of the great lake 
basin was turned into the Ohio and Mississippi. This glacial sea was hy no 
means stationary even after its southern limit had been reached. It possessed 
the properties of a solid and a fluid. Its action was slow but powerful, grind- 
ing mountains to powder and forming great valleys and basins. Separating 
into two glacial portions, one moved toward the watershed north of the Ohio 
River ; and, continuing westerly, it hollowed out the basin of Lake Erie and 
crushed the apex of the Cincinnati arch. From this point, it turned south- 
ward and swept with a regular course through the Maumee and Miami Valleys 
to the Ohio River. The southern border constantly melting, and flowing toward 
the Gulf of Mexico, the great field was pressed forward by the accumulations 
of ice in the northern latitudes. Thus for ages, this powerful force was fitting 
the earth for the habitation of man. The surface was leveled, huge rocks 
broken and reduced to pebbles, sand, clay, etc., other soil and surface-material — 
while the debris was embedded at the bottom. In some sections, as the ice 
melted and freed the bowlders and rocks, the lighter material was swept away. 
The glacier moving forward, and the forces proving an " equilibrium," the 
edge of this ice-field was held in a solid stronghold, and the material thus de- 
posited forms a ridge, called by geologists "terminal moraine," first exemplified 
in Ohio by the " Black Swamp," in the Maumee Valley. 

The most extreme rigor of this period beginning to wane, the ice of the 
Maumee and Miami Valleys began to move slowly forward, toward the north, 
reaching the points now termed Hudson, Mich.; Fort "Wayne, Ind., and Kenton, 
Ohio — reachino; somewhat further south than Lima and Van Wert. The edo;e of 
the glacier was defined in outline by the present western border of Lake Erie, and 
parallel with it. Climatic influences " acting and counteracting," the glacial 
force was concentrated, the Maumee Valley being subjected to a grinding proc- 
ess, and a deposit of material going on, which now forms the boundary of the 
" Black Swamp." As our readers are aware, the waters of the St. Joseph and 
St. Mary's meet at Fort Wayne, and their united waters form the Maumee ; 
thence the turn is northwest, and, wearing an outlet through the ridge, it 
reaches the head of Lake Erie. 

The torrid zone yet gaining the ascendency, the ice-fields continuing their 
reverse motion, and retreating toward the north, the basin of the great lakes 
was formed ; and the blocks of ice melting therein, a vast sea of fresh water was 
formed, which gradually overflowed a portion of Canada and Michigan. But 
the St. Lawrence, that important outlet, was under the restraint of an ice 
blockade, and the surplus water of the fresh sea was turned into the Ohio and 
and Mississippi. 



fr'i 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 95 

Later, mountains of ice-float were drifted from the north by winds and cur- 
rents, into temperate latitudes, and melting, deposited rocks, stones and general 
debris. Following the iceberg-drift, came the permanent elevation above the ocean- 
level. The St. Lawrence outlet was formed. The inland sea was assuming its 
division into lakes. The united waters of Erie and Huron flowed through the 
Wabash Valley and into the Ohio, until, through some agency, that section was 
dry, and the lakes drained in another direction. The action of the glacial 
period in the Erie basin vicinity created what is known as the " Niagara lime- 
stone," by grinding upper strata and drifting the debris elsewhere. This seems 
to have occurred at intervals, exposures being made in Seneca, Sandusky and 
Wood Counties, and beneath the axis of the Cincinnati arch. Oriskany lime- 
stone is also available in another stratum, which has been brought to the surface. 
Again, there is a carboniferous stratum of limestone, and along the Maumee is 
a thin exposure of the Hamilton limestone and shale. 

A glacier having both fluid and solid properties, it will readily be compre- 
hended that obdurate projections of rock resisted its action, and created currents 
in other directions, for its forces. When this specified epoch had ceased to be, 
Ohio was a rough, irregular and crude mixture of ridges and knobs and pinnacles, 
which were " leveled up " and finished by iceberg-drift and inland-sea deposits. 
This settled and accumulated, and the work of hundreds of years produced a 
beautiful surface, its inequalities overcome, the water having receded and " terra 
firma" remaining. A deep bed of clay, sufficiently compact to hold the germs 
of organic matter, and sufficiently porous to absorb moisture, was especially 
adapted to encourage the growth of vegetation. These seeds had been brouo-ht 
by the winds and waves and natural agencies, and now began to produce plants 
and shrubs, which withered to enrich the soil, after scattering broadcast seeds 
that would again perpetuate verdure. Worms, land crabs and burrowino- ani- 
mals assisted in the creation of soil, while the buffalo, deer and bear folloAved, 
as soon as forestry appeared. Decomposed foliage and* fallen timber aided in 
the great work of preparing the present State of Ohio for the habitation of man. 
Prairie, marsh, forest, rivers and lakes w^ere formed, which, in turn, were modi- 
fied and prepared for a grand destiny by other influences. 

In glancing over the compiled histories of Ohio, those containing details of 
her early struggles, afflictions and triumphs, we are especially impressed with 
its near and sympathetic relation with the great Northwest, and the republic of 
the United States of America. From the early years when white men built 
their rude cabins in the then tangled wilderness, to the opulent and magnificent 
present of this united nation, Ohio has been stanch, loyal and earnest, both 
in action and principle. 

We shall endeavor to trace the history of the State concisely and accurately, 
according to the data given by the most reliable historians. We are oblio-ed to 
glean the prominent events only, our space being limited, compared with the 
multitudinous interests connected with this important part of the United States. 



96 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

FRENCH HISTORY. 

All through early French history, is the fact especially prominent, that in 
their explorations and expeditions, they united piety and business. They were 
zealous in sending out their missionaries, but they were always attended by 
traders and those who were as skilled in the world's profit and loss, as their 
companions were in propagating Christianity. 

Prior to the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers upon Plymouth Rock, the 
Upper Lakes were visited by the French, and records prove that during the first 
half of the seventeenth century, a vagabondish set, working in the interests of 
the fur company of New France, understood the geographical position of the 
lakes and their tributary streams. M. Perrot, an intelligent explorer, made 
overtures of peace to the Indian tribes around these bodies of water, and 
eifected a treaty, which, it is claimed, established the right for the French, in 
the name of their king, to hold the place near St. Mary's Falls. They further 
assert that the Mississippi was discovered by the French from Lake Superior, 
but this is not authenticated, and Father Marquette and M. Joliet are accepted 
as the first who found this large stream, in 1763. The good missionary won 
his way with his patient and sympathetic nature. 

Ohio was, like the other portions of the West, originally in the possession 
of aborigines or Indians. Of their origin, many suppositions are advanced, 
but no certainties sustained. From practical evidences, the Mound-Buildexs 
were active in Ohio, and here as elsewhere, their work marked retrogression 
rather than advancement. The territory of Ohio was claimed by the French, 
and included in that wide tract between the Alleghanies and the Rockies, held 
by them under the name of Louisiana. Before the year 1750, a French trad- 
ing-post was established at the mouth of the Wabash, and communication was 
established between that point and the Maumee, and Canada. Between the 
years 1678 and 1682, the intrepid La Salle and Father Hennepin, assisted by 
Fondi, an Italian, with a small band of followers, inaugurated a series of 
explorations about the great lakes and the Mississippi, building forts on their 
way and planting the French priority. In 1680, La Salle erected a stockade at 
the foot of the rapids of the Maumee, which was a general rendezvous for mission- 
aries, traders and explorers, besides constituting a primitive "stock exchange." 

The English colonies were at this time east of the Alleghanies, while the 
French were establishing themselves west of this range, gaining an entrance 
north and south, the two portions separated by hostile and barbarous foes. 
La Salle's spirit of adventure led him into new fields, but Father Hennepin 
was detailed to investigate that part of the world now known as the State of 
Ohio. The records assert that he published a volume containing an account of 
his observations "in the country between New Mexico and the frozen ocean," 
in 1684, together with maps of Lakes Erie, Huron and Michigan, and a plat 
of the larger streams in Ohio. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 97 

Apparently, the French more speedily comprehended the value of their 
advantages in the New World than^the English, and vigorously inaugurated and 
sustained commercial and religious projects. They were essentially benefited 
by the mediation of the Catholic priests between settlers and Indians, this 
really earnest class everywhere ingratiating themselves with the savages. The 
Order of Jesuits were very vigorous, and representatives were stationed at every 
trading-post, village and settlement. The English colonists engaged mostly in 
agriculture, while the French took a lively interest in the fur trade with the 
natives, probably from their former settlement in Quebec and thereabouts, where 
the climate is advantageous for this business. This added to the influence of 
the priests, and the natural assimilation of French and the Indians, through 
the tact and amiability of the former, the French possessions gained more 
rapidly than the English or Spanish. They courted their daughters and 
married them. They engaged in feasts and trades, and took advantage of 
those unimpeded times to extend their dominion with surprising celerity. A 
chain of trading, missionary and military posts extended from New Orleans to 
Quebec, by way of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, thence via Mackinaw and 
Detroit to Lakes Erie and Ontario. This route was shortened thereafter by 
following the Ohio River to the Wabash, following the latter upward, and 
down the Maumee to Lake Erie. 

About the same time, and to check the advancement of the French, the 
Ohio Company was formed by the English. This was an outgrowth of the 
contest between these two nations for the ascendency, whether empire, settle- 
ment or individual. After thirty years' peace between these two nations, 
"King George's War" opened the campaign in 1744, but terminated in 1748, 
the treaty at Aix-la-Chapelle unfortunately omitting a settlement of any division 
of claims in America. The English, French and Spanish were the first to 
enter America, and the right of possession by each monarch or empire was 
held by right of a first discovery. The only right that England could advance 
regarding Ohio was that the portion of the Six Nations found in the Ohio 
Valley had placed some of their lands under British jurisdiction, and that other 
portions had been purchased at Lancaster, Penn., by means of a treaty with 
the same nations. All this was strenuously denied and ignored by the French. 
Thus several conflicting influences swept carnage over fair Ohio. The Indians were 
allied to one side and the other, and were against each other. The Indians and 
French would advance against the English, and they, in retaliation, would 
make a raid into the Indian territory and overcome a French settlement. 
Whenever they could as well, Indians would take the cause in their own keep- 
ing and fight each other. The wide, verdant fields of Ohio were drenched 
ghastly red under a glowing sun, and the great forests echoed moans from the 
dying and distressed. The English colonists had partially overcome their 
deprivation, caused by a struggle for subsistence, and means to guard against 
the savages — this distress augmented by campaigns against Canada — by their 



98 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

increased numbers and wealth, but were now alarmed by the French rule in 
America, which gained so rapidly, unmolested as it was by Indian raids and 
other devastating circumstances. A constant conflict was going on between 
Lake Erie and the Upper Ohio. Atrocities and massacres were committed 
indiscriminately, which opened the way for a desperate class of marauders and 
villains from the colonies and European States. These people enlisted with 
the Indians on either side for the purpose of leadership and plunder. Every 
fortification, trading-post and settlement was garrisoned or deserted, and the 
ground between the Alleghanies and the Maumee became a conflict field, rife 
with thrilling deeds, sacrifice and adventures, the half never having been 
chronicled, and many heroes falling uncrowned by even a lasting memory, since 
during these times the people kept few annals, and cared less for historical 
memories than anything on earth. They were living, and dying, and struggling, 
and that was more than they could carry through safely. The French formed 
a road from the Ohio River to Detroit, via the foot of the Lower Rapids of the 
Maumee, and the foot of the Lower Rapids of the Sandusky. 

The Ohio Company obtained a charter under English views, from the 
British Government, with a grant of 6,000 acres of land on the Ohio. The 
English now reverted to the times of the Cabots, and protested that by right 
they held the entire country between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, bounded 
by those parallels of latitude defining their Atlantic coast settlements. France 
claimed the region drained by the Mississippi and tributaries, the great lakes 
and their tributaries, the area being west of the Alleghanies. Ohio was thus 
included in the disputed tract. 

The Ohio Company was formed in 1748, by a number of Virginians and 
Londoners, two brothers of George Washington taking conspicuous parts in the 
movement ; Thomas Lee was especially active. When the surveys were begun, 
the Governor of Canada entered vigorous protests, and indicated his displeasure 
by a prompt line of posts from Erie to Pittsburgh, named respectively, Presque 
Isle, Le Boeuf, Vedango, Kittaning and Du Quesne. The latter was begun 
by the English, captured by the French, and by them completed. 

The first English settlement of which we can find traces was a block-house 
at Piqua, about the year 1752. It was attacked, and a bitter struggle ensued, 
resulting in the death of fourteen of the assailants. Those within the garrison 
suffered severely, many being burned, and the remainder captured and dis- 
patched to Canada. 

In 1753, the French and Indian war actively began. It did not extend 
beyond the American continent until 1756, when the home governments took 
an interest in its progress beyond encouraging their respective colonists to pur- 
sue the war-path to a direful finale for their adversaries. For four years, the 
French captured and conquered, spreading terror wherever they went, and 
they followed every Englishman that set his foot on Ohio soil to the death. 
We may state that these people had not retained their civilized habits, and 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 99 

constant association with savages had embued them with barbarous methods of 
warfare which were sickening and revolting to the English, and to which they 
could not resort. It is highly probable that French success was vastly brought 
about by these means, together with the assistance of their Indian allies. In 
1758, when the English hope was almost exterminated, the elder Pitt being 
placed at the head of the administration, a new and energetic system was 
inauguratid, wise measures instituted, and military science triumphed over 
savage cunning and French intrigue. The first brilliant English achievement 
was the conquest of Canada. When the home governments interfered, the 
war assumed the character of a Frencji and English conflict, regardless of 
Indian right, yet the tribes continued to participate in the carnage. 

A certain Christian, Frederick Post, a Moravian missionary, located upon 
the Muskingum, near Beavertown. Heckewelder consented to become his 
associate. The Indians receiving them kindly, under conditions that Post 
should serve as tutor, this missionary began clearing a field for the purpose of 
planting corn for sustenance. This did not accord with Indian logic. They 
had stipulated that he teach and he was planting corn, which to them was a 
signal of the coming of other whites, the building of a fort and encroachments 
upon the Indians. They referred to the French priests, who were in good 
physical condition, did not till land, but were in charge of the Great Spirit 
who provided for them, a conclusive proof to them that when divine work was 
acceptable to the Great Spirit, priests were somehow sustained by other than 
the plans which disturbed their great hunting-grounds. However, they 
allowed him a small space, and he remained with them, preaching and teaching 
during the summer of 1762, when, accompanied by one of the principal chiefs, 
he returned to Lancaster, Penn., where a treaty was concluded. On his return 
to his post, he was met by Heckewelder, who imparted the tidings that friendly 
Indians had warned him that the war was about to sweep over their section, 
and destruction awaited them if they remained. The mission was accordingly 
abandoned. This failure was not so bitter as the English effort to sustain their 
trading-post in 1749, on the Great Miami, afterward called Laramie's store. 
It pursued a feeble existence until 1752, when a French raid upon the Twig- 
twees and English colonists proved fatal. 

A European treaty now excluded the French from any rights to make 
treaties with the Indians, and the English, in their flush of victory after Pitt's 
succession, assumed the authority over Indians and lands. The savages did 
not accept the situation with anything resembling the gentle spirit of resigna- 
tion, and the Ottawa chief, Pontiac, led the several tribes into a general war 
against the intruders. It was no longer French and English, but Indian and 
English, the former being instigated and assisted many times by the French, 
now desperate and unscrupulous in a mad spirit for revenge. 

The intention of the Indians was to drive the whites east of the mountains, 
destroying their numerous strongholds in Pennsylvania and Virginia, if they 



100 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

failed in their hope of utterly exterminating them. Pontiac had effected a 
consolidation of the tribes ranging from Mackinaw to North Carolina, thus 
being enabled to swoop down upon all the settlements simultaneously. A 
deadly beginning was made in the Ohio Valley, and only two or three English 
traders escaped out of the one hundred and twenty located in that vicinit}^ 
The forts at Presque Isle, St. Joseph and Mackinaw, were captured amid scenes 
of slaughter too terrible to perpetuate in description. The years* 1763 and 
1764 were literally drenched in human carnage and anguish. Ohio was a 
great field of crime, murder, pain and horror. The expeditions of Bradstreet 
and Bouquet crushed the war in 1764, and Pontiac with his Ottawas removed 
to the Maumee and settled. English settlement now progressed with great 
rapidity, but this was destined to be disturbed in 1774, by the action of Lord 
Dunmore, who led an expedition against the tribes of the Ohio country, termi- 
nated by his treaty on the Scioto plains. At this period, the colonists were not 
in strict harmony with England, and the spirit of revolution was spreading 
every day. 

When Lord Dunmore made his treaty, the affirmation was made and gained 
ground that he, being a thorough loyalist, had compromised under such terms 
as held the Indians British allies against the settlers. Directly following this 
treaty, was the deliberate murder of a number of Indians, near Wheeling, 
including the family of the great chief, Logan — which inaugurated retaliating 
atrocities. 

In the year 1781, April 16, the first white child was born within the pres- 
ent limits of Ohio, and was christened Mary Heckewelder, daughter of a Mora- 
vian missionary. All the settlers of these Moravian towns on the Muskingum 
were made prisoners in September of the same year. Heckwelder was trans- 
ported to Detroit, but English tyranny failed to find any evidence against him 
or his colaborers, and they were reluctantly released, and returned to their fam- 
ilies in Sandusky. Poverty added to their sufferings, and in the forlorn 
hope of finding a remnant of their property at the old settlements, which might 
assist in mitigating their necessities, they wearily went thitherward. They 
began gathering their grain, but the Wyandots attacked them, and many lives 
were lost. Frontiersmen had also grown jealous of them, and a body of about 
ninety marched out together, for the fiendish purpose of pillaging, slaughtering 
and laying waste all Moravian towns and posts. With the wily insidiousness of 
savages, they went about their diabolical plan. The Moravians were cordial and 
bade this band welcome, when they reached their towns in the guise of friend- 
ship. Williamson, the leader, and the gleaners, were called from the fields, 
when, to the dismay of these trusting and frank people, they were all bound, 
and only fifteen out of the marauding band of ninety were in favor of even 
sparing the lives of these hapless men, women and children. Forty men, 
twenty-two women and thirty-four children were then cruelly and heartlessly 
murdered, their sufferings laughed to scorn, and the last sound that fell on their 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. ■ 101 

ears was exultant derision. It would seem that whatever the Indians left un- 
done, in the way of horror, in the State of Ohio, the whites improved upon, and 
blackened the pages of American history with deeds of blood. Succeedino- this 
barbarity, was the expedition against Moravian Indian towns, upon the San- 
dusky. Not an Indian, whether an enemy or friend, old or young, male or 
female, was to escape the assault, including an extermination of the Moravian 
element. 

Col. William Crawford led the expedition, which counted 500 men, in their 
dastardly work. Warning had in some manner reached the towns, and 
the troops found them deserted. But the Indians were incensed, and 
their wrath had not driven them to hiding-places, but to a preparation to 
meet their foes. They fought desperately, and Crawford's troops Avero defeated 
and scattered, many being captured, and among them. Col. Crawford himself. 
It is hardly probable that Crawford could justly expect much mercy at the 
hands of his captors. His battle-cry had been "no quarter," and yet he evi- 
dently hoped for some consideration, as he requested an interview with Simon 
Girty, who lived with and influenced the Indians. Accounts state that Craw- 
ford implored the aid of Girty, and at last secured a promise to use his power 
to obtain the Colonel's pardon. However, this was of no avail, and it is doubt- 
ful whether Girty was disposed to intercede. The prisoners were tortured and 
put to death, and Crawford's agonies were protracted as long as possible. Dr. 
Knight managed to disable the Indian who had him in charge, and made his 
escape to the settlements, where he related the result of the expedition and the 
tortures of the captured. 

On October 27, 1784, a treaty was concluded, at Fort Stanwix, with the 
sachems and warriors of the Mohawks, Onondagas, Senecas, Cayugas, Onei- 
das and Tuscarawas, and the Six Nations then ceded to the Colonial Govern- 
ment all claims to the country west of a line defined by the western boundary 
to the Ohio — thus rendering the Indian claim to a large portion of Ohio lands 
practically extinct. 

Although the French and Indian war was a series of heart-rending events, 
it was a serious and remarkable school of discipline for the untrained troops 
which soon engaged in the Revolutionary struggle. On the fields of Ohio, many 
valuable officers, who earned distinction in the war of independence, learned their 
first lessons in intrepid valor. 

During the Revolution, the colonial troops were engaged east of the moun- 
tains, and western settlements and frontier people were left alone to defend them- 
selves and their property against encroachments and attacks. 

The Indian tribes again became belligerent, and united with the English 
against the "Americans." The latter held a line of posts along the Upper 
Ohio, while the British were stationed in the old French strongholds on the 
lakes and the Mississippi. The unscrupulous whites and Indians ranged at ran- 
dom between this boundary and the Cuyahoga, thence southerly to the Ohio, 



102 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

thus including the Scioto and Miami Valleys. Southeastern Ohio constituted 
"the neutral ground." 

Gen, Clarke's expedition, although chiefly confined to Indiana and Illinois, 
-greatly influenced the settlement of Ohio. His exploits and the resolution of 
his troops were chiefly instrumental in holding the country west of the Alle- 
ghanies, and insuring its possession by the United States during the Revolution. 
The British had been emphatic, in the Paris treaty, at the time of the settlement 
of the French and English difficulties, in demanding the Ohio River as the 
northern boundary of the United States. The American Commissioners relied 
upon Gen. Clarke's valor and energy in holding the country west of the Alle- 
ghanies, which he had conquered, and the British Commissioners were compelled 
to give their consent, under civil and military measures. In 1783, by the 
treaty of Paris, at the close of the Revolutionary war, the English relinquished 
•-all rights to the fertile territory between the Alleghanies and the Mississippi, 
•and the United States held undisputed possession. 

January 10, 1786, Gens. Rufus Putnam and Benjamin Tupper circulated a 
pamphlet, proposing the formation of a company for the purpose of settling the 
Ohio lands, and soliciting the attention and consideration of all those desiring a 
future home and prosperity. A meeting was also called, to assemble during the 
following February, and select delegates to represent each county in Massachu- 
.setts. These dignitaries should convene during the month of March, at the 
"" Bunch of Grapes " tavern, in Boston, for the purpose of definitely forming the 
association, and adopting such measures as would benefit all directly interested. 
The meeting and " convention " followed, and the subscription books were opened. 
One million dollars, chiefly represented by Continental certificates, was the 
price of the land. The shares were valued at $1,000 each, and there was a 
division of a thousand shares. The first payment was to be $10 per share, this 
money to be set aside for such expenses as might accrue. A year's interest was 
to be devoted to the establishment of the settlement, and those families who 
^ere unable to incur the expense of moving were to be assisted. Those who 
purchased shares to the number of twenty were entitled to a representation by 
■an agent, who was permitted to vote for Directors. This plan matured and was 
•acted upon during the following year. It may be that the action of Connecti- 
>3ut, in ceding her territorial claims to the General Government, with few excep- 
tions, greatly encouraged this new undertaking. That tract was, until recently, 
designated the " Western Reserve " — an extent 170 miles from the western 
boundary of Pennsylvania, and parallel thereto, being reserved. 

On October 27, 1787, a contract was made between the Board of the Treas- 
ury, for the United States, and Manasseh Cutler and Winthrop Sargent, agents 
for the Directors of the New England Ohio Company, for the purchase of a tract 
of land, bounded by the Ohio, and from the mouth of the Scioto to the inter- 
section of the western boundary of the seventh townships, then surveying ; 
.thence by said boundary to the northern boundary of the tenth township from 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 103 

the Ohio ; thence, by a due west line, to the Scioto ; thence, by the Scioto, to 

the beo-innino-. 

o o 

However fertile and attractive Ohio was known to have been, settlement did 
not gain rapidly after the close of the war with England, although the United 
States has gained her freedom. It was more than six years after Cornwallis 
laid down his sword, before a white settlement was formed on the Ohio side of the 
river. The French and Indian war had incited the English to be jealous of her 
colonial conquests, and mistrusting their loyalty, they had, so soon as the French 
claims were annulled, taken measures to crush all colonial claims also, and a 
royal proclamation rescinded all colonial land grants and charters, holding all 
the country west of the sources of the Atlantic rivers under the protection and 
sovereignty of tlie king of Great Britain, for the use of the Indians. All white 
persons were forbidden to remain or settle within the prescribed limits. Parlia- 
ment then attached this tract to Quebec, and the English Government felt assured 
that the thirteen colonies were restricted and held secure east of the Alleghanies.. 

The result of the war between the colonies and England did not constitute 
an Indian treaty. Although England signed over her title and right, the sava- 
ges held the land and ignored all white agreements, one way or the other. 
Whenever an attempt at settlement was undertaken, Indian depredations proved 
disastrous. The tribes were encouraged by the English fur traders, and the- 
English commandant at Detroit incited them to destroy all Americans who 
attempted to usurp the rights of red men. 

Added to this serious difficulty was the unsettled debate regarding State 
claims, Avhich rendered a title precarious. A treaty, signed at Fort Mcintosh,, 
previous to the war, and authenticated, shows that during the conflict the Dela- 
wares and Wyandots occupied the Indian and British frontier, on the southern 
shore of Lake Erie, from the Cuyahoga to the Maumee, and from the lake to 
the sources of its tributaries. Later, these two tribes ceded to the United 
States "the neutral ground," by warranty deed, and by quit-claim, the terri- 
tory south and west of the described tract, set apart for their use. 

By special measures, the grant of Congress in the matter of the Ohio Com- 
pany extended to nearly 5,000,000 acres, valued at |3,500,000. The original 
Ohio Company obtained 1,500,000 acres, the remaining being reserved by indi- 
viduals, for private speculation. 

The same year, Congress appointed Arthur St. Clair, Governor, and Win- 
throp Sargent, Secretary, of the Territory. 

Fort Harmar had previously been built, at the mouth of the Muskingum,, 
and in 1788, a New England colony attempted the " Muskingum settlement,'* 
on the opposite side, which was afterward named Marietta, In July, 1788, the 
Territorial officers were received in this village, and there established the first 
form of civil government, as set forth in the Ordinance of 1787. Three United 
States Judges were appointed, and Courts of Common Pleas, Probate and 
Justice were established. 



104 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

If the Stormy times were supposed to be of the past, that composure was 
rudely broken by the utter disregard of the Shawnee and other Indian tribes, 
who soon induced the Delawares and Wyandots to repudiate their consent in the 
matter of settlement. The miseries of frontier horrors Avere repeated. The 
British commandant at Detroit instigated many of these hostilities, yet the 
American Government took honorable action in assuring the English represent- 
ative that American military preparations in the West was not an expedition 
against Detroit, or other British possessions, although the possession of Detroit 
by that nation was in direct opposition to the treaty of 1783. Gov. St. Clair, 
to avert the direful consequences of a border war, dispatched a Frenchman, 
Gameline, to the principal Indian towns of the Wabash and Maumee countries, 
to request them to meet the United States agents, and make a compromise for 
the benefit of both parties, at the same time reiterating the desire of the General 
Government to adhere to the Fort Harmar treaty. The Miamis, Shawnees, 
Ottawas, Kickapoos and Delawares received this representative kindly, but 
declined the wampum sent by the Governor, and deferred giving an answer 
until they had considered the subject with the " father at Detroit.'' 

Blue Jacket, chief of the Shawnees, informed the Frenchman that the Indi- 
ans doubted the sincerity of the Americans. The new settlement on the Ohio 
was a proof that the whites intended to crowd further and further, until the 
Indians were again and again robbed of their just right. He then emphatically 
asserted that unless the north side of the river was kept free from these inroads 
there could be no terms of peace with the Shawnees, and many other tribes. 

Blue Jacket was unusually intelligent and sagacious, and expressed himself 
eloquently. He was persistent in his determination to engage in the war of 
extermination, should the white settlements continue north of the Ohio. 

These overtures were continued, but they failed in producing any arrange- 
ment that permitted the whites to locate north of the Ohio. 

Congress called upon Kentucky and Pennsylvania to lend the aid of their 
militia. Gen. H^irmar was instructed to destroy the Miami villages at the 
head of the Maumee. Late in the fall of 1790, he executed this order. 

The Indians had stored a large quantity of provisions, in expectation of a 
campaign, and this dependence was devastated. Without authority, and with 
undue carelessness, he divided his army and attempted to achieve other victo- 
ries. He more than lost what he had gained. Two raids upon the Wabash In- 
dians, thereafter, proved successful, but the campaign under Gov. St. Clair was 
not calculated to establish peace or obtain power, and was deemed but little less 
than a failure. 

The year 1792 was a series of skirmishes, so far as a settlement was con- 
cerned, but 1793 succeeded well enough to convene a meeting of United States 
Commissioners and representatives of the hostile tribes, at the rapids of the 
Maumee. It is highly probable that a satisfactory treaty might have been 
arranged, had it not been for the intervention and malicious influence of the 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 105 

British Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Col. McKee, his assistant Capt. 
Elliott, and the notorious Capt. Simon Girty, who instigated the savages to 
deeds more horrible than their own barbarisms. 

It Avas evident that a severe struggle must ensue, and Capt. Wayne, in 
1792, appointed to the command of the Western army, was called upon to con- 
duct the campaign. He exhibited his wisdom in the beginning, by preparing 
his men in military discipline and fully equipping them before marching to meet 
a savage foe in a wilderness. Various causes detained the army, and it was not 
until the fall of 1793, that the force marched from Fort Washington (Cincin- 
nati) to begin the battle. 

It was already late in the season, and, before any progress had been made, 
the army went into winter quarters at Greenville, on a branch of the Big 
Miami. 

In the mean time, the Ohio Company had not matured its practical "settle- 
ment plan," although a generous grant had been obtained. In 1792, they 
received a clear title to 750,000 acres of land, for which the full price had pre- 
viously been paid, in Continental currency. Congress set aside 214,285 acres 
as army bounties, and 100,000 acres to actual settlers. The two latter appro- 
priations joined that of the Ohio Company. 

There had been numerous conventions, discussions and other fruitless 
attempts to somehow form a plan for the government of the Northwest Terri- 
tory, but it was not until July 13, 1787, that an ordinance was passed, and that 
was the result of Dr. Cutler's efforts. Every State sustained its measures. 

This ordinance was the foundation of the constitution of the future State of 
Ohio, and indeed, permeates the entire Northwestern creed. 

ORDINANCE OF 1787.— No. 32. 
An Ordinance for the Government of the Territory of the United States, Northwest of 
THE Ohio River. 

Be it ordained by the United States in Congress assembled, That the said Territory, for the pur- 
pose of government, be one district; subject, however, to be divided into two districts, as future cir- 
cumstances may, in the opinion of Congress, make it expedient. 

Be it ordained by the authority aforesaid, That the estates of both resident and non-resident 
proprietors in the said Territory, dying intestate, shall descend to and be distributed among their 
children and the descendants of a deceased child, in equal parts; the descendants of a deceased 
•child or grandchild to take the share of their deceased parent in equal parts among them. And 
when there shall be no children or descendants, then in equal parts to the next of kin in equal 
degree ; and among collaterals, the children of a deceased brother or sister of the intestate shall 
ha-ve, in equal parts among them, their deceased parent's share; and there shall in no case be a 
distribution between kindred of the whole and half blood, saving in all cases to the widow of 
intestate, her third part of the real estate, for life, and one-third part of the personal estate ; and 
this law relative to descents and dower, shall remain in full force until altered by the Legis- 
lature of the district. And until the Governor and Judges shall adopt laws as hereinafter 
mentioned, estates in said Territory may be devised or bequeathed by wills in writing, signed 
and sealed by him or her in whom the estate may be (being of full age), and attested by three 
witnesses ; and real estate may be conveyed by lease and release, or bargain and sale, signed and 
sealed, and delivered by the person (being in full age) in whom the estate may be, and attested 



106 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

by two witnesses, provided such wills be duly proved, and such conveyances be acknowledged, or 
the execution thereof duly proved and be recorded within one year after proper magistrates, 
courts and registers shall be appointed for that purpose. And personal property may l)e trans- 
ferred by delivery, saving, however, to the French and Canadian inhabitants and other settlers of 
the Kaskaskias, St. Vincent's and the neighboring villages, who have heretofore professed them- 
selves citizens of Virginia, their laws and customs now in force among them, relative to the 
descent and conveyance of property. 

Be it ordained by the authoritij aforesaid. That there shall be appointed from time to time, by 
Congress, a Governor whose commission shall continue in force for a term of three years, unless 
sooner revoked by Congress. He shall reside in the district and have a freehold estate thei-ein, 
of a thousand acres of land while in the exercise of his office. 

There shall be appointed from time to time by Congress, a Secretary whose commission shall 
continue in force for two years, unless sooner revoked. He shall reside in the district, and shall 
have a freehold estate therein in 500 acres of land, while in the exercise of his office. It shall be 
his duty to keep and preserve the acts and laws passed by the Legislature, and the public lecords 
of the district, and the proceedings of the Governor in his executive department, and transmit 
authentic copies of such acts and proceedings every six months, to the Secretary of Congress. 
There shall also be appointed a court to consist of three Judges, any two of whom to form a 
court, who shall have a common law jurisdiction and shall reside in the district and have each, 
therein a freehold estate in 500 acres of land, while in the exercise of their office, and their 
commissions shall continue in force during good behavior. 

The Governor and Judges, or a majority of them, shall adopt and publish in the district 
such laws of the original States, criminal and civil, as may be necessary and best suited to the 
circumstances of the district, and report them to Congress from time to time, which laws shall be 
in force in the district until the organization of the General Assembly therein, unless disapproved 
by Congress. But afterwai'd, the Legislature shall have authoi'ity to alter them, as thej^ shall 
think fit. 

The Governor, for the time being, shall be commander-in-chief of the militia, appoint and 
commission all officers in the same, below the rank of general officers. All general officers shall 
be appointed and commissioned by Congress. 

Previous to the organization of the General Assembly, the Governor shall appoint such mag- 
istrates and other civil officers in each county or township, as he shall find necessary for the 
preservation of the peace and good order in the same. After the General Assembly shall be 
organized, the powers and duties of magistrates and other civil officers shall be regulated and 
defined liy the said Assembly, but all magistrates and other civil officers not herein otherwise 
directed, shall, during the continuance of this temporary government, be appointed by the 
Governor. 

For the prevention of crimes and injuries, the laws to be adopted or made shall have force 
in all parts of the district, and for the execution of process, criminal or civil, the Governor shall 
make proper divisions thereof, and he shall proceed from time to time as circumstances may 
require, to lay out the parts of the district in which the Indian titles shall have been extin- 
guished, into counties and townships, subject, however, to such alterations as may thereafter be 
made by the Legislature. So soon as there shall be 5,000 free male inhabitants of full age in the 
district, upon giving proof thereof to the Governor, they shall receive authority with time and 
place, to elect representatives from their counties or townships, to represent them in the General 
Assembly. Provided, That for every 500 free male inhabitants, there shall be one representative, 
and so on progressively with the number of free male inhabitants, shall the right of representa- 
tion increase, until the number of representatives shall amount to twenty-five. After which, the 
number shall be regulated by the Legislature. Provided, That no person be eligible or qualified 
to act as a representative unless he shall have been a citizen of one of the United States three 
years, and be a resident in the district, or unless he shall have resided in the district three 
years, and in either case, shall likewise hold in his own right in fee simple 200 acres of land- 
within the same. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 107 

Provided, Also, that a freehold in 50 acres of land in the district, having been a citizen of 
one of the States, and being a resident in the district, or the like freehold and two years' resi- 
dence in the district, shall be necessary to qualify a man as an elector of a representative. 

The representatives thus elected, shall serve for the term of two years. And in case of the 
death of a representative or removal from office, the Governor shall issue a writ to the county or 
township for which he was a member, to elect another in his stead, to serve for the residue of the 
term. 

The General Assembly or Legislature shall consist of the Governor, Legislative Council, and 
a House of Representatives. The Legislative Council shall consist of five members, to continue 
in office five years, unless sooner removed by Congress; any three of whom to be a quorum. 
And the members of the Council shall be nominated and appointed in the following manner, to wit : 

As soon as representatives shall be elected, the Governor shall appoint a time and place for 
them to meet together, and when met, they shall nominate ten persons, residents in the district, 
and each person in a freehold in 500 acres of land, and return their names to Congress, five of 
whom Congress shall appoint and commission as aforesaid. And whenever a vacancy shall hap- 
pen in the Council by death or removal from office, the House of Representatives shall nominate 
two persons, qualified as aforesaid, for each vacancy, and return their names to Congress, one of 
whom Congress shall appoint and commission for the residue of the term. And every five years, 
four months at least before the expiration of the time of service of the members of the Council, 
the said House shall nominate ten persons qualified as aforesaid, and return their names to 
Congress, five of whom Congress shall appoint and commission to serve as members of the 
Council five years, unless sooner removed. And the Governor, Legislative Council and House 
of Representatives shall have authority to make laws in all cases, for the good government 
of the district, not repugnant to the principles and articles in this Ordinance, established and 
declared. 

And all bills having passed by a majority in the House, and by a majority in the Council, 
shall be referred to the Governor for his assent. But no bill or legislative act whatever, shall be 
of any force without his assent. The Governor shall have power to convene, prorogue and dis- 
solve the General Assembly, when in his opinion it shall be expedient. 

The Governor, Judges, Legislative Council, Secretary, and such other officers as Congress 
shall appoint in the district, shall take an oath or affirmation of fidelity and of office. The Gov- 
ernor before the President of Congress, and all other officers before the Governor. 

As soon as a Legislature shall be formed in the district, the Council and House assembled 
in one room, shall have authority by joint ballot to elect a delegate to Congress, who shall 
have a seat in Congress, with a right of debating, but not of voting, during this temporary gov- 
ernment. 

And for extending the fundamental principles of civil and religious liberty, which forms 
the basis whereon these republics, their laws and constitutions, are created ; to fix and establish 
those principles as the basis of all laws, constitutions and governments, which forever hereafter 
shall be formed in said Territory. To provide for the establishment of States, and permanent 
governments therein, and for their admission to a share in the Federal Council on an equal footing 
with the original States, at as early periods as may be consistent with the general interest. 

It is hereby ordained and declared by the authority aforesaid, That the following articles shall 
be considered as articles of compact between the original States and the people, and States in 
said Territory, and forever remain unaltered unless by common consent, to wit : 

Article II. The inhabitants of said Territory shall always be entitled to the benefits of the 
writ of habeas corpus, and of the trial by jury ; of a proportionate representation of the people 
in the Legislature, and of judicial procedure according to the course of common law. All per- 
sons shall be bailable, except for capital offenses, where the proof shall be evident or the pre- 
sumption great. All fines shall be moderate, and no cruel or unreasonable punishment shall be 
inflicted. No man shall be deprived of his liberty or property, but by the judgment of his peers 
or the law of the land. And should the public exigencies make it necessary for the common 
preservation, to take any person's property, or to demand his particular services, full compensation 



108 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

shall be made for the same. And in the just preservation of rights and property, it is under- 
stood and declared that no law aught ever to be made or have force in the said Territory, 
that shall in any manner whatever interfere with or effect private contracts or engagements bona 
fide and without fraud, previously formed. 

Art. III. Religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to good government and the 
happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged. The 
utmost good fixitli shall always be observed toward the Indians; their lands and property shall 
never be taken from them without their consent ; and in their property, rights and liberty they 
shall never be invaded or disturbed, unless in just and lawful wars authorized by Congress. But 
laws founded in justice and humanity, shall from time to time be made for preventing wrongs 
being done to them, and for preserving peace and friendship with them. 

Art. IV. The said Territory and the States which may be forined therein, shall ever remain 
a part of the confederacy of the United States of America, subject to the articles of confedera- 
tion, and to such alterations therein as shall be constitutionally made, and to all the acts and 
ordinances of the United States in Congress assembled conformable thereto. The inhabitants and 
seitlers in said Territory shall be subject to pay a part of the federal debts contracted or to be 
contracted, and a proportional part of the expenses of the Government, to be apportioned on 
them by Congress, according to the same common rule and measure by which apportionments 
thereof shall be made on the other States, and the taxes for paying their proportion shall be laid 
and levied by the authority and directions of the Legislature of the district or districts or new 
States, within the time agreed upon by the United States in Congress assembled. The Legisla- 
tures of those districts or new States, shall never interfere with the primary disposal of the soil 
by the United States in Congress assembled, nor with any regulations Congress may find neces- 
sary for securing the title in such soil to the bona-fide purchasers. No tax shall be imposed on 
lands the property of the United States, and in no case, shall non-residents be taxed higher than 
residents. The navigable waters leading into the Mississippi and St Lawrence, and the carry- 
ing places between the same, shall be common highways, and forever free as well to the inhabi- 
tants of the said Territory as to the citizens of the United States and those of any other States 
that may be admitted into the confederacy, without any tax, impost or duty therefor. 

Art. V. There shall be formed in said Territory not less than three, nor more than five, 
States, and the boundaries of the States, as soon as Virginia shall alter her act of cession and 
consent to the same, shall become fixed and established as follows, to wit: The western State in 
the said Territory shall be bounded by the Mississippi, the Ohio, the Wabash Rivers ; a direct 
line drawn from the Wabash and Post St. Vincent, due north to the Territorial line between the 
United States and Canada ; and by the said Territorial line to the Lake of the Woods and Missis- 
sippi. The middle State shall be bounded by the said direct line, the Wabash from Post St. Vin- 
cent to the Ohio, by the Ohio, by a direct lino drawn due north from the mouth of the Great 
Miami to the said Territorial line. The eastern State shall be bounded by the last-mentioned 
direct line, the Ohio, Pennsjdvania and said territorial line. Provided, however, and it is further 
understood and declared, that the boundaries of those three States shall be subject so far to be 
altered, that, if Congress shall hereafter find it expedient, they shall have authority to form one 
or two States in that part of the said Territory which lies north of an east and west line drawn 
through the southerly bend or extreme of Lake Michigan. And whenever any of the said States 
shall have 60,000 free inhabitants therein, such State shall be admitted by its delegates into the 
Congress of the United States on an equal footing with the original States in all respects what- 
ever, and shall be at liberty to form a permanent constitution and State government. Provided, 
The constitution and government so to be formed, shall be represented, and in conformity to the 
principles contained in these articles ; and so far as it can be consistent with the general interest 
of the confederacy, such admission shall be allowed at an earlier period, and when there may be 
a less number of free inhabitants than 60,000. 

Art. VI. There shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in the said Territory, 
otherwise than in the punishment of crimes whereof the party shall have been duly convicted. 
Provided alwayn. That any person escaping into the same from whom labor or service is lawfully 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. lO'J 

claimed in one of the original States, each fugitive may be lawfully claimed and conveyed to the 
person claiming his or her labor or services as aforesaid. 

Be it ordained by the authority aforesaid. That the resolutions of the 23d of April, 1784, 
relative to the subject of this ordinance, be and the same are hereby repealed and declared null 
and void. 

The passage of this ordinance, since known as the " Ordinance of 1787,'' 
was immediately followed by an application to the Government, by John Cleves 
Symmes, of New Jersey, in behalf of the country, between the Miamis, and a 
contract was concluded the following year. The Ohio Company were exceed- 
ingly energetic in inaugurating settlements. Gen. Putman, with a party of 
forty-seven men, set out on an exploring expedition, accompanied by six boat 
builders. On the 1st of January, 1788, twenty-six surveyors followed, from 
Hartford, Conn. They arrived in Ohio on the 7th of April, 1788, and their 
active energy founded the permanent beginning of this great Western State- 
When we review the dangerous experiments that have been made, in this land 
west of the Alleghanies, the horrors which had overwhelmed every attempt, we 
can faintly realize the stalwart courage that sent these men on their way, and 
sustained them in their pioneer hardships. With characteristic vigor, thQy 
began their little town. Enthusiastic and happy, they did not rest from their 
toilsome march over the old Indian roads, but kept busily at work to estab- 
lish an oasis in this wide expanse of wilderness, before they should take nec- 
essary ease to recuperate their strength. 

The wise men met on the 2d of May, and the little town was named 
Marietta. Situated as it was, in the midst of danger, they had used precaution 
to build and equip a fortified square, which was designated Campus Martius ; 
Square No. 19 was Capitolium, and Square No. 61 was Cecelia, and the main 
street was Sacra Via. 

Marietta was especially fortunate in her actual "first families." Ten of the 
forty-eight men had received a thorough college education ; the remaining were 
individuals of sterling merit, honorable, and several had already attained reputations 
for superior excellence of abilities. Patriotic and brave, the settlement certainly 
possessed a foundation that promised well for the future. The following 4th of 
July was an auspicious event, and the Hon. James M. Varnum was the eloquent 
orator of the occason. 

The opening of the court, on the 2d of September, was a solemn ceremonial, 
the High Sheriff leading with drawn sword, followed by citizens, with an escort 
of officers from Fort Harmar, the members of the bar, the Governor and Clergy- 
men, the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas — Gen. Rufus Putman and 
Benjamin Tupper — all these constituted an imposing spectacle, as they pro- 
gressed over a path which had been cut through the forest to Campus Martius 
Hall, the edifice of law and order. 

The Judges took their seats, a prayer was offered by the Rev. Dr. Cutler, 
and immediately the Sheriff, Col. Ebenezer Sprout, proclaimed the response, 
and the court of impartial justice was convened. 



110 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

This ceremonial was, perhaps, made all the more impressive by the presence 
of several powerful Indian chiefs, who had journeyed to Marietta for the pur- 
pose of making a treaty. 

The settlement now increased rapidly, new cabins were erected constantly. 
On the 17th of December, a society event occurred, in the form of a grand ball, 
fifteen ladies being present. 

John Cleves Symmes had contracted for 2,000,000 acres of land, and suc- 
ceeded in obtaining his grant, but circumstances prevented him from meeting 
his part of the obligations, and the specification was reduced to 1,000,000. 
After vain attempt to make his payments, a settlement was finally effected for 
248,540 acres, and Symmes was prepared to dispose of clear titles to new-com- 
ers. In 1788, a town was established within the boundaries of his grant, at the 
mouth of the little Miami, known as Columbia, and in the early part of 1787 
another was formed opposite the mouth of the Licking River, by name Losanti- 
ville, analyzed by a frontier scholar — ville, the town ; anti, opposite to ; os, the 
mouth of; L, Licking. 

Judge Symmes had projected b.uilding his main town at North Bend. This 
plan was frustrated by reason of Ensign Luce — who had been commissioned by 
Gen. Harmar to erect a fort — deciding that North Bend was not suitable for the 
purpose. He selected Losantiville for the purpose, and Fort Washington was 
the result. In 1790, Gov. St. Clair was called to inspect the settlement, and 
proceeded to organize Hamilton County, at the same time calling the town 
Cincinnati. 

It will be remembered that Connecticut ceded most of her western lands to 
General Government, retaining, however, a minor portion. As the settlements 
began to increase on the "Virginia Reserve" and between the Scioto and Miami 
Rivers, all those holding claims were not disposed to .part with them, while 
others were anxious to secure grants for the purpose of speculation, rather than 
the advancement of civilization. The Scioto Company was a questionable ad- 
herent of the Ohio Company, and began operations, which resulted well, what- 
ever their purpose may have been. 

Gen. Putnam cleared the land and directed the building of 100 dwellings and 
six block-houses. During 1791, the colony arrived, consisting of 500 persons. 
Only ten of these were tillers of the soil. Viscount Malartie ventured into the 
wilderness, but instead of settling, joined Gen. St. Clair's army, and was ulti- 
mately his aid-de-camp. Indian conquests were not to his taste, and he soon 
returned to France. This new colony was essentially French, and its location 
was Gallia County. The name " Gallipolis " was selected. 

These settlers, being unaccustomed to severe toil, and disinclined to learn 
its hard lesson, soon became demoralized, through deprivation and aljsolute 
want. Congress came to their aid with a land grant of 24,000 acres, but few 
of them cared to enter claims, and soon all traces of the old town were lost, and 
its inhabitants scattered. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. Ill 

Gen. St. Clair having become unpopular, through repeated failures in Indian 
campaigns, and Gen. Anthony Wayne having wintered at Fort Washington, 
the spring of 1793 was opened by a march of the army, well disciplined and 
led by ''Mad Anthony," on a campaign that must crush the rapidly increasing 
depredations of the Indians, notwithstanding which these new settlements had 
been made. All winter, Gen. Wayne had dispatched scouts, spies and hardy 
frontiersmen on errands of discovery, and his plans Avere, therefore, practically 
matured. His army cut its way through the forests, gathering horses, provis- 
ions, etc., as they marched, and finally came nearly up to the enemy before dis- 
covery. They again returned to Fort Washington, as the Commander-in-Chief, 
under the order of the Executive, had proclaimed inaction until the Northern 
or British Commissioners and Indians should convene and discuss the situation 
and prospects. Gen. Wayne, meantime, drilled his men at " Hobson's Choice," 
a place near Fort Washington. 

The Commissioners came from Detroit, and assembled at Capt. Matthew 
Elliot's house, at the mouth of the Detroit River. 

A meeting was called at Sandusky, and twenty Indian representatives were 
present, to argue the grounds of a treaty. Simon Girty acted as interpreter, 
and has been vehemently accused of unfaithfulness in this trust, since he did 
not advocate the adjustment of matters on any grounds. The Indians reiterated 
their rights and wrongs, and offered to receive the half of the purchase money, 
provided the actual settlers would accept it as the price of the land, move away, 
and leave the original owners the proud possessors of their lands. The Govern- 
ment would then expend less money than they would have done in a full Indian 
purchase, or a long and cruel war.- This being out of the question and rejected, 
a decided specification was made that the Ohio boundary was to be obliterated, 
and a new one adopted, that encompassed a mere fraction of territory. This 
was also rejected. The Indians indignantly bade the Americans to go back to 
their father, and they would return to their tribes. 

The council was terminated in confusion. It is highly probable that some 
settlement might have been made, had it not been for English influence which 
instigated the savages, in the hope of ultimately making conquests for them- 
selves. The commander at Detroit evinced great uneasiness whenever there 
was a shadow of an opportunity for a peaceful understanding. 

On Christmas Day, 1793, a detachment of the army encamped on the 
identical ground made memorable by St. Clair's horrible defeat. A reward was 
offered for every human skull that was found, and 600 were gathered. The 
bones of the victims were removed from the spot where they built Fort Recovery. 
This point was left in charge of Alexander Gibson. 

Early in the year 1794, Lord Dorchester addressed the Commissioners in 
behalf of the English. Even at this time, Gen, Wayne, to avoid the terrors of 
a great war, again made overtures of peace, dispatching Freeman, Trueman and 
Hardin, all initiated in savage tactics, on errands of mercy — and the three men 



112 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

• 

yet'e inhumanly murdered. The English went so far as to order Gov. Simcoe 
to erect a fort, in April, 1794, on the Rapids of the Maumee, thus rousing the 
Indians by a bold proof that they had espoused their cause. In May, the 
Spanish, who were ever jealous of colonial encroachments, were willing to aid 
in a general raid against the Americans. 

In June, a scouting party from Fort Recovery, fell into an Indian ambush 
and suffered severely, their foes following them to the very entrance. The siege 
cor.tinued for two days. It was plainly evident that white men augmented the 
Indian force ; ounce- balls and buck-shot surely came from their rifles. Again, 
the Indians immediately began a search beneath the logs where pieces of artillery 
were hidden during the great battle of St Clair, but fortunately, Fort Recovery 
had the use of them and they accomplished much. 

On July 26, Scott joined Wayne at Greenville, with 1,600 mounted 
Kentuckians, and on the 28th, the legion took up its line of deadly march. 
Halting at Girty's Town, they built Fort Mary's, later on Fort Adams. Throw- 
ing the enemy off their guard by feints and counter-marching, the troops surprised 
the Indians, and without the slightest resistance took possession of their villages 
at the confluence of the Auglaize and Maumee. They found provision in 
abundance, and tarried a week building Fort Defiance. 

Again Gen. Wayne would have made terms of peace, on the principle of the 
Government to arrest bloodshed, but the Indians were rendered cruelly intent 
on war by an addition of a body of British militia from Detroit, and by regulars 
stationed at a fort they had built on the left bank of the river, below the rapids, 
called Fort Miami. The " Fallen Timber " ground was selected as the field 
for a battle by the savages, in the expectation that the trees cast down by a 
tornado and there remaining, would seriously impede American progress. 

August 15th, Wayne marched down the river, and at Roche de Boeuf, erected 
a fortification for their stores and luggage, naming it " Fort Deposit." On the 
20th, the American army began the attack. Maj. Price and Maj. Gen. Scott 
were heroic in their assistance, and after a sharp, deadly conflict, the enemy 
was routed, fleeing in confusion, and leaving their dead and wounded strewn 
thickly over the field. The savages were pressed to the front always, and wlien 
the carnage was painful, the British troops not engaged looked on coolly from the 
fort and offered no assistance, aiding their own, however, when possible. Gen. 
Wayne being an ardent soldier, was apt to forget his position, and impetuout^Iy 
place himself constantly in danger. Lieut. Harrison is reported to have 
requested the General not to forget to give him field orders, in his own partici- 
pation in the battle, and to have received the reply that the standing order loas 
always to charge bayonets. 

Notwithstanding the treaty of 1878, and the fact that the British were tres- 
passing, they encroached upon the Ohio soil, and essayed to vindicate their 
action by discarding American claims and recognizing the Indian rights, whereby 
they might seek their own colonization and make treaties. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 11?: 

Maj. Campbell was in command at Fort Miami, and Avlien lie saw the sava- 
ges being cut down almost mercilessly, lie not only refrained from offering aid, 
but when, in their desperate retreat, they attempted to enter the fort for pro- 
tection, he ordered the doors closed in their faces. 

On the following day, Campbell sent a message to Wayne, demanding a 
reason for hostile action, adding that Great Britain was not now at war with the 
United States. He received a characteristic reply. 

During the Revolution, Detroit was an important British point, and the 
Maumee was its outlet. Therefore, the English clung tenaciously to this pos- 
session, giving, as it did, the advantage of the great fur trade. The English 
Government evidently regretted ceding so much of her territory in the West, 
and were searching for an excuse to quarrel and attempt to regain at least a part 
of what they had lost. Their policy was to sustain the bitter hatred between 
the Indians and the Americans. 

The settlement of the Maumee Valley had been rapid, but the very name 
was an agony of remembrance of frightful massacres and atrocities. Col. 
McKee, the British Indian agent, and his assistant, Capt. Elliott, were from 
Pennsylvania, but being Tories, they had assimilated with the Indians. They 
joined the Shawnee tribe and married Indian wives, and made their fortunes 
thereby, through British appointments to secure the savage interests. The 
Indians were directly served by McKee and Elliott, with ammunition and sup- 
plies, during the Wayne conflict. 

Several skirmishes ensued, but severe weather approaching, the troops 
moved for quarters, and on the 14th day of September, they attacked the Miami 
villages, captured them with provisions and stores, and erected a fort, leaving 
it in charge of Lieut. Col. Hamtramck. With cheers and rifle-shooting, this post 
was named Fort Wayne. The main army marched into Greenville and went into 
winter quarters. 

Wayne had achieved a brilliant victory, but his success did not overcome his 
practical reasoning, and he was unwilling to subject his men to a severe winter's 
campaign unless necessity was peremptory. 

Gov. Simcoe, Col. McKee and a few of the most savage Indian chiefs 
attempted to rally the Indians for a new attack. Gov. Simcoe, of Detroit, was 
aware that the mounted volunteers under Wayne had been allowed to return 
home, and that the term of service of a portion of the " Legion " was about to 
expire. 

The British and Indians held a conference, but the latter were weary with 
fighting for the glory of the Great Father at Detroit, and did not enter into the 
plan. The winter proved most poverty stricken to them, the English failing to 
supply them, and their crops and sustenance having been destroyed by Wayne. 
They were then fully prepared to listen to the faintest signal from Wayne to 
conciliate affairs, and the Wyandots and Delawares were the first to confer with 
him on the subject. Their position was exposed and they had suffered severely. 



114 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

They soon influenced other tribes to consider the question. As a mass, they 
were convinced of their inability to overcome the Americans, and had become 
impatient and disgusted with the duplicity of their British friends, who had not 
hesitated to sacrifice them in every instance, and who deserted them in their 
hour of distress. United, they sued for peace. Terms were made, and about 
the 1st of August, the famous Greenville treaty was ratified and established, 
and the old Indian war in Ohio terminated. 

Tlie Wyandots, Delawares, Shawnees, Chippewas, Ottawas, Pottawatomies, 
Miamis, Eel Rivers, Weas, Kickapoos, Piankeshaws and Kaskaskias were thus 
conciliated. The old Indian boundary line, settled upon at the Fort Mcintosh 
treaty, was retained, and the southwestern line was prolonged from old Fort 
Recovery, southwest of the Ohio River. 

" The general boundary lines between the lands of the United States and 
the lands of the said Indian tribes shall begin at the mouth of the Cuvahoca 
River, and thence run up the same to the portage between that and the Tus- 
carawas Branch of the Muskingum ; thence down that branch to the crossing- 
place above Fort Laurens ; thence westerly to a fork of that branch of the 
Great Miami River (running into the Ohio), at or near which fork stood Lar- 
amie's store — Mary's River, which is a branch of the Miami that runs into Lake 
Erie ; thence a westerly course to Fort Recovery, which stands on a branch of 
the Wabash ; thence southwesterly on a direct line to the Ohio, so as to inter- 
sect that river opposite the mouth of the Kentucky or Cuttawa River." 

This boundary line has, ever since this memorable treaty, been a prominent 
landmark, and may now be traced as the southern boundary line of Stark, Ash- 
land, Richland and Marion Counties, and the northern line, in part, of Tuscar- 
awas and Knox. Old Fort Recovery was located in Mercer, near the Indiana 
line. Laramie's store was in Shelby. 

Within the Indian Reservation, the United States held sixteen distinct sec- 
tions of land, for the purpose of military posts, so arranged that the Govern- 
ment had full right of way north and west. 

The "Joy treaty " between England and the United States was ratified early 
in 1796, and the British were obliged to vacate Detroit and Fort Miami, and recall 
the fact that they had no claim or right to either points. Gen. Wayne received 
them, and accompanied by Gov. St. Clair, proceeded to Detroit. Here the lat- 
ter laid out a county, calling it Wayne, and designated Detroit as its seat of 
justice. This was the fifth county in the Northwest Territory, north of the 
Ohio River, Washington County, with Marietta as a seat of justice, was first 
established ; next Hamilton, with Cincinnati as a county seat. Wayne County 
was organized in 1796, and included about twenty-six of the present counties, 
in the northwest part of the State, covering about a quarter of its area, besides 
parts of Indiana and Michigan. 

In other parts of the State, the population was rapidly increasing. In May, 
1795, the Legislature authorized a committee to institute measures for the 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 117 

disposal of their Western lands. The Virginia and Connecticut Reservations 
required some action on the part of Government, inasmuch as ceding a portion 
and re-selling had in a measure disturbed free titles. Fifty-six persons negoti- 
ated and purchased lands, receiving quit-claim titles and entire rights. They 
re-sold to John Morgan and John Caldwell and Jonathan Bi-uce, in trust. Thus 
3,000,000 acres were prepared for settlement. Upon the quit-claim deeds of 
these representatives, the full title of lands included within the old Western 
Reserve rests. 

Judge Symmes began his active operations in 1796, and by the close of 
1797 all lands east of the Cuyahoga were laid out in townships, five miles square. 
The agent of the Connecticut Land Company was Gen. Moses Cleveland, and in 
his honor the leading city in the Reserve was named. Some townships were 
retained for private sale, and others were disposed of by lottery, in 1798. 

Wayne's treaty led to the formation of Dayton, and the peopling of that 
section. A difficulty arose regarding the original Symmes grant and its modifi- 
cation. Symmes had sold land titles, in good faith, beyond his vested power, 
and Congress was now called upon to adjust these claims and titles. Seventeen 
days after the Wayne or Greenville treaty, St. Clair, Wilkinson, Dayton and 
Ludlow contracted with Symmes for seven and eight ranges, between the Mad 
and Little Miami Rivers. November 4, 1795, Mr. Ludlow laid out Dayton. 

During the years 1790 and 1795, the Governor and Supreme Judges of the 
Northwest Territory had published sixty-four statutes. Thirty-four of these 
were ratified at Cincinnati, for the purpose of forming a complete statutory. It 
was termed the " Maxwell Code." 

Mr. Nathaniel Massie founded a town on the Scioto, which was called 
Chillicothe. The Iroquois treaty had previously invited settlement, and embryo 
towns had begun as early as 1769, under the protection of the Connecticut 
Company. A land company was organized in Hartford, Conn., in 1795, sending 
out forty-three surveyors to divide the townships of that part of the Western 
Reserve, east of the Cuyahoga, five miles square. The first resident of the town 
of Cleveland was Mr. Job Stiles and family, and Mrs. Stiles was the mother of 
the first white child born on the Reserve. Some other parts of the territory 
progressed more rapidly in population. 

Along the Muskingum, Scioto and Miami, towns began to spring up, which 
might perhaps better be termed farming settlements. 

Cincinnati was increasing, and in 1796, had reached 100 cabins, 15 frame 
houses and 600 persons, with prospects for a firm future. 

The Virginia Military Land District was between the Little Miami and 
Scioto, and was rapidly increasing in population. 

Mr. Massie was unceasing in his efibrts to advance the West, and laid out 
Manchester, offering inducements that could not fail to attract settlers. 

Ebenezer Zane procured a grant in consideration of opening a bridle path 
from the Ohio River at Wheeling, over the country via Chillicothe, to Limestone, 



118 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

in Kentucky. The year following, tlie United States mail was taken over 
this route. 

The comparatively tranquil condition of the country and the inducements it 
had to offer encouraged a rapid settlement of the Territory. A prominent 
feature of the early growth of Ohio was the general prevalence of reliable, 
stanch principle. The people were of the good colonial stock. 

In 1800, Chillicothe was denominated the seat of the Territorial govern- 
ment, and the first stone edifice in the State was begun in this town, soon after 
this appointment. About this time, a serious difficulty suddenly occurred to 
those individuals who had taken lands on the Western Reserve of Connecticut. 
That Eastern power had, it is true, ceded a part of her claim to the General 
Government, and had stipulated for the sale of certain other tracts. At the 
same time, the State had not signed away her jurisdiction over some sections of 
her claim, and those unfortunate people in and about Dayton found themselves 
without any government upon which they might depend in a case of emergency. 
The matter was, accordingly, presented to the Territorial government, which 
interceded with the Eastern State, and, sanctioned by the Assembly at Congress, 
Connecticut relinquished her jurisdiction in 1800. 

Cleveland was an important point, and was growing in the mean time. How- 
ever, it had suSered exceedingly from the ravages of fever and ague. For a. 
period of two months, there was not an individual, but a boy thirteen years 
of age, able to procure food for the others. Flour was out of all rational con- 
sideration, and the meal upon which they lived was pounded by hand. In 
1799, Williams and Myatt erected a grist-mill at the falls, near Newbury. 

A startling agitation occurred in 1801, which in these days would cause but a 
ripple in the political sea, but happening during a time when legislative dignity 
and state authority were regarded with reverential awe, it created the most 
intense feeling. Great indignation was openly expressed. 

The Governor and several legislators felt that they had been insulted in 
the performance of their respective duties, at Chillicothe, while the Assembly 
was in session in 1801. No measures being taken by the authorities at the 
capital to protect the Executive, a law was passed removing the seat of govern- 
ment to Cincinnati. 

This circumstance led to a general consideration of the advantages of a 
State government, and a popular desire was expressed for a change in this 
respect. Gov. St. Clair had fallen into disfavor through his failure as a military 
leader and his failures in the Indian campaigns, and from his assuming powers 
which were not vested in him, especially the subdivision of counties. He was 
also identified with the Federal party, which was not popular in Ohio. The 
opposition was strong in the Assembly, but was in the minority in the House of 
Representatives. The boundary question was agitated at the same time. The 
intention was to thus effect the limits of Ohio that a State government would 
necessarily have to be postponed. Against this measure. Tiffin, Worthington, 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 119 

Longham, Darlington, Massie, Dunlavy and Morrow strenuously objected. After 
considerable discussion, Thomas Worthington obtained leave of absence from 
the session, and journeyed to Washington in behalf of a State government. It 
was obvious that the Territory, under the ordinance, was not entitled to a 
change. Massie suggested the feasibility of appointing a committee to address 
Congress on the subject. This the House refused to pass. 

An effort was then made to take a census, but any action on this subject 
was postponed until the next session. 

During all this ineffectual struggle, Worthington was doing his best in Wash- 
ington, and succeeded so well that on March 4, a report was made to the House 
in favor of the State government. This report was made on a basis that the 
census, in 1800, summed up over 45,000 for Ohio. 

April 30, Congress passed a law carrying into effect the views expressed on 
this subject. A convention met on November 1. Its members were generally 
Jeffersonian in their views. Gov. St. Clair proposed to address them as their 
chief executive magistrate. Several members resolutely opposed this action, 
insisting upon a vote, which, through courtesy and not a sense of right, resulted 
in permitting him to address them. He advised the postponement of the State 
government until the original eastern portion of the State was sufficiently pop- 
ulated to demand this right. Only one, out of thirty-three, voted to sustain 
the Governor in these views. 

The convention agreed to the views of Congress. November 29, the agree- 
ment was ratified and signed, as was the constitution of the State of Ohio. 
The General Assembly was ordered to convene the first Tuesday of March, 1803. 

This was carried into effect. A constitution was framed for the new State, 
adhering to the Ordinance of 1787. The rights and duties of citizens were 
plainly set forth, and general business was transacted. The new State consti- 
tution was signed by : 

Edward Tiffin, President and Representative from Ross County. 

Adams County — Joseph Darlington, Israel Donalson, Thomas Vinker. 

Belmont County — James Caldwell and Elijah Woods. 

Clermont County — Philip Gatch and James Sargent. 

Fairfield County — Henry Abrams and Emanuel Carpenter. 

Hamilton County — John W. Brown, Charles Willing Byrd, Francis Dun- 
lavy, William Goforth, John Gitchel, Jeremiah Morrow, John Paul, John Riley^ 
John Smith and John Wilson. 

Jefferson County — Rudolph Blair, George Humphry, John Milligan, Nathan 
Updegraff and Bezaleel Wells. 

Ross County — Michael Baldwin, James Grubb, Nathaniel Massie and F. 
Worthinarton. 

Washington County — Ephraim Cutler, Benjamin Ives Oilman, John Mc- 
Intyre and Rufus Putnam. 

Thomas Scott, Secretary. 



120 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

The first Legislature of the State, under the new constitution, created eight 
new counties, viz., Gallia, Scioto, Franklin, Columbiana, Butler, Warren, 
Greene and Montgomery. 

The first State officers were : Michael Baldwin, Speaker of the House ; Na- 
thaniel Massie, President of the Senate; William Creighton, Secretary of 
■State ; Col. Thomas Gibson, Auditor ; William McFarland, Treasurer ; Return 
J. Meigs, Jr., Samuel Huntington and William Sprigg, Judges of the Supreme 
€ourt ; Francis Dunlavy, Willis Silliman and Calvin Pease, Judges of the Dist- 
rict Court. 

The General Assembly held a second session in December, at which time 
the militia law was revised, also giving aliens equal proprietary rights with native 
citizens. The revenue system was modified and improved. Acts authorizing 
the incorporation of townships were passed, and for the establishment of coun- 
ties. Furthermore, Jacob White, Jeremiah Morrow and William Ludlow were 
' authorized to locate a township for collegiate purposes, according to previous 
-specified terms of Congress. The Symmes grant and the college specification 
<;ollided materially, but the irregularity of the former was not to create any 
inconvenience for the latter. Mr. Symmes had in good faith marked off this 
township, but circumstances preventing the perfection of his plans, that lapsed 
with the others, and the original township was now entered by settlers. 

Accordingly, thirty-six sections, west of the Great Miami, were selected, 
and are now held by the Miami University. 

Gov. St. Clair, notwithstanding his unpopularity, was re-appointed. 

Ohio was under a system of government which guaranteed the best improve- 
ments '; her Legislature being composed of her best statesmen, and the laws 
passed having the general interest of the people embodied in them. 

A bill was passed, appropriating the net proceeds of the land lying within 
:said State, sold by Congress after the 20th day of June, 1802, after deducting 
all expenses incident to the same, to be applied to the laying-out of roads, 
leading from the navigable waters emptying into the Atlantic to the Ohio, to 
the said State, and through the same ; such roads to be laid out under the 
authority of Congress, with the consent of the several States through which the 
road shall pass. In conformity with these provisions, steps were taken, in 1805, 
which resulted in the making of the Cumberland or National road. 

Burr, at this time, began an organization for the ostensible purpose of 
making a settlement on the Wachita, but his party being armed and his plans 
not being frankly disclosed, an investigation proved that his real design was a 
mutinous revolt against Governmental powers, and to gratify his ambition by 
founding his own kingdom in Mexico, and defeating the Spanish. If success 
crowned his efforts, his ultimate victory was to rupture the Union by forcing the 
Western States to withdraw from their allegiance. By gaining an influence 
over the noble but misguided Blennerhasset, he established his headquarters on 
his island in the Ohio. The history of Burr's expedition is already well known. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 121 

The final capture by Gov. Tiffin, of ten boats loaded with stores, on the Mus- 
kingum, and four near Marietta, decided the fate of this scheme, and Burr was 
finally arrested and put on trial May 22, 1807. 

The advancement of the settlement of the State was in no manner impeded,, 
and towns sprang up, farms were laid out, and all other improvements inaugu- 
rated which tended to a permanent prosperity. 

In 1808, Tecumseh left Greenville to join the Prophet on the banks of the 
Tippecanoe, a tributary of the Upper Wabash, on a tract of land granted herein 
by the Pottawatomies. 

The Indians were virtually by treaty allowed but a small proportion of land 
within the boundaries of the State, and were maintaining peaceful attitudes 
toward the whites, with exceptional border depredations, which were settled by 
mutual understanding. 

Although the United States had gained independence, and was treating with 
England as with other foreign powers, the British persisted in violating the 
national rights of the United States, impressing American seamen into the 
British service, seizing American vessels engaged with France in trade, and 
otherwise violating the rights of an independent nation, at peace with the Brit- 
ish power. 

The mission upon which Henry was sent by the British, to create disturb- 
ance between the States, and thus broken, to weaken the strength of the Gen- 
eral Government, added fuel to the fire, and united indignation cried for war. 

British agents again bargained with the Indians of the WalDash and Maumee 
Valleys, desiring them to inaugurate another war upon the western sections and 
to make a desperate attack upon the settlements south of the lakes. The Brit- 
ish agent at Maiden negotiated in rifles, powder, ball, merchandise, lead, blank- 
ets and shirts. The Indians were inspired again with the hope that the whites 
would be driven back, and that all the country north of the Ohio would again-, 
revert to them. 

The Canadians in league with the English, gave the savages unlimited 
quantities of whisky, which naturally aroused their fierce natures to acts of 
violence and blood. It is highly probable that the use of liquor was the main 
cause of the deterioration of the best traits of the Indian character, after the 
Revolution. Again, many unscrupulous men upon the frontier did not hesi- 
tate to commit the most merciless crimes against the Indians, such Avas the 
prejudice against them, and the courts invariably failed to indict them for these- 
atrocities. This error on the part of the Americans served to influence the- 
savages against them. 

At this time, the seats of justice were distant over a hundred miles each 
from the other, uninhabited tracts frequently extending between them which were 
absolute wildernesses. The routes were in many cases difficult and circuitous. 

As early as 1808, there was a mail communication for the people on the 
Lower Maumee, many days elapsing between the arrivals and departures of 



122 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO 

the same, however. Horace Gunn was the carrier. Benoni Adams brought 
the news from Cleveland to the same point, his trip requiring a fortnight. It 
must be remembered that this journey was mostly made on foot. The Black 
Swamp could not be traversed in any other manner. 

THE WAR OF 1812. 

The war of 1812 can be called a continuation of the Revolution, with all 
justice. Although rumors had reached Ohio, that active preparations Avere 
being made for general action, no official tidings had been sent to Hull, com- 
mander-in-chief of the Western forces. 

The Secretary of War, instead of sending a special messenger directly to 
Hull, communicated with the post adjacent, depending upon a continuation of 
the news from that point. At the same time, advices Avere sent the British 
post at Maiden and Detroit. Hull sent out a packet with official papers, stores, 
etc., the day previous to that on which the official intelligence arrived that an 
open rupture existed between the two poAvers, and this was of course captured. 

The Western forces marched to Detroit and crossed over to Sandwich, pre- 
paratory to attacking Maiden, a post most favorable for the transportation of 
stores, troops, etc. which was therefore considered valuable. 

Peter Minard first gave the news to the settlers^ of the Maumee. He had 
heard from a Delaware chief, who assured him a general massacre was to take 
place in the valley. Maj. Spaffiard paid no heed to this "idle fear," until a 
fcAV days thereafter a messenger came to his quarters, reporting a band of fifty 
Pottawatomies on the march to join the hostile tribes near Maiden. They had 
plundered and burned Monclova, and had nearly reached the rapids. 

The Major, with his family and settlers, immediately launched a barge on 
the river and were able to reach old Fort Miami just as the savages reached 
Maumee City. They could plainly Avitness the flames that devoured their old 
homes. They kept on their way in their miserable craft, until they reached 
Milan, where they learned that the entire country was in danger. 

Although the Indians were defeated in the battle of Tippecanoe in the fall 
■^of 1811, they plotted vigorously Avith the English for the invasion of Ohio. 

Gen. William Hull marched from the southwestern part of the State 
directly north, crossing the counties of Champaign, Logan, Hardin, Hancock 
and Wood, establishing military posts along the route and cutting a Avay 
through the Avilderness of the unsettled portions. He crossed the Maumee on 
the 1st of July, and marched to Detroit. 

Hull Avas evidently actuated in his succeeding disgraceful failures by two 
fears — lack of confidence in the ability of his troops, and the belief that they 
might desert him in action. He proclaimed freedom, and a necessity of sub- 
mitting to the Canadians under existing circumstances. He held out induce- 
ments to the British regulars to desert their cause and essayed to pacify the 
savages, but he accomplished nothing beyond jeopardizing the American cause 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 123 

and disgracing his army. His men became restless. Col. Miller and Col. 
Cass were delighted when detailed on scouting expeditions, and did not hesi- 
tate to attack advancing squads of the enemy. At last, an attack was made on 
the Niagara frontier, and Hull speedily abandoned his project and collected his 
forces at Detroit. 

Meantime, Col. Proctor had reached Maiden, and quickly perceivino- the 
advantage of .a post at that point, whereby he could cut off supplies and starve 
Hull into subjection, he massed his forces about this section, captured Van 
Horn and his two hundred men, and withstood the attack of Miller, althouo-h 
he gained nothing by so doing. Again Hull displayed his weakness by recall- 
ino; his forces from further molestations. 

Gen. Brock, however, reached Maiden on the 13th of August, 1812, and 
began war preparations. 

Gen. Dearborn placed a force on the Niagara frontier, but an armistice was 
made with the British. Hull dispatched a third party under Mc Arthur, to 
open communications to the Raisin River. 

Gen. Brock appeared at Sandwich and began to erect batteries, which Hull 
would not allow to be molested. The result was, that on the 26th of Auo-ust 
Detroit was surrendered to the enemy, and not a blow had been struck in its 
defense. 

By this dastardly act, 1,400 brave men who had not been permitted to 
make a single effort to sustain the American cause, were surrendered to 300 
English regulars, 400 Canadians and their Indian allies. Gen. Hull was, in 
consequence of this series of "mistakes," accused of treason and cowardice 
and convicted of the latter. By the middle of August, the British had gained 
the control over most of the Northwestern Territory. 

The appointment of William Henry Harrison to the position of com- 
mander in chief of the Western forces, was most opportune. He speedily 
raised a vigorous army, and advanced by three routes to the foot of the rapids. 

Gen. Harrison commanded the right wing, and marched by the way of Upper 
Sandusky, where he located his depot of supplies. Gen. Tupper commanded 
the center, Fort McArthur, in Hardin County, being his base, while Gen. Win- 
chester marched from Fort Defiance down the Maumee to the foot of the rapids. 

A large force of British and Indians moved up the left bank of the Mau- 
mee toward Fort Wayne, and Gen. Harrison, to intercept them, marched to 
the confluence of the Auglaize with the Maumee. 

Harrison was aware that the enemy would be also hemmed in by Win- 
chester. The weather was rainy, and the prospects were that a most unfortun- 
ate season was to follow the expected engagements. Harrison heard that 
Winchester had reached Fort Defiance, and that the Indians and British were 
retreating down the Maumee. He followed, and marched to Winchester's 
camp, where he arrived in season to quell a mutiny under command of Col. 
Allen, of the Kentucky troops. 



224 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

In January, 1813, Winchester had reached the rapids, where he received 
tidings that Frenchtown was menaced and exposed. Without orders, he sent a. 
party to the rescue, which defeated the enemy. The weather was intensely 
cold, and the company lay within eighteen miles of Maiden, where the enemy 
was collected in full force, consequently re-enforcements must be dispatched 
immediately or the town again left to its fate. 

Winchester then marched with a force of 259 men, and upon arriving at 
nightfall, insisted upon remaining on open ground, although warned repeatedly 
that this would be a most dangerous experiment. 

In the morning, he was surprised by the enemy, massed directly before 
him, with a battery within three hundred yards of his camp, and a shower of 
bombs, balls and grape-shot falling among his exposed troops, and the yells of 
Indians reminding him of his fatal error. Lewis, who led the party out in the 
beginning and had apprehended the danger, bravely defended himself behind 
garden pickets. Winchester was defeated on the 22d of January, 1813, and 
the Indians were permitted to massacre the prisoners and the settlers. 

Harrison fell back to the foot of the rapids. On the 1st of February, he 
began the construction of Fort Meigs. On the 27th of April, Proctor and 
Tecumseh attacked this fort, and laid siege with the full expectation of success. 
The stipulation was that Gen. Harrison was to be delivered to Tecumseh. 
While the balls and bombs were making havoc with the fort, the Indians were 
climbing trees and pouring a galling fire down upon the troops. Gen. Proctor 
invited Harrison to surrender, which was politely declined, with the assurance 
that the British General would have the opportunity to distinguish himself as a 
soldier before such a proceeding was enacted. 

Gen. Clay was descending the Maumee with 1,200 Kentuckians in flat 
boats. Orders went from Harrison that 800 men should land on the left bank, 
take and spike the British cannon, and then to enter the fort, from which 
soldiers were to issue to assist the re-enforcements. 

Capt. Hamilton was to pilot Gen. Clay to the fort, cutting their way 
through. All succeeded. Col. Dudley taking the batteries and spiking the 
cannon. But his men, too much elated by their success, against orders, and 
against the repeated expostulations of Col. Dudley, insisted on pursuing the 
Indians. Col. Dudley would not desert them. This act proved their ruin. 
By a decoy, they were led into a defile which proved an ambush, and the men 
found themselves surrounded by savages, without means of escape. 

A most frightful massacre began, and every man would have fallen had not 
Tecumseh sternly forbidden the cowardly carnage. One of his principal chiefs 
ignored this order, and the next instant the great warrior buried his hatchet in 
his head. The brave Col. Dudley was, however, tomahawked and scalped. 

There were no immediate signs that the fort would be surrendered, and the 
siege was raised on the 9th of May. It was renewed on the 20th of July, and 
abandoned a few days later. The enemy decided this stronghold was invulnerable. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 125 

On the 1st of August, the enemy proceeded to Fort Stevenson, at Lower 
Sandusky, garrisoned by 150 men under Maj. Croghan. The fort had the 
use of but one piece of cannon. The enemy with Tecumseh's Indians num- 
bered 3,300 strong, with six pieces of cannon. 

Gen. Proctor again tendered the offer to surrender, adding that a refusal 
would only bring about a useless resistance, and a massacre by the Indians. 
The reply was, that before the fort went over to the British, not an American 
would be left to be massacred, as they should hold out to the last man. Proc- 
tor opened fire. The first movement was an assault upon the northwest angle 
of the fort, as if to make a breach and thus carry the works. The command- 
ant strengthened that point by bags of sand, and during the night stealthily 
placing his one cannon in a concealed position, he filled it with slugs. 

The following day, the fire again swept the northwest corner, and, evening 
approaching, a column of 350 men swept up within twenty yards of the walls. 
They were met by the musketry, which had little effect, and the ditch was soon 
filled with men. The next instant the hidden cannon, so placed as to sweep 
the ditch, suddenly began action, and the surprised assailants quickly recoiled, 
and the fort was saved, with the loss of only one man. 

The next morning, the enemy had disappeared, evidently in haste, as guns, 
clothing and stores were left behind. They had lost over one hundred and 
fifty men by this useless attempt. Croghan had previously received orders to 
evacuate the fort from Gen. Harrison, and his determination to hold the position 
merited Harrison's reprimand and remand of commission. Such was the sev- 
erity of military law. However, the rank of Colonel was immediately conferred 
upon him by the President, for his gallantry. The ladies of Chillicothe pre- 
sented him with an elegant testimonial in the shape of a sword. 

It was decided to make a naval warfare effectual in the recovery of the 
Northwestern Territory, and accordingly vessel-building began under Commo- 
dore Perry's supervision. 

The British looked upon this proceeding with derision, fully intending to 
use these boats for their own purpose. They publicly proclaimed their intention. 

By the 1st of August, 1813, Commodore Perry set sail a flotilla, the Law- 
rence and the Niagara, of twenty guns each, with smaller vessels following. 
Some difficulty was encountered in launching the larger vessels, on account of 
the shallowness of the water. 

Perry's first destination was Put-in-Bay, thirty miles from Maiden, where 
the British fleet lay under the guns of the fort. On the 10th of September, 
the British fleet — exceeding the American by ten guns — under Commodore 
Barclay, appeared off Put-in-Bay, distant about ten miles. Perry immediately 
set sail. The wind shifting, the Americans had the advantage. 

Perry hoisted the Union Jack. A general preparation was made for the 
conflict. An ominous silence settled over all as the fleets approached. A 
bugle sounded on the enemy's ship Detroit, and a furious fire was opened upon 



126 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

the Lawrence. The frightful and desperate battle that ensued is so familiar 
that it is not necessary for us to repeat its details. It forever remains in his- 
tory as a prominent, desperate struggle that turned the tide most decisively in 
favor of the Americans. Hand to hand, for three hours, this furious struggle 
surged, resulting in a pronounced victory for the Americans. 

Commodore Perry immediately requested parole for his severely wounded 
antagonist. Commodore Barclay. Capt. Elliott was at this engagement highly 
commended by Perry for his bravery. 

Gen. Harrison now made preparations to follow Proctor, and reached Mai- 
den on the 27th of September. 

Proctor had retreated to Sandwich, and thence Harrison followed him, 
overtaking the enemy on the 9th of October, on the bank of the Thames. An 
engagement ensued, which was not particularly marked in its events, but which 
practically terminated the war in the Northwest. 

Tecumseh fell during this battle, and his death disheartened the savages to 
such an extent that they were willing to make terms of peace. Accordingly 
a treaty was concluded on the 22d of July, 1814, with the Wyandots, Dela- 
wares, Shawnees, Senecas and Miamis, the tribes engaged in hostilities. 

Again Ohio was able to turn her attention to the improvements within her 
own boundaries. Weary and disabled though she was, her ambition and 
energy were unimpaired. The struggle had been severe, but a grand reward 
had been won, and peace and independence belonged to these sturdy, earnest, 
pioneers. 

In 1815, a town was founded near Fort Meigs, and, in 1816, Gen. John 
E. Hunt and Judge Robert A. Forsythe located at Maumee. 

BANKING. 

Up to the year 1817, Ohio had no banking system, and on the 28th of 
January of that year, the United States Bank opened a branch at Cincinnati, 
and yet another during the following October at Chillicothe. These branches 
found a large amount of business to transact, and while being of assistance in 
various ways to the State, also received a fine revenue themselves. The State 
therefore resolved upon a tax levy, and, in 1819, the branches were to pay 
^50,000 each, and the State Auditor was authorized to issue his warrant for 
the collection of the same. 

The bank branches demurred, but the State was decided, and the banks 
accordingly filed a bill in chancery, in the United States Circuit Court, setting 
forth reasons whereby their prayer that Ralph Osborn, State Auditor, should 
be restrained from making such collection, should be seriously considered. 

Osborn being counseled not to appear on the day designated in the writ, an 
injunction was obtained, with the security given in the shape of bonds from the 
bank, to the amount of $100,000. On the 14th of September, th© bank sent a 
commissioner to Columbus, who served upon the Auditor a copy of the petition 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 127 

for the injunction, and a subpoena to make an appearance before the court 
on the first Monday in the following January. Osborn submitted both the 
petition and the injunction to the Secretary of State, with his warrant for col- 
lecting the tax. Legally, the matter was somewhat complicated. , 

The Auditor desired the Secretary of State to take legal advice, and if the 
papers did not actually amount to an injunction, to give orders for the execu- 
tion of the warrant. 

The decision was that the papers did not equal a valid injunction. The State 
writ for collection was therefore given over to John L. Harper, with direcftions 
to enter the banking-house and demand the payment of the tax. In case of a 
refusal, the vault was to be entered and a levy made upon the amount required. 
No violence was to be used, and if force was used to deter the act, the 
same Avas to be reported to a proper magistrate and an affidavit made to that 
fact. 

On September 17, Mr. Harper went about his errand, taking with him T. 
Orr and J. MacCollister. After securing access to the vault, a demand was 
made for the payment of the tax. This was promptly refused, and a notice 
given of the granting of the injunction. This was disregarded, and the officer 
seized $98,000 in gold, silver and notes. This was placed in charge of the 
State Treasurer, Mr. H. M. Curry. 

The officers were arrested and imprisoned by the United States Circuit 
Court, and the money returned to the bank. The case was reviewed by 
the Supreme Court, and the measures of the Circuit Court were sustained. The 
State, therefore, submitted. In the mean time, the Legislature had prepared 
and passed a resolution, as follows : 

Resolved, by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, That in respect to the powers of the 
Governments of the several States that compose the American Union, and the powers of the Fed- 
eral Government, this General Assembly do recognize and approve the doctrines asserted by the 
Legislatures of Kentucky and Virginia in their resolutions of November and December, 1798, 
and January, 1800, and do consider their principles have been recognized and adopted by a 
majority of the American people. 

Resolved further. That this General Assembly do assert and will maintain by all legal and 
constitutional means, the rights of States to tax the business and property of any private corpo- 
ration of trade, incorporated by the Congi'ess of the United States, and located to transact its 
corporate business within any State. 

Resolved further. That the bank of the United States is a private corporation of trade, the 
capital and business of which may be legally taxed in any State where they may be found. 

Resolved further. That the General Assembly do protest against the doctrines that the politi- 
cal rights of the separate States that compose the American Union and their powers as sovereign 
States, may be settled and determined in the Supreme Court of the United States, so as to con- 
clude and bind them in cases contrived between individuals, and where they are, no one of them, 
parties direct. 

The bank was thus debarred from the aid of State laws in the collection of 
its dues and in the protection of its rights. An attempt was made to effect a 
change in the Federal constitution, which would take the case out of the 
United States Courts. This, however, proved ineffectual. 



128 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

The banking system in Ohio has, by reason of State surveillance, not been 
subjected to those whirlwind speculations and questionable failures which have 
marked many Western States, in the establishment of a firm basis upon which 
a banking law could be sustained, with mutual benefit to the institution and the 
people. 

THE CANAL SYSTEM. 

In the first part of 1817, the Legislature considered a resolution relating 
to a canal between Lake Erie and the Ohio River. No action was taken and 
the subject was not again agitated until 1819. Gov. Brown appointed three 
commissioners in 1820, for the purpose of employing an efiicient engineer and 
such assistants as he deemed necessary, for the purpose of surveying a practical 
route for this canal. The commissioners were restricted in their actions until 
Congress should accept a proposition in behalf of the State, for a donation and 
sale of the public lands lying upon and near the route of the proposed canal. 
A delay was thus occasioned for two years. 

In 1822, the matter was referred to a committee of the House of Repre- 
sentatives. This committee approved and recommended the employment of the 
engineer. They furthermore added illustrations to prove the feasibility of the 
project. 

James Geddes, a skillful engineer of New York, was in due time appointed 
to the position and instructed to make the necessary examinations and sur- 
veys. 

The surveys were made, and estimates given of the expenses, which docu- 
ments were laid before the Legislature at several sessions. 

In 1825, an act Avas passed providing for the internal improvement of the 
State by navigable canals. Directly thereafter, the State set vigorously about 
the work of constructing two canals, one leading from the Ohio to Lake Erie, 
by way of the valleys of the Scioto and Muskingum, the other from Cincinnati 
to Dayton. 

The first canal-boat from Cincinnati to Dayton, reached her destination in 
1829, on the 25th of January. This outlet of communication was extended 
to Lake Erie, and was completed in 1845. The largest artificial lake now 
known is on the elevation between the Ohio and the lake, in Mercer County, 
and supplies the St. Mary's feeder of the Miami Canal, about three miles dis- 
tant, eastwardly. This reservoir is about nine miles long, and from two to 
four broad. 

Two walls of earth, from ten to twenty feet high, were formed, on the east 
and west, Avhich united with the elevations north and south, surrounded this 
basin. When the water was admitted, whole farms were submerged, and the 
"neighbors" complained lest this overflow should tempt miasma. So great 
was the excitement, that over one hundred and fifty residents of the county 
united, and with shovels and spades, made a breach in the embankment. 
Many holding prominent positions in the county were engaged in this work, 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 129 

and all laid themselves liable to the State laws, which made the despoiling of 
public works a penitentiary offense. 

The matter was taken up by the courts, but a grand jury could not be 
found in Mercer County to find a bill of indictment. 

The officers who had charge of the work, ignored the law requiring the cut- 
ing and saving of the timber on lands appropriated, for canal reservoirs. The 
trees were ruthlessly girdled, and thousands of acres of valuable timber that 
might have been highly desirable in the building of bridges, etc., were 
destroyed. However, an adjustment was finally effected, and the work was 
prosecuted with the entire approbation of the people, who were convinced that 
convenient transportation was to be desired. 

OHIO LAND TRACTS. 

After the Indians relinquished all claims against the lands of those States 
west of the Alleghanies, as they had been obtained by conquest, the United 
States, as a government, owned the soil. When Ohio was admitted into the 
Union, a stipulation was made that the fee simple to all the lands within its 
boundaries, with the exception of those previously sold or granted, should vest 
in the General Government. At the present writing, but few tracts remain 
that can be called " public lands." In this, as in other States, tracts are des- 
ignated by their pioneer signification or the purpose to which they were origi- 
nally devoted. In Ohio, these tracts are known as : 



1. 


Congress Lands. 


8. 


Symmes' Purchase. 


15. 


Maumee Road. 


2. 


United States Military. 


9. 


Refugee Tract. 


16. 


School Lands. 


3 


Virginia Military. 


10. 


French Grant. 


17. 


College Lands. 


4. 


Western Reserve. 


11 


Dohrman's Grant, 


18. 


Ministerial Lands. 


5. 


Fire Lands. 


12. 


Zane's Grant. 


19. 


Moravian Lands. 


6. 


Ohio Company's Purchase. 


13. 


Canal Lands. 


20. 


Salt Sections. 


7. 


Donation Tract. 


14. 


Turnpike Lands. 







The lands sold by the direct officers of the Government, under the direc- 
tion of Congress, according to the laws, are known as Congress lands. They 
are properly surveyed, and laid out in townships six miles square, under the 
direction of the Government, and the expense incurred settled by Congress. 
These townships are subdivided into sections, containing 640 acres. One sec- 
tion is reserved, in every township, for educational purposes, to be utilized in 
any manner approved by the State as being the best to aid the cause for which 
they are assigned. 

The Western Reserve will be remembered as the tract originally belonging to 
Connecticut. It lies in the northeast quarter of the State. A half-million acres 
were donated by the old Eastern State, when her claim was in force, to sufferers 
from fire during the Revolutionary war, which created the name, " fire lands." 
Many settled here whose homes were destroyed by the British during the war. 

It will be remembered, that on account of discoveries by subjects of empires, 
in the New World, the " Old World " kings laid claim to different portions 



130 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

of the young continent. At that period, European knowledge of American 
geographical positions and limits was exceedingly meager, which occasioned 
several wars and more discussions. These Old-World sovereigns also assumed 
the authority to sell or present tracts of land to their subjects, in those terri- 
tories they deemed their own. 

King Charles II of England granted to his loyal subjects the colony of 
Connecticut, in 1662, placing with them a charter of right to all lands within 
certain prescribed boundaries. But these " boundaries " frequently conflicted 
with those of others, and sometimes extended to the Pacific Ocean, or " South 
Sea," as it was then termed. Connecticut, by her original charter rights, held 
all lands between the forty-first and forty-second parallels of north latitude, and 
from Providence Plantation on the east, to Pacific Ocean on the west, except- 
ing the New York and Pennsylvania colonies. As late as the establishment of 
the United States as an independent government, those colliding claims fre- 
quently engendered confusion and warm discussion between the nation and 
Connecticut, regarding the original colony claim. This was compromised by 
the national claims being relinquished in regard to the territorial claim in Ohio, 
and Connecticut holding the 3,800,000 acres described as the " Western Reser- 
vation." The Government held the right of jurisdiction. 

In 1796, Congress set aside a certain division of land, to satisfy the claims 
of ofiicers and soldiers of the Revolutionary war. It includes the 2,500,000 
acres between the Greenville treaty line and the Congress and refugee lands, 
and " VII ranges of townships," on the east, and the Scioto River, west. This 
constitutes the " Military Tract." The " Virginia Military Tract " lies between 
the Scioto and Little Miami Rivers, and extends south to the Ohio. 

James I, in his authorized charter to the Virginia colony, in the year 
1609, made rather visionary boundary lines, sweeping over the continent, west 
of the Ohio River, " of the north and south breadth of Virginia." Virginia 
reconciled the matter by relinquishing all her claims northwest of the Ohio 
River, with the exception of a tract for the purpose of donating the same to her 
troops of the Revolution — their claims demanding such a return in some section. 
Unfortunately, this tract was not regularly surveyed, and conflicting "lines " 
have given rise to litigation ever since that stipulation was made. 

The Ohio Company's Purchase has already been described — as has the 
Symmes Purchase. 

The Refugee Tract covers an area of 100,000 acres, extending eastwardly 
from the Scioto River forty-eight miles, in a strip of country four and one-half 
miles broad, north to south. Columbus, the capital of the State, is situated in 
the western portion. This land was donated by Congress to those individuals 
who left the British dominions and rule, during the Revolution, and espoused 
the American cause. 

The French Tract borders on the Ohio River, in the southeastern quarter 
of Scioto County. It includes 24,000 acres, and was ceded to those French 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 131 

families that lost their claims at Gallipolis, through invalid titles ; 12,000 acres 
were added, after the above grant of 1795. 

Dohrman's Grant includes a section, six miles square, in the southeastern 
portion of Tuscarawas County. It was granted to Arnold Henry Dohrman, a 
Portuguese merchant, as a token of appreciation of the aid and shelter he ren- 
dered American cruisers and vessels of war, during the Revolution. 

The Moravian Lands were originally grants by the old Continental Con- 
gress, in 1787, and confirmed by the act of the Government Congress, in 1796, 
to the Moravian Brethren, of Bethlehem, Penn., in sacred trust, and for the 
use of those Indians who embraced Christianity and civilization, desiring to live 
and settle thereon. These three tracts include 4,000 acres each, and are situ- 
ated in Tuscarawas County. In 1823, the Indians relinquished their rights to 
the 12,000 acres in this county, for 24,000 acres, in a territory designated by 
the United States, together with an annuity of $400. 

Zane's Tracts included a portion of land on the Muskingum, whereon Zanes- 
ville was built ; another at the crossing of the Hocking, on which Lancaster is 
located ; and yet another on the left bank of the Scioto River, opposite Chilli- 
cothe. These grants Avere made to Ebenezer Zane, by Congress, in 1796, as a 
reward for opening a road from Wheeling, Va., to Maysville, Ky. In 1802, 
Mr. Zane received three additional tracts, one square mile each, in considera- 
tion of being captured and held a prisoner, during the Revolutionary war, 
when a boy, by the Indians. He lived with these people most of his life, secur- 
ing many benefits for the Americans. These tracts are located in Champaign 
County. 

The Maumee Road Lands extend the length of the road, from the Maumee 
River, at Perrysburg, to the western limits of the Western Reserve, a distance 
of forty-six miles — in a strip two miles wide. This includes about 60,000 
acres. These lands were ceded by the Indians, at the treaty of Brownstown, in 
1808. The original intention of Congress was to mark a highway through this 
strip, but no definite action was taken until 1823, when the land was ceded to 
the State of Ohio, under an obligation that the State make and sustain the pro- 
jected road, within four years after the transfer. 

The Turnpike Lands extended over 31,360 acres along the western side of 
the Columbus & Sandusky Turnpike, in the eastern parts of Seneca, Craw- 
ford and Marion Counties. They were designed for the transportation of mail 
stages, troops and other United States property, free from toll. The grant was 
made in 1827. 

" The Ohio Canal Lands " comprise about 1,000,000 acres, set aside for the 
purpose of canal construction. 

When Ohio was admitted to the Union, a guarantee was given that the State 
should not tax Government lands until they should have been sold for five years. 
That the thirty-sixth part of all territory within the State limits should be de- 
voted to educational purposes, for the general benefit of the population. In 



132 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

order to secure tracts which would prove available, and thus insure returns, 
they were selected in small lots. No. 16 was designated as the sectional portion, 
in each township of Congress lands, the Ohio Company's and Symmes Pur- 
chases, the United States Military Lands, the Connecticut Reserve, and a num- 
ber of quarter townships. These school lands were selected by the Secretary 
of the Treasury. 

The college townships are thirty-six miles square. A section, thirty-six 
miles square, in the center of Jackson County, in the vicinity and containing 
the Scioto Salt Licks, was also reserved by Congress, together with a quarter- 
mile township in Delaware County. This swept over 27,040 acres. In 1824, 
Congress authorized the State to sell these lands. The proceeds were to be 
devoted to literary requirements, such as might be specified by Congress. 

IMPROVEMENTS. 

We have heretofore briefly alluded to the canal system of Ohio, which in 
the beginning caused considerable anxiety to settlers directly in the course of 
its survey. The Legislature passed the " Internal Improvement by Navigable 
Canals " act, in 1825, and tl^e work was immediately inaugurated and hastened. 
The " Ohio Canal " extends from the lake to the Ohio, and the " Miami " con- 
nects Cincinnati with Dayton. The latter was completed to Toledo in 1844, a 
length of 493 miles. Its total cost, including reservoir cutting and feeders, was 
$7,500,000. The Ohio Canal was finished in 1833. 

During the construction of these canals, the curiosities which have attracted 
antiquarians and scientists, in the State of Ohio, were found in various places. 
Relics were discovered that must have belonged to a giant race. Nearly 3,000 
graves were found, of the " mound type." 

A third canal was begun in 1836, reaching from Walhonding, in Coshocton 
County, to Roscoe, its length being twenty-five miles, involving an expense of 
$610,000. This was completed in 1842. The Hocking Canal, between Car- 
roll, in Fairfield County, and Athens, in Athens County, a distance of fifty- 
six miles, was also cut, about the same time, at a cost of nearly $1,000,000. 

The Muskingum improvements were also being carried forward. Locks and 
dams were requisite for the perfection of navigation in this water-course, from 
Dresden to Marietta, a distance of ninety-one miles. This added an expense 
of $1,630,000 to the call for improvement appropriations. To the Miami Canal 
was added a feeder, known as the Warren County Canal — extending from 
Franklin to Lebanon, which was not completed, although over $250,000 were 
expended in its construction as far as it went. 

Railway transportation was a subject which engrossed the attention of those in- 
terested in State perpetuity and general prosperity. About the year 1831, the Leg- 
islature received applications for railway charters. The first one granted was the 
" Cincinnati, Sandusky & Cleveland Railroad," on June 5, 1832. The " Sandusky, 
Mansfield & Newark Railroad " obtained a charter in 1836, March 11, followed, 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 135 

three days thereafter, by the " Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad." 
The " Little Miami " was begun in 1837. Notwithstanding these chartered 
rights, but 129 miles were completed in 1847, and in operation. In 1878, 
the mileage had increased to 6,264. The valuation of the operating roads 
was estimated the same year, at $76,113,500. Their taxation summed up 
$1,128,116. 

No State in the Union has been more zealous in her educational interests than 
Ohio. Public lands were generously granted by Congress, and the State added 
her affirmation. However, no practical and eflfectual system was adopted until 
1825. 

An act was then passed to tax all real property one-half mill per dollar for 
the establishment of schools in each township, and the support of the same. 
An act of 1829, increased the tax to three-fourths of a mill. Trustees of 
townships were instructed to make divisions and locate convenient school dis- 
tricts. Householders were to elect three school directors, a clerk and treasurer 
annually. Privileges and restrictions were enjoined in all cases. The house- 
holders were allowed their discretion, governed accordingly, in imposing taxes 
for the erection of school buildings. The Courts of the Common Pleas 
appointed a committee to examine the qualifications of those individuals mak- 
ing application for the position of teachers. The school extended equal privi- 
leges to all white children. Those of colored parentage were excluded, and no 
tax was levied for school purposes upon colored parents. An amendment has 
admitted the children of colored parents. The system has continued the same, 
with a few amendments. A State Commissioner of Common Schools is elected 
every third year, who has general charge of the interests of public schools. A 
State Board of Examiners, composed of three persons, appointed by the State 
Commissioner, for two years' term, is authorized to issue life certificates of high 
qualifications, to such teachers as it may find to possess the requisite scholarship, 
character, experience and ability. These certificates, signed by the Commis- 
sioner, are valid throughout the State. A County Board of Examiners, of 
three members, is formed in each county. Boards of education, for cities, are 
made up of one or two members from each ward. City Boards of Examiners 
are also appointed. Section 4 of the law of 1873, was amended in 1877, which 
made the territory annexed to an incorporated village, at the option of the 
voters of the village and tributary section, whether it be included with the vil- 
lage as one school district, or left as two school districts. Section 56 of the law was 
amended, in its bearing upon cities of 30,000 to 75,000 inhabitants, by limiting 
to five mills on the dollar of taxable property, the levies in such cities for con- 
tinuing schools, for purchasing sites for schoolhouses, for leasing, purchasing, 
erecting and furnishing school houses, and for all school expenses. The public 
funds are subject to the discretion of voters, and boards are authorized, under 
instructions, to make the best use of such funds. Taxation is subject to the 
discretion of the State, certain limits being prescribed. 



136 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

In 1878, the number of youth of the school age numbered 1,041,963. 
On the rolls, 740,194 names were recorded. In the year 1878, 23,391 teach- 
ers were employed, receiving $4,956,514.46 for their services. 

Ohio not only sustains her public schools on a broad, liberal basis, but she 
encourages educational pursuits in superior universities and colleges throughout 
the State. These institutions are not aided by State funds, but are sustained by 
society influence, added to their self-supporting resources. Ohio also possesses 
a large number of normal schools, academies, seminaries and business colleges. 
These are not entitled to the privileges of the school fund. Scientific, profes- 
sional, theological, legal and medical instructions are in no manner limited in 
their facilities. Industrial and reformatory schools are especially thorough. 
Institutions for the instruction of the deaf and dumb, and blind, and feeble- 
minded, are under the best discipline. 

We may add, many female seminaries have been established which are entirely 
sustained by other than State aid. Ohio has, from its inception, been solid and 
vigorous in whatever tended toward improvement and enlightenment. 

We have also referred to the banking system of this State, as being first 
established on a basis through a contest between the State and the General 
Government. Authorities differ regarding the exact date and location of the 
very first house established in the State for the purpose of transacting banking 
business. It is highly probable that Marietta is more directly associated with 
that event than any other town. There are at present over one hundred and 
sixty-seven national banks, with an aggregate capital of $27,794,468. It also 
has eighteen banks of deposit, incorporated under the State banking laws of 
1845, representing an aggregate capital of $539,904. Twenty-three savings 
banks, incorporated under the State act of 1875, with an aggregate capital of 
11,277,500. Of private banks it has 192, with an aggregate capital of 
$5,663,898. The State represents in her banking capital over $36,275,770. 
The First National of Cincinnati has a capital stock of over $1,000,000. 
The others fall below that sum, their capital diminishing from 10,000 shares of 
$100 each. The valuation for taxation is $850,000— Merchant's National of 
Cincinnati — to the valuation of a tax of $5,000 on the First National of 
Beverly. 

BOUNDARY LINES. 

We must not omit the subject of the State boundaries. Ohio was especially 
the field for most animated discussions, relative not only to State limits but 
county lines and township rights. In 1817, a severe controversy arose, which 
Avas settled only after violent demonstrations and Government interference. 

In primitive times, the geographical position, extent and surface diversities 
were but meagerly comprehended. In truth, it may be asserted they could not 
have been more at variance with actual facts had they been laid out " hap- 
hazard." The ordinance of 1787 represented Lake Michigan far north of its 
real position, and even as late as 1812, its size and location had not been 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 137 

definitely ascertained. During that year, Amos Spaiford addressed a clear, com- 
prehensive letter to the Governor of Ohio, on this subject, relative to the 
boundary lines of Ohio. Several lines of survey were laid out as the first 
course, but either Michigan or Ohio expressed disapproval in every case. This 
culminated in 1835, when the party beginning a ''permanent" survey began 
at the northwest corner of the State, and was attacked by a force of Michigan 
settlers who sent them away badly routed and beaten. No effort was made to 
return to the work until the State and various parties had weighed the subject, 
and finally the interposition of the Government became necessary. 

A settlement resulted in Ohio being bounded on the north by Lake Erie 
and the State of Michigan, on the east by Pennsylvania and West Virginia, on 
the south by the Ohio River, and on the west by Indiana. 

It is situated between the 38° 25' and 42° north latitude, and 84° 50' 
west longitude from Greenwich, or 3° 30' and 7° 50' west from Washington. 
From north to south, it extends over 210 miles, and from east to west 220 
miles — comprising 39,964 square miles. 

The State is generally higher than the Ohio River. In the southern 
counties, the surface is greatly diversified by the inequalities produced by the 
excavating power of the Ohio River and its tributaries. The greater portion 
of the State was originally covered with timber, although in the central and 
northwestern sections some prairies were found. The crest or watershed 
between the waters of Lake Erie and those of the Ohio is less elevated than 
in New York or Pennsylvania. Sailing upon the Ohio the country appears 
to be mountainous, bluffs rising to the height of two hundred and fifty to six 
hundred feet above the valleys. Ascending the tributaries of the Ohio, these 
precipitous hills gradually lessen until they are resolved into gentle undulations, 
and toward the sources of the river the land is low and marshy. 

Although Ohio has no inland lakes of importance, she possesses a favorable 
river system, which, aided by her canals, gives her prestige of a convenient 
water transportation. The lake on her northern boundary, and the Ohio 
River on her southern limit, afford most convenient outlets by water to impor- 
tant points. Her means of communication and transportation are superior in 
every respect, and are constantly being increased. 

ORGANIZATION OF COUNTIES AND EARLY EVENTS. 

Adams County was named in honor of John Adams, second President of 
the United States. Gov. St. Clair proclaimed it a county on July 10, 1797. 
The Virginia Military Tract included this section, and the first settlement made 
within its boundaries was in this county in 1795, between the Scioto and Little 
Miami, at Manchester, by Gen. Nathaniel Massie. In this town was held the 
first court of the county. 

West Union, the present county seat, was laid out by the Hon. Thomas 
Kirker. It occupies the summit of a high ridge. The surface of this county is 



138 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

hilly and broken, and the eastern part is not fertile. It produces corn, wheat, oats 
and pork. Beds of iron are found in the eastern part. Its hills are composed of 
aluminous shale. The barren hills aiford a ran^e for cattle and hogs. A sort 
of vagrant class derive a support by collecting stones, hoop-poles and tanners' 
Ibarks from these hills. 

Ashland County is one of the finest agricultural sections. It was formed 
February 26, 1846. Wheat comprises its principal crop, although large quan- 
tities of oats, corn, potatoes, grass and fruit are raised. Ashland is its county 
seat, and Avas laid out by William Montgomery in 1816. It was called Union- 
town for several years. Daniel Carter raised the first cabin within the county 
limits in 1811. 

Auglaize County was formed in February, 1848, from Allen and Mercer 
Counties. Wapakoneta is its county seat. 

Allen County was formed from the Indian Territory April 1, 1820. Lima 
is its county seat. 

Ashtabula County was formed June 7, 1807, and was organized January 
22, 1811. The surface is level near the lake, while the remainder is undulat- 
ing. The soil is mostly clay. Very little wheat is raised, but considerable 
corn and oats. Butter and cheese are the main marketable productions. This 
was the first county settled on the Western Reserve, and also the earliest in 
Northern Ohio. On the 4th of July, 1796, the first surveying party arrived 
at the mouth of Conneaut Creek. Judge James Kingsbury was the first who 
wintered there Avith his family. He was the first man to use a sickle in the 
first wheat-field in the Western Reserve. Their child was the first born on the 
Western Reserve, and Avas starved to death. The first regular settlement was 
at Harpersfield, in 1798. 

Jeiferson is the county seat. Ashtabula is pleasantly situated on the river, 
with a fine harbor tAVO and a half miles from the village. 

The first church on the Western Reserve Avas founded at Austinburg in 
1801. 

Athens County was formed from Washington March 1, 1805. It produces 
w^heat, corn, oats and tobacco. The surface is hilly and broken, Avith rich bot- 
tom lands between. Coal, iron ore and salt add materially to its commercial 
value. It has the advantage of the canal, as well as other transportation. 
Athens, its county seat, is situated on the Hocking River. The Ohio Uni- 
Yersity, the first college founded in the State, is located here. We have 
mentioned the ancient mounds found in this county, heretofore. Yellow pine is 
abundant in the loAver part of the Hocking Valley. 

BroAvn County Avas formed March 1, 1818, from Adams and Clermont. It 
produces wheat, corn, rye, oats and pork. The southern part is prolific in 
grain, Avhile the northern is adapted to grazing purposes. The surface is undu- 
lating, with the exception of the Ohio River hills. Over this county Tecumseh 
once held sway. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 139 

Georgetown is the county seat, and was laid out in 1819. Ripley is the larg- 
est business town in the county. 

Belmont County was announced by Gov. St. Clair September 7, 1801. It 
produces large crops of wheat, oats, corn and tobacco, an annual crop of over 
2,000,000 pounds of the latter being the average. It also trades largely in 
wool and coal. It is a picturesque tract of country, and was one of the 
pioneers in the early settled portions. 

In 1790, Fort Dillie was erected on the west side of the Ohio. Baker's 
Fort was a mile below the mouth of the Captina. Many desperate Indian bat- 
tles were fought within the limits of this county, and the famous Indian scout, 
Lewis Wetzel, roamed over the region. 

St. Clairsville is the county seat, situated on the elevation of land, in a fer- 
tile district. Capt. Kirkwood and Elizabeth Zane, of historic fame, were early 
pioneers here. 

Butler County was formed in 1803, from Hamilton. It is within the blue 
limestone formation, and one of the most fertile sections of Ohio. It produces 
more corn than any other county in the State, besides fine crops of wheat, 
oats and large quantities of pork. Hamilton, the county seat, is situated on the 
Great Miami. Its hydraulic works furnish superior water-power. Rossville,, 
on the opposite side of the Miami, is a large mercantile town. 

St. Clair passed through this county on his Indian campaigns in 1791, 
building Fort Hamilton on the Miami. 

Champaign County was formed March 1, 1805, from Greene and Franklin. 
It is drained by Mad River and its tributaries, which furnishes extensive mill 
privileges. Nearly a half is undulating, a quarter rolling, a fifth hilly, and 
5 per cent wet prairie. The soil is fertile, and produces wheat, corn, oats, 
barley, hay, while beef and wool add to the general wealth. Urbana, the 
county seat, was laid out in 1805, by Col. William Ward. He Avas chief owner 
of the land and donated many lots to the county, under condition that their 
proceeds be devoted to public improvements. Joseph Vance and George 
Fithian were the first settlers. The Methodists built the first church in 1807. 
The main army of Hull concentrated at this point before setting out for Detroit. 
Many Indian councils were called here, and Tecumseh was located for a time 
near Deer Creek. 

Carroll County was formed from Columbiana in 1832-33. It produces 
wheat, oats and corn, and valuable coal and iron. The surface is hilly. Car- 
rollton is its county seat. At Harlem is a celebrated chalybeate spring. 

Clark County was formed March 1, 1817, from Champaign, Madison and 
Greene. Its second settlement was at Kreb's Station, in 1796. It is highly culti- 
vated, well watered and very fertile. The Mad River, Buck and Beaver Creeks 
furnish abundant water-power. It produces principally wheat, corn and oats. 

Tecumseh, the old Indian warrior, was born at the ancient Indian vil- 
lage of Piqua, on the Mad River, on the site of New Boston. Piqua was 



140 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

destroyed by Gen. George Rogers Clarke. Skeletons, beads, gun barrels, 
tomahawks, kettles, etc., have been found in the vicinity. 

Springfield, the county seat, is situated on the National road. It has con- 
venient transportation facilities, is handsomely laid out, and is noted for its 
cultured citizens. It is near Mad River, and Buck Creek runs through it. 

Clinton County was formed in 1810. It produces chiefly wheat, oats, 
wool and pork. Its surfice is undulating, in some parts hilly, and the soil fer- 
tile. Its streams furnish desirable water-power. The county was settled in 
1798-99. Wilmington i.s the county seat, and was laid out in 1810. The first 
log house was built by William Hobsin. 

Clermont County was the eighth formed in the Northwest Territory, by 
proclamation of Gov. St. Clair, December 9, 1800. The soil is exceedingly 
rich, and the surflice is broken and, near the Ohio, hilly. Wheat, corn, oats, 
hay, potatoes, tobacco, barley, buckwheat and rye form the main crops, while 
beef, pork, flour, hay and whisky constitute its main exports. Its streams 
furnish good water-power. Batavia, its county seat, is situated on the Little 
Miami River, and was laid out in 1820, by George Ely. 

Columbiana County was formed March 25, 1803, from Jefferson and Wash- 
ington. Its soil is very fertile, producing wheat, corn, oats and potatoes. It 
is wealthy in mineral deposits, coal, iron ore, lime and freestone being abun- 
dant. Its water-lime stone is of superior (juality. Salt water is found on Yel- 
low and Beaver Creeks. This is also the great wool-producing county of 
the State. It was settled in 1797. New Lisbon, its county seat, is well 
built. 

The first paper-mill in Ohio was erected in this county, on Little Beaver 
Creek, by John Coulter and John Bever. 

Coshocton County was organized April 1, 1811. Its principal products are 
wheat, corn, oats and wool. Hills and valleys alternate along the Muskingum 
River. Abrupt changes are strongly marked — a rich alluvum being overhung 
by a red- bush hill, while directly beside it may be seen the poplar and sugar 
tree. Coal and iron ore add to its general importance, while salt Avells have 
proven remunerative. 

Coshocton, the county seat, is built on four wide, natural terraces, at the 
junction of the Tuscarawas with the Walhonding. 

Cuyahoga County Avas formed June 7, 1807, from Geauga. Near the lake, 
the soil is sandy, while a clayey loam may be found elsewhere. The valleys 
near the streams produce wheat, barley and hay. Fruit is successfully grown, 
and cheese, butter, beef and wool are largely exported. Bog iron is found in 
the western part, and fine grindstone quarries are in operation. The sandstone 
from these quarries is now an important article of commerce. As early as 
1775, there was a French settlement within the boundaries of Cuyahoga. In 
1786, a Moravian missionary came to the present site of Cleveland, and set- 
tled in an abandoned village of the Ottawas. Circumstances prevented a 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 141 

permanent settlement, and the British tacitly took possession, even remaining 
upon the lake shores after the Revolution. 

The first permanent settlement was made at Cleveland in 1796. Mr. Job 
V. Stiles and family and Edward Paine passed the first winter there, their log 
cabin standing where the Commercial Bank is now located. Rodolphus 
Edwards and Nathaniel Doane settled here. - The town was, in 1813, a depot 
of supplies and a rendezvous for troops engaged in the war. 

Cleveland, the county seat, is situated at the northern termination of the 
Ohio Canal, on the lake shore. In 1814, it was incorporated as a village, and 
in 1836, as a city. Its elevation is about a hundred feet above the lake. It 
is a lovely city, and has one of the best harbors on Lake Erie. 

Ohio City is another important town, nearly opposite Cleveland, on the 
Cuyahoga. It was incorporated in 1836. 

Crawford County was formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian territory. 
The entire county is adapted to grazing. The soil is generally composed of 
rich vegetable loam, and in some parts the subsoil is clay mixed with lime. 
Rich beds of shell marl have been discovered. It produces Avheat, corn, oats, 
clover, timothy seed,,wool and cattle. Fine limestone quarries are worked with 
success. 

Bucyrus is the county seat, and was laid out February 11, 1822, by Samuel 
Norton and James Kilbourn, original owners of the land. The first settler in 
the town proper was Samuel Norton. A gas well has been dug in Bucyrus, 
on the land of R. W. Musgrove, which burns in a brilliant light when con- 
ductedto the surface by means of pipes. Crawford's Sulphur Springs are 
located nine miles from Bucyrus. The water is impregnated with sulphuretted 
hydrogen. It deposits a reddish-purple sediment. In its nature the water is a 
cathartic, and is diuretic and diaphoretic in its effects. A few rods away is a 
burning spring. The Annapolis Sulphur Spring is clear and has gained consid- 
erable fame by its curative qualities. Opposite Bucyrus is a chalybeate spring 
of tonic qualities. 

There are some beds of peat in. the county, the most extensive one being a 
wet prairie called Cranberry Marsh, containing nearly 2,000 acres. 

Darke County was organized in March, 1817, from Miami County. It is 
abundantly timbered with poplar, walnut, blue ash, hickory, beech and sugar 
maple. It yields superior wheat, and is well adapted to grazing. In this 
county occurred the lamentable defeat of St. Clair, and the treaty of Greenville. 

Greenville is the county seat, and was laid out August 10, 1808, by Robert 
Gray and John Dover. In December, 1793, Wayne built Fort Greenville on 
this spot, which covered about the same extent as the present town. 

Delaware County was formed February 10, 1808, from Franklin. It pro- 
duces mainly wheat, corn, oats, pork and wool. 

Delaware is the county seat, and was laid out in the spring of 1808, by 
Moses Byxbe. The Delaware Spring in the village is of the white sulphur or 



142 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

cold hydro-sulphurous nature, valuable for medicinal qualities in cases of bilious 
derangements, dyspepsia, scrofulous affections, etc. 

Defiance County was inaugurated March 4, 1845, from Williams, Henry 
and Paulding. The Maumee, Tiffin and Auglaize floAV through it. The Black 
Swamp covers much of its area. 

Defiance, the county seat, is situated on the Maumee. It was laid out in 
1822, by B. Level and H. Phillips. A large Indian settlement occupied its 
gite in very early times. Wayne arrived here August 8, 1794, captured the 
place, finding about one thousand acres of corn, peach and apple orchards, and 
vegetables of all varieties. Here he built Fort Defiance. 

Erie County was formed in 1838, from Huron and Sandusky. The soil is 
alluvial, and yields large crops of wheat, corn, oats and potatoes. It possesses 
inexhaustable quarries of limestone and freestone. Immense quantities of bog 
iron are also found. The Erie tribe is said to have once occupied the land, and 
were extirpated by the Iroquois. As early as 1754, the French had built set- 
tlements. In 1764, the county was besieged. Pontiac came here with warlike 
demonstrations, but made peace with the whites. Erie was included in the 
"fire lands" of the Western Reserve. 

Sandusky City is the county seat, and was laid out in 1817, then termed 
Portland. At that time it contained two log huts. The town is finely situated, 
and is based upon an inexhaustible quarry of the finest limestone. In the 
"patriot war" with the Canadians, this city was the rendezvous for the 
"patriots." 

Franklin County was formed April 30, 1803, from Ross. It contains 
much low wet land, and is better adapted to grazing than agricultural purposes. 
It was in early times occupied by the Wyandot Indians. Its first white set- 
tlement was made in 1797, by Robert Armstrong and others. Franklinton 
was laid out in 1797, by Lucas Sullivan. Worthington was settled by the 
Scioto Company in 1801. Col. Kilbourn, who was interested in the work, 
constructed the first map of Ohio during his explorations, by uniting sectional 
diagrams. 

Columbus, the capital of the State of Ohio, is also the county seat of 
Franklin County. After the organization of a State government, the capital 
was "portable" until 1816. In 1810, the sessions were held at Chillicothe, 
in 1811 and 1812 at Zanesville, removing again to Chillicothe, and, in 1816, 
being located at Columbus. The town was laid out during the spring of 1812. 
A penitentiary was erected in 1813, and the State House was built in 1814. 
It was incorporated as "the borough of Columbus," February 10, 1816. The 
city charter was granted ]\Iarch 3, 1834. 

It is beautifully located on the east bank of the Scioto. The Columbus 
Institute is a classical institution. A female and a theological seminary also 
add to its educational advantages. The Ohio Lunatic Asylum is also located 
here — also the Ohio Institution for the Education of the Blind. East of the 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 143 

State House is the Ohio Institution for the Education of the Deaf and 
Dumb. 

Fairfield County was formed by proclamation of Gov. St. Clair, December 
9, 1800. 

The soil is varied, being in some parts exceedingly rich, and in others very 
sterile. It produces principally wheat, corn, rye, oats, buckwheat, barley, 
potatoes and tobacco. 

Lancaster is the county seat, laid out by Ebenezer Zane in 1800. In 1797, 
he opened the road known as "Zane's Trace," from Wheeling to Limestone — 
now Maysville. It passed through Lancaster, at a fording about three hundred 
yards below the present turnpike bridge. Near the turn stands an imposing 
eminance called " Standing Stone." Parties of pleasure frequently visit this spot. 

Fayette County was formed from Ross and Highland in 1810. Wheat, 
corn, cattle, hogs, sheep and wool comprise its main productions; " The bar- 
rens" are situated in the northeastern part. This tract is covered by a growth 
of grass. 

Washington is its county seat, laid out in 1810. 

Col. Stewart was active in the interests of this section, and his memory is 
sacredly revered. Jesse Milliken was prominent in public afiairs. 

Fulton County, bordering on Michigan, was organized in 1850. It is 
drained by Bean Creek and other small affluents of the Maumee River. The 
surface is nearly level, and a large part of it is covered with forests of ash, 
beech, elm, hickory, white oak, black walnut, etc., furnishing excellent timber. 
The soil is fertile. Wheat, corn, oats and hay are the staple products. Wau- 
seon is the county seat. 

Guernsey County was organized in March, 1810. Wool is a staple prod- 
uct, together with beef, horses and swine. It produces wheat, corn and oats. 

Cambridge is the county seat and was laid out in June, 1806. Mr. 
Graham was the first settler on the site of the town, and his was the only 
dwelling between Lancaster and Wheeling. 

The first cannel coal found in the county was discovered near Mill's Creek. 

Greene County was formed May 1, 1803, from Hamilton and Ross. It 
produces wheat, corn, rye, grass-seed, oats, barley, sheep and swine. The 
streams furnish good water-power. There are five limestone quarries, and a 
marble quarry of variegated colors. The Shawnee town was on the Little 
Miami, and was visited by Capt. Thomas Bullit in 1773. When Daniel Boone 
was captured in 1778, he was brought to this town, and escaped the followino- 
year. Gen. Clarke invaded this county and the Indians reduced the town to ashes. 

Xenia, the county seat, was laid ofi* in the forest in 1803, by Joseph C. 
Vance. The first cabin was erected in April, 1804, by John Marshall. The 
Rev. James Fowler built the first hewed-log cabin. David A. Sanders built 
the first frame house. Nine miles north of the town, on the Little Miami 
River, are the Yellow Springs, which are impregnated with sulphur. 



144 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

Geauga County was formed in 1805 from Trumbull. It exports sheep, 
cattle, butter and cheese. It is situated at the head of Chargrine, Cuyahoga and 
a part of Grand Rivers, on high ground, and is subjected to snowstorms more 
frequently than any other part of the Reserve. Its first settlement was made 
in 1798, at Burton. Chardon is fourteen miles from Lake Erie, and is 600 
feet above it. It was laid out as the county seat in 1808. 

Gallia County was formed April 30, 1803, from Washington. Its princi- 
pal crops are wheat, corn, oats and beans. The surface is generally broken. 
Its first settlement was made in 1791, by a French colony, at Gallipolis. This 
colony was sent out under the auspices of the Scioto Company. This town is 
now the county seat. 

Hamilton County was the second established in the Northwestern Territory 
by proclamation of Gov. St. Clair, January 2, 1790. Its surface is gen- 
erally rolling. It produces the ordinary farm products, and a great variety 
of fruits and vegetables for the Cincinnati market. Vineyards thrive well 
within its limits, and the manufacture of wine is carried on to a considerable 
extent. 

This county was the second settled in Ohio, and the first within the 3ynimes 
purchase. Settlers arrived at the spot now occupied by Cincinnati, and three 
or four log cabins were erected. Gen. Arthur St. Clair arrived here in Janu- 
ary, 1790. The army of Wayne encamped here later, at Fort Washington. 
Mr. Maxwell established in 1793 the Sentinel of the Northwestern Territory, 
the first newspaper printed north of the Ohio River. In 1796, Edward Free- 
man became its proprietor, and changed the name to Freeman's Journal. 
January 11, 1794, two keel-boats sailed from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh, making 
regular trips every four weeks. In 1801, the first sea vessel built at Mari- 
etta came down the Ohio. 

Cincinnati, the county seat, was incorporated January 2, 1802. It was char- 
tered as a city in 1819. The city is beautifully laid out and delightfully situ- 
ated. Its public buildings are elegant and substantial, including the court 
house and many literary and charitable institutions. 

The Cincinnati College was founded in 1819. It stands in the center of 
the city. It is built in Grecian-Doric style, with pilaster fronts and facade of 
Dayton marble. Woodward College is also popular. 

The Catholics have founded the St. Xavier's College. Lane Seminary, a 
theological institution, is at Walnut Hills, two miles from the center of the city. 
It has over 10,000 volumes in its libraries. No charge is made for tuition. 
Rooms are provided and furnished at ^5 per year, and board ranges from 62|- 
cents to 90 cents a week. The Cincinnati Law School is connected with Cin- 
cinnati College. The Mechanics' Institute was chartered in 1828, and is in all 
respects well supplied Avith apparatus. A college for teachers was established in 
1831, its object being to perfect those contemplating entering that profession in 
their studies and system. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 145 

The Cincinnati Orphan Asylum is an elegant building, and has a library 
and well-organized school attached. The Catholics of the city have one male 
and female orphan asylum. The Commercial Hospital and Lunatic Asylum of 
Ohio was incorporated in 1821. 

Cincinnati is a large manufacturing city, and possesses fine water-power 
facilities. It communicates with the world by means of its canal, river, turnpikes, 
and railways. North Bend is another prominent town in this county, liavino- 
been the residence of Gen. William H. Harrison, and the site of his burial 
place. The town was of considerable importance in the early settlement of the 
State. About thirty yards from Harrison's tomb is the grave of Judge 
Symmes. 

Hancock County was formed April 1, 1820. It produces wheat, oats, corn, 
pork and maple sugar. The surface is level and its soil is fertile. Blanchard's 
Fork waters the central and southern part of tue county. Findlay, the county 
seat, Avas laid out by ex-Gov. Joseph Vance and Elnathan Corry, in 1821. It 
was relaid in 1829. William Vance settled there in the fall of 1821. At the 
south end of the town, are two gas wells. In the eastern part, is a mineral 
spring, and west of the bridge, is a chalybeate spring. 

Hardin County was formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian Territory. 
It produces, principally, wheat, corn and swine. A portion of the surface is 
level, and the remainder undulating. Fort McArthur was built on the Scioto 
River, but proved a weak stockade. Kenton is the county seat, situated on the 
Mad River. 

Harrison County was formed from JeflFerson and Tuscarawas January 1, 
1814. The surface is hilly, abounding in coal and limestone. Its soil is clayey. 
It is one of the important wool-growing counties in Ohio. It produces large 
quantities of wheat, corn, oats and hay, besides a considerable number of horses, 
cattle and swine. 

In April, 1799, Alexander Henderson and family settled in this county, and 
at the same time, Daniel Peterson and his family resided at the forks of Short 
Creek. The early settlers were much annoyed by Indians and wild beasts. 
Cadiz is the county seat, and was laid out in 1803 and 1804, by Messrs. Briggs 
and Beatty. 

Henry County was formed from the old Indian Territory, April 1, 1820. 
Indian corn, oats, potatoes, and maple sugar constitute the main products. 
The county is well supplied with running streams, and the soil is unusually rich. 

The greater portion of this county is covered by the "Black SAvamp." 
Throughout this swamp are ridges of limestone, covered with black walnut, red 
elm, butternut and maple. The soil is superior for grain. Fruit thrives and 
all varieties of vegetables are produced in large quantities. Simon Girty, noto- 
rious for his wicked career, resided in this county. Girty led the attack on 
Fort Henry, in September, 1777. He demanded the surrender of the fort, 
and menaced its inmates with an Indian massacre, in case of refusal. The 



146 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

action began, but the fort gained the victory. He led a ferocious band of Indi- 
ans, and committed the most fiendish atrocities. 

Napoleon, the county seat, is situated on the Maumee River. 

Highland County was formed in May, 1805, from Ross, Adams and Cler- 
mont. It is a wealthy, productive county. Its wheat commands a high mar- 
ket price. The crops consist of wheat, corn, oats, maple sugar, avooI, swine 
and cattle. Its first settlement began in 1801, at New Market, by Oliver Ross, 
Robert Keeston, George W. Barrere, Bernard Weyer and others. Simon Ken- 
ton made a trace through this county in early times. Hillsboro is the 
county seat, and was laid out in 1807, by David Hays, on the land of Benja- 
min Ellicott. It is situated on the dividing ridge, between the Miami and Sci- 
oto. The Hillsboro Academy was founded in 1827. 

Hocking County was formed March 1, 1818, from Ross, Athens and Fair- 
field. Its principal products are corn, wheat, tobacco and maple sugar. Its 
surface is broken and hilly, but is level and fertile beside the streams. 

The Wyandots once occupied this tract, and built a large town herein. In 
1798, a few Avhite families ventured to settle. Logan is its county seat, and is 
situated on the Hocking River. 

Holmes County was formed from Coshocton, Tuscarawas and Wayne, Janu- 
ary 20, 1824. It produces wheat, corn, oats, potatoes, maple sugar, swine, 
sheep and cattle. The southwestern portion is broken. Thomas Butler was 
the first settler, in 1810. Millersburg is the county seat, and was laid out in 
1830. 

Huron County was organized in 1815. It produces hay, wheat, corn, oats, 
barley, buckwheat, flaxseed, potatoes, butter, cheese, wool and swine. Nor- 
walk is the county seat. 

Jackson County was organized March, 1816. The country is rich in min- 
erals and abounds in coal and iron ore. The exports are cattle, wool, swine, 
horses, lumber, millstones, tobacco and iron. Jackson, the county seat, was 
laid out in 1817. The old Scioto salt-works were among the first worked in 
Ohio by the whites. Prior to this period, the Indians came some distance to 
this section to make salt. When Daniel Boone was a prisoner, he spent some 
time at these works. 

Jefierson County was proclaimed by Gov. St. Clair July 29, 1797, and 
was the fifth county established in Ohio. It is one of the most important 
manufacturing counties in the State. Its resources in coal are also extended. 
The surface is hilly and the soil fertile, producing wheat, corn and oats. The 
old "Mingo" town was on the present farms of Jeremiah Hallock and Mr. 
Daniel Potter. The troops of Col. Williamson rendezvoused at this point, 
when they set out in their cruel Moravian campaign, and also the troops of 
Col. Crawford, when they started on the campaign against the Sandusky 
Indians. Here Logan, the powerful and manly chief of the Mingo nation, 
once resided. He took no active part in the old French war, which closed in 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 147 

1760, except that of a peacemaker. He was a stanch friend of the whites 
until the abominable and unprovoked murder of his father, brother and sister, 
which occurred in 1774, near the Yellow Creek. He then raised the battle 
cry and sought revenge. 

However, Logan was remarkably magnanimous toward prisoners who fell 
into his hands. The year 1793 was the last spent in Indian warfare in Jeffer- 
son County. 

Fort Steuben was erected on the present site of Steuben ville, the county seat, 
in 1789. It was constructed of block-houses, with palisade fences, and was dis- 
mantled during Wayne's campaign. Bezaleel Wells and Hon. James Ross laid 
the town out in 1798. It was incorporated February 14, 1805. It is situated 
upon an elevated plain. In 1814, Messrs. Wells and Dickerson built a woolen 
manufactory, and introduced merino sheep to the county. 

Knox County was formed March 1, 1808, from Fairfield. It is drained by 
the Vernon River. It produces wheat, corn, oats, tobacco, maple sugar, pota- 
toes and wool. Mount Vernon was laid out in 1805. The early settlers found 
two wells on the Vernon River, built of hammered stone, neatly laid, and near 
by was a salt-lick. Their direct origin remains a mystery. Oilman Bryant, 
in 1807, opened the first store in Mount Vernon. The court house was built 
in 1810. The Indians came to Mount Vernon in large numbers for the pur- 
pose of trading in furs and cranberries. Each Saturday, the settlers worked 
on the streets, extracting stumps and improving the highway. The first settler 
north of the place was N. M. Young, who built his cabin in 1803. Mount 
Vernon is now the county seat, beautifully situated on Vernon River. Kenyon 
College is located at Gambler. It is richly endowed with 8,000 acres, and is 
valued at $100,000. This institution was established under the auspices of 
Bishop Chase, in July, 1826, in the center of a $4,000-acre tract belonging to 
Kenyon College. It was chartered as a theological seminary. 

Lucas County is of comparatively recent origin. A large portion is covered 
by the "Black Swamp." It produces corn, wheat, potatoes and oats. This 
county is situated in the Maumee Valley, which was the great arena of histori- 
cal events. The frightful battle of Wayne's campaign, Avhere the Indians found 
the British to be traitors, was fought at Fort Meigs, in this county. Maumee 
City, the county seat, was laid out in 1817, as Maumee, by Maj. William Oliver 
and others. It is situated on the Maumee, at the head of navigation. The 
surface is 100 feet above the water level. This town, with Perrysburg, its neighbor, 
is exceedingly picturesque, and was in early times frequented by the Indians. 
The French had a trading station at this point, in 1680, and in 1794, the Brit- 
ish Fort — Miami — was built. Toledo is on the left bank of the Maumee, and 
covers the site of a stockade fort, known as Fort Industry, erected in 1800. 
An Indian treaty was held here July 4, 1805, by which the Indians relinquished 
all rights to the " fire lands." In 1832, Capt. Samuel Allen gave an impetus 
to the place, and Maj. Stickney also became interested in its advancement. 



148 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

Speculation in lots began in 1834. The Wabash & Erie Canal interest arose in 
1836. Mr. Mason and Edward Bissel added their energies to assist the growth 
of the toAvn. It was incorporated as a city in 1836. It was the center of the 
military operations in the " Ohio and Michigan war," known as the "boundary 
conflict." 

The Ordinance of 1787 provided for the division of the Northwestern Terri- 
tory into three or five States. The three southern were to be divided from tlie 
two northern by a line drawn east and Avest through the southern point of Lake 
Michigan, extending eastward to the Territorial line in Lake Erie. The consti- 
tution of Ohio adds a provision that if the line should not go so far north as the 
north cape of Maumee Bay, then the northern boundary of Ohio should be a 
line drawn from the southerly part of Lake Michigan to the north cape of the 
Maumee Bay. 

The line of the ordinance was impossible, according to its instructions and 
the geography of the country. 

When Michigan became a Territory, the people living between the " Fulton " 
and '• Harris " lines found it more to their wishes to be attached to Michio;an. 
They occupied disputed ground, and were thus beyond the limits of absolute 
law. In 1835, the subject was greatly agitated, and J. Q. Adams made a warm 
speech before Congress against the Ohio claim. The Legislature of Ohio dis- 
cussed the matter, and an act was passed to attach the disputed section to Ohio, 
according to the constitutional decree. An active campaign opened between 
Michigan and Ohio. Gov. Lucas came out with the Ohio troops, in the spring 
of 1835, and Gov. Mason, of Michigan, followed the example. He marched 
into Toledo, robbed melon-patches and chicken-houses, crushed in the front 
door of Maj. Stickney's house, and carried him away prisoner of war. Embas- 
sadors were sent from Washington to negotiate matters — Richard Rush, of Penn- 
sylvania and Col. Howard, of Maryland. At the next session of Congress, the 
matter Avas settled. Samuel Vinton argued for Ohio, in the House, and Thomas 
Ewing in the Senate. Michigan received an equiA'alent of the large peninsula 
between Lakes Huron, Michigan and Superior. Ohio received the disputed 
strip, averaging eight miles in width. Manhattan, Waterville and Providence 
are all flourishing towns. 

Lorain County was formed from Huron, Cuyahoga and Medina, on Decem- 
ber 26, 1822. The soil is generally fertile, and the surface level. Wheat, 
grass, oats, corn, rye and potatoes constitute the principal crops. Bog-iron ore 
is found in large quantities. A curious relic has been found in this county, bear- 
ing the date of 1533. Elyria is the county seat, and was laid out in 1817. 
The first settler Avas Mr. Heman Ely. Oberlin is situated about eight miles 
southwest of Elyria. The Oberlin Collegiate Institute has attained a wide 
celebrity. 

Logan County was formed March 1, 1817. The surface is broken and hilly 
near the Mad River, but is generally level. The soil is fertile, producing 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO 149 

wheat, corn, rye, oats, clover, flax and timothy seed. The Shawnee Indians 
were located here, and built several villaores on the Mad River. These towns 
were destroyed in 1786, by a body of Kentuckians, under Gen. Benjamin 
Logan. The whites surprised the towns. However, they returned after the 
work of destruction had been completed, and for many years frequented the 
section. On the site of Zanesville was a Wyandot village. By the treaty of 
September 29, 1817, the Senecas and Shawnees held a reservation around 
Lewistown. April 6, 1832, they vacated this right and removed west. Isaac 
Zane was born about the year 1753, and was, while a boy, captured and after- 
ward adopted by the Wyandots. Attaining the age of manhood, he had no 
desire to return to his people. He married a Wyandot woman, who was half 
French. After the treaty of Greenville, he bought 1,800 acres on the site of 
Zanesville, where he lived until the year 1816, when he died, lamented by all 
his friends. 

Logan County was settled about the year 1806. During the war of 1812, 
it was a rendezvous for friendly Indians. Bellefontaine, the county seat, was 
laid out March 18, 1820, on land owned by John Tulles and William Powell. 
Joseph Gordon built a cabin, and Anthony Ballard erected the first frame 
dwelling. 

Gen. Simon Kenton is buried at the head of Mad River, five miles from 
Bellefontaine. He died April 29, 1836, aged eighty-one years and twenty-six 
days. This remarkable man came West, to Kentucky, in 1771. He probably 
encountered more thrilling escapes than any other man of his time. In 1778, 
he was captured and sufiered extreme cruelties, and was ransomed by the British. 
He soon recovered his robust health, and escaped from Detroit the following 
spring. He settled in Urbana in 1802. He was elected Brigadier General of 
the militia, and in the war of 1812, joined Gen. Harrison's army. In the year 
1820, he removed to Mad River. Gen. Vance and Judge Burnet secured him 
a pension, of $20 per month 

Licking County was formed from Fairfield March 1, 1808. The surface is 
generally level, diversified by slight hills in the eastern portion. The soil is 
fertile, producing wheat, corn, oats and grass. Coal and iron ore of good 
quality add to the wealth of the county. Wool and dairy productions are also 
staples. Newark is the county seat, and is situated at the confluence of the 
three principal branches of the Licking. It was laid out by Gen. William C. 
Schenk, George W. Burnet and John M. Cummings, who owned this military 
section of 4,000 acres, in 1801. In 1802, Samuel Elliott and Samuel Parr 
built hewed-log houses. The picturesque "Narrows of the Licking" are in 
the eastern part of the county, which have elicited general praise from scenic 
hunters. 

Lawrence County was organized March 1, 1816. There are many high 
and abrupt hills in this section, which abound in sand or freestone. It is rich 
in minerals, and the most important section of Ohio for iron manufacture. 



150 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

Coal is abundant, and white clay exists in the western part suitable for pot- 
tery purposes. Agricultural productions are not extensive. 

The county was settled in 1797 by the Dutch and Irish. The iron region 
extends through the west part of this county. Lawrence County produces a 
superior quality of iron, highly esteemed for castings, and is equal to Scotch 
pig for furnace purposes. Burlington is the county seat. 

Lake County was formed from Geauga and Cuyahoga March 6, 1840. The 
soil is good and the surface rolling. It produces wheat, corn, oats, buckwheat, 
barley, hay and potatoes. Dairy products, cattle and wool are also staples. 
Its fruits — apples, peaches, pears, plums and grapes are highly prized. As 
early as 1799, a settlement was formed at Mentor. Painesville, the county 
seat, is situated on Grand River, in a beautiful valley. The Painesville Acad- 
emy is a classical institution for the education of both sexes. Near the town 
is the Geauga furnace. Painesville was laid out by Henry Champion in 1805. 
At Fairport, the first warehouse in this section, and probably the first on the 
lake, Avas built by Abraham Skinner in 1803. This town has a fine harbor, 
and has a light-house and beacon. Kirtland, southwest from Painesville, was, 
in 183-1, the headquarters of the Mormons. At that time, they numbered 
about three thousand. The old Mormon temple is of rough stone, plastered 
over, colored blue, and marked to imitate regular courses of masonry. As is 
well known, the Mormons derive their name from the book of Mormon, said to 
have been translated from gold plates found in a hill in Palmyra, N. Y. 

Madison County was organized in March, 1810. The surface is generally 
level. It produces grass, corn, oats and cattle — the latter forming a chief 
staple, while wool and pork add to the general wealth. 

Jonathan Alder was much interested in the settlement of the county. He, 
like some other whites, had lived with the Indians many years, and had formed 
a lasting affection for them, and had married a squaw, with whom he became 
dissatisfied, which caused him to desire finding his own family. He suc- 
ceeded in this through the assistance of John Moore. He left his wife and 
joined his people. 

This county was first settled in 1795. Benjamin Springer made a clearing 
and built a cabin. He settled near Alder, and taught him the English lan- 
guage. Mr. Joshua Ewing brought four sheep to this place, and the Indians 
exhibited great astonishment over these strange animals. When the hostilities 
of 1812 began, the British offered inducements to the Indians to join them, and 
they consulted Alder regarding the best policy to adopt. He advised them to 
preserve neutrality until a later period, which they did, and eventually became 
firm friends of the Americans. 

London is the county seat, and was laid out in 1810-11, by Patrick McLene. 

Marion County was organized March 1, 1824. The soil is fertile, and pro- 
duces extensive farm crops. The Delaware Indians once held a reservation 
here, and conceded their claims in 1829, August 3, and removed west of the 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 153 

Mississippi. Marion, the county seat, was laid out in 1821, by Eber Baker 
and Alexander Holmes. Gen. Harrison marched through this section during 
his campaign. 

Mahoning County was formed in 1846, from Trumbull and Columbiana. 
The surface is rolling and the soil generally fertile. The finer qualities of wood 
are produced here. Bituminous coal and iron are found in large quantities. 
Col. James Hillman came to the Western Reserve in 1786. The settlement 
of the county went forward. Canfield is the county seat. 

Medina County was formed from the Western Reserve February 12, 1812. 
The surface is rolling and the soil is fertile, producing fine agricultural prod- 
ucts. The first trail made through the county was made by George Poe, 
Joseph H. Larwell and Roswell M. Mason. The first settlement was made 
by Joseph Harris in 1811. He was soon joined by the Burr brothers. Me- 
dina is the county seat. 

Meigs County was formed from Gallia and Athens April 1, 1819. The 
general character of the soil is clayey, producing large quantities of wheat, oats, 
corn, hay and potatoes. Vast quantities of salt are made arid exported. Pom- 
eroy, the county seat, is situated under a lofty hill, surrounded by picturesque 
scenery. Mr. Nathaniel Clark was the first settler of the county. He arrived in 
1816. The first coal mine opened in Pomeroy was in 1819, by David Bradshaw. 

Mercer County was formed from the Indian Territory in 1820. The sur- 
face is generally flat, and while covered with forests, inclined to be wet ; but, 
being cleared, it is very fertile, and adapted to producing farm crops. St. 
Clair's Battle was fought on the boundary line between this and Darke County. 
The Hon. Lewis Cass and Duncan McArthur made a treaty at St. Mary's with 
the Wyandots, Shawnees and Ottawas, in 1818. The odious Simon Girty lived 
at one time at St. Mary's. Wayne built St. Mary's Fort, on the west bank of 
the river. John Whistler was the last commander of the fort. The largest 
artificial lake in the world, so it is asserted, is formed by the reservoir sup- 
plying the St. Mary's feeder of the Miami Extension Canal. It is about nine 
miles long, and from two to four broad. Celina is the county seat. 

Miami County was formed January 16, 1807, from Montgomery. It abounds 
in excellent limestone, and possesses remarkable water-power facilities. Its agri- 
cultural products rank highly in quality and quantity. John Knoop came into this 
section about the year 1797, and its first settlement began about this time. Troy, 
the county seat, is situated upon the Great Miami. Piqua is another lovely 
town. The Miami River afibrds delightful scenery at this point. 

Monroe County was formed January 29, 1813, from Belmont, Washington, 
and Guernsey. A portion of its surface is abrupt and hilly. Large quantities 
of tobacco are raised, and much pork is exported. Wheat and corn grow well 
in the western portion. Iron ore and coal abound. The valleys of the streams 
are very narrow, bounded by rough hills. In some places are natural rock 
grottoes. The first settlement was made in 1799, near the mouth of the Sunfish. 



154 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

At this time, wolves were numerous, and caused much alarm. Volney entered 
this county, but was not prepossessed in its favor. One township is settled by 
the Swiss, who are educated and refined. Woodsfield is the county seat. 

Montgomery County was formed from Ross and Hamilton May 1, 1803. 
The soil is fertile, and its agricultural products are most excellent. Quarries of 
grayish-white limestone are found east of the Miami. 

Dayton is the county seat, situated on the Great Miami, at the mouth of Mad 
River. A company was formed in 1788, but Indian wars prevented settlement. 
After Wayne's treaty, in 1795, a new company was formed. It advanced 
rapidly between the years 1812 and 1820. The beginning of the Miami Canal 
renewed its prosperity, in 1827. The first canal-boat from Cincinnati arrived 
at Dayton on the 25th of January, 1829. The first one arrived from Lake 
Erie in June, 1845. Col. Robert Patterson came to Dayton in 1804. At one 
time, he owned Lexington, Ky., and about one third of Cincinnati. 

Morgan County was organized in 1818, March 1. The surface is hilly and 
the soil strong and fertile, producing wheat, corn, oats and tobacco. Pork is a 
prolific product, and considerable salt is made. The first settlement was made 
in 1790, on the Muskingum. McConnelsville is the county seat. Mr. Ayres 
made the first attempt to produce salt, in 1817. This has developed into a 
large industry. 

Morrow County was organized in 1848. It is drained by the Vernon 
River, which rises in it, by the East Branch of the Olontangy or Whetstone 
River, and by Walnut Creek. The surface is undulating, the soil fertile. 
The staple products are corn, wheat, oats, hay, wool and butter. The sugar 
maple abounds in the forests, and sandstone or freestone in the quarries. 
Mount Gilead, the county seat, is situated on the East Branch of the Olen- 
tangy River. 

Muskingum County was formed from Washington and Fairfield. The sur- 
face is rolling or hilly. It produces Avlieat, corn, oats, potatoes, tobacco, wool 
and pork. Large quantities of bituminous coal are found. Pipe clay, huhr- 
stone or cellular quartz are also in some portions of the State. Salt is made in 
large quantities — the fine being obtained from a stratum of whitish sandstone. 
The Wyandots, Delawares, Senecas and Shawanoese Indians once inhabited this 
section. An Indian toAvn occupied the site of Duncan's Falls. A large Shawan- 
oese town was located near Dresden. 

Zanesville is the county seat, situated opposite the mouth of the Licking. 
It was laid out in 1799, by Mr. Zane and Mr. Mclntire. This is one of the 
principal towns in the State, and is surrounded by charming scenery. 

Noble County, organized in 1851, is drained by Seneca, Duck and Wills 
Creeks. The surface is undulating, and a large part of it is covered with for- 
ests. The soil is fertile. Its staples are corn, tobacco, wheat, hay, oats and 
wool. Among its mineral resources are limestone, coal and petroleum. Near 
Caldwell, the county seat, are found iron ore, coal and salt. 



.HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 155 

Ottawa County was formed from Erie, Sandusky and Lucas, March 6, 1840, 
It is mostly within the Black Swamp, and considerable of its land is prairie and 
marsh. It was very thinly settled befere 1830. Extensive plaster beds exist 
on the peninsula, which extends into Lake Erie. It has also large limestone 
quarries, which are extensively worked. The very first trial at arms upon the 
soil of Ohio, during the war of 1812, occurred upon this peninsula. Port Clin- 
ton, the county seat, was laid out in 1827. 

Perry County was formed from "Washington, Fairfield and Muskingum, 
March 1, 1817. Fine tobacco is raised in large quantities. Wheat, corn, oats, 
hay, cattle, pork and wool add to the general wealth. This county was first set- 
tled in 1801. First settler was Christian Binckley, who built the first cabin in 
the county, about five miles west of Somerset, near the present county line. 
New Lexington is now the county seat. 

Paulding County was formed from old Indian territory August 1, 1820. 
It produces corn, wheat and oats. Paulding is the county seat. 

Pickaway County was formed from Fairfield, Ross and Franklin, January 
12, 1810. The county has woodland, barren, plain and prairie. The barrens 
were covered by shrub oaks, and when cleared are adapted to the raising of corn 
and oats. The Pickaway plains are three and a half miles west of Circleville, 
and this tract is said to contain the richest land in Ohio. Here, in the olden 
times, burned the great council fires of the red man. Here the allied tribes met 
Gen. Lewis, and fought the battle of Mount Pleasant. Dunmore's campaign 
was terminated on these plains. It was at the Chillicothe towns, after Dun- 
more's treaty, that Logan delivered his famous speech. Circleville, the county 
seat, is situated on the Scioto Eiver and the Ohio Canal. It was laid out in 
1810, by Daniel Dresbach. It is situated on the site of ancient fortifications. 

Portage County was formed June 7, 1807, from Trumbull. It is a wealthy, 
thriving section. Over a thousand tons of cheese are annually produced. It 
also produces wheat, corn, oats, barley, buckwheat, rye, butter and wool. 
Ravenna is the county seat, and was originally settled by the Hon. Benjamin 
Tappen in June, 1799. In 1806, an unpleasant difficulty arose between the 
settlers and a camp of Indians in Deerfield, caused by a horse trade between a 
white man and an Indian. David Daniels settled on the site of Palmyra in 1799. 

Pike County was organized in 1815. The surface is generally hilly, which 
abound with freestone, which is exported in large quantities for building pur- 
poses. Rich bottom lands extend along the Scioto and its tributaries. John 
Noland and the three Chenoweth brothers settled on the Pee Pee prairie about 
1796. Piketown, the former county seat, was laid out about 1814. Waverly, 
the present county seat, is situated on the Scioto River. 

Preble County was formed March 1, 1808, from Montgomery and Butler. 
The soil is varied. Excellent water-power facilities are furnished. 

Eaton, the county seat, was laid out in 1806, by William Bruce, who owned 
the land. An overflowing well of strong sulphur water is near the town, while 
directly beside it is a limestone quarry. Holderman's quarry is about two 



156 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

miles distant, from which is obtained a beautifully clouded gray stone. Fort St. 
Clair Avas built near Eaton, in the winter of 1791-92. Gen. Harrison was an En- 
sign at the time, and connnanded a guard every other night for three weeks, during 
the building. The severe battle of November 6, 1792, was fought under its very 
guns. Little Turtle, a distinguished chief of the Miamis, roamed over this county 
for a time. He was witty, brave and earnest, and, although engaged in several 
severe contests with the whites, he was inclined toward peace. But when his 
warriors cried for war he led them bravely, 

Putnam County was formed April 1, 1820, from old Indian territory. The 
soil is fertile, its principal productions being wheat, corn, potatoes and oats. 
Large quantities of pork are exported. Kalida, once the county seat, was laid 
out in 1834. Ottawa is the county seat. 

Ross County was formed August 20, 1798, by the proclamation of Gov. St. 
Clair, and was the sixth county formed in the Northwestern Territory. The 
Scioto River and Paint Creek run through it, bordered Avith fertile lands. 
Much water-power is obtained from the many streams watering it. The main 
crops are wheat, corn and oats. It exports cattle and hogs. 

The Rev. Robert W. Finley, in 1794, addressed a letter of inquiry to Col. 
Nathaniel Massie, as many of his associates had designed settling in the new 
State. This resulted in packing their several effects and setting out. A triv- 
ial Indian encounter was the only interruption they met with on their way. 
After Wayne's treaty. Col. Massie and many of these early explorers met 
again and formed a settlement — in 1796 — at the mouth of Paint Creek. In 
August of this year, Chillicothe was laid out by Col. Massie, in a dense forest. 
He donated lots to the early settlers. A ferry was established over the Scioto, 
and the opening of Zane's trace assisted the progress of settlement. 

Chillicothe, the county seat, is situated on the Scioto. Its site is thirty 
feet above the river. In 1800, it was the seat of the Northwestern Territorial 
Government. It was incorporated as a city in January, 1802. During the war 
of 1812, the city was a rendezvous for the United States troops. A large num- 
ber of British were at one time guarded here. Adena is a beautiful place, and 
the seat of Gov. Worthington's mansion, which was built in 1806. Near this 
is Fruit Hill, the residence of the late Gen. McArthur, and latterly the home 
of his son-in-law, the Hon. William Allen. Eleven miles from Chillicothe, on 
the road to Portsmouth, is the home of the hermit of the Scioto. 

Richland was organized March 1, 1813. It produces wheat, corn, oats, hay, 
potatoes, rye, hemp and barley. It was settled about 1809, on branches of the 
Mohican. Two block-houses were built in 1812. Mansfield, the county seat, 
is charmingly situated, and was laid out in 1808, by Jacob Newman, James 
Hedges and Joseph H. Larwell. The county was at that period a vast wilder- 
ness, destitute of roads. From this year, the settlement progressed rapidly. 

Sandusky County Avas formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian Territory. 
The soil is fertile, and country generally level. It mainly produces corn, wheat, 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 157 

oats, potatoes and pork. The Indians were especially delighted with this tract. 
Near Lower Sandusky lived a band of Wyandots, called the Neutral Nation. 
These two cities never failed to render refuge to any who sought their protec- 
tion. They preserved their peacemaking attributes through the Iroquois 
conflicts. Fremont, formerly called Lower Sandusky, the county seat, is 
situated at the head of navigation, on the Sandusky, on the site of the old 
reservation grant to the Indians, af the Greenville treaty council. Fort 
Stephenson was erected in August, 1813, and was gallantly defended by Col. 
Croghan. 

Summit County was formed March 3, 1840, from Medina, Portage and 
Stark. The soil is fertile and produces excellent fruit, besides large crops of 
corn, wheat, hay, oats and potatoes. Cheese and butter may be added as 
products. 

The first settlement made in the county was at Hudson, in 1800. The old 
Indian portage-path, extending through this county, between the Cuyahoga, and 
Tuscarawas Branch of the Muskingum. This was a part of the ancient boundary 
between the Six Nations and the Western Indians. Akron, the county seat, is 
situated on the portage summit. It was laid out in 1825. In 1811, Paul 
Williams and Amos and Minor Spicer settled in this vicinity. Middlebury was 
laid out in 1818, by Norton & Hart. 

Stark County was formed February 13, 1808. It is a rich agricultural 
county. It has large quantities of mineral coal, iron ore, flocks of the finest 
sheep and great water-power. Limestone and extensive beds of lime-marl exist. 
The manufacture of silk has been extensively carried on. Frederick Post, the 
first Moravian missionary in Ohio, settled here in 1761. 

Canton is the county seat, situated in the forks of the Nimishillen, a tribu- 
tary of the Muskingum. It was laid out in 1806, by Bezaleel Wells, who 
owned the land. Massillon was laid out in March, 1826, by John Duncan. 

Shelby County was formed in 1819, from Miami. The southern portion is 
undulating, arising in some places to hills. Through the north, it is a flat table- 
land. It produces wheat, corn, oats and grass. The first point of English set- 
tlement in Ohio was at the mouth of Laramie's Creek, in this county, as early 
as 1752. Fort Laramie was built in 1794, by Wayne. The first white family 
that settled in this county w^as that of James Thatcher, in 1804. Sidney, the 
county seat, was laid out in 1819, on the farm of Charles Starrett. 

Seneca County was formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian territory. 
Its principal products are corn, wheat, grass, oats, potatoes and pork. 

Fort Seneca was built during the war of 1812. The Senecas owned 
40,000 acres of land on the Sandusky River, mostly in Seneca County. 
Thirty thousand acres of this land was granted to them in 1817, at the treaty 
held at the foot of the Maumee Rapids. The remaining 10,000 was granted 
the followino- year. These Indians ceded this tract, however, to the Govern- 
ment in 1831. It was asserted by an old chief, that this band was the remnant 



168 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

of Logan's tribe. Tiffin, the county seat, was laid out by Josiah Hedges in 
the year 1821. 

Scioto County was formed May 1, 1803. It is a good agricultural section, 
besides producing iron ore, coal and freestone. It is said that a French fort 
stood at the mouth of the old Scioto, as early as 1740. In 1785, four families 
settled where Portsmouth now stands. Thomas McDonald built the first cabin in 
the county. The "French grant" w^as located in this section — a tract com- 
prising 24,000 acres. The grant was made in March, 1795. Portsmouth, the 
county seat, is located upon the Ohio. 

Trumbull County was formed in 1800. The original Connecticut Western 
Reserve was within its limits. The county is well cultivated and very wealthy. 
Coal is found in its northern portion. We have, in our previous outline, given 
a history of this section, and it is not, therefore, necessary to repeat its details. 
Warren, the county seat, is situated on the Mahoning River. It was laid out 
by Ephraim Quinby in 1801. Mr. Quinby owned the soil. His cabin was built 
here in 1799. In August, 1800, while Mr. McMahon was away from home, 
a party of drunken Indians called at the house, abused the family, struck a 
child a severe blow with a tomahawk and threatened to kill the family. Mrs. 
McMahon could not send tidings which could reach her husband before noon 
the following day. The following Sunday morning, fourteen men and two 
boys armed themselves and went to the Indian camp to settle the difficulty. 
Quinby advanced alone, leaving the remainder in concealment, as he was better 
acquainted with these people, to make inquiries and ascertain their intentions. 
He did not return at once, and the party set out, marched into camp, and found 
Quinby arguing with Capt. George, the chief Capt. George snatched his 
tomahawk and declared war, rushing forward to kill McMahon. But a bullet 
from the frontierman's gun killed him instantly, while Storey shot " Spotted 
John" at the same time. The Indians then fled. They joined the council at 
Sandusky. Quinby garrisoned his house. Fourteen days thereafter, the 
Indians returned with overtures of peace, which were, that McMahon and 
Storey be taken to Sandusky, tried by Indian laws, and if found guilty, pun- 
ished by them. This could not be done. McMahon was tried by Gen. St. 
Clair, and the matter was settled. The first missionary on the Reserve was the 
Rev. Joseph Badger. 

Tuscarawas County was formed February 15, 1808, from Muskingum. It 
is well cultivated with abundant supplies of coal and iron. 

The first white settlers were Moravian missionaries, their first visits dating 
back to 17G1. The first permanent settlement was made in 1803. Miss Mary 
Heckewelder, the daughter of a missionary, Avas born in this county April 16, 
1781. Fort Laurens was built during the Revolution. It was the scene of a 
fearful carnage. It was established in the fall of 1778, and placed under the 
command of Gen, Mcintosh. New Philadelphia is the county seat, situated on 
the Tuscarawas. It was laid out in 1804 by John Knisely. A German 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 159 

colony settled in this county in 1817, driven from their native land by religious 
dictation they could not espouse. They called themselves Separatists. They 
are a simple-minded people, strictly moral and honest. 

Union County was formed from Franklin, Delaware, Logan and Madison in 
1820. It produces corn, grass, wheat, oats, potatoes, butter and cheese. 
Extensive limestone quarries are also valuable. The Ewing brothers made the 
first white settlement in 1798. Col. James Curry, a member of the State Leg- 
islature, was the chief instigator in the progress of this section. He located 
within its limits and remained until his death, which occurred in 1834. Marys- 
ville is the county seat. 

Van Wert County was formed from the old Lidian territory April 1, 1820. 
A great deal of timber is within the limits of this county, but the soil is so 
tenacious that water will not sink through it, and crops are poor during wet 
seasons. The main product is corn. Van Wert, the county seat, was founded 
by James W. Riley in 1837. An Indian town had formerly occupied its site. 
Capt. Riley was the first Avhite man who settled in the county, arriving in 1821. 
He founded Willshire in 1822. 

Vinton County was organized in 1850. It is drained by Raccoon and Salt 
Oreeks. The surface is undulating or hilly, and is extensively covered with 
forests in which the oak, buckeye and sugar maple are found. Corn, hay, but- 
ter and wool are staple products. Bituminous coal and iron ore are found. 
McArthur is the county seat. 

Washington County was formed by proclamation of Gov. St. Clair July 27, 
1788, and was the first county founded within the limits of Ohio. The surface 
is broken with extensive tracts of level, fertile land. It was the first county 
settled in the State under the auspices of the Ohio Company. A detachment 
■of L^nited States troops, under command of Maj. John Doughty, built Fort 
Harmar in 1785, and it was the first military post established in Ohio by 
Americans, with the exception of Fort Laurens, which was erected in 1778. 
It was occupied by United States troops until 1790, when they were ordered 
to Connecticut. A company under Capt. Haskell remained. In 1785, the 
Directors of the Ohio Company began practical operations, and settlement 
went forward rapidly. Campus Martins, a stockade fort, was completed in 
1791. This formed a sturdy stronghold during the war. During the Indian 
war there was much sufiering in the county. Many settlers were killed and 
captured. 

Marietta is the county seat, and the oldest town in Ohio. Marietta College 
was chartered in 1835. Herman Blannerhassett, whose unfortunate association 
with Aaron Burr proved fatal to himself, was a resident of Marietta in 1796. 
About the year 1798, he began to beautify and improve his island. 

Warren County was formed May 1, 1803, from Hamilton. The soil is 
very fertile, and considerable water-power is furnished by its streams. Mr. 
Bedell made the first settlement in 1795. Lebanon is the county seat. Henry 



160 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

Taylor settled in this vicinity in 1796. Union Village is a settlement of 
Shakers. They came here about 1805. 

Wayne County was proclaimed by Gov. St. Clair August 15, 1796, and 
was the third county in the Northwest Territory. The settlement of this sec- 
tion has already been briefly delineated. Wooster is the county seat. It was 
laid out during the fall of 1808, by John Beaver, William Henry and Joseph 
H. Larwell, owners of the land. Its site is 337 feet above Lake Erie. The 
first mill was built by Joseph Stibbs in 1809, on Apple Creek. In 1812, a 
block-house was erected in Wooster. 

Wood County was formed from the old Indian territory in 1820. The soil 
is rich, and large crops are produced. The county is situated Avithin the Mau- 
mee Valley. It was the arena of brilliant military exploits during early times. 

Bowling Green is the county seat. 

Williams County was formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian territory. 
Bryan is the county seat. It was laid out in 1840. 

Wyandot County was formed February 3, 1845, from Marion, Harden, 
Hancock and CraAvford. The surface is level and the soil is fertile. The 
Wyandot Indians frequented this section. It was the scene of Crawford's 
defeat, in June, 1782, and his fearful death. The treaty of 1817, Hon. Lewis 
Cass and Hon. Duncan McArther, United States Commissioners, granted to 
the Indians a reservation ten miles square, the central point being Fort Ferree. 
This reservation was ceded to the United States in 1829. The Wyandots 
ceded theirs March 17, 1842. The United States Commissioner was Col. 
John Johnson, Avho thus made the last Indian treaty in Ohio. Every foot of 
this State was fairly purchased by treaties. The Wyandots were exceedingly 
brave, and several of their chiefs were men of exalted moral principles. 

Upper Sandusky is the county seat, and was laid out in 1843. Gen. Har- 
rison had built Ferree on this spot during the war of 1812. Gov. Meigs, in 
1813, encamped near the river, with several thousand of the Ohio militia. 

The Indian town of Upper Sandusky was originally Crane Town. The 
Indians transferred their town, after the death of Tark^, to Upper Sandusky. 

GOVERNORS OF OHIO. 

The Territorial Governors we have already mentioned in the course of our 
brief review of the prominent events of the State of Ohio. After the Terri- 
tory was admitted as a State, in 1802, Edward Tiffin w^as elected to that position, 
and again received the same honor, in 1804 and 1806. In 1807, circumstances 
led him to resign, and Thomas Kirker, Speaker of the House, acted as Gover- 
nor, until the close of the term. 

Edward Tiffin was born in Carlisle, England, coming to this country in 
1784, at the age of eigliteen. He entered the University of Pennsylvania, and 
applied himself to the study of medicine, graduating and beginning his practice 
at the age of twenty, in the State of Virginia. In 1789, he married Mary> 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 161 

daughter of Col. Worthington, and sister of Thomas Worthington, who subse- 
quently became Governor of Ohio. In his profession, Gov. Tiffin was highly 
esteemed, and his public labors were carried forward with a zealous earnestness 
which marked his career as one of usefulness. He settled in Chillicothe, Ohio, 
in 1796, where he died, in 1829. 

Samuel Huntington, the recipient of the honor of second Governor, was 
inaugurated in 1808. He was an American by birth, Norwich, Conn, 
being his native place. He was a diligent student in Yale College, graduating 
in 1785. He removed to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1801. He attained a reputation 
for integrity, ability and rare discretion. As a scholar, he was eminently supe- 
rior. He resided in Cleveland at the time of his death, in 1817. 

Return Jonathan Meigs followed Gov. Huntington. He was born in Mid- 
dletown, Conn., in 1765. He was also a student in Yale College, graduating 
in 1785, with the highest honors. He immediately entered the study of law, 
and was admitted to practice in his twenty-third year. He married Miss Sophia 
Wright, and settled in Marietta, Ohio, in 1788. He took his seat as Gover- 
nor in 1810, and was re-elected in 1812. In 1813, President Madison appointed 
him to the position of Postmaster General, which occasioned his resignation as 
Governor. Othniel Looker, Speaker of the House, acted as Governor during 
the remainder of the term. Mr. Meigs died in 1825, leaving as a memento of 
his usefulness, a revered memory. 

Thomas Worthington, the fourth Governor, was born in Jefferson County, 
Va., in 1769. He gained an education in William and Mary's College. 
In 1788, he located at Chillicothe, and was the first Senator from the new 
State. He was also the first man to erect the first saw-mill in Ohio. He 
served two terms as Senator, from 1803 to 1815, resigning in 1814, to take his 
position as Governor. In 1816, he was re-elected. He was exceedingly active 
in paving the way for the future prosperity of Ohio. His measures were famous 
for practical worth and honesty. Chief Justice Chase designated him as "a 
gentleman of distinguished ability and great influence." He died in 1827. 

Ethan Allen Brown followed Mr. Worthington. His birthplace was on the 
shore of Long Island Sound, in Fairfield County, Conn., July 4, 1766. His 
education was derived under the most judicious instruction of a private tutor. 
In classics, he became proficient. Directly he had reached the required stand- 
ard in general .education, he began the study of law, at home. After becoming 
conversant with preliminary requirements, he entered the law office of Alex- 
ander Hamilton, who at that time was a national pride, as a scholar, lawyer and 
statesman. Opportunities coming in his way, which promised a fortune, he 
abandoned the law, and achieved success and a fortune. He then decided to 
return to his study, and was admitted to practice in 1802. Thereafter, he was 
seized with an exploring enthusiasm, and with his cousin as a companion, set 
out upon a horseback tour, following the Indian trails from east to west, through 
Pennsylvania, until they reached Brownsville, on the Monongahela River. Here 



162 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

they purchased two flatboats, and fully stocking them with provisions and 
obtaining efficient crews, started for New Orleans. Reaching that city, they 
found they could not dispose of their cargoes to any advantage, and shipped the 
flour to Liverpool, England, taking passage in the same vessel. They succeeded 
in obtaining good prices for their stock, and set sail for America, arriving in Bal- 
timore nine months after first leaving " home," on this adventure. Mr. Brown's 
father decided to secure a large and valuable tract of Western land, as a per- 
manent home, and authorized his son to select and purchase the same for him. 
He found what he desired, near Rising Sun, Ind. After this, he settled in 
Cincinnati, and engaged in the practice of law, speedily achieving prominency 
and distinction. Financially, he was most fortunate. In 1810, he was elected 
Judge of the Supreme Court, which position he filled with honor, until he was 
chosen Governor, in 1818. He was re-elected in 1820. In 1821, he received 
the honor of Senator, and served one term, with the highest distinction, gain- 
ing emolument for himself and the State he represented. In 1880, he was 
appointed Minister to Brazil. He remained there four years, and returning, 
was appointed Commissioner of Public Lands, by President Jackson, holding 
this position two years. At this time, he decided to retire from public life. 
Since he never married, he was much with his relatives, at Rising Sun, Ind., 
during the latter part of his life. His death was sudden and unexpected, occur- 
ring in February, 1852, while attending a Democratic Convention, at Indianap- 
olis, Ind. He was interred near his father, at Rising Sun. 

Jeremiah Morrow, the sixth Governor of Ohio, was born at Gettysburg, 
Penn., in October, 1771. His people were of the " Scotch-Irish " class, and his 
«arly life was one of manual labor upon his father's farm. During the winter, 
he had the privilege of a private school. With a view of establishing himself 
and securing a competency, he bade the old home farewell, in 1795, and set out 
for the " Far West." A flatboat carried him to a little cluster of cabins, known 
by the name of Columbia, six miles from Fort Washington — Cincinnati. He 
devoted himself to whatever came in his way, that seemed best and most worthy 
— teaching school, surveying and working on farms between times. Having 
accumulated a small capital, he ascended the Little Miami, as far as Warren 
County, and there purchased an extensive farm, and erected an excellent log 
house. In the spring of 1799, he married Miss Mary Packtrell, of Columbia. 
The young couple set out upon pioneer farming. Gaining popularity as well as 
a desirable property, he was deputized to the Territorial Legislature, which met 
at Chillicothe, at which time measures were inaugurated to call a Constitutional 
Convention, during the following year, to organize the State of Ohio. Mr. 
Morrow was one of the Delegates to this convention, and steadfastly worked in the 
interests of those who sent him, until its close in 1802. The following year, 
he was elected to the Senate of Ohio, and in June of the same year, he was 
appointed the first Representative to the United States Congress from the new 
State. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 163 

Ohio was then entitled to but one Representative in Congress, and could not 
add to that number for ten years thereafter. During these years, Mr. Morrow 
represented the State. In 1813, he was sent to the United States Senate, and 
in 1822, was elected Governor of Ohio, almost unanimously, being re-elected in 
1824. It was during his administration that work was begun on the Ohio 
Canal. Mr. Morrow received the national guest. La Fayette, with an earnest 
and touching emotion, which affected the emotions of the generous Frenchman 
more profoundly than any of the elaborate receptions which paved his way 
through America. On the 4th of July, 1839, Gov. Morrow was appointed to 
lay the corner stone of the new State capitol, at Columbus, and to deliver the 
address on this occasion. Again, in 1840, he was in the House of Representa- 
tives, filling the vacancy caused by the resignation of Hon. Thomas Corwin. 
He was elected for the following term also. He died at his own homestead, in 
Warren County, March 22, 1853. 

Allen Trimble was a native of Augusta County, Va. The date of his birth 
was November 24, 1783. His ancestors were of Scotch-Irish origin, and were 
among the early settlers of Virginia. His father moved to Ohio in 1804, pur- 
chasing a tract of land in Highland County. His cabin was remarkably spa- 
cious, and elicited the admiration of his neighbors. He cleared six acres of 
land for an orchard, and brought the trees on horseback, from Kentucky. Be- 
fore this new home was completed, Allen, then a young man of twenty, took 
possession. This was in the year 1805. Four years thereafter, he occupied 
the position of Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas and Recorder of Hio-h- 
land County. He was serving in the latter capacity at the breaking out of the 
war of 1812. Naturally enthusiastic and patriotic, he engaged a competent 
person to perform his civil duties, while he went into active service as Colonel 
of a regiment he had summoned and enlisted. He was always eager to be in 
the front, and led his men with such valor that they were termed soldiers who 
did not know the art of flinching. His commanding General lavished praises 
upon him. In 1816, he was in the State Senate, representing Hio-hland 
County. He occupied the same position for four terms, two years each. In 
1818, he was Speaker of the Senate, over Gen. Robert Lucas. He remained 
in this office until elected to the United States Senate, to fill the vacancy caused 
by the death of his brother. Col. William A. Trimble. In October, 1826, he 
was elected the seventh Governor of Ohio, by an astonishing majority. The 
united vote of his three competitors was but one-sixth of the vote polled. Gov. 
Trimble was an earnest Henry Clay Whig. In 1828, he was re-elected, 
although Jackson carried the State the following November. Gov. Trimble 
was married in 1806, to Miss Margaret McDowell. Three years thereafter, 
she died, leaving two children. He was united in marriage to Miss Rachel 
Woodrow, and they lived together sixty years, when he died, at home, in Hills- 
boro, Highland County, February 3, 1870. His wife survived him but a few 
months. 



164 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

Duncan Mc Arthur, the eighth Governor of Ohio, was born in Dutchess 
County, N. Y., in 1772. While yet a child, his parents removed to the west- 
ern part of Pennsylvania, where they entered upon the hard life of pioneers. 
While there, young Duncan had the meager advantages of a backwoods school. 
His life was a general routine until his eighteenth year, when he enlisted under 
Gen. Harmer for the Indian campaign. His conduct and bravery won worthy 
laurels, and upon the death of the commander of his company, he was elected 
to that position, although the youngest man in the company. ,When his days 
of service had expired, he found employment at salt-making in Maysville, Ky., 
until he was engaged as chain-bearer in Gen. Massie's survey of the Scioto 
Valley. At this time, Indian atrocities alarmed the settlers occasionally, and 
his reputation for bravery caused him to be appointed one of the three patrols 
of the Kentucky side of the Ohio, to give the alarm to scattered cabins in case 
of danger. This was during the summer of 1793. Gen. Massie again secured 
his services, this time as assistant surveyor. He was thus engaged for several 
years, during which time he assisted in platting Chillicothe. He purchased a 
large tract of land just north of town, and under his vigorous and practical 
management, it became one of the finest estates of Ohio, which reputation it 
sustains at the present time. He amassed wealth rapidly, his investments 
always being judicious. In 1805, he was elected to the State Legislature. 
He was a Colonel of an Ohio regiment, and accompanied Gen. Hull to Detroit 
in 1813. At Hull's surrender he was a prisoner, but released on parole, 
returned to Ohio in a state of indignation over his commander's stupidity. 
Soon thereafter he was sent to Congress on the Democratic ticket. Soon there- 
after he was released from parole by exchange, and, greatly rejoiced, he 
resigned his seat, entered the army as a Brigadier General under Gen. Harri- 
son, and the following year succeeded him as commander of the Northwestern 
forces. At the termination of the war, he was immediately returned to the 
State Legislature. He occupied State offices until 1822, when he was again 
sent to Congress. Serving one term, he declined re-election. In 1830, he 
was elected Governor of Ohio. When his term expired, he decided to enjoy 
life as a citizen on his farm, " Fruit Hill," and lived there in contentment until 
1840, when he died. 

Robert Lucas was another Virginian, having been born in 1781, in Jeffer- 
son County of that State. While a boy, his father liberated his slaves, moving 
to Chillicothe as one of the early settlers. He procured a proficient tutor for 
his children. Robert became an expert in mathematics and surveying. Before 
he reached his majority, he was employed as surveyor, earning liberal compen- 
sation. At the age of twenty-three, he was appointed Surveyor of Scioto 
County. At twenty-five, he was Justice of the Peace for Union Township, 
Scioto County. He married Miss Elizabeth Brown in 1810, who died two 
years thereafter, leaving a young daughter. In 1816, he married Miss Sum- 
ner. The same year he was elected a member of the Ohio Legislature- For 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 165 

nineteen consecutive years he served in the House or Senate. In 1820 and 
1828, he was chosen one of the Presidential electors of Ohio, In 1832, 
he was Chairman of the National Convention at Baltimore, which nom- 
inated Gen. Jackson as President of the United States. In 1832, he 
became Governor of Ohio, and was re-elected in 1834. He declined a third 
nomination, and was appointed by President Van Buren Territorial Governor 
of Iowa and Superintendent of Indian Affairs. On the 16th of August, 
1838, he reached Burlington, the seat of government. He remained in Iowa 
until his death, in 1853. 

Joseph Vance, the tenth Governor of Ohio, was born in Washington 
County, Penn., March 21, 1781. He was of Scotch-Irish descent, and his 
father emigrated to the new Territory when Joseph was two years of age. He 
located on the southern bank of the Ohio, building a solid block house. This 
formed a stronghold for his neighbors in case of danger. In 1801, this pioneer 
decided to remove north of the Ohio River, and eventually settled in Urbana, 
Joseph had the primitive advantages of the common schools, and became pro- 
ficient in handling those useful implements — the plow, ax and rifle. The first 
money he earned he invested in a yoke of oxen. He obtained several barrels 
of salt, and set out on a speculative tour through the settlements. He traveled 
through a wilderness, over SAvamps, and surmounted serious difficulties. At 
night he built a huge fire to terrify the wolves and panthers, and laid down to 
sleep beside his oxen, frequently being obliged to stand guard to protect 
them from these ferocious creatures. Occasionally he found a stream so swol- 
len that necessarily he waited hours and even days in the tangled forest, before 
he could cross. He often suffered from hunger, yet he sturdily persevered and 
sold his salt, though a lad of only fifteen years. When he attained his major- 
ity, he married Miss Mary Lemen, of Urbana. »At twenty-three, he was 
elected Captain of a rifle company, and frequently led his men to the front to 
fight the Indians prior to the war of 1812. During that year, he and his 
brother piloted Hull's army through the dense forests to Fort Meigs. In 1817, 
with Samuel McCullough and Henry Van Meter, he made a contract to supply 
the Northwestern army with provisions. They drove their cattle and hogs 
many miles, dead weight being transported on sleds and in wagons. He 
engaged in mercantile business at Urbana and Fort Meigs — now Perrysburg. 

While thus employed, he was elected to the Legislature, and there remained 
four years. He then purchased a large tract of land on Blanchard's Fork, 
and laid out the town of Findlay. He was sent to Congress in 1821, and was 
a member of that body for fifteen years. In 1836, he was chosen Governor of 
Ohio. Again he was sent to Congress in 1842. While attending the Consti- 
tutional Convention in 1850, he was stricken with paralysis, and suffered 
extremely until 1852, when he died at his home in Urbana. 

Wilson Shannon was a native of Belmont County, Ohio. He was born 
during 1803. At the age of fifteen, he was sent to the university at Athens, 



166 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

where he remained a year, and then changed to the Transylvania University, 
at Lexington, Ky. He continued his studies two years, then returning home 
and entering upon reading law. He completed his course at St. Clairsville, 
Belmont County, and was admitted to practice. He was engaged in the courts 
of the county for eight years. In 1832, the Democrats nominated him to Con- 
gress, but he was not elected. He received the position of Prosecuting Attor- 
ney in 1834, in Avhich position his abilities were so marked and brilliant that 
he was elected Governor by a majority of 3,600. He was re-nominated in 
1840, but Tom Corwin won the ticket. Two years thereafter, he was again 
nominated and elected. In 1843, he was appointed Minister to Mexico, by 
President Tyler, and resigned the office of Governor. When Texas was 
admitted as a State, Mexico renounced all diplomatic relations with the United 
States. Mr. Shannon returned home, and resumed the practice of law. He 
was sent to Congress in 1852. President Pierce conferred upon him the posi- 
tion of Territorial Governor of Kansas, which duty he did not perform satis- 
factorily, and was superseded after fourteen months of service. He settled in 
Lecompton, Kan., and there practiced law until his death, which occurred in 
1877. 

Thomas Corwin, the twelfth Governor of Ohio, was born in Bourbon 
County, Ky., July 29, 1794. His father settled at Lebanon in 1798. The 
country Avas crude, and advantages meager. When Thomas was seventeen 
years of age, the war of 1812 was inaugurated, and this young man was 
engaged to drive a wagon through the wilderness, loaded with provisions, to 
Gen. Harrison's headquarters. In 1816, he began the study of law, and 
achieved knowledge so rapidly that in 1817 he passed examination and was 
admitted to practice. He was elected Prosecuting Attorney of his county, in 
1818, which position he Leld until 1830. He was elected to the Legislature of 
Ohio in 1822. Again, in 1829, he was a member of the same body. He was 
sent to Congress in 1830, and continued to be re-elected for the space of ten 
years. 'He became Governor of Ohio in 1840. In 1845, he was elected to 
the United States Senate, Avhere he remained until called to the cabinet of Mr. 
Fillmore, as Secretary of the Treasury. He was again sent to Congress in 
1858, and re-elected in 1860. He was appointed Minister to Mexico, by Pres- 
ident Lincoln. After his return, he practiced law in Washington, D. , 
where he died in 1866. 

Mordecai Bartley was born in 1783, in Fayette County, Penn. There he 
remained, on his father's farm, until he was twenty-one years of age. He marr 
ried Miss Wells in 1804, and removed to Jefferson County, Ohio, where he 
purchased a farm, near Cross Creek. At the opening of the war of 1812, he 
enlisted in a company, and was elected its Captain, He entered the field under 
Harrison. At the close of the war, he removed to Richland County, and opened 
a clearing and set up a cabin, a short distance from Mansfield. He remained 
on his farm twenty years, then removing to Mansfield, entered the mercantile 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 167 

business. In 1817, lie was elected to the State Senate. He was sent to Con- 
gress in 1823, and served four terms. In 1844, he became Governor of Ohio, 
on the Whig ticket. He declined a re-nomination, preferring to retire to his 
home in Mansfield, where he died in 1870. 

William Bebb, the fourteenth Governor, was from Hamilton County, Ohio. 
He was born in 1804. His early instructions were limited, but thorough. He 
opened a school himself, when he was twenty years of age, at North Bend, 
residing in the house of Gen. Harrison. He remained thus employed a year, 
during which time he married Shuck. He very soon began the study of law, 
continuing his school. He was successful in his undertakings, and many pupils 
were sent him from the best families in Cincinnati. In 1831, he was admitted 
to practice, and opened an ofiice in Hamilton, Butler County, remaining thus 
engaged for fourteen years. In 1845, he was elected Governor of Ohio. In 
1847, he purchased 5,000 acres of land in the Rock River country. 111., and 
removed there three years later. On the inauguration of President Lincoln, he 
was appointed Pension Examiner, at Washington, and remained in that position 
until 1866, when he returned to his Illinois farm. He died at Rockford, 111., 
in 1873. 

Seabury Ford, the fifteenth Governor of Ohio, was born in the year 1802, 
at Cheshire, Conn. His parents settled in Burton Township. He attended 
the common schools, prepared for college at an academy in Burton, and entered 
Yale College, in 1821, graduating in 1825. He then began the study of law, 
in the law office of Samuel W. Phelps, of Painesville, completing his course 
with Judge Hitchcock. He began practice in 1827, in Burton. He married 
Miss Harriet E. Cook, of Burton, in 1828. He was elected by the Whigs to 
the Legislature, in 1835, and served six sessions, during one of which he was 
Speaker of the House. He entered the State Senate in 1841, and there 
remained until 1844, when he was again elected Representative. In 1846, he 
was appointed to the Senate, and in 1848, he became Governor of Ohio. On 
the first Sunday after his retirement, he was stricken with paralysis, from which 
he never recovered. He died at his home in Burton in 1855. 

Reuben Wood, the sixteenth Governor, was a Vermonter. Born in 1792, 
in Middleton, Rutland County, he was a sturdy son of the Green Mountain 
State. He was a thorough scholar, and obtained a classical education in Upper 
Canada. In 1812, he was drafted by the Canadian authorities to serve against 
the Americans, but being determined not to oppose his own land, he escaped 
one stormy night, accompanied by Bill Johnson, who was afterward an Ameri- 
can spy. In a birchbark canoe they attempted to cross Lake Ontario. A 
heavy storm of wind and rain set in. The night was intensely dark, and they 
were in great danger. They fortunately found refuge on a small island, where 
they were storm-bound three days, suiFering from hunger and exposure. They 
reached Sacket's Harbor at last, in a deplorable condition. Here they were 
arrested as spies by the patrol boats of the American fleet. They were prisoners 



168 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

four days, when an uncle of Mr. AVood's, residing not far distant, came to 
their rescue, vouched for their loyalty, and they were released. Mr. Wood 
then went to Woodville, N. Y., where he raised a company, of which he was 
elected Captain. They marched to the northern frontier. The battles of 
Plattsburg and Lake Champlain were fought, the enemy defeated, and the com- 
pany returned to Woodville and was disbanded. 

Young; Wood then entered the law office of Gen. Jonas Clark, at Middle- 
Ijury, Vt. He was married in 1816, and two years later, settled in Cleveland, 
Ohio. When he first established himself in the village, he possessed his wife, 
infant daughter and a silver quarter of a dollar. He was elected to the State 
Senate in 1825, and filled the office three consecutive terms. He was appointed 
Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He was promoted to the Bench of the 
Supreme Court, serving there fourteen years, the latter portion of the term as 
Chief Justice. He was termed the "Cayuga Chief," from his tall form and 
courtly bearing. He was elected Governor in 1850, by a majority of 11,000. 
The new constitution, which went into effect in March, 1851, vacated the office 
of Governor, and he was re-elected by a majority of 26,000. The Democrats 
holding a national convention in Baltimore in 1852, party division caused fifty 
unavailing votes. The Virginia delegation offered the entire vote to Gov. 
Wood, if Ohio would bring him forward. The opposition of one man pre- 
vented this. The offer was accepted by New Hampshire, and Frank Pierce 
became President. Mr. Wood was appointed Consul to Valparaiso, South 
America, and resigned his office of Governor. He resigned his consulship and 
returned to his fine farm near Cleveland, called "Evergreen Place." He 
expected to address a Union meeting on the 5th of October, 1864, but on the 
]st he died, mourned by all who knew him. 

William Medill, the seventeenth Governor, was born in New Castle County, 
Del., in 1801. He was a graduate of Delaware College in 1825. He began 
the study of law under Judge Black, of New Castle, and was admitted to the 
bar in 1832. He removed to Lancaster, Ohio, in 1830. He was elected Rep- 
resentative from Fairfield County in 1835. He was elected to Congress in 
1838, and was re-elected in 1840. He was appointed Assistant Postmaster 
General by President Polk. During the same year, he was appointed Com- 
missioner of Indian Affairs. In 1851, he was elected Lieutenant Go^vernor, and, 
in 1853, he became Governor. He occupied the position of First Comptroller 
of the United States Treasury in 1857, under President Buchanan, retaining the 
office until 1861, when he retired from public life. His death occurred in 
1865. 

Salmon P. Chase was a native of Cornish, N. H. He was born in 1803. 
He entered Dartmouth College in 1822, graduating in 1826. He was there- 
after successful in establishing a classical school in Washington, but finan- 
cially it did not succeed. He continued to teach the sons of Henry Clay, 
William Wirt and S. L. Southard, at the same time reading law when not busy 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 171 

as tutor. He was admitted to practice in 1829, and opened a law office in Cin- 
cinnati. He succeeded but moderately, and during his leisure hours prepared 
a new edition of the "Statutes of Ohio." He added annotations and a well- 
written sketch of the early history of the State. This was a thorough success, 
and gave the earnest worker popularity and a stepping-stone for the future. 
He was solicitor for the banks of the United States in 1834, and soon there- 
after, for the city banks. He achieved considerable distinction in 1837, in the 
case of a colored woman brought into the State by her master, and escaping 
his possession. He was thus brought out as an Abolitionist, which was further 
sustained by his defense of James G. Birney, who had suffered indictment for 
harboring a fugitive slave. In 1846, associated with William H. Seward, he 
defended Van Zandt before the Supreme Court of the United States. His 
thrilling denunciations and startling conjectures alarmed the slaveholding 
States, and subsequently led to the enactment of the fugitive-slave law of 1850. 
Mr. Chase was a member of the United States Senate in 1849, through the 
coalition of the Democrats and Free-Soilers. In 1855, he was elected Gover- 
nor of Ohio by the opponents of Pierce's administration. He was re-elected 
in 1859. President Lincoln, in 1861, tendered him the position of Secretary 
of the Treasury. To his ability and official management we are indebted for 
the present national bank system. In 1864, he was appointed Chief Justice of 
the United States. He died in the city of New York in 1873, after a useful 
career. 

William Dennison was born in Cincinnati in 1815. He gained an educa- 
tion at Miami University, graduating in 1835. He began the study of law in 
the office of the father of George H. Pendleton, and was qualified and admitted 
to the bar in 1840. The same year, he married a daughter of William Neil, 
of Columbus. The Whigs of the Franklin and Delaware District sent him to i 
the State Senate, in 1848. He was President of the Exchange Bank in Cin- 
cinnati, in 1852, and was also President of Columbus & Xenia Railway. He was 
elected the nineteenth Governor of Ohio in 1859. By his promptness and 
activity at the beginning of the rebellion, Ohio was placed in the front rank of 
loyalty. At the beginning of Lincoln's second term, he was appointed Post- 
master General, retiring upon the accession of Johnson. He then made his 
home at Columbus. 

David Tod, the twentieth Governor of Ohio, was born at Youngstown, Ohio, 
in 1805. His education was principally obtained through his own exertions. 
He set about the study of law most vigorously, and was admitted to practice in 
1827. He soon acquired popularity through his ability, and consequently was 
financially successful. He purchased the Briar Hill homestead. Under Jack- 
son's administration, he was Postmaster at Warren, and held the position until 
1838, when he was elected State Senator by the Whigs of Trumbull District, by 
the Democrats. In 1844, he retired to Briar Hill, and opened the Briar Hill 
Coal Mines. He was a pioneer in the coal business of Ohio. In the Cleveland 



172 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. ' 

& Mahoning Railroad, he was largely interested, and was its President, after the 
death of Mr. Perkins. He was nominated, in 1844, for Governor, by the Dem- 
ocrats, but was defeated. In 1847, he went to Brazil as Minister, where he 
resided for four and a half years. The Emperor presented him with a special 
commendation to the President, as a testimonial of his esteem. He was also the 
recipient of an elegant silver tray, as a memorial from the resident citizens of 
Eio Janeiro. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, which 
met at Charleston in 1860. He was Vice President of this Convention. He 
was an earnest advocate for Stephen A. Douglas. When the Southern members 
withdrew, the President, Caleb Cushing, going with .them, the convention 
adjourned to Baltimore, when Mr. Tod assumed the chair and Douglas was nom- 
inated. He was an earnest worker in the cause, but not disheartened by its 
defeat. When Fort Sumter was fired upon, he was one of the most vigorous 
prosecutors of the war, not relaxing his active earnestness until its close. He 
donated full uniforms to Company B, of the Nineteenth Regiment, and contrib- 
uted largely to the war fund of his township. Fifty-five thousand majority 
elected him Governor in 1861. His term was burdened with war duties, 
and he carried them so bravely as Governor that the President said of him : 
" Governor Tod of Ohio aids me more and troubles me less than any other Gov- 
ernor." His death occurred at Briar Hill during the year 1868. 

John Brough was a native of Marietta, Ohio. He was born in 1811. The death 
of his father left him in precarious circumstances, which may have been a discipline 
for future usefulness. He entered a printing office, at the age of fourteen, in 
Marietta, and after serving a few months, began his studies in the Ohio Uni- 
versity, setting type mornings and evenings, to earn sufficient for support. He 
occupied the leading position in classes, and at the same time excelled as a 
type-setter. He was also admired for his athletic feats in field amusements. 
He completed his studies and began reading laAV, which pursuit was interrupted 
by an opportunity to edit a paper in Petersburg, Va. He returned to Marietta 
in 1831, and became editor and proprietor of a leading Democratic newspaper 
— the Washington County Republican. He achieved distinction rapidly, 
and in 1833, sold his interest, for the purpose of entering a more extended field 
of journalism. He purchased the Ohio Eagle, at Lancaster, and as its editor, 
held a deep influence over local and State politics. He occupied the position 
of Clerk of the Ohio Senate, between the years 1835 and 1838, and relinquished his 
paper. He then represented the counties of Fairfield and Hocking in the Leg- 
islature. He was then appointed Auditor of State by the General Assembly, 
in which position he served six years. He then purchased the Phoenix news- 
paper in Cincinnati, changed its name to the Enquirer, placing it in the care 
of his brother, Charles, while he opened a law office in the city. His editorials 
in the Enquirer, and his activity in political affairs, were brilliant and strong. 
He retired from politics in 1848, sold a half-interest in the Enquirer and carried 
on a prosperous business, but was brought forward again by leaders of both 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 173 

political parties in 1863, through the Vallandigham contest, and was elected 
Governor the same year, by a majority of 101,099 votes in a total of 471,643. 
He was three times married. His death occurred in 1865 — Charles Anderson 
serving out his term. 

Jacob Dolson Cox, the twenty-second Governor, was born in 1828, in Mon- 
treal, Canada, where his parents were temporarily. He became a student of 
Oberlin College, Ohio, in 1846, graduating in 1851, and beginning the practice 
of law in Warren in 1852. He Avas a member of the State Senate in 1859, 
from the Trumbull and Mahoning Districts. He was termed a radical. He 
was a commissioned Brigadier General of Ohio in 1861, and, in 1862, was pro- 
moted to Major General for gallantry in battle. While in the service he was 
nominated for Governor, and took that position in 1865. He was a member of 
Grant's Cabinet as Secretary of the Interior, but resigned. He went to Con- 
gress in 1875, from the Toledo District. His home is in Cincinnati. 

Rutherford B. Hayes, was the nineteenth President of the United States, 
the twenty-third Governor of Ohio, was born at Delaware, Ohio, in 1822. He 
was a graduate of Kenyon College in 1842. He began the study of law, and, 
in 1843, pursued that course in the Cambridge University, graduating in 1845. 
He began his practice at Fremont. He Avas married to Miss Lucy Webb in 
1852, in Cincinnati. He was Major of the Twenty-third Ohio Volunteer 
Infantry in 1861, and in 1862, was promoted to Colonel on account of bravery 
in the field, and eventually became Major General. In 1864, he was elected to 
Congress, and retired from the service. He remained in Congress two terms, 
and was Governor of Ohio in 1867, being re-elected in 1869, He filled this 
office a third term, being re-elected in 1875. 

Edward F. Noyes was born in Haverhill, Mass., in 1832. While a lad of 
fourteen, he entered the office of the Morning Star, published at Dover, N. H., 
in order to learn the business of printing. At the age of eighteen, he entered 
the academy at Kingston, N. H. He prepared for college, and entered 
Dartmouth in 1853, graduating with high honors in 1857. He had begun the 
study of law, and continued the course in the Cincinnati Law School, and began 
to practice in 1858. He was an enthusiast at the opening of the rebellion and 
was interested in raising the Twentieth Regiment, of which he was made Major. 
He was promoted to Colonel in 1862. At the conflict at Ruff's Mills, in 
Georgia, in 1864, he was so unfortunate as to lose a leg. At the time, amputa- 
tion was necessary, but was unskillfully performed. He was brought to Cincin- 
nati, and the operation was repeated, Avhich nearly cost him his life. He reported 
three months later, to Gen. Hooker for duty, on crutches. He Avas assigned to 
command of Camp Dennison. He Avas promoted to the full rank of Brigadier 
General, and Avhile in discharge of his duty at that place, he was elected City 
Solicitor of Cincinnati. He occupied the position until 1871, when he was 
elected Governor, by a majority of 20,000. He went to France in 1877, as 
Minister, appointed by President Hayes. 



174 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

William Allen, the twenty-fifth Governor of Ohio, was born in 1807, in 
"Chowan County, N. C. While an infant, he was left an orphan, and his sister 
superintended his education. He was placed in a private school in Lynchburg, 
Va., at the age of fourteen. Two years later, he joined his sister and fiimily, 
in Chillicotho, and attended the academy a year, when he entered the law office 
of Edward King, and began a course of study. In his seventeenth year, he 
began practice, and through his talent speedily acquired fame and popu- 
larity. Before he was twenty-five, he was sent to Congress by a strong Whig 
district. He was elected United States Senator in 1837, there remaining 
«ntil 1849. In 1845, he married Effie McArthur, who died soon after the 
birth of their daughter. In 1873, he was elected Governor. His adininis- 
tration gave general satisfaction. He died, at his home at " Fruit Hill," in 
1879. 

R. M. Bishop, the twenty-sixth Governor of Ohio, was born Novem- 
ber 4, 1812, in Fleming County, Ky. He began the vocation of mer- 
chant, and for several years devoted himself to that business in his native 
State. In 1848, he engaged in the wholesale grocery business, in Cincinnati. 
His three sons became partners, under the firm name of R. M. Bishop & Sons. 
The sales of this house frequently exceeded $5,000,000 per annum. Mr. 
Bishop was a member of the Council of Cincinnati, and in 1859 was its Mayor, 
holding that office until 1861. In 1860, the Legislatures of Indiana and Ten- 
nessee visited Ohio, to counsel each other to stand by the Constitution and the 
flag. At the reception given at Pike's Opera House, Mayor Bishop delivered 
an eloquent address, which elicited admiration and praises. During the same 
year, as Mayor, he received the Prince of Wales in the most cordial manner, a 
national credit as a mark of respect to a distinguished foreign guest. In 1877, 
he vfSiB elected Governor of Ohio, by a large majority. 

Charles Foster, the present and twenty-seventh Governor of Ohio, was born 
in Seneca County, Ohio, April 12, 1828. He was educated at the common 
schools and the academy at Norwalk, Ohio. Engaged in mercantile and bank- 
ing business, and never held any public office until he was elected to the Forty- 
second Congress ; was re-elected to the Forty-third Congress, and again to the 
Forty-fourth Congress, as a Republican. In 1879, he was nominated by the 
Republicans and elected Governor of the State; was re-elected in 1881. 

In reviewing these slight sketches of the Governors of this grand Western 
State, one is impressed with the active relationship they have all sustained, with 
■credit, with national measures. Their services have been efficient, earnest and 
patriotic, like the State they have represented and led. 

ANCIENT WORKS. 

Ohio has furnished a prolific field for antiquarians and those interested in 
scientific explorations, either for their own amusement and knowledge, or for 
the records of " facts and formations." 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 



175 



It is well known that the " Mound Builders " had a wide sweep through this 
continent, but absolute facts regarding their era have been most difficult to 
obtain. Numerous theories and suppositions have been advanced, yet they are 
emphatic evidences that they have traced the origin and time of this primeval race. 
However, they have left their works behind them, and no exercise of faith 
is necessary to have confidence in that part of the story. That these works are 
of human origin is self-evident. Temples and military works have been found 
which required a considerable degree of scientific skill on the part of those early 
architects and builders. 

Evidently the Indians had no knowledge of these works of predecessors, 
which differed in all respects from those of the red men. An ancient cemetery 
has been found, covering an area of four acres, which had evidently been laid 
out into lots, from north to south. Nearly 3,000 graves have been discovered, 
containing bones which at some time must have constituted the framework of 
veritable giants, while others are of no unusual size. In 1815, a jaw-bone was 
exhumed, containing an artificial tooth of silver. 

Mounds and fortifications are plentiful in Athens County, some of them 
being of solid stone. One, difi'ering in the quality of stone from the others, is 
supp'osed to be a dam across the Hocking. Over a thousand pieces of stone 
were used in its construction. Copper rings, bracelets and ornaments are 
numerous. It is also evident that these people possessed the knowledge of 
hardening copper and giving it an edge equal to our steel of to-day. 

In the branch formed by a branch of the Licking River and Raccoon Creek, 
in Licking County, ancient works extend over an area of several miles. Agam, 
three miles northwest of this locality, near the road between Newark and Gran- 
ville, another field of these relics may be found. On the summit of a high hill 
is a fortification, formed to represent an alligator. The head and neck includes 
32 feet ; the length of the body is 73 feet ; the tail was 105 feet ; from the termini of 
the fore feet, over the shoulders,- the width is 100 feet; from the termini of 
•the hind feet, over the hips, is 92 feet ; its highest point is 7 feet. It is composed 
of clay, which must have been conveyed hither, as it is not similar to the clay 
found in the vicinity. 

Near Miamisburg, Montgomery County, are other specimens. Near the 
village is a mound, equaled in size by very few of these antiquities. It meas- 
ures 800 feet around the base, and rises to a height of sixty-seven feet. Others 
are found in Miami County, while at Circleville, Pickaway County, no traces 

remain. 

Two forts have been discovered, one forming an exact square, and the other 
describing a circle. The square is flanked by two walls, on all sides, these 
being divided by a deep ditch. The circle has one wall and no ditch. This is 
sixty-nine rods in diameter, its walls being twenty feet high. The square fort 
measures fifty-five rods across, with walls twelve feet high. Twelve gateways 
lead into the square fort, while the circle has but one, which led to the other, at 



176 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

the point -svlicrc the walls of the two came together. Before each of these 
entrances were mounds of earth, from four to five feet high and nearly forty 
feet in diameter. Evidently these were designed for defenses for the openings, 
in cases of emergency. 

A short distance from Piketon, the turnpike runs, for several hundred feet, 
between two parallel artificial walls of earth, fifteen feet high, and six rods 
apart. In Scioto County, on both sides of the Ohio, are extensive ancient 
works. 

" Fort Ancient " is near Lebanon in Warren County. Its direct measure- 
ment is a mile, but in tracing its angles, retreating and salient, its length Avould 
be nearly six miles. Its site is a level plain, 240 feet above the level of the 
river. The interior wall varies in height to conform with the nature of the 
ground without — ranging from 8 to 10 feet. On the plain it reaches 100 feet. 
This fort has 58 gateways, through onp of which the State road runs, passing 
between two mounds 12 feet high. Northeast from these mounds, situated on 
the plain, are two roads, about a rod wide each, made upon an elevation about 
three feet high. They run parallel to each other about a quarter of a mile, 
when they each form a semicircle around a mound, joining in the circle. It is 
probable this was at some time a military defense, or, on the contrary, it may 
have been a general rendezvous for games and high holiday festivities. 

Near Marietta, are the celebrated. Muskingum River works, being a half- 
mile from its juncture with the Ohio. They consist of mounds and walls of 
earth in circular and square forms, also tracing direct lines. 

The largest square fort covers an area of 40 acres, and is inclosed by a wall 
of earth, 6 to 10 feet in height, and from 25 to 30 feet at its base. On each 
side are three gateways. The center gateways exceed the others in size, more 
especially on the side toward the Muskingum. From this outlet runs a covered 
means of egress, between two parallel walls of earth, 231 feet distant from each 
other, measuring from the centers. The walls in the interior are 21 feet high 
at the most elevated points, measuring 42 feet at the base, grading on the exte- 
rior to about five feet in heigth. This passage-Avay is 3G0 feet in length, lead- 
ing to the low grounds, which, at the period of its construction, probably reached 
the river. 

At the northwest corner, within the inclosure, is a plateau 188 feet long, 
132 feet broad and 9 feet high. Its sides are perpendicular and its surface 
level. At the center of each side is a graded pathway leading to the top, six 
feet wide. Another elevated square is near the south wall, 150x120 feet square, 
and 8 feet high, similar to the other, with the exception of the graded walk. 
Outside and next the wall to ascend to the top, it has central hollow ways, 10 
feet wide, leading 20 feet toward the center, then arising with a gradual slope to 
the top. A third elevated square is situated at the southeast corner, 108x54 
feet square, with ascents at the ends. This is neither as high or as perfect as 
the others. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 177 

Another ancient work is found to the southeast, covering an area of 20 acres 
with a gateway in the center of each side, and others at the corners — each of 
these having the mound defense. 

On the outside of the smaller fort, a mound resembling a sugar loaf was 
formed in the shape of a circle 115 feet in diameter, its height being 30 feet. 
A ditch surrounds it, 15 feet wide and 4 feet deep. These earthworks have 
contributed greatly to the satisfactory results of scientific researches. Their 
builders were evidently composed of large bands that have succumbed to the 
advance of enlightened humanity. The relics found consists of ornaments, 
utensils and implements of war. The bones left in the numerous graves convey 
an idea of a stalwart, vigorous people, and the conquests which swept them away 
from the face of the country must have been fierce and cruel. 

Other mounds and fortifications are found in difierent parts of the State, of 
which our limited space will not permit a description. 

Many sculptured rocks are found, and others with plainly discernible 
tracery in emblematical designs upon their surface. The rock on which the 
inscriptions occur is the grindstone grit of the Ohio exports — a stratum found 
in Northern Ohio. Arrow-points of flint or chert have been frequently found. 
From all investigations, it is evident that an extensive flint bed existed in Lick- 
ing County, near Newark. The old pits can now be recognized. They 
extended over a hundred acres. They are partially filled with water, and sur- 
rounded by piles of broken and rejected fragments. The flint is a grayish- 
white, with cavities of a brilliant quartz crystal. Evidently these stones were 
chipped into shape and the material sorted on the ground. Only clear, homo- 
genous pieces can be wrought into arrow-heads and spear-points. Flint chips 
extend over many acres of ground in this vicinity. Flint beds are also found 
in Stark and Tuscarawas Counties. In color it varies, being red, white, black 
and mottled. The black is found in Coshocton County. 

SOME GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS. 

Ohio, as a State, is renowned as an agricultural section. Its variety, quality 
and quantity of productions cannot be surpassed by any State in the Union. Its 
commercial importance ranks proudly in the galaxy of opulent and industrious 
States composing this Union. Her natural resources are prolific, and all improve- 
ments which could be instituted by the ingenuity of mankind have been added. 

From a quarter to a third of its area is hilly and broken. About the head- 
waters of the Muskingum and Scioto, and between the Scioto and the two 
Miami Rivers, are wide prairies ; some of them are elevated and dry, with fertile 
soil, although they are frequently termed "barrens." In other parts, they are 
low and marshy, producing coarse, rank grass, which grows to a height of five 
feet in some places. 

The State is most fortunate in timber wealth, having large quantities of 
black walnut, oak of different varieties, maple, hickory, birch, several kinds of 



178 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

beech, poplar, sycamore, papaw, several kinds of ash, cherry, whitewood and 
buckeye. 

The summers are usually warm, and the winters are mild, considering the 
latitude of the State. Near Lake Erie, the winters are severe, corresponding 
with sections in a line with that locality. Snow falls in sufficient quantities 
in the northern part to afford several weeks of fine sleighing. In the southern 
portion, the snowstorms are not frequent, and the fall rarely remains long on 
the ground. 

The climate is generally healthy, with the exception of small tracts lying 
near the marshes and stagnant waters. 

The Ohio River washes the southern border of the State, and is navigable 
for steamboats of a large size, the entire length of its course. From Pitts- 
burgh to its mouth, measuring it meanderings, it is 908 miles long. Its current 
is gentle, having no falls except at Louisville, Ky., where the descent is twenty- 
two and a half feet in two miles, A canal obviates this obstruction. 

The Muskingum is the largest river that flows entirely within the State. It 
is formed by the junction of the Tuscarawas and Walhonding Rivers, and enters 
the Ohio at Marietta One hundred miles of its length is navigable. 

The Scioto is the second river in magnitude, is about 200 miles long, and 
flows into the Ohio at Portsmouth. It affords navigation 130 miles of its length. 
The Great Miami is a rapid river, in the western part of the State, and is 100 
miles long. The Little Miami is seventy miles in length, and enters the Ohio 
seven miles from Cincinnati. 

The Maumee rises in Indiana, flows through the northwestern part of the 
State, and enters Lake Erie at Maumee Bay. It affords navigation as far as 
Perrysburg, eighteen miles from the lake, and above the rapids, it is again nav- 
igable. 

The Sandusky rises in the northern part of the State, is eighty miles long, 
and flows into Lake Erie, via Sandusky Bay. 

Lake Erie washes 150 miles of the northern boundary. The State has sev- 
eral fine harbors, the Maumee and Sandusky Bays being the largest. 

We have, in tracing the record of the earlier counties, given the educational inter- 
ests as exemplified by different institutions. We have also given the canal system 
of the State, in previous pages. The Governor is elected every two years, by 
the people. The Senators are chosen biennially, and are apportioned according 
to the male population over twenty-one years of age. The Judges of the 
Supreme and other courts are elected by the joint ballot of the Legislature, for 
the term of seven years. 

During the early settlement of Ohio, perfect social equality existed among the 
settlers. The line of demarkation that was drawn was a separation of the good 
from the bad. Log-rollings and cabin-raisings were mutual affairs. Their 
sport usually consisted of shooting, rowing and hunting. Hunting shirts and 
buckskin pants were in the fashion, while the women dressed in coarse material. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 179 

woven by their own hands. A common American cotton check was con- 
sidered a magnificent addition to one's toilet. In those times, however, the 
material was $1 per yard, instead of the shilling of to-day. But five yards 
was then a large "pattern," instead of the twenty-five of 1880. In cooking 
utensils, the pot, pan and frying-pan constituted an elegant outfit. A few plain 
dishes were added for table use. Stools and benches were the rule, althouo-h a 
few wealthy families indulged in splint-bottom chairs. The cabin floors were 
rough, and in many cases the green sward formed the carpet. Goods were very 
expensive, and flour was considered a great luxury. Goods were brought by 
horses and mules from Detroit, or by wagon from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, 
and then down the Ohio. Coarse calicoes were ^1 per yard ; tea $2 to $3 per 
pound ; cofiee 75 cents ; whisky, from $1 to $2 per gallon, and salt, $5 to ^6 
per barrel. In those towns where Indian trade constituted a desirable interest, 
a bottle was set at each end of the counter — a gratuitous ofiering to their red 

friends. 

OUTLINE GEOLOGY OF OHIO. 

Should we group the rocks of Ohio, according to their lithological characters, 
we should give five distinct divisions. They are marked by difiierence in appear- 
ance, hardness, color and composition : 

1 — Limestone. 

2 — Black shale. 

3 — Fine-grained sandstone. 

4 — Conglomerate. 

5 — Coal series. 

They are all stratified and sedimentary. They are nearly horizontal. The 
lowest one visible, in a physical as well as a geological sense, is " blue lime- 
stone." 

The bed of the Ohio River near Cincinnati is 133 feet below the level of 
Lake Erie. The strata incline in all directions from the southwestern angle of 
the State. In Scioto County may be seen the outcropping edges of all these 
rocks. They sink at this point in the direction south 80J° east ; easterly at the 
rate of 37^ feet per mile. The clifi" limestone, the upper stratum of the lime- 
stone deposit, is 600 feet above the river at Cincinnati ; at West Union, in 
Adams County, it is only 350 feet above the same level. 

The finely grained sandstone found on the summit of the hills east of Brush 
Creek and west of the Scioto sinks to the base of the hills, and appears beneath 
the conglomerate, near the Little Scioto. Although the rock formations are the 
same in all parts of the State, in the same order, their thickness, mass and dip, 
are quite different. 

Chillicothe, Reynoldsburg, Mansfield, Newburg, Waverly and Rockville, are 
situated near the western border of the " fine-grained limestone." Its outcrop 
forms a continuous and crooked line from the Ohio River to Lake Erie. In the 
southwest portion of the State is the "blue limestone," occupying a circular 



180 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

space from West Union via Dayton, to the State line. The conglomerate is to 
the east of the given towns, bending around from Cuyahoga Falls to Burton, in 
Geauga County, and then eastward into Pennsylvania. Near this outcrop are 
the coal-bearing rocks which occupy the east and southeastern portions of Ohio. 
From Rockville to Chillicothe, the course is north, about 10° east, and nearly 
corresponds with the line of outcrop of the fine-grained sandstone for an equal 
distance. The dip at Rockville, given by Charles Whittlesey, is 80^°, almost 
at a right angle, and at the rate of 37 feet per mile. 

At Chillicothe, the other end of the line, the general dip is south 70° east, 
30 feet to the mile, the line curving eastward and the dip line to the southward. 
This is the universal law. 

The northern boundary of the great coal fields passes through Meadville, in 
Pennsylvania, and turning south arrives at Portage Summit, on the summit of 
the Alleghanies, 2,500 feet above the ocean level. It then plunges rapidly to 
the westward. From the Alleghanies to the southwest, through Pennsylvania, 
Virginia and Tennessee, sweeps this great coal basin. 

Much of the county of Medina is conglomerate upon the surface, but the 
streams, especially the South Branch of the Rocky River, set through this sur- 
face stratum, and reach the fine-grained sandstone. This is the case with 
Rocky, Chagrin, Cuyahoga and Grand Rivers — also Conneaut and Ashtabula 
Creeks. This sandstone and the shale extend up the narrow valleys of these 
streams and their tributaries. Between these strata is a mass of coarse-grained 
sandstone, without pebbles, which furnishes the grindstones for which Ohio is 
noted. In Lorain County, the coarse sandstone grit nearly displaces the fine- 
grained sandstone and red shale, thickening at Elyria to the black shale. South 
of this point, the grindstone grit, red shale and ash-colored shale vary in thick- 
ness. The town of Chillicothe, the village of Newburg, and a point in the west 
line of Crawford County, are all situated on the "black shale." 

Dr. Locke gives the dip, at Montgomery and Miami Counties, at north 14°, 
east, six feet to the mile ; at Columbus, Whitelesey gives it, 81° 52' east, 22yV% 
feet to the mile. The fine-grained sandstone at Newburg is not over eighty 
feet in thickness ; at Jacktown and Reynoldsburg, 500 ; at Waverly 250 to 
300 feet, and at Brush Creek, Adams County, 343 feet. The black shale is 
251 feet thick at Brush Creek ; at Alum Creek, 250 to 300 feet thick ; in Craw- 
ford County, about 250 feet thick. The conglomerate in Jackson County is 
200 feet thick ; at Cuyahoga Falls, 100 to 120 feet ; at Burton, Geauga County, 
300 feet. The great limestone formation is divided into several numbers. At 
Cincinnati, at the bed of the river, there is : 

1 — A blue limestone and slaty marlite. 

2 — Dun-colored marl and layers of lime rock. 

3 — Blue marl and layers of blue limestone. 

4 — Marl and bands of limestone, with immense numbers of shells at the 
surface. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 181 

In Adams County, the detailed section is thus : 

1 — Blue limestone and marl. 

2 — Blue marl. 

3 — Flinty limestone. 

4 — Blue marl. 

5 — Cliff limestone. 

The coal-fields of Ohio are composed of alternate beds of coarse-grained 
sandstone, clay shales, layers of ironstone, thin beds of limestone and numer- 
ous strata of coal. The coal region abounds in iron. From Jacktown to Con- 
cord, in Muskingum County, there are eight beds of coal, and seven strata of 
limestone. The distance between these two points is forty-two miles. From 
Freedom, in Portage County, to Poland, in Trumbull County, a distance of 
thirty-five miles, there are five distinct strata. Among them are distributed 
thin beds of limestone, and many beds of iron ore. The greater mass of coal 
and iron measures is composed of sandstone and shale. The beds of sandstone 
are from ten to twenty or eighty feet thick. Of shale, five to fifty feet thick. 
The strata of coal and iron are comparatively thin. A stratum of coal three 
feet thick can be worked to advantage. One four feet thick is called a good 
mine, few of them averaging five. Coal strata are found from six to ten and 
eleven feet. There are four beds of- coal, and three of limestone, in Lawrence 
and Scioto Counties. There are also eight beds of ore, and new ones are con- 
stantly being discovered. The ore is from four to twelve inches thick, occasion- 
ally being two feet. The calcareous ore rests upon the second bed of limestone, 
from the bottom, and is very rich. 

The most prominent fossils are trees, plants and stems of the coal-bearing 
rocks, shells and corals and crustaceee of the limestone, and the timber, leaves 
and dirt-beds of the "drift" — the earthy covering of the rocks, which varies 
from nothing to 200 feet. Bowlders, or " lost rocks," are strewn over the State. 
They are evidently transported from some remote section, being fragments of 
primitive rock, granite, gneiss and hornblende rock, which do not exist in 
Ohio, nor within 400 miles of the State, in any direction. In the Lake Supe- 
rior region we find similar specimens. 

The superficial deposits of Ohio are arranged into four geological formations : 

1 — The ancient drift, resting upon the rocks of the State. 

2 — The Lake Erie marl and sand deposits. 

3 — The drift occupying the valleys of large streams, such as the Great Miami, 
the Ohio and Scioto. 

4 — The bowlders. 

The ancient drift of Ohio is meager in shell deposits. It is not, therefore, 
decided whether it be of salt-water origin or fresh water. 

It has, at the bottom, blue clay, with gravel-stones of primitive or sedimen- 
tary rocks, containing carbonate of lime. The yellow clay is found second. 
Above that, sand and gravel, less stratified, containing more pebbles of the 



182 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

sedimentary rocks, such as limestone and stone, iron ore, coal and shale. The 
lower layer contains logs, trees, leaves, sticks and vines. 

The Lake Erie section, or "Lake Erie deposits," may be classed in the 
following order : 

1 — From the lake level upward, fine, blue, marly sand — forty-five to sixty 
feet. 

2 — Coarse, gray, water-washed sand — ten to twenty feet. 

8 — Coarse sand and gravel, not well stratified, to surface — twenty to fifty feet. 

Stratum first dissolves in water. It contains carbonate of lime, magnesia, 
iron, alumina, silex, sulphur, and some decomposed leaves, plants and sticks. 
Some pebbles are found. In contact with the water, quicksand is formed. 

The Hickory Plains, at the forks of the Great Miami and White Water, and 
also between Kilgore's Mill and New Richmond, are the results of heavy dilu- 
vial currents. 

In presenting these formations of the State, we have quoted from the experi- 
ence and conclusions of Charles Whittlesey, eminent as a geologist, and who 
was a member of the Ohio Geological Corps. 

Ohio's rank during the war. 

The patriotism of this State has been stanch, unswerving and bold, ever 
since a first settlement laid its corner-stone in the great Western wilder- 
ness. Its decisive measures, its earnest action, its noble constancy, have earned 
the laurels that designate it "a watchword for the nation." In the year 1860, 
Ohio had a population of 2,343,739. Its contribution of soldiers to the great 
conflict that was soon to surge over the land in scarlet terror, was apportioned 
310,000 men. In less than twenty-four hours after the President's proclama- 
tion and call for troops; the Senate had matured and carried a bill through, 
appropriating $1,000,000 for the purpose of placing the State on a war footing. 
The influences of party sentiments were forgotten, and united, the State 
unfurled the flag of patriotism. Before the bombardment of old Fort Sumter 
has fairly ceased its echoes, twenty companies were offered the Governor for 
immediate service. When the surrender was verified, the excitement was 
tumultuous. Militia ofiicers telegraphed their willingness to receive prompt 
orders, all over the State. The President of Kenyon College — President 
Andrews — tendered his services by enlisting in the ranks. Indeed, three 
months before the outbreak of the war, he had expressed his readiness to the 
Governor to engage in service should there be occasion. He was the first citi- 
zen to make this offer. 

The Cleveland Grays, the Rover Guards, the State Fencibles, the Dayton 
Light Guards, the Governor's Guards, the Columbus Videttes and the Guthrie 
Grays — the best drilled and celebrated militia in the State — telegraphed to 
Columbus for orders. Chillicothe, Portsmouth and Circleville offered money 
and troops. Canton, Xenia, Lebanon, Lancaster, Springfield, Cincinnati, 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. l*^ 



DaTton Cleveland, Toledo and other towns urged their assistance upon the State 
CoTumbus hegan *; look like a great army 6eld. The troops were stationed 
" r they -uld find quarters, and food in sufficient quantities was hard o 
procure. The Governor soon established a camp at M.anuville, convenient to 

S:i:ati. He intended to appoint I™.''"^;^" 'V , McCMan bee' l' 
r»„ ^cott to the leading command, but the friends of Capt. McClellan became 
e%^"'c and apealfd to the Governor, who decided to investigate h.s case 
Being satisfied, he desired Capt. McClellan to come up to Columbus But tha 
Office? was busy and sent Capt. Pope, of the regular army mh,s stead. Thi 
ltle,rn didLt suit Gov. Dennison. The friends of McClellan again se 
forth h high qualities of this oflieer, and Gov. Dennison sent an earnes 
e ue t foi- an interview, which was granted, and resulted m the appointment 
of Z officer a. Major General of the Ohio militia. Directly thereafter he 
rlceivcdan invitation to take command of the Pennsylvania troops, but Ohio 
pnnld not siDare so valuable a leader. ^ , ^ u 

For diree-years troops were soon called out, and their Generals were to be 
appointed by the President. Gov. Dennison advised at once with the Wa. 
Department at Washington, and McClellan received his appointment as Major 

nti:n!:::nltuSe became alarmed lest Kentucky shoujd espouse the 
Confederate cause, and those cities thus be left insecure against the niroads of a 
cruel foe Four hundred and thirty-six miles of Ohio bordered Slave States. 
K ntu ky and West Virginia were to be kept in check, but the Governor pro- 
"1 Li not only should the border of Ohio be protected, but even beyond 
hatwould the State press the enemy. Marietta was gainsoned and other rve 
ThZ rendered impregnable. On the 20th of May, 1861, offioa dispatches 
IZlrZi troop! were approaching Wheeling under the proclamation of 
Letcher Their intention was to route the convention at Wheeling. 

mi tary orders were instantly given. Col. Steedman and his troops crossed 
at MariettJand crushed the disturbance at Parkersburg-swept in the country 
aong the railroad, built bridges, etc. Col. Irvine crossed at Whe^''"? ^'^ 
Litfd with a regiment of loyal Virginians. At the juncture of he two tiack 
at Grafton, the columns met, but the rebels had retreated in mad hast The 
loyal troops followed, and, at Philippi, fought the first little skirmish of the war. 
The great railway lines were secured, and the Wheeling convention protected, 
^nd West Virginia partially secured for the Union. 

After preLinary arrangements, McClellan's forces moved m two columns 
upon the enemy at Laurel Hill. One remained in front, under Gen. Morris, 
7hTetheothei- under his own command, pushed around '« I^>'— '- 
their rear. Gen. Morris carried his orders through promptly, but McC ellan 
wriate. Rosecrans wa« left with McClellan's advance to fight the bat le of 
R^h Mountain, unaided. Garnett being alarmed at the defeat of his outpost^ 
retreated, McClellan wa. not in time to intercept him, but Morris continued 



184 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

the chase. Steedman overtook the rear-guard of Garnett's army at Carrick's 
Ford, where a sharp skirmish ensued, Garnett himself falling. The scattered 
portions of the rebel army escaped, and West Virginia was again free from 
armed rebels — and Avas the gift of Ohio through her State militia to the nation 
at the beginning of the war. 

At this period, Gen. McClellan was called to Washington. Gen. Rose- 
crans succeeded him, and the three-years troops left in the field after the dis- 
banding of the three-months men, barely sufiiced to hold the country. He 
telegraphed Gov. Dennison to supply him immediately with re-enforcements, the 
request being made on the 8th of August. Already had the Confederate lead- 
ers realized the loss they had sustained in Western Virginia, and had dispatched 
their most valued General, Robert E. Lee, to regain the territory. Rosecrans 
again wrote : " If you. Governor of Indiana and Governor of Michigan, will 
lend your eiForts to get me quickly 50,000 men, in addition to my present 
force, I think a blow can be struck Avhich will save fighting the rifled-cannon 
batteries at Manassas. Lee is certainly at Cheat Mountain. Send all troops 
you can to Grafton." Five days thereafter, all the available troops in the 
West were dispatched to Fremont, Mo., and the plans of Rosecrans were 
foiled. 

Heavy re-enforcements had been sent to the column in Kanawha Valley 
under Gen. Cox. He became alarmed, and telegraphed to Gov. Dennison. 
Rosecrans again appealed to Gov. Dennison, that he might be aided in march- 
ing across the country against Floyd and Wise to Cox's relief, "I want to 
catch Floyd while Cox holds him in front." 

The response was immediate and eifective. He was enabled to employ 
twenty-three Ohio regiments in clearing his department from rebels, securing 
the country and guarding the exposed railroads. With this achievement, the 
direct relation of the State administrations with the conduct and methods of 
campaigns terminated. The General Government had settled down to a sys- 
tem. Ohio was busy organizing and equipping regiments, caring for the sick 
and wounded, and sustaining her home strength. 

Gov. Dennison's staff ofiicers were tendered better positions in the national 
service. Camps Dennison and Chase, one at Cincinnati and the other at 
Columbus, were controlled by the United States authorities. A laboratory was 
established at Columbus for the supply of ammunition. During the fall and 
early winter, the Ohio troops suffered in Western Virginia. The people of 
their native State responded with blankets, clothing and other supplies. 

In January, 1862, David A. Tod entered upon the duties of Governor. 
The first feature of his administration was to care for the wounded at home, 
sent from Pittsburg Landing. A regular system was inaugurated to supply 
stores and clothing to the suffering at home and in the field. Agencies Avere 
established, and the great and good work was found to be most efficacious in 
alleviating the wretchedness consequent upon fearful battles. A. B. Lyman 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 185 

had charge of affairs in Cincinnati, and Royal Taylor held the same position 
in Louisville. J. C. Wetmore was stationed at Washington, F. W. Bino-ham 
at Memphis, Weston Flint at Cairo and St. Louis. Thus the care which Ohio 
extended over her troops at home and in the battle-field, furnished a practical 
example to other States, and was the foundation of that commendable system 
all over the Union. Stonewall Jackson's sudden advent in the valley created 
the greatest consternation lest the safety of the capital be jeopardized, and the 
War Department called for more troops. Gov. Tod immediately issued a 
proclamation, and the people, never shrinking, responded heartily. At Cleve- 
land a large meeting was held, and 250 men enlisted, including 27 out of 32 
students attending the law school. Fire bells rang out the alarm at Zanesville, 
a meeting was convened at 10 in the morning, and by 3 in the afternoon, 800 
men had enlisted. Court was adjourned sine die, and the Judge announced 
that he and the lawyers were about to enter into military ranks. Only three 
unmarried men between the ages of eighteen and twenty-three were left in the 
town of Putnam. Five thousand volunteers reported at Camp Chase within 
two days after the proclamation. 

Again in June, the President called for troops, followed by yet another call. 
Under these calls, Ohio was to raise 74,000 men. The draft system was 
advised to hasten and facilitate filling regiments. It has always been a repul- 
sive measure. To save sections from this proceeding, enormous sums were 
ofiered to induce men to volunteer, and thus fill the quota. 

Counties, townships, towns and individuals, all made bids and urged the 
rapid enlistment of troops. The result was, that the regiments were filled rap- 
idly, but not in sufficient numbers to prevent the draft. Twenty thousand four 
hundred and twenty-seven men were yet lacking, and the draft was ordered, 
September 15. At the close of the year, Ohio was ahead of her calls. Late 
in the fall, the prospect was disheartening. The peninsula campaign had failed. 
The Army of Northern Virginia had been hurled back nearly to Washington. 
The rebels had invaded Maryland ; Cincinnati and Louisville were threatened, 
and the President had declared his intention to abolish slavery, as a war meas- 
ure. During the first part of 1862, artillery, stores and supplies were carried 
away mysteriously, from the Ohio border ; then little squads ventured over the 
river to plunder more openly, or to burn a bridge or two. The rebel bands 
came swooping down upon isolated supply trains, sending insolent roundabout 
messages regarding their next day's intentions. Then came invasions of our 
lines near Nashville, capture of squads of guards within sight of camp, the seizure 
of Gallatin. After Mitchell had entered Northern Alabama, all manner of depre- 
dations were committed before his very eyes. These were attributed to John 
Morgan's Kentucky cavalry. He and his men, by the middle of 1862, were 
as active and dangerous as Lee or Beauregard and their troops. Morgan was a 
native of Alabama, but had lived in Kentucky since boyhood. His father was 
large slave-owner, who lived in the center of the "Blue Grass Country." His 



186 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

life had been one of wild dissipation, adventure and recklessness, although in 
his own family he had the name of being most considerate. The men who fol- 
lowed him were accustomed to a dare-devil life. They formed and independent 
band, and dashed madly into the conflict, wherever and whenever inclination 
prompted. Ohio had just raised troops to send East, to assist in the overthrow 
of Stonewell Jackson. She had overcome her discouragements over failures, 
for the prospects were brightening. Beauregard had evacuated Corinth ; Mem- 
phis had fallen ; Buell was moving toward Chattanooga ; Mitchell's troops held 
Northern Tennessee and Northern Alabama ; Kentucky was virtually in the 
keeping of the home guards and State military board. And now, here was 
Morgan, creating confusion in Kentucky by his furious raids ! On the 11th of 
July, the little post of Tompkinsville fell. He issued a call for the Kentuckians 
to rise in a body. He marched toward Lexington, and the southern border of 
Ohio was again in danger. Cincinnati was greatly excited. Aid was sent to 
Lexington and home guards were ready for duty. Morgan was not prominent 
for a day or so, but he was not idle. By the 9th of July, he held possession of 
Tompkinsville and Glasgow ; by the 11th, of Lebanon. On the 13th, he 
entered Harraldsburg ; Monday morning he was within fifteen miles of Frank- 
fort. He had marched nearly 400 miles in eight days. Going on, toward 
Lexington, he captured the telegraph operator at Midway, and his messages 
also I He was now aware of the plans of the Union armies at Lexington, 
Louisville, Cincinnati and Frankfort. In the name of the operator, he sent 
word that Morgan was driving in the pickets at Frankfort ! Now that he 
had thrown his foes off guard, he rested his men a couple of days. He 
decided to let Lexington alone, and swept down on Cynthiana, routing a few 
hundred loyal Kentucky cavalrymen, capturing the gun and 420 prisoners, and 
nearly 300 horses. Then he was oif to Paris ; he marched through Winchester, 
Richmond, Crab Orchard and Somerset, and again crossed the Cumberland River. 
He started with 900 men and returned with 1,200, having captured and paroled 
nearly as many, besides destroying all the Government arms and stores in seven- 
teen towns. The excitement continued in Cincinnati. Two regiments were 
hastily formed, for emergencies,- known as Cincinnati Reserves. Morgan's raid 
did not reach the city, but it demonstrated to the rebel forces what might be 
accomplished in the " Blue Grass " region. July and August were passed in 
gloom. Bragg and Buell were both watchful, and Chattanooga had not been 
taken. Lexington was again menaced, a battle fought, and was finally deserted 
because it could not be held. 

Louisville was now in danger. The banks sent their specie away. Railroad 
companies added new guards. 

September 1, Gen. Kirby Smith entered Lexington, and dispatched Heath 
with about six thousand men against Cincinnati and Covington. John Morgan 
joined him. The rebels rushed upon the borders of Ohio. The failure at Rich- 
mond only added deeper apprehension. Soon Kirby Smith and his regiments 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 189 

occupied a position where only a few unmanned siege guns and the Ohio 
prevented his entrance through Covington into the Queen City. The city was 
fully armed, and Lew. Wallace's arrival to take command inspired all with 
fresh courage. And before the people were hardly aware that danger was so 
near, the city was proclaimed under strict martial law. " Citizens for labor, 
soldiers for battle." 

There was no panic, because the leaders were confident. Back of Newport 
and Covington breastworks, riflepits and redoubts had been hastily thrown up, 
and pickets were thrown out. From Cincinnati to Covington extended a pon- 
ton bridge. Volunteers marched into the city and those already in service 
were sent to the rescue. Strict military law was now modified, and the city 
being secured, some inconsiderate ones expressed themselves as being outraged 
with " much ado about nothing." But Gen. Wallace did not cease his vigilance. 
And Smith's force began to move up. One or two skirmishes ensued. The 
city was again excited. September 11 was one of intense suspense. But 
Smith did not attack in force. He was ordered to join Bi-agg. On the Mon- 
day following, the citizens of Cincinnati returned to their avocations. In the 
spring of 1863, the State was a trifle discouraged. Her burdens had been 
heavy, and she was weary. Vicksburg was yet in the hands of the enemy. 
Rosecrans had not moved since his victory at Stone River. There had been 
fearful slaughter about Fredericksburg. 

But during July, 1863, Ohio was aroused again by Bragg's command to 
Morgan, to raid Kentucky and capture Louisville. On the 3d of July, he was 
in a position to invade Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. He continued his depre- 
dations, bewildering the militia with his movements. His avowed intention 
was to burn Indianapolis and " take Cincinnati alive." Morgan's purposes 
were never clear. It was his audacious and sudden dashes, here and there, 
which gave him success. Before Cincinnati was aware, he was at Harrison — 
13th of July. He expected to meet the forces of Burnside and Judah, and to 
cut his way through. His plans here, as everywhere, were indefinable, and he 
succeeded in deceiving everybody. While printers in Cincinnati were setting 
up " reports " as to his whereabouts, he was actually marching through the sub- 
urbs, near troops enough to devour them, and yet not encountered by a single 
picket ! They fed their horses within sight of Camp Dennison. At 4 
o'clock that day, they were within twenty-eight miles of Cincinnati — having 
marched more than ninety miles in thirty-five hours. 

The greatest chagrin was expressed, that Morgan had so easily eluded the 
great military forces. A sudden dash was made to follow him. There was a 
universal bolting of doors, burying of valuables, hiding of horses, etc., all along 
the route of the mad cavalryman and his 2,000 mounted men. They plundered 
beyond all comparison. They made a principle of it. On the 14th of July, 
he was feeding his horses near Dennison ; he reached the ford at Bufl5ngton 
Island on the evening of the 18th ; he had encountered several little skirmishes, 



190 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

but he had marched through at his own will, mostly ; all the troops of Kentucky 
had been outwitted. The Indiana forces had been laughed to scorn. The 
50,000 Ohio militia had been as straws in his way. The intrepid band would 
soon be upon friendly soil, leaving a blackened trail behind. But Judah was 
up and marching after him, Hobson followed and Col. Runkle was north of 
him. The local militia in his advance began to impede the way. Near Pome- 
roy, a stand was made. Morgan found militia posted everywhere, but he suc- 
ceeded in running the gantlet, so far as to reach Chester. He should have 
hastened to cross the ford. Fortunately, he paused to breathe his horses and 
secure a guide. The hour and a half thus lost was the first mistake Morgan is 
known to have made in his military career. They reached Portland, and only 
a little earthwork, guarded by about 300 men, stood between him and safety. 
His men were exhausted, and he feared to lead them to a night attack upon a 
position not understood perfectly ; he would not abandon his wagon train, nor 
his wounded ; he would save or lose all. As Morgan was preparing next 
morning, having found the earthworks deserted through the night, Judah came 
up. He repulsed the attack at first, capturing Judah's Adjutant General, and 
ordering him to hold the force on his front in check. He was not able to join 
his own company, until it was in full retreat. Here Lieut. O'Neil, of the Fifth 
Indiana, made an impulsive charge, the lines were reformed, and up the Chester 
road were Hobson's gallant cavalrymen, who had been galloping over three 
States to capture this very Morgan ! And now the tin-clad gunboats steamed 
up and opened fire. The route was complete, but Morgan escaped with 1,200 
men ! Seven hundred men were taken prisoners, among them Morgan's brother, 
Cols. Ward, Duke and Huffman. The prisoners were brought to Cincinnati, 
while the troops went after the fugitive. He was surrounded by dangers ; his 
men were exhausted, hunted down ; skirmishes and thrilling escapes marked a 
series of methods to escape — his wonderful sagacity absolutely brilliant to the 
very last — Avhich was his capture, on the 26th, with 346 prisoners and 
400 horses and arms. It may be added, that after several months of con- 
finement, Morgan and six prisoners escaped, on the 27th of November. Again 
was he free to raid in the " Blue Grass " country. 

John Brough succeeded Gov. Tod January 11, 1864. His first prominent 
work was with the Sanitary Commission. In February, of the same year, the 
President called for more troops. The quota of Ohio was 51,465 men. The 
call of March added 20,995. And in July was a third demand for 50,792. In 
December, the State was ordered to raise 26,027. The critical period of the 
war was evidently approaching. Gov. Brough instituted a reformation in the 
"promotion system " of the Ohio troops. He was, in many cases, severe in his 
measures. He ignored " local great men " and refused distinction as a bribe. 
The consequence was that he had many friends and some enemies. The acute- 
ness of his policy was so strong, and his policy so just, that, after all his severe 
administration, he was second to no statesman in the nation during the struggle. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 191 

Ohio during the war was most active in her relief and aid societies. The most 
noted and extensive organization was the Cincinnati Branch of the United 
States Sanitary Commission. The most efficient organization was the Soldiers' 
Aid Society of Northern Ohio. 

When the happy tidings SAvept over the land that peace was proclaimed, an 
echo of thanksgiving followed the proclamation. The brave sons of Ohio 
returned to their own soil — those who escaped the carnage. But 'mid the 
rejoicing there was deepest sadness, for a fragment only remained of that brave 
army which had set out sturdily inspired with patriotism. 

A BRIEF MENTION OF PROMINENT OHIO GENERALS. 

George Briton McClellan, the first General appointed in Ohio, was born 
December 3, 1826, in Philadelphia. His father Avas a physician of high stand- 
ing and Scottish descent. Young George was in school in Philadelphia, and 
entered West Point at the age of sixteen. At the age of twenty, he was a bre- 
vet Second Lieutenant, tracing lines of investment before Vera Cruz, under the 
supervision of Capt. R. E. Lee, First Lieut. P. G. T. Beauregard, Second Lieut. 
G. W. Smith. At the close of the Mexican war, old Col. Totten reported in 
favor of them all to Winfield Scott. He had charge of an exploring expedition 
to the mountains of Oregon and Washington, beginning Avith the Cascade Range. 
This was one of a series of Pacific Railway explorations. Returning to Wash- 
ington, he was detailed to visit the West Indies and secretly select a coaling sta- 
tion for the United States Navy. He was dispatched by Jefferson Davis, 
Secretary of War, to Europe, with instructions to take full reports of the organ- 
ization of military forces connected with the Crimean war. This work elicited 
entire satisfaction. He returned in January, 1857, resigned as regular army 
officer, and was soon installed as engineer of Illinois Central Railroad. In 1860^ 
he was President of the Ohio & Mississippi. He removed to Cincinnati, where 
he was at the opening of the war. 

William Starke Rosecrans was born September 6, 1819, in Delaware County^ 
Ohio. His people were from Amsterdam. He was educated at West Point. 
When the war opened, he espoused the cause of the Union with enthusiastic 
zeal, and was appointed by McClellan on his staff as Engineer. June 9, he 
was Chief Engineer of the State under special law. Soon thereafter, he was 
Colonel of the Twenty-third Ohio, and assigned to the command of Camp 
Chase, Columbus. On May 16, his commission was out as Brigadier General 
in the United States Army. This reached him and he was speedily sum- 
moned to active service, under Gen. McClellan. After the battle of Rich Moun- 
tain, he was promoted to the head of the department. 

In April, 1862, he was succeeded by Fremont, and ordered to Wash- 
ington to engage in immediate service for the Secretarv of War. About the 
15th of May, he was ordered to Gen. Halleck, before Corinth. He was 
relieved from his command December 9, 1864. 



11)2 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

Ulysses S. Grant, whose history we cannot attempt to give in these pages, 
was born on the banks of the Ohio, at Point Pleasant, Clermont Co., Ohio, 
April 27, 1822. He entered West Point in 1839. 

" That the son of a tanner, poor and unpretending, without influential friends 
until his performance had won them, ill-used to the world and its ways, should 
rise — not suddenly, in the first blind worship of helpless ignorance which made 
any one who understood regimental tactics illustrious in advance for what he 
was going to do, not at all for what he had done — but slowly, grade by grade, 
through all the vicissitudes of constant service and mingled blunders and suc- 
cess, till, at the end of four years' war he stood at the head of our armies, 
crowned by popular acclaim our greatest soldier, is a satisfactory answer to 
criticism and a sufficient vindication of greatness. Success succeeds." 

" We may reason on the man's career ; we may prove that at few stages has 
he shown personal evidence of marked ability ; we may demonstrate his mis- 
takes ; we may swell the praises of his subordinates. But after all, the career 
stands wonderful, unique, worthy of study so long as the nation honors her 
benefactors, or the State cherishes the good fame of the sons who contributed 
most to her honor." 

Lieut. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman was another Ohio contribution to 
the great Union war. He was born at Lancaster February 8, 1820. He 
entered West Point in June, 1836. His " march to the sea " has fully brought 
out the details of his life, since they were rendered interesting to all, and we 
refrain from repeating the well-known story. 

Philip H. Sheridan was born on the 6th of March, 1831, in Somerset, 
Perry Co., Ohio. He entered West Point in 1848. During the war, his 
career was brilliant. His presence meant victory. Troops fighting under his 
command were inspired. Gen. Rosecrans said of him, "He fights, he fights." 
A staff officer once said, "He is an emphatic human syllable." 

Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson was born in Sandusky County, town of 
Clyde, November 14, 1828. 

Maj. Gen. Q. A. Gillmore was born February 28, 1825, at Black River, 
Lorain Co., Ohio. 

Maj. Gen. Irvin McDowell was born at Franklinton, Ohio, October 15, 
1818. 

Maj. Gen. Don Carlos Buell was born near Marietta on the 23d of March, 
1818. His grandfather on the maternal side was one of the first settlers of 
Cincinnati. 

Maj. Gen. 0. M. Mitchell was a native of Kentucky, but a resident of 
Ohio from the age of four years. 

Maj. Gen. Robert C. Schenck was born October 4, 1809, in Franklin, 
Warren Co., Ohio. 

Maj. Gen. James A. Garfield, was born in Orange, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, 
November 19, 1831. 



ISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 19S 

Maj. Gen. Jacob D. Cox was born in Canada in 1828, and removed to 
Ohio in 1846. 

Maj. Gen. James B. Steedman was born in Pennsylvania July 30, 1818, 
and removed to Toledo in 1861. 

Maj. Gen. David S. Stanley was born in Wayne County, Ohio, June 1,. 
1828. 

Maj. Gen. George Crook was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, Septem- 
ber 8, 1828. 

Maj. Gen. Mortimer D. Leggett was born in New York April 19, 1831^ 
and emigrated to Ohio, in 1847. 

Brevet Maj. Gen. John C. Tidball was born in Virginia, but removed while 
a mere lad to Ohio Avith his parents. 

Brevet Maj. Gen. John W. Fuller was born in England in 1827. He 
removed to Toledo in 1858. 

Brevet Maj. Gen. Manning F. Force was born in Washington, D. C, on 
the 17th of December, 1824. He became a citizen of Cincinnati. 

Brevet Maj. Gen. Henry B. Banning was born in Knox County, OhiO;> 
November 10, 1834. 

We add the names of Brevet Maj. Gens. Erastus B. Tyler, Thomas 48. 
Ewing, Charles R. Woods, August V. Kautz, Rutherford B. Hayes, Charles. 
C. Walcutt, Kenner Garrard, Hugh Ewing, Samuel Beatty, James S. Robinson, 
Joseph W. Keifer, Eli Long, William B. Woods, John W. Sprague, Benjamin 
P. Runkle, August Willich, Charles Griffin, Henry J. Hunt, B. W. Brice. 

Brig. Gens. Robert L. McCook, William H. Lytle, William Leroy 
Smith, C. P. Buckingham, Ferdinand Van Derveer, George P. Este, Joel A. 
Dewey, Benjamin F. Potts, Jacob Ammen, Daniel McCook, J. W. Forsyth, 
Ralph P. Buckland, William H. Powell, John G. Mitchell, Eliakim P. Scam- 
mon, Charles G Harker, J. W. Reilly, Joshua W. Sill, N. C. McLean, Will- 
iam T. H. Brooks, George W. Morgan, John Beatty, William W. Burns, John 
S. Mason, S. S. Carroll, Henry B. Carrington, M. S. Wade, John P. Slough, 
T. K. Smith. 

Brevet Brig. Gens. C. B. Ludlow, Andrew Hickenlooper, B. D. 
Fearing, Henry F. Devol, Israel Garrard, Daniel IMcCoy, W. P. Richardson, 
G. F. Wiles, Thomas M. Vincent, J. S. Jones, Stephen B. Yeoman, F. W. 
Moore, Thomas F. Wilder, Isaac Sherwood, C. H. Grosvenor, Moses E. 
Walker, R. N. Adams, E. B. Eggleston, I. M. Kirby. 

We find numerous other names of Brevet Brigadier Generals, mostly of late 
appointments, and not exercising commands in accordance with their brevet 
rank, Avhich we omit quoting through lack of space. They are the names of 
men of rare abilities, and in many cases of brilliant achievements. 

In looking over the "War Record of Ohio," we find the State a great 
leader in men of valor and heroic deeds. It was the prolific field of military 
geniuses. 



194 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

Ohio was draped with the garb of mourning at the close of the war. Her 
human sacrifice in behalf of the nation had been bitter. There wxre tears and 
heart-aches all over the land. Her ranks were swept by a murderous fire, from 
which they never flinched, and many officers fell. 

Col. John H. Patrick will be remembered as opening the battle of Lookout 
Mountain. He fell mortally wounded, during the Atlanta campaign. May 
15, 1862, while actively engaged. He was struck by a canister shot, and 
expired half a hour thereafter. 

Col. John T. Toland, in July, 1863, was placed in command of a mounted 
brigade, including his regiment, and was instructed to destroy the Virginia & 
Tennessee Railroad. He reached Wytheville, Va., on the afternoon of the 
18th of July. The rebels were safely intrenched in the house, and poured a 
galling fire into the national troops. Col. Toland was on horseback, at the 
head of his command. A sharpshooter sent a bullet with fatal certainty, and 
lie fell on the neck of his horse, but was instantly caught by his Orderly 
Sergeant, who heard the fervent words : " My horse and my sword to my 
mother." 

Lieut. Col. Barton S. Kyle accompanied his regiment to the battle of Pitts- 
burg Landing. The regiment was forced back, though resisting bravely. 
Lieut. Col. Kyle was at his post of duty, encouraging his men, when he received 
a bullet in his right breast. He survived five hours. 

Col. William G. Jones was engaged m the battle of Chickamauga, June, 
1863. His regiment, the Thirty-sixth Ohio, was included in Turchin's Brigade 
of the Fourteenth Corps. He Avrote in his pocket memoranda : " Off to the 
left ; merciful Father, have mercy on me and my regiment, and protect us from 
injury and death " — at 12 o'clock. At 5 that afternoon, he was fatally wounded 
and expired at 7 that same evening, on the battle-field His remains were 
taken by the rebels, but in December, 1863, they were exhumed and interred 
in Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati. 

Col. Fred. C. Jones held command of the Tenth Brigade, in October, 1862, 
marching from Wild Cat, Ky., to Nashville, through a perpetual skirmish. 
During the battle of Stone River, Col. Jones' regiment, the Twenty-fourth, Avas 
on the front and left of the line. During the afternoon, when the rebel assault 
upon the left became furious, Col. Jones ordered his men to lie down and hold 
fire, which was obeyed. They rose to pour a deadly volley into the rebel ranks, 
and rush forward in a fierce charge. The capture of an entire rebel regiment was 
thus effected, but Col. Jones was shot in the right side. He was carried to the 
Tear. " I know it ; I am dying now ; pay no attention to me, but look after 
my wounded men." He survived about ten hours. His remains are buried in 
Spring Grove, Cincinnati. 

Col. Lorin Andrews went with his command to Western Virginia, where 
he succumbed to exposure and severe duty. He was removed to his home, 
Oambier, Ohio, where he died surrounded by friends September 18, 1861. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 195 

Col. Minor Milliken was sent to repel the attacks of the rebels at the rear. 
He led a superb cavalry charge against the enemy, vastly superior in numbers, 
and was cut off with a small portion of his regiment. He disdained to sur- 
render, and ordered his men to cut their way out. A hand-to-hand conflict 
ensued. Col. Milliken, being an expert swordsman, was able to protect himself 
with his saber. While parrying the strokes of his assailant, another shot him. 
The regiment, again charging, recovered his body, stripped of sword, purse and 
watch. 

Col. Geotge P. Webster, with his regiment, the Ninety-eighth, left Steu- 
benville for Covington, Ky., August 23, 1862, marching from that point to Lex- 
ington and Louisville. He was placed at the command of the Thirty-fourth 
Brigade, Jackson's division, Cooke's corps. He fell in the battle of Perryville, 
and died on the field of battle. 

Col. Leander Stem was appointed Colonel of the One Hundred and First 
Ohio Infantry August 30, 1862. His premonitions that he should fall during 
his first regular engagement proved too true. As the army was advancing on 
Murfreesboro, the engagement of Knob Gap occurred, when Col. Stem's regi- 
ment charged and took a rebel battery, with several prisoners. The army 
closed around Murfreesboro, and on the evening of the 30th, the One Hun- 
dred and First was engaged in demonstrations against the enemy. Next 
morning, the battle of Stone River began in earnest. When Col. Stem's regi- 
ment began to waver, he called out: "Stand by the flag now, for the good 
old State of Ohio ! " and instantly fell, fatally wounded. 

Lieut. Col. Jonas D. Elliott held his position in May, 1863. During the 
summer of 1864, he commanded the left wing of the regiment at Dodsonville, 
Ala.; in September, he was sent after Wheeler, and was ordered into camp at 
Decatur. On the 23d, he was dispatched to Athens, to participate in the attack 
of Gen. Forrest, of the rebels. Col. Elliott was sent out, with 300 men, and 
being surrounded by Gen. Forrest, with vastly superior numbers, a forced resist- 
ance enabled them to sustain their own ground, until a fresh brigade of rebels 
arrived, under Gen. Warren. This ofiicer instructed one of his men to shoot 
Lieut. Col. Elliott, and a moment later he fell. He lingered nineteen days. 

Col. Joseph L. Kirby Smith took command of the Forty-third Ohio Regi- 
ment. He fell at the battle of Corinth, under Rosecrans. 

Lieut. Col. James W. Shane fell, June 27, 1864, in an assault upon the 
enemy's works at Kenesaw, He survived but forty minutes. 

Col. Augustus H. Coleman displayed the abilities of a successful commander. 
He was in the first charge on the bridge across Antietam Creek. He was 
fatally wounded. His last words were inquiries regarding his men. 

Col. J. W. Lowe commanded the Twelfth Ohio, and was ordered to assist 
the Tenth in the battle of Carnifex Ferry. Cheering his men, in the thickest 
of the fight, a rifle ball pierced his forehead, and he fell dead — the first field 
officer from Ohio killed in battle in the war for the Union. 



196 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

Lieut. Col. Moses F. Wooster was engaged with his regiment, the One Hun- 
dred and First Ohio, at Perryville. He was mortally wounded on the 31st 
of December, 1862, in the grand effort to stem the tide of defeat at Stone 
River. 

The list of staff officers we refrain from giving, through lack of space. 

At the opening of the war, William Dennison was Governor of Ohio. David 
Tod succeeded him. John Brough was the third War Governor. 

Secretary Edwin M. Stanton was one of the most popular war Ministers. 
He was born in Steubenville, Ohio, in 1815 ; he was engaged in the United 
States Circuit Court, in 1860, in a leading law suit, at Cincinnati, known as the 
Manny and McCormick reaper trial ; on the 20th of January, 1862, he was 
appointed Secretary of War by Mr. Lincoln. 

Ex-Secretary Salmon P. Chase's public services in Ohio have already been 
mentioned in these pages. In 1861, he was appointed Secretary of the Treas- 
ury, in Mr, Lincoln's cabinet. 

United States Senator B. F. Wade made his reputation in Ohio. This 
Senator of the State stood at the head of the Committee on the Conduct of the 
War throughout its duration. 

United States Senator John Sherman was a leading member of the Finance 
Committee, during the war. For some time he was its Chairman. 

Jay Cooke was the financial agent of the Government, furnishing money for 
the payment of the troops. He was born in Portland, Huron Co., Ohio. 

In our brief review of the war record of Ohio, we have omitted a vast 
amount of detail information that would prove interesting to our readers. We 
believe we have been accurate in whatever we have given, taking as our, authority, 
that accepted "encyclopedia" of Ohio war facts — Whitelaw Reid, who has pub- 
lished a valuable volume on the subject. 

SOME DISCUSSED SUBJECTS. 

It may be well in glancing over the achievements of Ohio, her momentous 
labors and grand successes, to refer to the Ordinance of 1787, more minutely 
than we have done, in relation to many events, since its inherent principles are 
not only perpetuated in the laws of the entire Northwest, but have since been 
woven into the general Constitution of the United States. It made permanent 
the standard and character of immigration, social culture and political and edu- 
cational institutions. It was thoroughly antislavery and denounced involuntary 
servitude, which was sanctioned in every other State at that time, with the 
exception of Massachusetts. It protected religion and property. As late as 
1862, Gen. William Henry Harrison, Governor of Indiana, called a convention 
for the purpose of considering the slavery question, and the feasibility of intro- 
ducing the system in the new States and Territories being formed. There 
was at this time a spirited contest, and Illinois, Indiana and possibly Ohio, 
barely escaped a decision that a full support should be given its introduction 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO 197 

into these States. Its adoption was based upon certain specifications and 
limits of time, which upon a deeper consideration was deemed perplexino- and 
impractical. 

An animated discussion arose not long since, regarding the correct author, 
ship of this important ordinance, and its chief worker in gaining its sanction 
by Congress. 

Mr. Webster ascribed its authorship to Mathew Dane, of Massachusetts, 
which statement was immediately refuted by Mr. Benton, of Mississippi, Avho 
laid claim to it as the birthright of Thomas Jefferson, of Virginia. 

It has been almost impossible to obtain accurate reports of the actions of the 
old Continental Congress, from the fact that its meetings were held in secret, 
and any reports either narrated or shown in schedules or lists, were deemed a 
striking lack of trust on the part of the person who furnished the information. 
It was sufficient that its acts and conclusions be proclaimed without any prelude 
or reasoning process. Hence it has been difficult to obtain early Congressional 
documents. But it has been conclusively proven that the great motive power 
in gaining the approbation of the Ordinance of 1787, was neither Dane nor 
Jefferson, but Dr. Cutler. 

He arrived at New York, July 5 of that year, after a journey from Ipswich, 
Mass., in his sulky. He obtained lodgings at the " Plow and Harrow," and 
saw that his good horse was properly cared for and fed at the same place. 
Congress was then in session, and he had come on a mission for the Ohio Com- 
pany, to negotiate their grant and its privileges in the new Territory of Ohio. 
He remained in New York three weeks, constantly engaged in the work vital to 
the interests of the future great State. But he secured the installment of the 
principles deemed the corner-stone of a future powerful State constitutioi^. Mr. 
Poole, Librarian of the Chicago Public Library, searched assiduously for con- 
clusive proof of Dr. Cutler's right to this honor, and in the North American 
Review, Vol. 122, this is emphatically set forth with substantiating proof under 
his signature. 

Other facts have been discussed and proven at a very recent date, relative 
to the State of Ohio, which heretofore have been omitted, and nearly lost from 
the historic thread which unites the present with the past. 

The first settlement of the lands of the Northwest is necessarily surrounded 
with interest. But those were exciting, troublesome times, and a few links 
were passed over lightly. However, the years are not so far removed in the 
past but the line may be traced. 

Mr, Francis W. Miller, of Cincinnati, has supplied some missing chapters. 
The earliest documentary trace extant, regarding the southern settlement at 
Cincinnati, is an agreement of partnership between Denman, Filson and Pat- 
terson, in the fractional section of land to which the city of Cincinnati was 
originally limited. It bears the date August 25, 1788. This was entered on 
the records of Hamilton County, Ohio, October 6, 1803. 



198 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

A letter from Jonathan Dayton to the Hon. Judge Symmes, dated Septem- 
ber 26, 1789, says: "You have been selling your lands, I am told, for two 
shillings specie, the acre. The price at this moment is, and seems to be, and 
undoubtedly is, a good one ; but as much cannot be said of it when you find 
hereafter that in consequence of the rise of certificates, another acre, in another 
payment, may cost you in specie two shillings and sixpence." 

A letter from John C. Symmes to Capt. Dayton, dated April 30, 1790, 
says: "The land in the reserved township is held at much too high a price. 
Not a foot of land beyond the five-acre lots will sell. Five shillings, specie, 
or two dollars in certificates, is the utmost they will bring, and they will rarely 
sell at that." 

This state of aifairs was in a large degree brought about by the breaking-up 
of North Bend and a removal of the town to Fort Washington, or Cincinnati, 
later. A search through the old letters and other preserved documents prove 
that North Bend was at one time the beginning of the great city on the Ohio, 
rather than Cincinnati. Judge Symmes wrote. May 18, 1789 : " I have not as 
yet been able to make a decisive choice of a plat for the city, though I have 
found two pieces of ground, both eligible, but not upon the present plan of a 
regular square. It is a question of no little moment and difficulty to deter- 
mine Avhich of these spots is preferable, in point of local situation. I know 
that at first thought men will decide in favor of that on the Ohio, from the 
supposition that the Ohio will command more trade and business than the 
Miami. * * * ;g^|. jf j|. ^g^.^ \)^[\^ on the Miami, the settlers 
throughout the purchase would find it very convenient." 

Another of the earliest selections of town sites was adjacent to the most 
southerly point of what is now Delhi Township. To this the name of South 
Bend was given. Judge Symmes reports November 4, 1790, of this place, 
over forty framed and hewed-log two-story houses, since the preceding spring. 
Ensign Luce is said to have taken his troops to North Bend, but decided to 
remove to Cincinnati, on account of the object of his afiections having settled 
there — the wife of a settler. But this story is refuted by contradictory evi- 
dence from Judge Symmes' letters, which illustrate the fact that the post of 
North Bend was abandoned by Ensign Luce and his men in consequence of a 
panic, caused by Indian attacks. The removal of the troops caused a general 
decline of the town. Again, history and letters from the same eminent Judge, 
assert that Fort Washington was completed and garrisoned by Maj. Doughty 
before the close of that same year, and was begun by him during the summer, 
that Ensign Luce must have still been at his post at the bend at that time. It 
has been, therefore, recently accepted that the traditional "black eyes" and 
the "Indian panic," had nothing to do with the founding of Cincinnati, and 
that the advantages of the position gained the victory. 

Cincinnati has advanced, not only in prosperity and culture, but in national 
significance. Our readers must have observed, in perusing these pages, that 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 199 

from this city and the State which it represents, have emanated some of the 
superior intellects which have used their wise faculties and talents, tempered by 
a wise judgment, in behalf of the American Union. 

The originality of the Senecas and Wyandots have been debated at some 
length, while others have called the tribes the same, having two branches. We 
have searched the earlier records and have found an authenticated account of 
these two tribes. 

The Indian tribes of Ohio were originally bold, fierce and stalwart. The 
country watered by the Sandusky and its tributaries was frequented by the 
Wyandot tribe, Avho came from the north side of the St. Lawrence River. The 
Senecas were blood relatives of this tribe. Both tribes were numbered by the 
thousands. A war originated between them, in this manner : 'A Wyandot 
chief desired to wed the object of his affections, who laughed him to scorn, 
because he had taken no scalps, and was no warrior " to speak of." To change 
her opinion, he led out a party, and falling upon a number of Senecas, slaugh- 
tered them mercilessly, that he might hasten to the side of his dusky belle, with 
his trophies. This act inaugurated hostilities, which extended through a century. 
The Wyandots began to fear extermination, and, gathering their entire effects 
the natives escaped to Green Bay, and settled in several villages. But the Sen- 
ecas made up a war party and followed them, killing many AVyandots and burn- 
ing some of their villages. They then returned to Canada. Soon thereafter, 
they secured fire-arms from the French. Again they followed the Wyandots, 
firing their guns into their huts, and frightening them severely. They did not 
succeed as well as they expected. But the third party nearly exterminated the 
villages, because the young warriors were nearly all gone to war with the Foxes. 
The few at home escaping, promised to return with the Senecas, but desired 
two days for preparation. The Wyandots sent word to the two villages left 
undisturbed, and held a consultation. They decided to go as near the Senecas 
as possible, unobserved, and discover their real motive. They found them feast- 
ing on two roasted Wyandots, shouting over their victory. They danced nearly 
all night, and then fell asleep. A little before daylight, the Wyandots fell on 
them, leaving not one to carry back the news. 

The Wyandots then procured guns, and began to grow formidable. They 
set out to return to their own country, and proceeded on their way as far as 
Detroit, where they met a party of Senecas, on the lake. A fierce conflict 
ensufd, and the Wyandots beheld the Senecas fall, to the last man, suffering 
fearful carnage themselves. They soon settled in this part of the world, their 
principal village being on the Sandusky. Northwestern Ohio was particularly 
dangerous with new Indian tribes, and the Wyandots were cruelly aggressive. 
The death of their chief, and their total defeat by Harrison, destroyed their 
power forever. 

On the 29th of September, 1817, a treaty was held, at the foot of the rapids 
of the Miami of Lake Erie, between Lewis Cass and Duncan McArthur, 



200 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

Commissioners of the United States, and the sachems, chiefs and warriors of the 
Wyandot, Seneca, Delaware, Shawnee, Potawattomie, Ottawa and Chippewa 
nations. All their lands in Ohio were ceded to the United States forever. 

There was really not a Seneca in the Seneca nation. They were chiefly 
Cayugas, Mohawks, Onondagas, Tuscarawas, Wyandots and Oneidas. But the 
Mingoes were originally Cayugas, and their chief was the celebrated Logan. 
After the murder of his family by the whites, the Mingoes were scattered over 
the territory northwest of the Ohio. 

The notorious Simon Girty was adopted by the Senecas. Girty's name was 
a terror and fiendish horror for many years. He not only led the Indians in 
their atrocities, but he added barbarism to their native wickedness. 

CONCLUSION. 

When peace was proclaimed, after the surrender of Gen. Robert E. Lee to 
Gen. U. S. Grant, the volunteer troops disbanded, and a return to home indus- 
tries instituted, Ohio, like many other States, gave direct attention to the inter- 
ests of returned soldiers. The thrift of the State was augmented by a spasmodic, 
and thereafter recognized as a fictitious, demand for products, commercial and 
industrial pursuits redoubled their forces. But the great wave of stagnation 
swept over this fair land — the re-action of a war excitement. Laborers were 
many, but wages were inadequate. Deeper and deeper settled this lethargy — 
called by many "hard times" — until the wheels of commercial life revolved 
slowly, and from the workshops and the factories went up the echoes of priva- 
tion and distress. There was no famine, no fever, no epidemic, it was simply 
exhaustion. In the larger cities there was much suffering. Idle people loitered 
about, barely seeking employment, the task seeming worse than hopeless. 

During the years 1870, 1871 and 1872, the stringent measures brought 
about by the depressed state of business retarded any material advancement in 
general matters. The years 1873-74 were marked by a preceptible improve- 
ment, and a few factories were established, Avhile larger numbers were employed 
in those already founded. The year 1875 was under the direction of a Demo- 
cratic Legislature. It was marked in many respects by a "reverse motion " in 
many laws and regulations. 

The Legislature Avhich convened in 1876, January 3, was Republican in the 
main. It repealed the " Geghan Law" passed by the preceding body. At 
the time of its adoption, there Avas the most intense feeling throughout the State, 
the charge being made that it was in the interests of the Catholics. Among 
the general enactments were laws re-organizing the government of the State insti- 
tutions, which the previous Legislature had ordered according to their own belief 
to follow new doctrines. The office of Comptroller of the Treasury was abolished. 
The powers of municipal corporations to levy taxes was limited, and their 
authority to incur debts was limited. Furthermore, this body prohibited any 
municipal appropriations, unless the actual money was in the Treasury to meet 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 201 

the same in full. A law was passed for the protection of children under fourteen 
years of age, exhibited in public shows. 

The temperance cause received more vigorous and solid support than was 
ever rendered by the State previously. A common-sense, highly moral and 
exalted platform was formed and supported by many leading men. 

This year witnessed the serious "strikes" among the miners in Stark and 
Wayne Counties. The consequences were painful — distress, riots and distruc- 
tion of property. 

The State Mine Inspector reported 300 coal mines in the State, with only 
twenty-five in operation. Not over 3,000,000 tons of coal were raised during 
the year, owing to the dullness of the times. 

The State charities reported the aggregate number under public care to be 
29,508. The taxation for the maintenance of these classes was one and one 
six-hundredth of a mill on each dollar of taxable property. 

The reports given of the year 1877 indicated a revival of business interests 
and prosperity. The State produced of wheat, 27,306,566 bushels ; rye, 
914,106 bushels; buckwheat, 225,822 bushels; oats, 29,325,611; barley, 
1,629,817 bushels ; corn, 101,884,305 bushels ; timothy, tons of hay, 2,160,334 ; 
clover, tons of hay, 286,265; flax, pounds of fiber, 7,343,294; potatoes, 
10,504,278 bushels; sweet potatoes, 126,354^ bushels; tobacco, 24,214,950 
pounds; sorghum, sugar, 7,507|^ pounds; syrup, 1,180,255 gallons; maple 
sugar, 1,625,215 pounds ; maple syrup, 324,036 gallons ; honey, 1,534,902 
pounds. 

The year 1878 was marked by a more vigorous and combined efibrt of the 
people to entirely overcome the stagnation of business, the influence of the 
lethargy yet combating the awakened interest. This energy was amply rewarded 
in 1879, by a general dawning of the "good times " so ardently desired. New 
enterprises were instituted, manufactories erected, improvements carried on, and 
agriculture was successful. Before the year closed, the State was basking in 
the light of prosperity, and the year 1880 was ushered in when the confidence 
of the people was again a permanent incentive — confidence in the nation, 
their State, each in the other and themselves. The old-time crown of power, 
influence and integrity, which Ohio has earned, is conspicuous in this year of 
1881. The jewels have been reset, and we confidently doubt not that their 
luster will remain undimmed intrusted to so faithful and so earnest a people. 







202 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 



POPULATION OF OHIO BY COUNTIES. 





OOrNTIES 






1820 


1830 


1840 


1830 


1860 


1870 


1880 




The State 


581434 


937903 


1519467 


1980329 


2339511 


2665260 










1 


10406 


12--i81 

578 


13183 
9079 


18883 

12109 
23813 
28767 
18215 

11338 
34600 
27332 
30789 
17685 
19782 
22178 
30155 
188S8 
33621 
25674 
18177 
48099 
20276 

6966 
21817 
18568 
30264 
12726 
42909 

7781 
17063 
17827 
21946 
30438 
156844 
16751 

8251 
20157 

ai34 
25781 
14119 
20452 
26203 
12^19 
29133 
28872 
14654 
15246 
38846 
19162 
26086 
12363 
10015 
23735 
12618 
24441 
17971 

7712 
24999 
28351 
38218 
28385 
20280 
45049 


20309 
19185 
22951 
31814 
21364 
17187 
36398 
29958 
35840 
15738 
22693 
25300 
33034 
21461 
32836 
25032 
23881 
78033 
26009 
118556 
23902 
24474 
30539 
15935 
50361 
14043 
22043 
15817 
26197 
24474 
21641U 
22886 
1S570 
19110 

8901 
27773 
17057 
20589 
26616 
17941 
26115 
27735 
15576 
23249 
37011 
20996 
29744 
25831 
13015 
25894 
15490 
22517 
26534 
14104 
29959 " 
25741 
52230 
22119 
20445 
44416 
20751 

7016 

4945 
19678 
23169 
13643 
24208 
21820 
12808 
31158 
35071 
21429 
24297 
30868 
17493 
42978 
27344 
30656 
32)63 
16507 
10238 
13631 
2690J 
36268 
32483 
16633 
17886 
15596 


20750 
23623 
21933 
32517 
23768 
20041 
39714 
30802 
39912 
14491 
24188 
32070 
34268 
21914 
38299 
23600 
25556 

132010 
32278 
15719 
25175 
28188 
31138 
17170 
63019 
17789 
25545 
14190 
28038 
23838 

260370 
23847 
18714 
18682 
14023 
29133 
17925 
18177 
28532 
21759 
29188 
26333 
15935 
31380 
35756 
23028 
30308 
46722 
15633 
31001 
16184 
20092 
31465 
17254 
32740 
25779 
64006 
20363 
18583 
44886 
19949 
13364 
8544 
18453 
24875 
15447 
24584 
21809 
170S1 
32516 
37097 
25503 
29302 
30827 
20748 
52508 
34674 
38659 
33840 
18730 
15823 
15027 
26689 
40609 
35116 
20991 
24596 
18553 


24004 


■) 


Allen 


31323 








23883 


/\ 




7382 
6338 


14584 
9787 


23724 
19109 


87139 


<i 




28413 


6 




25443 


Belmont 


20329 
13356 
21746 


28827 
17867 
27142 


30901 
22715 
28173 
18108 
16721 
16882 
23106 
15719 
40378 
21590 
13152 
26506 
13282 


49638 
82726 


q 


Butler 


42580 


10 
11 




16416 




8479 

9533 
15820 

8085 
22033 

7086 


12131 
13114 
20466 
11436 
35d92 
11161 

4791 
10373 

6204 


27817 


V 


Clark 


41947 


13 
14 


Clermont 


86713 
27539 


15 




38299 


16 




26641 


17 




30583 


18 




6328 
3717 


196943 


19 




40498 


■•o 




22518 


91 




7639 


11504 


22060 
12599 
3192-1 
10984 
25049 


27380 


•)0 


Erie 


32640 


23 

94 


Fairfield 


16633 
6316 
10292 


24786 
8182 
14741 


34283 
20364 


95 




86816 


96 




21062 


97 




7098 
7791 

10529 
9292 

31764 


9733 

15813 
14801 
18036 
52317 
813 
210 
20916 
262 
16345 
4a)8 
9135 
13341 
5941 
22489 
17085 


13444 
16297 
17528 
27748 
60145 

9986 

4598 
20099 

2503 
22269 

9(41 
18088 
23933 

9744 
25030 
29579 
13719 

9738 
35096 
14015 
18467 

9382 

9025 


28124 


m 




14255 


29 

an 


Greene 


31849 

27197 


31 




81 3368 


!jO 




27788 


S'l 


Hardin 




27028 


34 




14345 


20455 


35 




20587 


36 
87 




12308 
2130 


30280 
21126 


38 




20775 


39 




6675 
3746 
18531 
8326 


31609 


40 




23679 


41 




83018 


42 




27450 


43 


Lake 


16326 


44 




3499 
11861 
3181 


5367 
20869 
6440 
5696 


39068 


45 




40451 


46 




26268 


47 




85525 


48 






67388 


49 




4799 


6190 


20^29 


•iO 




42867 


51 






6551 
7560 
6158 
1110 

12807 
8768 
24362 
11800 


14765 

18352 
11452 
8277 
19688 
18521 
31938 
20852 


20564 


5? 




3082 
4480 


21454 


53 




32325 


54 




21808 


55 
56 


Miami 


8851 
4645 
15999 
5297 


36178 
26497 


57 

58 


Montgomery 


78545 
20074 


59 




19073 


60 




17824 


29334 


38749 


49780 


61 


Noble . 


21137 


69 








2248 
1034 
19344 
19725 
7626 
22965 
19482 
5189 
44532 
27460 
10182 
11192 
18128 
12154 
84603 
22560 
38107 
25631 
8422 
1577 


3308 
1766 
20775 
21006 
10953 
24419 
21736 
7221 
30879 
32074 
14305 
18428 
27104 
13958 
398;8 
27485 
30490 
31761 
12204 
4793 
9353 
25560 
29540 
32981 
8018 
9157 
11194 


19763 


fiS 






161 
13970 
16001 
6024 
18826 
16291 
230 
24006 
24068 
2851 
8740 
5159 
3671 
26588 


13490 


64 




8429 
13149 

4253 
10095 
10237 


28218 


65 

66 


Pickaway 


27353 
17927 


67 




27500 


68 


Preble 


24534 


69 


Putnam 


23718 


70 




9169 

20619 

852 

5750 


86306 


71 


Ross 


40307 


79 




32C63 


73 




83511 


74 




86955 


75 


Shelby 


2106 
12406 


24136 


76 


Stark 


64027 


77 


Summit 


48788 


78 


Trumbull 


15546 
8328 
1996 


26153 

14298 

3192 

49 


44882 


79 




40197 


80 


Union 


22374 


81 


Van Wert 


23030 


89 






17226 


83 


Warren 


17837 
10425 
11933 


21468 
11731 
23333 
387 
1102 


23141 

20823 
35808 
4465 
5357 


28392 


84 




43244 


85 




87452 


86 


Williams 


23821 


87 




733 


34026 


88 


W yandot 


22401 



MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION. 



203 



POPULATION OF THE UNITED STATES. 



States and 
Tekeitobiks. 

Stales. * 

Alabama 

Arkansas 

California 

Colorado 

Connecticut 

Delaware 

Florida 

Georgia 

Illinois 

Indiana 

Iowa 

Kansas 

Kentucky 

Louisiana 

Maine 

Maryland 

Massachusetts . . 

Michigan , 

Minnesota 

Mississippi 

Missouri 

Nebraska 

Nevada 

New Hampshire 

New Jersey 

New York 

North Carolina.. 

Ohio 

Oregon 



Area in 

square 
Miles. 



50,722 
52,198 

188,981 
101,500 
4,674 
2,120 
59,268 
58,000 
55,410 
33,809 
55,045 
81,318 
37,600 
41,346 
31,776 
11,184 
7,800 
56,451 
83,531 
47,156 
65,350 
75,995 
112,090 
9,280 
8.320 
47.000 
50,704 
39,964 
95,244 



Population. 



996,992 

484,471 

560,-.U7 

39,864 

537,454 

125,015 

187,748 

1,184,109 

2,539,891 

1.680,637 

1,191,792 

364,399 

1,321,011 

726,915 

626,915 

780,894 

1,457,361 

1,184,059 

439,706 

827,922 

1,721,295 

123,993 

42,491 

318.300 

906,096 

4,382,7.59 

1,071.361 

2,665,260 

90,9231 



1,262.794 

802,564 

864,686 

194,649 

622,683 

146,654 

267,351 

1,539,048 

8,078,769 

1,978,362 

1,624,620 

995,966 

1,648,708 

940,103 

648,945 

934,632 

1,783,012 

1,636,;331 

780,806 

1,131.592 

2,168,804 

452,433 

62,265 

346.984 

1,130.9S3 

5,083,810 

1,400.047 

3,198,239 

174,767 



Miles 
R.K. 

1872 



1,671 

25 

1,013 

392 

820 

227 

466 

2,108 

5,904 

3,529 

3,160 

1,760 

1,123 

539 

871 

820 

1,606 

2,235 

l,612i 

9.'0l 

2,580, 

828 

593 

790 

1,265 

4,470 

1,190 

3,740 

179. 



States and 
Territories. 



Slate-i. 
Pennsylvania..., 
Kliode Island.., 
South Carolina., 

Tennessee 

Texas , 

Vermont , 

Virgmia 

West Virginia... 
Wisconsin 



Total States. 



Territories. 

Arizona 

Dakota 

Dist. of Columbia. 

Idaho 

Montana 

New Mexico 

Utah 

Washington 

Wyoming 



Total Territoriejt 



Area mi 
square 
Miles. 



46.000 
1,306 
29,385 
45.600 
237,504 
10,212 
40,904 
23,000 
53,924 



2,054,671 



113,916 
147,490 
60 
90,932 
143,776 
121,201 
80,056 
69,944 
93,107 



860,482 



Population. 



8.521. 
217, 
705, 

1,258, 
818, 
330, 

1,<!25, 
442, 

1,054, 



4,282,786 
276,528 
995,622 

1,542,463 

1,592,574 
332,286 

1,512,806 
618,443 

1,315,480 



49,369,595 



40,441 

135,180 
177,638 
32,611 
39.157 
118.430 
143,906 
75,120 
20,788 



!.27: 



Aggregate of U.S.. 2.915,203 33,555,983 60,852 

•Included in the Railroad Mileage of Maryland. 



Miles 
K.R. 

1872 



5,113 
136 

1,201 

1,520 
865 
675 

1,490 
485 

1,725 



59.716 



375 

'498 



PRINCIPAL COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD; 

I^^OPULATION AND ArEA. 



Population. 



China 

British Empire 

Russia 

United States with Alaska 

France 

Austria and Hungary 

Japan 

Great Britain and Ireland 

German Empire 

Italy 

Spain 

Brazil 

Turkey 

Mexico 

Sweden and Norway 

Persia 

Belgium 

Bavaria 

Portugal 

Holland 

IV ew Grenada 

Chili... 

Switzerland 

Peru 

Bolivia 

Argentine Republic 

Wurtemburg 

Denmark 

Venezuela 

Baden 

Greece 

Guatemala 

Ecuador 

Paraguay 

Hesse 

Liberia 

San Salvador , 

Hayti , 

Nicaragua 

Uruguay 

Honduras 

San Domingo 

Costa Rica 

Hawaii 



446, 

226 

81, 

38 

36. 

35, 

34, 

31, 

29, 

27. 

16, 

10. 

16, 

9, 

5, 

5, 

5. 

4, 

3, 

3, 

3, 

2, 

2. 

2: 

2, 

1 

1 

1 

I 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 



500,000 
817,108 
925,400 
925,600 
,469.800 
,904.400 
785,300 
817,100 
906,092 
439.931 
642,000 
000.000 
463.000 
173.000 
921,500 
000.000 
021,300 
,861,400 
995,200 
,688.300 
000,000 
,000,000 
,669.100 
,500,000 
,000.000 
,812,000 
,818.500 
,784.700 
,500.000 
,461,400 
,457.900 
180,000 
.300,000 
,000,000 
823,138 
718,000 
600,000 
572,000 
350,000 
300,000 
3,50,000 
136,000 
165,000 
62.9,50 



Date of 
Census. 



1871 
1871 
1871 
1870 
1866 
1869 
1871 
1871 
1871 
1871 
1867 



1869 
1870 
1870 
1869 
1871 
1868 
1870 
1870 
1869 
1870 
1871 

'1869 
1871 
1870 

'isVi 

1870 
1871 

'1871 

'1871 
1871 

'1871 
1871 
1871 

'1876 



Area in 
Square 
Miles. 



.3.741.846 

4,677,432 

8,003,778 

,603,884 

204,091 

240,348 

149,399 

121,315 

160,207 

118,847 

195,775 

3,253.029 

672.621 

761,526 

292,871 

635,964 

11,373 

29,292 

34,494 

13,680 

357,157 

132,616 

15,992 

471.838 

497.321 

871,848 

7,533 

14,753 

368,238 

5,912 

19,353 

40,879 

218,928 

63,787 

3,969 

9,576 

7,335 

10,205 

58,171 

66,722 

47,092 

17,827 

31,505 

7.633 



Inhabitants 

to Square 

Mile. 



119.3 

48.6 

10.3 

7.78 

178.7 

149.4 

232.8 

262.3 

187. 

230.9 

85. 

3.07 
24.4 



20. 
7.8 
441.5 
165.9 
115.8 
290.9 
8.4 
15.1 
166.9 
5.3 
4. 
2.1 
241.4 
120.9 
4.2 
247. 
75.3 
28.9 
5.9 
15.6 
277. 
74.9 
81.8 
56. 
6. 
6.5 
7.4 
7.6 
7.7 
80. 



Pekin 

London 

St. Petersburg... 

Washington 

Paris 

Vienna 

Yeddo 

London 

Berlin 

Rome 

Madrid 

Rio Janeiro 

Constantinople .. 

Mexico 

Stockholm 

Teheran 

Brussels 

Munich 

Lisbon 

Hague 

Bogota 

Santiago 

Berne 

Lima 

Chuquisaca 

Buenos Ay res 

Stuttgart 

Copenhagen 

Caraccas 

Carlsruhe 

Athens 

Guatemala , 

Quito 

Asuncion 

Darmstadt 

Monrovia 

■Sal Salvador 

Port au Prince., 

Managua 

Monte Video 

Comayagua 

San Domingo 

San Jose 

Honolulu 



Population. 



,648,800 

,251,800 

667,000 

109,199 

,825,300 

83.3,900 

,5.54,900 

,251,800 

825,400 

244,484 

.333,000 

430,000 

,075,000 

210.300 

136,900 

120,000 

314,100 

169,500 

224,063 

90,100 

45,000 

115,400 

36,000 

160,100 

25,000 

177.800 

91,600 

162,043 

47,000 

36,600 

43,400 

40,000 

70,000 

48,000 

30,000 

3,000 

1,5,000 

20,000 

10,000 

44,500 

12,000 

20,000 

2.000 

7,633 



POPULATION OP FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



Amanda Township, including the 

following villages 1,840 

Amanda Village 375 

New Strasburg Village. . 35 

Royalton Village 170 

Berne Township, including the 

following villages 2,625 

Berne Village 47 

Sugar Grove Village. . . . 262 
Bloom Township, including the 

following villages 2,179 

Greencastle Village 91 

Jefferson Village 80 

Lithopolis Village 404 

Clear Creek Township, including 

the following villages 2,080 

Oakland Village 139 

Stoutsville Village 340 

Greenfield Township, including 

the following villages 2,036 

Carroll Village 288 

Dumontville Village 17 

Gesselville Village 50 

Havensport Village 79 

Hocking Township' 2,412 

Liberty Township, including the 

following villages 3,070 

Baltimore Village 489 

Basil Village..... 287 



Madison Township 1,387 

Pleasant Township, including 

village of Pleasantville 2,281 

Pleasantville Village 334 

Richland Township, including 

the following villages 1,502 

Rushville Village 227 

West Rushville Village.. 212 
Rush Creek Township, including 

the following places 8,604 

Bremen Village 248 

Generji Village 26 

Lancaster City 6,802 

First Ward 1,904 

Second Ward... 1,400 

Third Ward 1,603 

Fourth Ward... 816 

Fifth Ward 1,079 

Violet Township, including the 

following villages 2,197 

Lockville Village 129 

Pickerington Village. . . . 188 

Waterloo Village 262 

Walnut Township, including the 

following villages 2,070 

Millersport Village 180 

New Salem Village 196 

Total population 34,283 



POPULATION OF PEKRY COUNTY. 



Bearfield Township, including 

following village 997 

Portersville Village 50 

Clayton Township, including fol- 
lowing villages 1,164 

Rehoboth Village 162 

Saltillo Village 80 

Coal Township, including follow- 
ing villages 3,836 

New Straitsville Village.. 2, 782 

Straitsville Village 308 

Harrison Township, including 

following villages 1,562 

McLuney Village 66 

Roseville Village 96 

Hopewell Township 1,284 

Jackson Township 1,896 

Madison Township, including fol- 
lowing villages 714 

Mt. Perry Village 108 

Sego Village 32 

Monroe Township, including fol- 
lowing villages 1,780 

Corning Village 270 



Millerstown Village 84 

Rendville Village 349 

Thompsonville Village . . 52 

Monday Creek Township 1,636 

Pike Township, including fol- 
lowing villages . ! 3,059 

Bristol Village 116 

New Lexington Village. 1,357 
Pleasant Township, including fol- 
lowing villages 1,053 

Moxahala Village 375 

Oakville Village 130 

Reading Township, including fol- 
lowing villages 3,367 

New Reading Village. . . 118 

Somerset Village 1,207 

Salt Lick Township, including 

village of Shawnee 3 970 

Shawnee Village 2,770 

Thorn Township, including fol- 
lowing villages 1,900 

Thornport Village 125 

Thornville Village 269 

Total population 28,218 



206 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 



COMMENTS UPON THE ORDINANCE OP 1787, FROM THE STATUTES 
OF OHIO, EDITED BY SALMON P. CHASE, AND PUB- 
LISHED IN THE YEAR 1833. 

[It would be difficult to find a more comprehensive review of the founda- 
tions of our system of laws than is given in the " Preliminary Sketch of the 
History of Ohio," by this distinguished representative of the bench and the 
bar of America. The work is now out of print, and is not easily obtained; 
besides, its great author has passed away; so these extracts are made more 
with a view of preserving old historical literature, than of introducing new ; 
furthermore, the masses of the people have never had convenient access to the 
volumes, which, for the most part, have been in the hands of professional men 
only. The publication of the work first brought its compiler 'before the public, 
and marked the beginning of that career which, during its course, shaped the 
financial system of our country, and ended upon the Supreme Bench of the 
nation.] 

By the ordinance of 1785, Congress had executed in part the great national 
trust confided to it, by providing for the disposal of the public lands for the 
common good, and by prescribing the manner and terms of sale. By that of 
1787, provision was made for successive forms of Territorial government, 
adapted to successive steps of advancement in the settlement of the Western 
country. It comprehended an intelligible system of law on the descent and 
conveyance of real property, and the transfer of personal goods. It also con- 
tained five articles of compact between the original States, and the people and 
States of the Territory, establishing certain great fundamental principles of 
governmental duty and private right, as the basis of all future constitutions and 
legislation, unalterable and indestructible, except by that final and common 
ruin, which, as it has overtaken all former systems of human polity, may yet 
overwhelm our American union. Never, probably, in the history of the world, 
did a measure of legislation so accurately fulfill, and yet so mightily exceed 
the anticipations of the legislators. The ordinance has been well described, as 
having been a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night, in the settlement and 
government of the Northwestern States. When the settlers went into the 
wilderness, they found the law already there. It was impressed upon the soil 
itself, while it yet bore up nothing but the forest. The purchaser of land 
became, by that act, a party to the compact, and bound by its perpetual cove- 
nants, so far as its conditions did not conflict with the terms of the cessions of 
the States. 

This remarkable instrument was the last gift of the Congress of the old 
confederation to the country, and it was a fit consummation of their glorious 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 207 

labors. At the time of its promulgation, the Federal Constitution was under 
discussion in the convention ; and in a few months, upon the organization of 
the new national government, that Congress was dissolved, never again to re-as- 
senible. Some, and indeed most of the principles established by the articles of 
compact are to be found in the plan of 1784, and in the various English and 
American bills of rights. Others, however, and these not the least important, 
are original. Of this number are the clauses in relation to contracts, to slavery 
and to Indians. On the whole, these articles contain what they profess to con- 
tain, the true theory of American liberty. The great principles promulgated 
by it are wholly and purely American. They are indeed the genuine princi- 
ples of freedom, unadulterated by that compromise with circumstances, the 
effects of which are visible in the constitution and history of the Union. 

The first form of civil government, provided by the ordinance, was now 
formally established within the Territory. Under this form, the people had no 
concern in the business of government. The Governor and Judges derived 
their appoinrments at first from Congress, and after the adoption of the Fed- 
eral Constitution, from the President. The commission of the former officer 
was for the term of three years, unless sooner revoked ; those of the latter 
were during good behavior. It was required that the Governor should reside 
within the Territory, and possess a freehold estate there, in one thousand acres 
of land. He had authority to appoint all officers of militia, below the rank of 
Generals, and all magistrates and civil officers, except the Judges and the 
Secretary of the Territory ; to establish convenient divisions of the whole dis- 
trict for the execution of progress, to lay out those parts to which the Indian 
titles might be extinguished into counties and townships. The Judges, or any 
two of them, constituted a court with common law jurisdiction. It was neces- 
sary that each Judge should possess a freehold estate in the territory of five 
hundred acres. The whole legislative power which, however, extended only to 
the adoption of such laws of the original States as might be suited to the cir- 
cumstances of the country, was vested in the Governor and Judges. The laws 
adopted were to continue in force, unless disapproved by Congress, until re- 
pealed by the Legislature, which was afterward to be organized. It was the 
duty of the Secretary to preserve all act§ and laws, public records and executive 
■proceedings, and to transmit authentic copies to the Secretary of Congress 
every six months. 

Such was the first government devised for the Northwestern Territory. It 
is obvious that its character, as beneficent or oppressive, depended entirely upon 
the temper and disposition of those who administrated it. All power, legisla- 
tive, judicial and executive, was concentrated in the Governor and Judges, and 
in its exercise they were responsible only to the distant Federal head. The 
expenses of the Government were defrayed in part by the United States, but 
were principally drawn from the pockets of the people in the shape of fees. 



208 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

This temporary system, however unfriendly as it seems to liberty, was, 
perhaps, so established upon sufficient reasons. The Federal Constitution had 
not then been adopted, and there were strong apprehensions that the people of 
the Territory might not be disposed to organize States and apply for admission 
into the Union. It was, therefore, a matter of policy so to frame the Territorial 
system as to create some strong motives to draw them into the Union, as States, 
in due time. 

The fii'st acts of Territorial legislation were passed at Marietta, then the 
only American settlement northwest of the Ohio. The Governor and Judges 
did not strictly confine themselves within the limits of their legislative author- 
ity, as prescribed by the ordinance. When they could not find laws of the 
original States suited to the condition of the country, they supplied the want 
by enactments of their own. The earliest laws, from 1788 to 1795, were all 
thus enacted. The laws of 1788 provided for the organization of the militia; 
for the establishment of inferior courts; for the punishment of crimes, and for 
the limitations of actions; prescribed the duties of ministerial officers; regu- 
lated marriages, and appointed oaths of office. That the Governor and Judges 
in the enactment of these laws, exceeded their authority, without the slightest 
disposition to abuse it, may be inferred from the fact that except two, which 
had been previously repealed, they were all confirmed by the first Territorial 
Legislature. 



At this period there was no seat of government, properly called. The 
Governor resided at Cincinnati, but laws were passed whenever they seemed to 
be needed, and promulgated at any place where the Territorial legislators hap- 
pened to be assembled. Before the year of 1795, no laws were, strictly speak- 
ing, adopted. Most of them were framed by the Governor and Judges to 
answer particular public ends; while in the enactmant of others, including all 
the laws of 1792, the Secretary of the Territory discharged, under the author- 
ity of an act of Congress, the functions of the Governor. The earliest laws, 
as has been already stated, were published at Marietta. Of the remainder, a 
few were published at Vincennes, and the rest at Cincinnati. 

In the year 1789, the first Congress passed an act recognizing the binding 
force of the ordinance of 1787, and adapting its provisions to the Federal Con- 
stitution. This act provided that the communications directed in the ordinance 
to be made to Congress or its officers, by the Governor, should thenceforth be 
made to the President, and that the authority to appoint with the consent of 
the Senate, and commission officers, before that time appointed and commis- 
sioned by Congress, should likewise be vested in that officer. It also gave the 
Territorial Secretary the power already mentioned, of acting in certain cases, 
in the place of the Governor. In 1792, Congress passed another act giving to 
the Governor and Judges authority to repeal, at their discretion, the laws by 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 209 

them made; and enabling a single Judge of the general court, in the absence 
of his brethren, to hold the terms. 

At this time the Judges appointed by the national Executive constituted the 
Supreme Court of the Territory. They were commissioned during good 
behavior; and their judicial jurisdiction extended over the whole region north- 
west of the Ohio. The court, thus constituted, was fixed at no certain place, 
and its process, civil and criminal, was returnable wheresoever it might be in 
the Territory. Inferior to this court were the County Courts of Common Pleas, 
and the General Quarter Sessions of the Peace. The former consisted of any 
number of Judges, not less than three nor more than seven, and had a general 
common-law jurisdiction, concurrent, in the respective counties, with that of 
the Supreme Court; the latter consisted of a number of Justices for each 
county, to be determined by the Governor, who were required to hold three 
terms in every year, and had a limited criminal jurisdiction. Single Judges of 
the Common Pleas, and single Justices of the Quarter Sessions, were also 
clothed with certain civil and criminal powers to be exercised out of court. 
Besides these courts, each county had a Judge of Probate, clothed with the 
ordinary jurisdiction of a Probate Court. 

Such was the original constitution of courts and distribution of judicial 
power in the Northwestern Territory. The expenses of the system were de- 
frayed in part by the National Government, and in part by assessments upon 
the counties, but principally by fees, whicli were payable to every officer con- 
cerned in the administration of justice, from the Judges of the General Court 
downward. 

In 1795, the Governor and Judges undertook to revise the Territorial law;s, 
and to establish a complete system of statutoi'y jurisprudence, by adoptions 
from the laws of the original States, in strict conformity to the provisions of 
the ordinance. For this purpose they assembled at Cincinnati, in June, and 
continued in session until the latter part of August. The judiciary system un- 
derwent some changes. The General Court was fixed at Cincinnati and Marietta, 
and a Circuit Court was established Avith power to try, in the several counties, 
issues in fact depending before the superior tribunal, where alone causes could 
be finally decided. Orphans' Courts, too, were established, with jurisdiction 
analogous to but more extensive than that of a Judge of Probate. Laws were 
also adopted to regulate judgments and executions, for limitation of actions, 
for the distribution of intestate estates, and for many other general purposes. 
Finally, as if with a view to create some great reservoir, from which, whatever 
principles and powers had been omitted in the particular acts, might be drawn 
according to the exigency of circumstances, the Governor and Judges adopted 
a law, providing that the common law of England and all general statutes in 
aid of the common law, prior to the fourth year of James I, should be in full 
force within the Territory. The law thus adopted was an act of the Virginia 
Legislature, passed before the Declaration of Independence, when Virginia was 



210 HISTORY OF THE STATE OF OHIO. 

yet a British colony, and at the time of its adoption had been repealed so far 
as it related to the English statutes. 

The other laws of 1795 were principally derived from the statute book of 
Pennsylvania. The system thus adopted, was not without many imperfections 
and blemishes, but it may be doubted whether any colony, at so early a period 
after its first establishment, ever had one so good. 

And how gratifying is the retrospect, how cheering the prospect which even 
this sketch, brief and partial as it is, presents! On a surface, covered less 
than half a century ago by the trees of the primeval forest, a State has grown 
up from colonial infancy to freedom, independence and strength. But thirty . 
years have elapsed since that State, with hardly sixty thousand inhabitants, was 
admitted into the American Union. Of the twenty-four States which form 
that Union, she is now the foui'th in respect to population. In other respects, 
her rank is even higher. Already her resources have been adequate, not only 
to the expense of government and instruction, but to the construction of long 
lines of canals. Her enterprise has realized the startling prediction of the 
poet, who, in 1787, when Ohio was yet a wilderness, foretold the future con- 
nection of the Hudson with the Ohio. 

And these results are attributable mainly to her institutions. The spirit of 
the ordinance of 1787 prevades them all. Who can estimate the benefits 
which have flowed from the interdiction by that instrument of slavery and of 
legislative interference with private contracts? One consequence is, that the 
soil of Ohio bears up none but freemen ; another, that a stern and honorable 
regard to private rights and public morals characterizes her legislation. There 
is hardly a page in the statute book of which her sons need be ashamed. The 
great doctrine of equal rights is everywhere recognized in her constitution and 
her laws. Almost every father of a family in this State has a freehold interest 
in the soil, but this interest is not necessary to entitle him to a voice in the 
concerns of government. Every man may vote; every man is eligible to any 
office. And this unlimited extension of the elective franchise, so far from pro- 
ducing any evil, has ever constituted a safe and suflBcient check upon injurious 
legislation. Other causes of her prosperity may be found in her fertile soil, in 
her felicitous position, and especially in her connection with the union of the 
States. All these springs of growth and advancement are permanent, and 
upon a most gratifying prospect of the future. They promise an advance in 
population, wealth, intelligence and moral worth as permanent as the existence 
of the State itself They promise to the future citizens of Ohio the blessings 
of good government, wise legislation and universal instruction. More than all, 
they are pledges that in all future, as in all past circumstances, Ohio will cleave 
fiist to the national constitution and the nntional Union, and that her growing 
energies will on no occasion, be more willingly or powerfully put forth, than in 
the support and maintenance of both in unimpaired vigor and strength. 



PART III. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, 






I 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



CHAPTER I. 

GEOLOGY. 



"In the immediate valley of the Hocking, we find the modified 
Drift, in the form of sand and gravel terraces, which were once great 
sand flats and bars, formed by the stream when it stood from eighty to 
one hundred feet higher than now. Much of the city of Lancaster is 
built on such terraces. Underneath the sand and gravel, and elsewhere 
in the lower grounds, we often find the blue Drift cla}^ contaming scat- 
tered boulders. In this day we obtain trunks of trees, roots, twigs, etc., 
generally of the coniferous t3^pe. They represent the vegetation which 
grew in the valley, or along the hillsides, at the beginning of the Drift 
era." 

It is true that Lancaster stands on this accurriulation of Drift material ; 
and also true that trunks of trees, roots and other vegetable growths 
that once flourished on the surface, are now found from thirty to seventy 
feet below the surface in sinking wells, specimens which, the report 
says, "grew in the valle}', and along the hillsides, at the beginning of 
the Drift era." How, then, is it possible to conceive the idea that the 
bed of the preglacial river once stood from eighty to one hundred feet 
highier than now. 

It is also true that beds of blue Drift clay, varying from tw^o or three 
to twenty or more feet in thickness, are tbund deep down below the sur- 
face on which Lancaster stands, and that in this blue clay are found 
granite boulders, which are known to have come fi-om near the Arctic 
regions. Shallow strata of yellow drit't cla}^ are likewise found in the 
same deposits, and the entire Hocking, as far down as the lower falls, 
at Logan, presents the same evidence of accumulated Drift, with sand 
and gravel terraces, the sand and gravel being foreign deposits, and 
not native to the Hocking Valle}^ or to the surface of the County, 
which is almost entirely sand stone. At the falls, the bed of the stream 
strikes the bed rocks. All above the falls, so far as is known, the water 
flows on the bed of the Drift deposit. 

But not only the immediate valley of the Hocking, but the entire 
area of the County, lies within the field of the Drift. The Drift cla3-s, 
both the blue and the yellow, are also found in sinking wells and other 
excavations in all the low lands of the County, at various depths and 
of various thicknesses, but chiefly the blue. The sand and gravel ter- 
racing also follows the water courses and table lands. The Drift boul- 
ders are found all over the County, as well on the highest hills, as in 



I 



2 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

the lowlands, and of weights varying from a few pounds to several tons. 
The largest one yet discovered in the County lies partially buried in 
the ground, in the corner of the enclosure near the east bank of Bald- 
win's run, about two miles northeast of Lancaster. Its two principal 
diameters have been estimated to be eighteen and sixteen feet. Another 
of very considerable dimensions lies on the slope of Mount Pleasant, 
and near its summit. They are Qiiartzites, Granites and Diorites, as 
also of other kinds of hard rock. Some of them are exceedingly hard, 
as they must have been to withstand the grinding processes they were 
subjected to in floating, or perhaps rolling down from the mother beds 
far to the north, and from which they were torn away b}^ the ponderous 
ice glaciers that moved down the continent, grinding and forcing their 
way over rocks and mountains as they came, until, by the melting of the 
ice, they were left scattered all over the face of the countr}'. Some of 
these boulders were found to be limestone : and in some localities of 
sufficient quantity to be collected and broken up for the limekiln. Such 
use has been made of them in Fairfield County. 

The drift clay is not found in the elevated lands, but always in the 
table lands, and always below the gravel terraces, which shows it to 
have been deposited by the waters before the glacial Drift set in ; and 
it is believed a long interval of time intervened between the two eras. 
The material of which these border terraces are formed was undoubt- 
edly brought down by the general Drift flood, and distributed along 
the valleys and water courses in the form of deposits, merely. The 
terrace planes are found mixed, however, more or less, with the wash 
from the adjacent hillsides, in particular localities. The Drift beds, 
from their light and gravelly make up, are usually easil}^ drained, and 
Iving on the borders of water courses, for the most part, they become 
eligible sites for towns and cities, many of which are built upon them. 
Lancaster stands on a drift bed — all that part of it lying below the hill, 
and it is more than probable that the elevation passing through the town 
from north to south, and known and spoken of as the "hill," was en- 
tirely formed during the Drift age. It contains no ledges of sand rock, 
as the hills surrounding the town do ; and besides, beds of blue clay 
have been found on its slopes, at great depths below the surface. In 
sinking a well on the east slope, in 1862, at the depth of from forty to 
seventy feet, trunks and limbs of corniferous trees were found imbedded 
in the blue clay Drift. Professor Andrews, in his Geological Report for 
1872 and 1874, ^'^y^ • 

"When we carry back the study of our surface Geology to the per- 
iod imi-nediately antecedent to tlie Drift, we find that all the leading 
valleys had been eraded by the same system of surface drainage which 
now exists. The general surface features of the whole State were the 
same as now. The Scioto, Hocking and Licking rivers drain by their 
upper waters much of the central and level portion of the State, a region 
now covered with a mantle of Drift materials. They drained the same 
area before the Drift. 

"The Drift period was of immense duration, and the great northern 
currents, with their floating ice bergs, with loads of debris from northern 
regions, would, in time, be able to cover the bottom of the shallow sea 
with the materials we now find, and arranged as we now find them. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 3 

Acrain, what force, or vis a ta-go, would have been exerted to impel the 
vast glacier across the great valley of the lakes, and up and over the 
high ground to the south. In all recorded movements of glaciers, the 
ice is carried down slopes, so that gravity, if not positively aiding, 
could not retard the movement. 

" If a glacial sheet extended into Southern Ohio, it must have passed 
over the vast distance between the lakes and Hudson's Bay (now re- 
ported to be 1,500 feet high, which is not as high as the highest lands 
of Ohio water shed, as reportad by Dr. Newberry), across a general 
depression in which lie the lakes, and up over the water-shed, dividing 
the waters of the lakes and the Ohio river." 

There are sufficient reasons for the belief that, at a very remote 
period in the past, the present bounds of Fairfield county contained a 
number of small lakes, or lakelets. If lakes ever had a place here, 
their existence must have antedated the Drift period. Among the local- 
ities likely to have been lakes in the long ago, may be mentioned the 
prairie lying immediately west of Lancaster, extending from the cross- 
ing of the Logan road over the canal, south of Lancaster, embracing 
the marshy grounds on the south side of the East graveyard, and ex- 
tending up the Hocking as far as opposite the residence of Isaac Clay- 
pool, in Greeniield township, a distance of about live miles. This was 
undoubtedly once a lake, receiving at its head the waters of the two 
branches of" the Hocking, and with its outlet at the south end. 

The muddv prairie gives evidence of having been onte a small lake, 
of two or three miles in length, by a mile or so in width. 

Also the flat lying along the track of the Muskingum Valley railroad, 
in the direction of Berne station, and extending perhaps as far as Bre- 
men, of widths varying from a quarter of a mile to over a mile, and 
with probably arms running out in the Raccoon valley, and indented by 
the spurs of hills. 

There are Hkewise evidences of the existence of ancient lakelets 
along the course of Clear creek, in the southwest part of the county ; 
also, in Walnut township, and in the vicinity of Carrole, in the north end 
of Greenfield township. It is probable, since the entire bounds of the 
county are within the Drift range, that these basins were filled with the 
debris carried dowai from the north by the mighty flood of waters, 
though thousands ol years may have passed since. 

The most interesting features of Fairfield county, in a geological 
regard, are those already described as being the product of the Dritt 
era. Beyond that, the sandstone formations demand the next consider- 
ation. The sandstone of Fairfield county is the Waverly, so named 
from the circumstance of its having been first quarried at that place. 
The stone at Waverly is, however, of a much finer texture than that of 
Fairfield, and is shipped to all parts of the State, to be used as flag-stone, 
and for other purposes. Waverly is the county seat of Pike county, 
and is situated on the alluvial table land of the Scioto, sixteen miles 
south of Chillicothe. 

Fairfield county lies directly within the range of Waverly formations, 
but the texture of the stone is different, the most of it being coarser 
grained, especiall}- those cropping out at Mount Pleasant and the ledges 
along down the Hocking and its adjacent hills for a considerable 



4 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

distance back in both directions. The color of the Fairfield sandstone 
varies from a clear white to yellow of different tints, some of it quite 
duskv. The greater portion of it is, however, of a light yellowish hue. 
Some of the formations are considerably firm in texture; others softer. 
It has been found that when dressed and laid in walls, it hardens by 
exposure, and it is believed it will endure the ravages of time even bet- 
ter than limestone. Fairfield sandstone is largely shipped to other 
parts of the State for building purposes. The cathedral, at the corner 
of Broad and Fifth streets, Columbus, is almost entirely built of Hock- 
ing sandstone, and the new court-house at Lancaster is wholly of sand- 
stone, quarried in sight of the building. There is sandstone sufficient 
in Fairfield county to build a hundred cities. 

Some of the ledges are of great thickness, without a fissure in them. 
They underlie all the hills of the southern part of the county, and crop 
out from many of them, especially along Hocking quite down to the 
county line. Mount Pleasant is simply an immense sand-rock from top * 
to bottom, and extending to an unknown depth below the surface. In 
some instances the ledges extend hundreds of feet without a crack ; in 
some places they are cleft and fissured, and it is not uncommon to see 
large masses of the solid rock detached from the main bod\^, and pre- 
cipitated down to the low lands, as if by some internal convulsions of 
the earth. There are detached fragments of all sizes, some of them 
possibly amounting to hundreds and thousands of tons weight. Some 
of the sandstone formations show supposed traces of iron. 

A very wonderful geological phenomenon presented itself a number 
of yell's ago, to which the attention of the writer was called at the time. 
The Lilly brothers, stone cutters, in the preparation of a large block of 
yellow sandstone that had been brought from the hills south of Lancaster 
to be wrought into a monument, came across an Indian flint arrow head 
imbedded in the solid sandstone. The sandstone was moulded nicely 
to it on all sides, so that the flint, when finally liberated, left its mould 
perfect and smooth. The flint was very white, forming a sharp contrast 
with the yellow sandstone in which it was imprisoned. The position 
where it was found was several inches from the outside of the block. 

The stone-cutter fixed the point at which the flint was found at 
about ten feet from the outside surface of the rock, as it originally ex- 
isted before the quarry was opened. 

Two points are indisputably settled by the discovery, viz : first, 
that the flint arrow point was artificially formed ; and secondly, that it 
was formed before the rock, no matter at what age of the world either 
event occurred. 

In some of the hills about Lancaster, as also in other parts of the 
county, the sandstone material is found in concrete masses in combina- 
tion with gravel, sand, and clay, thus forming conglomerates of exceed- 
ing hardness, and which are used lor bouldering, and as foundations 
for buildings. They are also found to make very strong walls for adobe 
work. What has been known as "Green's Hill," and the hill upon 
which the South Schoolhouse stands, are examples. The bodies of 
both hills, as far as they have been penetrated, are conglomerate, un- 
derlaid with deep beds of a fine quality of building sand, especially 
Green's Hill. 



HISTORY OF Fairfield county. 5 

The upper strata of the Waved}- sandstone, which is known to He 
immediately below the coal measures, is found in the hills facing Rush 
creek, where it passes between the two villages of Rushville. It is 
finer grained than the stones at Waverly, but not sufficiently hard to be 
used for building purposes. In Rush creek bank, a little below the mill 
south of the village of Rushville, there is a vein of sandy shale of a 
bluish hue, indicating vicinity of coal. Its thickness is ten or twelve 
feet, and in it are contained moluscan fossils : but those that belong to 
the Waverly formation are found in the upper strata. There is also, in 
the same vicinity, a very thin stratum of coal, and rocks that usually 
characterize coal beds. Beyond this there are no other evidences of 
the presence of coal ; nor are there within the bounds of the county, so 
far as has ever been discovered, any available coal beds. 

The lower stratum of the Waverly stone appears in the margins of 
the ravines at Lithopolis, in Bloom township. This specimen is exceed- 
ingly fine grained, and bears all the characteristics of the typical Wav- 
erly stone, as originally discovered. Its color is light drab, its tissue 
even, and easily worked. 

Fairfield coimty is not knowai to have an}^ coal. If there be coal 
below its surface it is out of reach by the ordinary means of mining now 
in use. But the near proximity of apparently inexhaustible coal fields, 
and with eas}- and rapid facilities for transportation, it can never feel 
the privation. 

The same is true of iron. So far as known there is no iron in Fair- 
field count}^ Some of its surfaces indicate the not very remote pres- 
ence of iron ore, and some specimens of sandstone show apparent 
streaks of the iron tinge. Some of the fragments of rock, when lifted, 
are of a greater weight than ordinary stone, which has given rise to the 
belief that iron ore existed in the hills, but none has ever been found. 

The great wealth and sources of wealth of the county exist in its 
vast stone quarries, and in the richness and arability of its soil, so that 
in all time to come it can never fail to vie with any other interior county 
of the State in the extent of its resources. Its timber, with prudent 
economy and with coal for fuel — coal obtained from the Muskingum 
. mines, the Sunday creek mines, -Perry county mines, from Shawmee, 
Straitsville, and the Hocking Valley, all lying within distances ranging 
from twenty-five to not exceeding thirty-five miles — places Fairfield in 
a position equal, if not superior, to any interior county of the West. 

The idea is not yet wholly abandoned that lead exists in the county, 
and that it will some day be discovered. The reliance, however, rests 
wholly on the traditions brought down from the Indian times, the cir- 
cumstances of wdiich are written in the chapter on Indians, found in 
another part of this volume. 



MlSTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



CHAPTER II. 

TOPOGRAPHY. 

Fairfield County is bounded on the east by Perry, on the south 
by Hocking, on the west by Pickaway, and on the north by Licking 
comities. It is situated in the eastern part of the State, and in the 
thirty-ninth degree of north kititude, its northern boundary being about 
ten miles south of the fortieth degree. Its seat of government is twenty- 
one miles east of the Scioto river, and twenty-one miles south of the 
National Road. It contains fourteen townships, viz. : Clear creek, 
Amanda, Bloom, Violet, Madison, Hocking, Greenheld, Libert}^, 
Berne, Pleasant, Walnut, Rush creek, Richland and Lancaster. Clear 
creek, Amanda, Bloom and Violet form the western tier : Rush creek 
and Richland lie on the east ; Madison and Berne on the south, and 
Violet, Liberty and Walnut make the north tier. Its outlines are irreg- 
ular. Rush creek and Richland project be3'ond the direct south and 
north range of Berne, Pleasant and Walnut, thus forming two abrupt 
offsets. On the south, the direct line is notched bv offsets in Madison 
and Berne townships, occasioned by detaching Auburn and Perry 
townships since the original formation of the count3\ and attaching 
them to Hocking county. The west and north lines are direct, with 
the exception of a notch on the west side of Violet township, formed by 
detaching a tier of six sections, including the village of Winchester, 
and attaching them to Franklin county. But Violet being originall}- an 
eight-section township, its two north sect,ions still remain bordering on 
the east of the old Franklin line. 

Clear Creek, Amanda, Bloom, Rush Creek, Hocking, Greenfield 
and Pleasant townships each contain thirty-six sections ; Libert}-, Wal- 
nut and Berne each forty-eight sections ; Madison thirty ; Richland 
twenty-four, and Violet forty-two sections, thus making the area of the 
county four hundred and ninety-two square miles. In making this 
computation, no notice is taken of the township of Lancaster. The 
dimensions of the township are two miles square, but its area was in- 
cluded in the original townships from which it was taken. The diameter 
of the count}^, on its western line, is twenty-six miles ; its. east and west 
diameter, from the east line of Rush Creek township to the west line of 
Amanda township is twenty-four miles. 

The principal water course that cuts the surface of the count}^ is the 
Hocking river. It is a small stream, scarcely deserving the title of 
river, and is formed by the junction near Hooker's station of its two 
branches. The west fork, which is the principal, and therefore called 
Hocking, or originally Hockhocking, takes its rise from a spring near 
Greencastle, and near the center of Bloom township. The maps differ 
a little as to the head of Hocking, but old residents of the township fix 
it a little southwest of the village of Greencastle. From its source it 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 7 

meanders along to the rocky precipice just within the edge of Greenfield 
township, sometimes spoken of as the upper falls of Hocking, and hav- 
ing- received the waters of two or three tributaries, becomes the water 
power of the " Rock Mills," the appellation by which the place has long 
been known. 

The east branch, sometimes spoken of as ClaypooFs run, rises in 
the north part of Greenfield township, and runs in a nearly due south 
direction until it unites with the main branch a short distance above 
Hooker's station. From the junction, the course of the Hocking is due 
southeast, until it enters the north east of Hocking township, and after 
skirting the west border of the cit}^ of Lancaster, enters Berne township 
less than a mile below the city. It then curves more to the west, and 
flows in a nearly due south direction to Sugar Grove, where it receives 
the waters of Rush creek, and about one mile and a quarter below 
passes out of the county through section ten of Berne township. 

Rush creek is the next stream of importance in Fairfield county, and 
is something larger than Hocking. It, likewise, has two branches, both 
of which have their origin beyond the county. The principal or north 
fork enters Richland township from the east, and about at its center, 
and pursuing a nearl}' due west course across about two-thirds of the 
width of the township, takes a direction a little east of south ; passing be- 
tween the Rushvilles, still continues a south course to Bremen, after which 
it curves something to the west, and passing across a part of Marion 
township, Hocking county, turning nearly due west, re-enters Fairfield 
county and unites with the Hocking at Sugar Grove. 

The east, or south branch, takes its origin in Perry county, and en- 
ters Rush creek township at its northeast corner, and forms a junction 
with the north branch about one mile south of Bremen. Both branches 
have numerous small tributaries. 

Clear creek, in the southwest part of the county, has its origin in 
Amanda township, and embodies in its course several small tributaries. 
It drains some of the richest lands in Fairfield county, especially in 
Amanda and Clear creek townships. Its course is very serpentine, es- 
peciall}^ in Amanda township. Its general course is southeast, to where 
it passes into Hocking county across the eastern line of Madison town- 
ship, at the north conie.r of" section twenty-four; then passing across 
the northeast corner of Clear creek township, entering Madison diagon- 
ally from northwest to southeast, and near its center enters the Hocking 
river several miles below Sugar Grove. 

There are three small streams, all passing down out of Pleasant 
township, and known respectively as Pleasant run, Ewing's run, and 
Fetter's run. Of ihese three. Pleasant is the largest. They are all 
tributaries of the Hocking, and mingle with its waters at different 
points below Lancaster. The latter two, viz., Fetter's and Ewing's 
runs, form a conjunction at a point about northeast of Lancaster, from 
which, until it enters the Hocking a short distance below Lancaster, it 
has been known as Baldwin's run. Pleasant run enters the Hocking 
some miles below Lancaster. They all three rise in the north half of 
Pleasant township, just south of the dividing ridge between the waters 
of the Hocking and those of the Scioto. 

The divide wiiich determines the flow of the waters respectively be- 



8 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

tween the Scioto and the Hocking, so far as the surface of Fairfield 
county is concerned, takes an irreguhir direction. The northern portion 
of the county, inchiding the townships of Wahiut, Libert}^ and Violet, 
and the north third of Pleasant, are drained by the Littk Walnut, a 
tributary of the Scioto. The divide is therefore shown to he between 
the south two-thirds and the north third of Pleasant township, thence 
west to near the center of Bloom township, thence south through Bloom, 
Amanda, and Clear Creek townships, approaching nearest the west 
line at the south part of C'lear creek, for the rivulets- in the western por- 
tions of these townships run oft' in the direction of the Scioto, and be- 
come its tributaries. 

Prairies. — Fairfield county never has had any extensive prairies. 
The largest one within the bounds of the county is that which has been 
known as the " Muddy Prairie," situated in Amanda township, eight 
miles west of Lancaster. It is of two or three miles in diameter from 
south to north, and about one mile wide from east to west. On its 
north margin, and extending in the direction of Royalton, the character 
of the timber, and the general appearance of the country, gives one the 
idea pretty distinctly of barrens, commonly so called, such as are seen 
west of the Scioto. The next largest spot of prairie in the count}^ is at 
Lancaster, extending from Kuntze's Hill along up the Hocking to near 
Hooker's Station, in Greenfield township. The average width of this 
strip of prairie land is probably about a half mile. Much of it was at 
an early day a swamp, and portions of it are yet too soft for safe travel. 
There is also a strip of true prairie ground extending across the north 
end of Berne township, along the line of the Zanesville Railroad, as far 
as Berne Station, and again in the vicinity of Bremen, and along the 
Raccoon. There are also spots of prairie land along Little Walnut 
creek, in Walnut township, and along Clear creek, in Clear Creek 
township. Also at several other points in the county there are typical 
dispositions of the timber and surface conditions sufficiently marked to 
inspire the idea of barrens. 

Fairfield cc^unty has no body of water within its limits, or ever has 
had within the historic age, that deserves the name of lake or lakelet. 
That which approaches nearest to it is the " Big Reservoir " in the 
north part of Walnut township ; but this is almost entirelv artificial, and 
only a part of it lies within the county. Previous to the making of the 
Ohio Canal there existed there a natural pond of water, the exact area 
of which can not now be ascertained. But upon the construction of 
the canal all that low body of land now constituting the reservoir was 
filled with water by artificial systems of draining, for the purpose of 
forming a feeder for the canal in times of low water. Its present area 
is something over three thousand acres. In some of its parts the water 
is of considerable depth. About one-third of its surface lies within 
Licking count}', a portion in Perr^^, and the remainder in Walnut towm- 
ship of this county. 

The next considerable bod}' of water in the county is the small reser- 
voir at the north-west corner of the city of Lancaster, which is a feeder 
to the Hocking canal ; but it is also chiefly artificial. This little reser- 
voir has a water surface of probably thirty acres, but unlike the big- 
reservoir, contains few fish, 



HlfeTORV OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 9 

In the pioneer age of the county there were nmnerollS small ponds 
of water distributed all over its surface, hut they have been so far 
drained and dried up that, outside of the two reservoirs, there is noth- 
ing within the county that would at this da\' claim hardly the dignity of 
a respectable small pond. One of the principal of these was Neibling's 
pond, on the site of the present Lancaster, and which is elsewhere de- 
scribed in this volume. Also, at Muddy Prairie and in the prairie west 
of Lancaster, were once considerable ponds, but there are no ponds in 
either of them now. 

Fairtield has at no former time been characterized for extensive 
swales or marshes. One of the most considerable shoales, probably, that 
ever existed in the county was that which passed directly through the 
center of the present Lancaster, crossing Main street just where 
Shawk's alley is, and where it originally dipped into a considerable 
pond. This lias also been particularly described in the first chapter on 
Lancaster. There were also a few swales in the northern townships, 
but thev have been drained and changed into arable land. The princi- 
pal boggy spots were in the prairie along the western bank of the Hock- 
ing, along the line of the present Muskingum Valley Railroad, in the 
direction of Bremen, at the Muddy Prairie. Claypoole's run, and Clear 
Creek. 

Surface. — There are few, if any, counties in Ohio with less waste 
land than Fairfield. There are fevv acres within its entire borders that 
are not capable of cultivation, varying, however, somewhat in richness 
of soil. The eastern part of the county is mostly of a gently undulating 
surface, and generally well adapted to wheat growing. The southeast 
part, embracing a portion of Berne township, and the most of Rush Creek, 
is level, and a great deal of it quite fertile. At Rushville, in Richland 
township, along the borders of Rush Creek, there is considerable inter- 
ruption in the surface, especially in the vicinity of the two villages. 
The creek, in passing between East and West Rushville, cuts through 
a very considerable elevation, tbrming high and precipitous banks on 
both sides, which are underlaid with a fine quality of the \Vaverly sand- 
stone. These interruptions continue more or less, until the stream 
pushes out of the county, at its southern border. In the vicinity of 
Bremen, and Rush Creek bottom, it widens out into a considerable 
space of rich table land. 

The northern part of the county, comprising nearly all of Richland, 
Pleasant, Vv^alnut, Liberty, Violet, Bloom, Amanda, Greenfield and the 
northern part of Hocking, is either gently rolling, or level, with the ex- 
ception of the blufts alo'ng Ewing's and Fetter's runs, and a ridge of 
hills running north of Lancaster, and again up Hocking, in the vicinity 
of the Rockmill. The staple products are corn, w^heat, grass, and all 
varieties of small grains and vegetables. About Lithopolis, in JBloom 
township, there are also considerable interruptions in the surface, in the 
vicinity of a small stream that passes the north border of the village. 

Going west from Lancaster to Amanda, the face of the country is 
considerably broken into hills and ledges of sandstone, especially 
within the tirst tour miles out from Lancaster. Upon reaching the Mud- 
dy prairie, two miles east of Amanda, the surface drops to a level, and 
continues so, with only moderate undulations about the village of 

2 



10 lilSTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

Stoutsville, until the Pickaway county line is reached. The largest 
portion of Clear Creek township, which lies directly south of Amanda, 
is level, and for the most part highh^ fertile. 

Immediately south of Lancaster, the hills set in, and continue more 
or less rugged to the south county line, embracing the southern part of 
Hocking township, all of Madison, and a considerable part of Berne. 
The valle\ of the Hocking, below, or south of Lancaster, and on its 
east side, for a considerable part of the distance to Sugar Grove, is lined 
with out-cropping ledges of sand rock, which gives the vallc}^ a highly 
romantic appearance, especialh' Irom the elevated lands about the State 
Farm on the west, from some points of which the ranges of sandstone 
are seen at a distance of three or four miles on the east side of Hocking. 

Some of the hills rise to a considerable height. The site of the Re- 
form Farm is six hundred feet above the level of the Hocking table 
lands, situated only four miles to the east, and about five hundred feet 
above the site of Lancaster, six miles distant. Some of the interrup- 
tions south of Lancaster, and within the bounds of Berne township, 
are exceedingly rugged and romantic. 

The Kettle hills, so called, a romantic place, two miles south of the 
Court House, is not, perhaps, equalled or surpassed in Ohio for wild- 
ness and beaut}- of scener3^ It is a dip down of about one hundred 
feet, forming an area of nearly level land at the bottom of about two 
acres, which is thickl}^ set with forest trees and underbrush. Then pre- 
cipitous and nearly perpendicular sand rocks stand up on all sides, 
surmounted with pines and cedar, and other growth of timber, which, 
frowning down into the depths, give it rather a gloomy appearance. 
The usual place of descent is at the north-east corner, and down through 
a cleft in the rock by means of projecting points, and by grasping the 
bushes and roots of trees that grow out from the fissures of the rocks. 
x\t the north side of the basin there are projecting rocks, forming be- 
neath dark cavernous recesses quite away from the world above, with 
all its noise and clamor. It is a lonely, gloomy spot to visit ; but to the 
lover of nature's wild freaks, one well worth visiting. 

The passage from Lancaster to the Reform Farm is, in its entire 
length of six miles, over an elevated ridge, from which, to look oft' on 
either side, brings into view landscapes and views not surpassed in 
grandeur and sublimity b}^ the wildest views of western Virginia or 
Penns3dvania. The hills, far and near, are covered with a mixture of 
evergreen and forest trees, presenting to the eye a variegated scene 
not often equalled — a view one loves to linger over. 

Passing south of the farm a still more wild and rugged section is en- 
tered, which continues over the entire area of Madison township to the 
Hocking count}'^ line, yet the soil on much of this elevated land is pro- 
ductive, some of it ^uelding fine crops of corn, but is probably better 
adapted to fruit growing. The rocks of these hills are mosth^ of the 
Waverly sandstone kind, cropping out more or less along the rugged 
declivities. There are few and very small spots of table land in Madi- 
son township. 

As in all other counties of the State of similar topographical and 
geological construction, Fairfield contains numerous fine springs of pure 
limpid water, mostly of the kind called hard or limestone water ; but of 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. I J 

Springs denominated mineral there are lew, it" any. Springs issue-from 
the hill sides and from beneath ledges of rocks, and also from the low- 
lands. Every part of the county abounds more or less with good 
springs, among which Cold Spring, at Cold Spring Hill, near Lancaster, 
is probably one of the best. iVt the west end of Wheeling street, Lan- 
caster, there were originally a number of excellent springs, and on that 
account Mr. Zane, the original proprietor of the town, donated the lot 
of ground containing them to the citizens for public use, but in the con- 
struction of the Hocking Valley canal the lot was taken for its use, and 
now forms the basin, so-called, at the foot of the street, by which thev 
have been destro^'ed. There is at the fourth lock, on the southeast 
border of Lancaster, one of the strongest springs of water in the county. 
None of these springs afford the same quantity of water they did in the 
earh'^ days of the countr^^ The flow has been diminished by the gen- 
eral drying up of the surface. 



12 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



CHAPTER III. 



FLORA AND FAUNA. 



Flora. — Almost the entire growth of timber over the whole area of 
the countv is of the hard wood kind, including hickorv in all its 
varieties, black walnut, sugar tree, hackberry. beech, water beech, 
iron wood, wild cherrv. swanip beech, and oak. Of the querous, or 
oak lamih'. there are a great many \arieties. including wiiite oak of 
four or tive kinds — black oak. red oak. jack oak. pin oak and burr oak 
(the latter being perhaps the least abundant in the county), dog wood 
and laurel. Of the soft woods may be mentioned chestnut, white and 
pitch pines, poplar, cottonwood. silver leaf, sassatras, and soft or swamp 
maple. 

In some ol the northern townships the beech predominates suf- 
hcientlv to have acquired the appellation of the beech woods. South 
and southwest of Lancaster are the principal pine groves, mostly among 
the sandstone hills. The hills skirting the State Farm road are partic- 
ularl}' characterized by thick groves of both the white and pitch pines. 
The oak family is distributed everywhere, as are the different varieties 
of hickory. Black and white walnuts are tbund in certain localities, 
and occupv generally the bottom and richer lands, as does also the 
wild cherry. The sugar tree is found on all varieties of soil, but chieflv 
on the most fertile. The oak family, as a rule, loves best the hills and 
clay soil. Chestnut timber is most abundant in the vicinity of Lancas- 
ter, and on the hills to the south and southwest. The hackberry, iron 
wood and water beech prefer low-, rich lands. The burr oak is also 
indigenous to the low and rich lands. Pines flourigii best among the 
hills and sandy soils, and in this county they are most abundant along 
the sandstone hills skirting the Hocking Valley. Poplar, cottonwood, 
and silver leaf belong to rich soil, but none of them are very abundant 
in Fairfield county. Sassatras grows on all varieties of soil. Swamp or 
soft maple is not very abundant in the county, though it is a native, and 
occupies the lowest lands. Dog wood grows everywhere, but best in 
good soil. The laurel is limited to the sandstone hills along the Hock- 
ing, and in the vicinity of Lancaster. Hazel has never been much of a 
growth in Fairfield county, and only a few- dwarfed bushes here and 
there are to be seen. The hazel seems to have retused the friendship of 
civilization. The little clusters of the bush that are still to be lound 
seem sicklv and pining away. The paw-paw, however, still flourishes 
well on tiie rich flats along the water courses in some parts of the 
county. 

The ash and elm were quite abundant in the countv at an early day, 
but have become rather scarce. Of the former there were three varie- 
ties — the white, grav and black : of the latter two, the red or slippery 
elm and the white elm. Both the ash and elm belong to good land, 



HISTORY OP" FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 1 3 

especiallv the elm. The slippery elm has been chiefly valuable for the 
medicinal virtvies of its inner bark, used as a soothing mucilaginous 
remedy. The wood of the white elm has been used in the mechanical 
arts, on account of its hardness when dry. Neither of the elms will 
burn when green. Ash wood burns well green or dry. Ash wood is 
valuable in the arts, especially the white. The elm has been largely 
destroved on account of its general worthlessness. while the ash has 
been cut down lor tirewood and lumber. The white elm bears domes- 
tication, and tlourishes well along the margins of solid city pavements. 
But if the slippery elm be transplanted it, after a while, becomes sickly. 
The same is true of the black locust ; it decays if planted in town. In 
some parts of Fairfield countv the black locust originallv grew luxuri- 
antlv in a wild state : it is now \erv scarce. 

The honev locust still flourishes on the low lands along the streams 
and flats. Bucke3'e was at no time abundant, and is now scarce. 
The spice-wood bush, in the pioneer age, ver\- abundant on the low 
rich lands, is now almost extinct. It would not survive in juxtaposition 
with civilization. The twigs of the spice-wood, decocted, termed a highly 
agreeable beverage of an aromatic flavor, and was much used by the 
tirst settlers of the countrv. Teas made from the spice-wood and the 
bark of sassafras root, when trimmed with maple sugar and cream or 
milk, was liked by nearh* evervbodv. 

The whortleberry (commonly called huckleberry), is a very abund- 
ant growth on the sand}- hills of the south part of the count}'. The 
fruit comes every year, and ripens in June and Julv. There are thou- 
sands of bushels of the berries marketed every summer. Blackberries 
and dewberries are likewise abundant annual crops, mostly in the south 
part of the county. The surplus crop is shipped beyond the county. 
Both the blackberry and the dewberrv seek waste fields and fence cor- 
ners, or along the margins of prairies or the jungle of fallen timber. 
But they also flourish under cultivation. 

The ginseng plant was recognized bv its unpretentious trilobed single 
stem, of six or eight inches in height, surmounted by a cluster of three 
or tour red berries in August and September. During, perhaps, the 
first twenty years after the settlement of the county commenced the 
ginseng was found in great abundance on the low, rich lands. It grew 
in clusters, or patches, like the podofillin, or May apple. For many 
years extensive raids were made upon the ginseng patches by the dig- 
gers, because it had a market. It was supposed to possess valuable 
medicinal qualities, and was bought up by speculators and shipped out 
of the country. 

Its virtues resided in the root, which was a tribulb, resembling in 
shape the radish, usuallv one large central bulb, flanked bv two smaller 
ones. The digging season was in the latter part of August and earlv 
September, and was indicated bv the ripening of the berry and the yel- 
low color of the leaf. One miijht search the wild low lands now a whole 
day without finding perhaps a single ginseng plant. 

The sanguinaria lanadensis. or poocoon root, was of two varieties — 
the red and the vellow, and was very plentv in the earlv vears of the 
county. It grew on the same kind of soil as the ginseng, which it verv 
much resembled. It seemed, however, to preter a limestone surface. 



14 HISTORY OP^ FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

The roots of the sanguinaria, especially the red, sometimes called blood 
root, were valued for their supposed medicinal properties, and were a 
good deal sought after. It was claimed to be an Indian remed}-. This 
plant has, likewise, nearly entireh^ disappeared. It seems, with the wild 
man of the forest, to have been indigenous to a. condition of undisturbed 
nature. 

The snake root, known as Seneca snake root, Virginia snake root, 
and black snake root, so abundant once, and so much used during the 
pioneer age as teas and bitters by intusing them in whiskey or cherrv 
Ijounce, are now difficult to find. The black snake root was indigenous 
to sandy, rich soils, and was recognized by its stalk of eight or ten 
inches in height, and its lanceohUed leaf. Its virtues resided in the 
root, which was a small, dark brown tuber, giving off a profusion of 
dark, hair-like fibers. It was classed among the tonics. The other 
snake roots grew on higher lands, as a rule. The Seneca snake root 
sent up a stalk sometimes attaining three or four feet in height. Its 
root was tuberous, and of a ligiit yellow color. It was also supposed to 
be used by the Indians as a medicine. These snake roots were used 
both as tonics and diaphoretics, or sweating medicines. They were 
found quite profusely around Mount Pleasant, and the low lands along 
Hocking and the other water streams. An isolated plant of either of 
them can now and then be found yet in some out of the way place. 

There were, likewise, in the wild and new condition of the country 
:dmost innumerable varieties of stinking weeds, grasses, and plants 
that are scarcely to be seen at all now, while hundreds of varieties not 
found here at first have taken their places. 

The wild nettle was a native of the soil of the Northwest. It grew 
very luxuriously in certain sections of Fairfield county. It was a rather 
majestic weed, and rose up usuall}^ from two or three to live feet in 
heigli^j standing very thick on the ground. Its fibre resembled that of 
common flax, and when treated in the same way was capable of being 
wrought into fine linen, and was so wrought. A nettle patch is rare 
now. 

The May apple was found in immense patches, even in acres, both 
on the high and low lands. It also appears to be failing with each 
year, so that at the present very small patches are found, probably less 
than a tenth of what the woods afforded sevent}^ years ago, and these 
in the least frequented spots. 

The wild plum will not tolerate encroachment, nor can it be domes- 
ticated and still maintain the full development and richness of its fruit. 
It is strictly a forest plant. To cut away the forests about a wild plum 
thicket is to consign it to decay and ultimate death. And there are 
none of the luscious, large wild plums an}' more to be found, that seventy 
years ago were so abundant along the Hocking Valley and in other 
parts of the county. The few trees that remain are dwarfed, and yield 
small, sour plums. 

Black haws, of which the valleys once so abounded, have shared 
the same fate with the plum. The crab-apple bears the acquaintance 
of man better. It seems even to be improved by culture. 

Fauna. — The wild animals found in the Hocking Valle}^, when the 
first settlers arrived, are referred to in more than one place in other 



HISTORY OP' FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 1 5 

chapters of this work. A more particular notice of them ma}' be proper 
under this head. Wolves, bears, panthers, wild-cats and deer, were 
native denizens of the forest long before man came. They did not re- 
main long ; even those that escaped the rifle ball and the snare took 
their way farther back into the depths of the still wild forests. The 
grey and red fox lingered longer among the craggy recesses of the hills 
of the southern part of the county. The grey squirrel was too much 
attached to the farmer's corn field to readily part company with his 
newly formed acquaintance, notwithstanding the continual crack of the 
cruel rifle, to which they become such easy and frequent prey. The 
raccoon and black mink have become scarce, mainly owing to 
the hunter's art and to the marked value of their pelts. The opossum, 
ground hog and hedge hog, are also becoming rare, while the rabbit 
multiplies and burrows about, both on high and low lands, aneas}' prey 
to the boys and the sportsman's shot gun. 

There was a class of wild birds that have mosth^ fled before the face 
of man, but which were very numerous in every part of the countiy, at 
its first settlement. Of these may be mentioned the owl, of all varieties, 
the great and small hawk, the kite. Sometimes called the swallow tailed, 
or forked tailed haw^k, the bald, gre}' and black eagle, the turkey buz- 
zard and the raven. The most of these have entirely disappeared. 
Buzzards are occasi^nalh' seen hovering over the hills, remote from 
tow^ns and populous settlements. Black birds and black crowds are not 
one five hundredth part so numerous now as in the early years of the 
country, while a solitary raven is occasionally seen. 

Of wild singing birds, there seem to be fewer now than in the for- 
mer age, though they still. continue to make the grove merry wath their 
melody. This seems strange, when it is remembered that that class of 
birds are known rather to follow than lead the advance of civilization. 
It is the opinion of naturalists that the chief of the singing birds were not 
here at all before the white man came, and that they followed the sound of 
the woodman's axe, and the tinkling cow bell. Space will not permit 
special reference to the various kinds of singing birds of the w^oods. 

Wild geese and ducks were, likewise, far more numerous than now. 

The pheasant, once so numerous through the hills of Fairfield, and 
whose drumming was so lamilliar to the ear of the pioneer families, is 
still about the thickets on the hillsides, but in greatly reduced numbers, 
owdng, doubtless, to the constant raids made upon them with the shot gun 
and rifle. 

There were two or three varieties of the crane that often lit down in 
the ponds and marshy lands, such as the blue crane, the stork and the 
sandhill crane, but they are now seldom seen near the habitation of man, 
except in their elevated flights from north to south, and back again, 
with the changing seasons. 

The county^ in its native state, w^as infested with such poisonous rep- 
tiles as were common to the country, including the viper, copperhead and 
rattlesnake, besides all the varieties of snakes less harmful. The prairie 
rattlesnake, and the spotted or mountain rattlesnake, were mostly 
dreaded. The former inhabited the prairies and meadows, the latter hid 
themselves about the hills and rocky crevices. Mount Pleasant furnish- 
ed homes for many hundreds of them, in its fissures and recesses. 



i^ HISTORY or* fairf-ield county. 

The bite of either of these reptiles was dangerous, and always fatal. 
The copperhead and the viper have sometimes been confounded, but 
they were distinct varieties. The black snake, garter snake and water 
snake were harmless. The mountain rattlesnake is probablv now 
extinct in the county, but the prarie variet}'' is still occasionally tound in 
the low lands along the Hocking and other localities. The big flood ol 
1873, washed them out b}' the dozen, and they Avere slaughtered by the 
boys, as they attempted to make landings. 

The earlv settlers were greatly annoyed by the various kinds of 
insects that tilled the air in countless millions everywhere. The princi- 
pal torment was trom the gnat and musquito. Their numbers in modern 
years are comparatively small. The black hornet and yellow jacket 
were numerous enough in the earl}^ 3^ears of the settlements to prove 
exceedingly annoying. 

The beaver and otter, once valuable lor their rich furs, are now 
about extinct, especially the former. An occasional otter is still found 
along the water courses, where the}^ inhabit. The musk rat still bur- 
rows himself in the banks of creeks, ditches, and along the canal, and 
is read}^ on the slightest alarm, to'sink instantly to the bottom. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 1 7 



CHAPTER IV, 



ARCHAEOLOGY. 



There are within the bounds of Fairtield county, probably, in all 
about twent}^ ancient works, ascribed to the mound builders, consisting 
of mounds, circles and squares, but none of very imposing dimensions. 
They are found in nearly or quite every township in the count}^ The 
principal ones are in Greenfield, Bloom, Clear Creek, Hocking, Berne, 
Walnut, Rush Creek and Richland. Their form and general appear- 
ance does not difl'er from others found in various parts of the State and 
elsewhere. Some of them are simple conical mounds, others are 
squares and circles. 

The works at Rock Mill have been regarded as the largest and most 
interesting of an}- in the county. They are situated in Greenfield 
township and on the hill a short distance above the upper falls of 
Hocking. They consisted, before they were disturbed, of, first, a square 
of four hundred and twenty feet on each line, and standing towards 
the four cardinal points. The elevation is several hundred feet above 
the bed of Hocking, at Lancaster, seven miles down the stream. The 
embankments of the square, when the county was first settled, were 
about four feet in height. 

In addition to the square, there w^ere originally two circles of the 
diameters of one hundred and twenty-five, and two hundred feet, re- 
spectivelv- The smaller circle contained a small mound, so disposed 
as to overlook all the other works, as well as the surrounding country, 
for several miles, in all directions. There were no appearances to 
indicate that an3^thing of the nature of a fosse or moat had ever existed 
about either the square or the circles. 

Until within the last few 3'ears, the site of these remains w'as covered 
with a dense irrowth of t'orest trees and under brush. But this has been 
mostly cleared away, and the embankments leveled down, and plowed 
over, so that any interest that the works might have possessed for the 
antiquarian or archaeologist, is mainly destroyed. The clay of which 
the elevations were constructed was different entirely from that of the 
hill upon which they stood, and when spread upon the surface by the 
leveling process, formed a very noticeable contrast with the native soil, 
it being ol a bright yellow color. The settlers of the neighborhood say 
there is no such clay in the near vicinity. No archaeological remains 
were found in these works. 

Very little attempt has ever been made to explore the mounds of 
Fairfield countv, and what has been done, has resulted in finding only 
a lew human bones. In some instances bones have been dug up near 
the surface, which were believed to be those of the modern Indian, as 
they were known to bury their dead in these ancient mounds. 

A number of years since. Dr. M. Z. Kreider, of Lancaster, conducted 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



a careful examination of a mound situated about one mile southwest of 
the city, on land now owned b}^ G. A. Mithoff, but at that time known 
as the Creed farm. The result of his exploration was the finding of a 
few bones and trinkets, probably belonging to some Wyandot warrior. 




HISTORY OP' FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 1 9 

The most thorough and successful examination conducted in the 
county was by Professor E. B. Andrews, some two or three years be- 
fore his death, in the autumn of 1880, at Lancaster. The mound was 
situated near Greencastle, in Bloom township. He employed work- 
men, and went through and to the bottom of it. The only discover}^ 
made was a large quantity of human bones at the base and center of 
the mound. The bones were chiefly those of the head and face, the 
long bones having almost entirely disappeared. The specimens to 
which the attention of the writer was invited, at the residence of the 
Professor, consisted of teeth and portions of the superior and inferior 
maxillar3r bones, and bones of the head and face, with, also, a few frag- 
ments of the cervical vertebrae. There was one entire skull, and sev- 
eral whole and half jaw bones, still retaining the teeth in their sockets. 
There were, likewise, a large number of teeth disconnected with the 
jaws. Most of the bones and teeth were entirely perfect in form, but 
seemed to be disintegrating from exposure to the open air. 

In the anatomy and general structvu^e of the teeth and jaw bones, as 
well as those of the cranium, there were no perceptible differences from 
those of the Anglo Saxon race. The teeth were sound, though some 
of them were from the jaws of very aged persons, as indicated by the 
wearing away from attrition. There were, also, the usual signs on the 
necks and fangs of old teeth, showing the absorption of the alveolar 
bones which form the sockets of the teeth ; and even incrustations of 
tartar, or lime, still adhering to the necks of the teeth, precisely as the 
dentist of the present day finds the situation in the mouths of his pa- 
tients. In one or two cases the teeth were cupped, or worn down, in 
some instances to the very margins of the alveolar sockets, and show- 
ing the same glossy and smooth faces now seen in the mouths of people. 
In the aggregate there were near a half bushel of these specimens. The 
Professor subsequently sent them to some institution of learning. Re- 
garding all the circumstances, it seemed probable that they must have 
been the teeth and bones of the veritable mound builders, as the Indi- 
ans would scarcely have penetrated to the center of the mound to 
deposit their dead. Besides, the Indian custom of burying has been 
known to be superficial, or near the surface. 

A mound on the land of William Pannebaker, one mile above 
Sugar Grove, was opened a few years since by Dr. Brown of that place, 
with no other result than the finding of a few bones, which were prob* 
abl}^ those of an Indian. There are three conical mounds near together 
in Berne township, which are very symmetrical and beautiful. One of 
them is situated on the farm of Dr. Shoemaker, and from its summit 
the other two are in view. Their average height is from ten to twelve 
feet. A little to the south of the mounds there is a curiously wrought 
stone ledge, that is unquestionably a work of art ; but, isolated as it is, 
its design would be difficult to conjecture, unless as a breast-work 
against hostile movements. There are, also, three or four mounds on 
the Raccoon, in Rush Creek township, that present interesting fea- 
tures, as also in various other parts of the county ; but, beyond those 
already mentioned, no other examinations have taken place. 

On the farm of Jacob Crawford, four miles east of Lancaster, and 
in the north end of Berne township, upon the summit of a considerable 



20 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



elevation, are found some highly interesting specimens of stone work. 
The area of the summit is several acres, and level, with a full growth 
of forest trees. Some of the margins of the hill, especially at the 
southwest corner, are precipitous, and faced with out-cropping sand- 
stone. Some of the points are exceedingl}- rugged and romantic. 
Near the center of the summit is a stone structure that seems to have 
been artificially laid together, and bearing the appearance of great an- 
tiquit3^ The material had manifestly been brought from below, as 
there is no cropping out on the summit. Taken as a whole, one can 
easily imagine an altar, or a rostrum. At other points of the surface, 
otherwise smooth, and covered with grass sod, quite a number of un- 
dressed stones are set in the ground perpendicularly, presenting the 
appearance of a modern rude cemetery. The compiler visited these 
works in company with Mr. Crawford, whose theory was, that the 
summit was a place for the entombment of the dead ; and that the 
structure near the center was an altar, either for sacrifice or religious 
orations. How much of this inspiration is due to the existence of grave 
yards and grave stones in the nineteenth century, must be left to con- 
jecture. 

On Clear Creek, and in Clear Creek township, not very distant from 
Abbot's store, is situated an ancient work that seems to have been skill- 
fully engineered. It is a square of two or three acres, and stands paral- 
lel with the four cardinal points. There are, also, in its vicinity dim 
evidences of minor works. 

In what is known as Tarhill hollow, one or two miles northeast of 
the Reform Farm, and near the east line of Hocking township, there is 




HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 21 

seen a very handsome conical mound, standing solitary and alone. 
There are a few ancient works within the county, variously distributed, 
but all of minor importance. 

In a lecture given by Prof. Andrews, he expressed the belief that 
the bones found in some of the mounds, especially those near the sur- 
face, were the remains of Indians. While that maybe true, it seems 
quite probable that those taken from the central base of mounds were 
placed there b}^ the architects themselves, as the Indians could not have 
reached that point without making extensive excavations, which was 
contrary to their known habits. Such excavations, though made even 
hundreds of years in the past, would have so disturbed the strata of 
earth as to be noticeable in all time to come. No such disturbances 
have been discovered. 

The whole surface of Fairfield county, at its iirst settlement by the 
white race, abounded inore or less with flint arrow points and stone 
axes, known to be Indian relics. The flint was unquestionably obtained 
by them from the quarries of Licking and Perr^^ counties, as no flint is 
known to exist in Fairfield. Tomahawks, and other Indian relics, 
were likewise found upon the surface, and were also turned up by the 
plow. All these evidences of the sojourn of a former race are now be- 
coming quite rare. It is in fact in every respect as if the}^ had never 
been here at all, and history alone tells that once the Hocking valley 
and the hills of Fairfield county were alive with the Wyandot and Del- 
aware tribes. 



22 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



CHAPTER V. 

INDIAN TRIBES. 

At the time of the treaty of Greenville, concluded August 3, 1795, 
the Wyandot tribe occupied the present site of Lancaster. By the terms 
of the treaty, the Indians surrendered all their possessions in the Hock- 
ing Valley, and soon afterwards a body of them went away to join their 
friends in the Sandusky countr}^ A few of their number, however, re- 
mained in the valley, and hunting squads of them continued to return 
during the hunting seasons, until 1812. 

Their town was situated on the north bank of Hocking, and on the 
same ground now occupied by the railroad and agricultural works, on 
the southeast border of Lancaster. It was called Tarhetown, after the 
name of their chief, Tarhe^. In English, the name was "crane,"' and 
hence the town was sometimes called "Cranetown." According to the 
most authentic information attainable, Tarhetown contained, in 1790, 
about one hundred wigwams and five hundred souls. The Wyandot 
tribe is believed to have numbered at that time about five hundred 
warriors. Nothing is known as to how long they had occupied the 
Hocking Valley. All that is known is that they were found here by 
the first white scouts that came up from the settlement at Marietta, to 
explore the valley, soon after that settlement was begun. It was learn- 
ed in after years that they considered the Hocking among their best 
hunting grounds, abounding as it did in all kinds of wild game and fur- 
producing animals. Some of them were heard to say that they left 
Tarhetown with a great deal of regret. 

Those who continued to revisit the valley, and to linger about after 
the white settlements began, are said, for the most part, to have been 
entirely civil and wxll behaved, when well treated, and not under the 
influence of whiske}^. A few exceptions occurred, mostly in the way 
of stealing horses, some instances of which maybe mentioned. 

In the spring of 1799, Frederick Harmon, with two or three others, 
came from Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, built two or three 
cabins and raised some patches of corn, at a point some five miles east 
of the present city of Lancaster, with the intention of returning in the 
fall to bring their families. A few days before they were to set out, the 
discovery was made that Mr. Harmon's horse had been stolen. An eftbrt 
was made to trace the thieves, but all that could be learned was that 
Indians had been seen in the vicinity of the Hocking, having in posses- 
sion such a horse. But they had two or three days the start, and 
the pursuit had to be abandoned. Mr. Harmon walked all the way 
back to Westmoreland, a distance of over three hundred miles. 

Whether the horse escaped from the Indians, or whether they traded 
him oflT, or sold him, was never learned. He was subsequently recov- 
ered near Marietta, and was recognized by a brand on his shoulder. 

Another time, the Indians stole two horses in the same end of the 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



23 



county, and took them to their camp, near where Rushville now is. 
The owner, in searching for his horses, discovered them at the Indian 
camp, and demanded them. The Indians shook their heads. He 
urged his demand, whereupon one of the savages approached him with 
a large knife, and flourished it around the man's head, thereby indicat- 
ing what he might expect if he persisted. He was compelled to go 
away without his property. On the tbllowing morning he returned, 
bringing with him several of his neighbors, and renewed his demand, 
which was still refused, whereupon the men leveled their guns and told 
him to go and untie his horses, which he did, and the matter was ended. 
There were also other frequent depredations of the kind, but the horses 
were generally recovered. 

John Ashbaugh, related a wrestling match, between his tather and a 
stalwart Indian, whose prowess at never having been beaten, caused 





24 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



him to swagger along in a very self satisfied manner. But in this match 
he was thrown every fall, at which he became very angr}^ becoming 
silent and moody. It was only through the interference of his Indian 
friends, that he at last became reconciled. 

Theodore Murphy relates a stor}^ of his mother. The}^ lived a mile 
^west of the present Rushville. The Indians came to her home almost 
dail}^ ior something to eat, and for salt. She always provided for them. 
Although they were friendly, she was afraid of them, and did all she 
could to keep them in a good humor. They were fond of salt, and al- 
wavs demanded the half of what she produced. She learned to bring 
out a tincupful at a time, when, upon receiving one-half of it, they 
would go away satisfied. 

At one time, when her husband had to go to Chillicothe, to mill, a 
distance of over forty miles, she took her children and dog and went 
into the fodder house, and staid all night, for fear of the Indians. To 
keep her babv quiet, she kept it constantly at the breast; and through 
fear that the dog would bark, she kept her hand on him. 

When her husband, Edward Murphy, came to look at the land 
upon which he settled, before he made the entrv, an Indian showed him 
five ex'cellent springs of water, and tomahawked the trees, so that he 
could find them again. This was in 1802, and the springs are still 
flowing in undiminished quantity and qualitv. 

William Murphv was a brother ot Edward Murphy, and settled in 
the north part of the county about the same time, perhaps one or two 
years earlier. For a number of years he engaged extensively in trade 
with the Indians, by purchasing their furs and peltries in exchange for 
dry goods, and such trinkets as Indians admired, and sometimes a little 
silver money. 

For some imknown reason they became prejudiced against Mr. 
Murph}', and, it was said, threatened his life. Whether there was 
danger or not, he hid himself when Indians were known to be in the 
\'icinity, and kept out of the wav till the}' left the settlement. 

A favorite center for the Indians was at and about the Rock Mill, 
probably mainl}' attracted there bv the whiskey manufactured by Love- 
land and Smith. Mingling constantly with the white men that came 
about, their habits and movements were observed. It came to be 
known that they frequently had supplies of fresh lead, and that thev al- 
ways had it immediately after their squads returned to camp after two 
or three days absence. This circumstance led to the belief that they 
procured the metal near b3^ The}' would sell or give it away, but no 
promise of reward or other logic could ever induce them to tell where 
they procured it. Many thought the mine was at no great distance 
from the Rock Mill, but others believed it to be in the hills south of 
Lancaster. 

For many years the search w^as maintained in vain. One thing at 
least was true, the Indians procured lead in considerable quantitv, and 
there was no place within a hundred miles where it could have been 
purchased in such quantities. 

A serious tragedy at one time was barely averted. The Wyandots 
were on a drunk, for whiskey was plenty, and was sold ad libitum in 
the little log cabin village. They became for some reason greatly en- 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY) 



25 



raged at Joseph Hunter, the pioneer, and resolved to take his life. 
The difficulty began in town. Mr. Hunter and his friends found it 
impossible to appease the whiskey-infuriated savages. He fled to his 
cabin, which stood half a mile west of the village. Soon finding that 
they were on his track, and would be upon him, he told his wife to tell 
the Indians that she did not know where he was, and then grasped his 
rifle and shotpouch and fled to the woods, bur3'ing himself in a brush 
heap not far from the cabin. The savages were soon there, and after 
searching the cabin b}^ looking under the beds and in the loft, finally 
concluded that he had taken his gun and gone into the woods. They 
then returned to town, uttering all the way the most demoniac yells. 
Hunter kept himself out of sight a few days, until his enemies became 
sober, and that was the last of it. 




ARROW AND SPEAR POINTS. 



Old citizens relate that at a very early day the bo3s of both races 
collected on the site of the village, and practiced various sports, such as 
running foot races, hopping, jumping, wrestling, and playing at ball, in 
the most friendly manner. Others speak of the faithfulness of the In- 



26 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

dians in keeping their word, and fulfilling their contracts, and of their 
friendship and hospitality to visitors at their camps. Jacob Shaefter, ot 
Clear Creek, says they were the best neighbors he had. But when un- 
der the influence of whiskey their unreasoning natures became uncon- 
trollable, and when irritated they became dangerous. As a rule, the 
Wvandots were not thieves, though they had thieves among them. _ So 
far as is known, no white person was ever murdered by an Indian within 
the bounds of Fairfield county, after the treaty of Greenville. 

Chief Tarhe' is said to have been a noble Indian; in stature, tall, 
and in physical strength and endurance, powerful ; in peace, just and 
faithful ; m war, terrible. In his old age he had a white wife, who had 
been his captive from her eighth year. Those who saw her spoke of 
her as being thoroughly Indian in every respect, save her white skin 
and red hair. Tarhe'sown account of her, was that in one of his pre- 
datory excursions on the upper Ohio, he had stolen her from the home 
of her parents when she was eight years old, and brought her to Tarhe- 
town, on the Hocking, and that she had been brought up with his tribe, 
and afterwards became his wife. 

The chief's wigwam stood near where the fourth lock on the Hock- 
ing canal now is, and close to a large spring that still continues to dis- 
charge its waters into the Hocking river. The wigwams of the village 
were constructed of bark, peeled from trees when the sap was flowing, 
in May, and set on poles planted in the ground, joined together at the 
top, forming a conical, or sugar-loaf structure. One side was lelt open, 
facing a fire kept burning on the outside in summer, but in winter fire 
was built inside, an opening being left at the top for the escape of the 
smoke. Many of the wigwams were still standing at the time of the be- 
o-innincr of the whites' settlement, and were not all removed for many 
years afterwards. 

There is no history to show how long the village existed, but it was 
there when the white race came. 

Their burying grounds were in the vicinit}'. The graves were very 
shallow, as a rule. In making excavations in the surrounding grounds, 
Indian bones are found to this day. At the time of the beginning of 
the white settlement at Lancaster, and for many years afterwards, the 
site of Tarhetown was thickly set with bushes and a few forest trees, the 
undergrowth being chiefly wild plum. 

At the first settlement of the valley there existed little or no evidence 
that the Wyandots had ever practised agriculture. The remains of a 
few peach orchards, are spoken of by the oldest inhabitants ; and it may 
be that they raised small patches of corn. The strongest presumption 
is, from all that can be learned, that they lived entireh^ by the chase. 

The history of the Wyandots, generally, is, that when on the war 
path they were peculiarly a savage and bloodthirsty people. There 
was probably no tribe west of the mountains that surpassed, or equal- 
led them, in rapine and murder, and general devastation, especially 
along the frontier of Pennsylvania and Virginia. Simon Girty, whose 
memory is forever desecrated by the whole civilized world, was for a 
time among them. 

Another Indian village existed within the limits of Fairfield county, 
situated one mile northwest of the village of Royalton, in Amanda 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



27 



township. It is supposed th^t the Indians forsook it soon after Ihe 
Greenville treaty, as it was found in a dilapidated condition by the 
white settlers at their first coming. The name of the village was Tobv- 
town, named from chief Toby, who governed there. In General San- 
derson's "Brief notes on the early settlement of the county of Fairfield," 
published in 1852, he refers to it as "another village of the Tribe," 
meaning the W^^andot tribe, in these words: "Another portion, of the 
tribe then lived at Tobytown," and located it on the site of Royalton. 
The actual site of Tobytown was a mile from Royalton, as has been 
said, and its inhabitants were Delawares. Toby was a Delaware chiet 
of inferior rank. The village was small, compared with Tarhetown. 
Its previous history is not known. 

Like the Wyandots, the Delawares continued to revisit the scenes of 
their old home for a number of ^^ears after the pale faces came. About 
the year 18 12 when the country began to fill with its new owners, 
and game was growing scarce, with their neighbors, the W^^anaots, 
they all disappeared and were seen no more. 




FLINT PERFORATORS. 



Their presence in the west part of the county is well remembered 
by the oldest inhabitants. They are mentioned as having deported 
themselves well, and of giving no cause of complaint on the part of 
their pale faced brethren. But they required kindness and fair dealing, 
and to be kept in a good humor. At that early day, attempts were 
made to educate them in the arts of husbandry and letters, but they 
manifested no disposition to copy after their white brethren in anything 
except in using the gun and drinking whiskey. 

Long after the town had been vacated, and the Indians had left the 
country, relics of their former residence were found, both on the surface 
and below, such as flint arrow-points, stone axes, tomahawks and 
human bones, often accompanied by beads and other trinkets. Neither 
in the vicinity of Tarheton or Tobytown, were there found any speci- 
mens of pottery or other art. 

A man named William Clark, some years after the evacuation of 
Tobytown, build a house on the old site, or adjacent land, and in dig- 
ging the earth for a mortar hole, came upon a quantit}^ of silver rings, 
brooches and other ornaments, mingled with the bones of an Indian, 
which indicated that the remains were tnose of a chief. One of his little 



28 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

sons carried some of the trinkets to his rpother, but she, imagining that 
they gave off an unpleasant odor, requested that they be buried again. 

Tobvtown was built on both banks of a small stream, chiefly on the 
east bank. The stream was in early times called Toby Creek, after the 
name of the chief, and was so marked on the early maps of the county. 
Afterwards the name was changed to Little Walnut, by which it is now 
known. 

The Indians who remained about Toby town drank whiskey freely, 
whenever thev could procvn^e it, and when under its influence, easily 
became enraged. The Clark family settled at Toby town in 1799, at 
a time when they had but few neighbors, and most of those at consid- 
erable distances. They stated in after years, that they always got 
along with the Indians in a friendly way ; but that when they had 
whiskey, thev found it best to let them have their own way, deeming 
prudence the better part of valor. Squire Cole relates, that 
Mrs. Clark told him more than twenty years ago, that on one occasion 
when the Indians were drinking, a number of them came to her house 
one day and demanded whiskey. Being atraid of them, she managed 
to slip away with her children out of their sight, and keep hidden until 
they left to continue their search somewhere else. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



29 



CHAPTER VI. 

SURVEYORS. — rp:fugee lands. 

Very soon after the treaty of Greenville, the general government di- 
rected the survey of the public lands lying within the bounds of the 
territor^^ now composing the counties along the Hocking valley, with 
the view no doubt of bringing it into an earl}^ market, by which immigra- 
tion and settlement of the county would receive early attention. The 
surface of the present Fairtield county was among the first to be sec- 
tioned otf. It was laid out in full sections, first, of six hundred and 
forty acres, and subsequently subdivided into half and quarter sections, 
for the convenience ot purchasers, and for the greater encouragement 
of a rapid settlement of the county. The section lines were, without 
any exceptions, run to correspond with the four cardinal points of the 
compass, for the better convenience of forming townships and ranges, 
each full section being of the dimension of one mile square. Thus the 
townships of Fairfield covmty, in conformity to the original surveys, 
have their border lines due north and south, and east and west. The 
average township of the county is a six mile square of thirty-six sec- 
tions. The variations from this dimension are shown elsewhere ; but all 
maintaining the same lineal direction. This is within the bounds of the 
present limit of the county. All the surveys remain precisely as first 
made. There are, however, great inconveniences constantly arising in 
regard to bounds, and corners and lines, owing to the lack of carefully 
prepared and preserved plattings and permanent corner stones. 
Scarcely apiece of land ot anv dimension can be, or ever is transferred, 
without the employment of a surveyor, whose principle business seems 
to be to find the original bounds. After all, with the best that be done, 
frequent misunderstandings and litigations arise. 

The original field notes and plats of each respective surveyor, being 
private propert}^ have been laid aside, and are probably mostly lost. 
The sections and city lots are marked by lines on the maps and plats, 
but each man's farm, or corners, are not. If there are corner stones, 
they are sometimes hard to find. The same difiiculties frequently arise 
in trving to find just where one man's city lot stops and his neighbors 
begins. It is often set up, that somebody's wall or fence is a few inches 
or feet over on somebody else. These are difficulties that it would seem 
should not exist. It would seem that the surface of terra firma should 
be so well platted and marked, that the only business of the surve3'or 
would be to measure oft' portions of the land, sold, or to be transferred. 

The names of all the original surveN'ors of land now within Fairfield 
cannot be ascertained. The\' did their work, th^,>ffuits of which are 
found on the maps, perfect or imperfect, as ther^se may be. Beyond 
what is etched and printed, all else they did is lost. Others follow 
them to find, or try to find, how near they were right. Quite a number 



30 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

of law suits have arisen in Lancaster upon disputed lines, sometimes 
involving individuals, and sometimes the city in expense more or less 
onerous. A suit about an original line occurred three or four years 
since between the city and the Cox heirs, that was attended with consid- 
erable expense on both sides, and in which the city lost the case. It 
grew out of a difficulty as to where the original line of Zane's section 
was. Another litigation has been going on, and not yet settled, be- 
tween the heirs of S. McCabe and Christ Rudolph, about one or two 
feet on the dividing line between their adjoining lots. In this case sev- 
eral times the value of the disputed ground has been paid in costs and 
attorney's fees, besides getting up a family war, of which the end is 
not yet. It is a matter of considerable doubt to-day, whetherany sur- 
veyor could find the original lines of Zane's section of one mile square, 
on which the city of Lancaster stands, for they did not quite corre- 
spond with the subsequent sectioning, nor with the township lines. 
Among those known to have been engaged in the government surveys, 
at the beginning of the settlements, were James Dunlap, EInathan 
Schofield and Samuel H. Smith. There were also others in the service ; 
but these were perhaps the principal surveyors. Mr. Schofield did a 
large amount of the work, probably more than any one man in the 
field. He surveyed the lands as far down Hocking as below the falls, 
at Logan, but especially in the east part of the county. 

The titles to all lots of ground on Zane's section, which make up the 
body of the cit}^ of Lancaster, are entirel}^ secure, and are liable to no 
greater difficulties regarding bounds than are any city lots elsewhere. 
But on the outskirts, where lots border, or are supposed and claimed to 
border, on the original line of theZane section, difficulties are likely to 
occur, and have already occui'red. The Cox heirs vs. the city of Lan- 
caster, before referred to, is a case in point, because on the line. A 
number of surveyors were called to settle the dispute, by fixing the 
original line, one, from an adjoining county. It may be so in the other 
cases. The line is lost ; and the oldest citizens differ materially and 
widely as to where it originally was. The chief difficulty is that the 
location does not correspond with the established sections. 

REFUGEE LANDS. — The liistor}^ of what is known as the Refugee 
lands is somewhat confused. Historians have described it variously 
as to its extent and number of acres. In some statements its length 
from west to east has been given at eighteen miles, while others make 
it double that, and more. In one statement the length was given at 
sixty miles. Without attempting to reconcile these discrepancies, it 
may be stated, generally, that the tract is supposed to have contained 
one hundred thousand acres, and that it was a narrow strip of four and 
a half miles in width, and extended from the Scioto River, east, in a 
due line. Upon the hypothesis that the tract contained one hundred 
thousand acres, that would give it an eastern extension of near fifty 
miles, if its width was four and a half miles, which is probably nearly 
correct. Two miles of this strip belongs to Fairfield county, running 
along the northern margins of Violet, Liberty and Walnut townships. 
The other portion of it, of the width of two and a half miles, lies over 
the line within the coimty of Licking, corresponding with the width of 
Fairfield. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 3! 

The history of this tract ot land is as follows : During the Revolu- 
tionary war, there were certain men of Canada and Nova Scotia, who 
sj^mpathized with, and rendered aid to the United States, some of them 
joining the American Army. For this lack of loyalty to the crown of 
Great Britain, that government confiscated their possessions. For their 
co-operation with the colonists, in their struggle for independence, the 
government of the United States caused this strip oflandtobe surveyed 
and set apart for this use. 

To what extent they entered upon it, is not known ; but the remain- 
der was subsequently sectioned off and sold as Congress land. 



R. 



^ e^,. , 1^*^ 



^i HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



CHAPTER VII. 

PIONEER HISTORY. 

In April, 1798, Captain Joseph Hunter, arrived Irom Kentucky, and 
settled on the Hocking, half a mile west of the present cit}- of Lancaster, 
and a lew rods north of the Zanesville and Maysville Pike. This worth}- 
man did not move into a populous region, but the fact that his nearest 
neighbor on the east, lived somewhere near Zanesville, and on the west 
at Chillicothe, did not deter him from making a stand to contest the 
ground with Dame Nature, who had held the territory undisputed for 
so long, and who is both a help and an obstacle to advancing civiliza- 
tion ever3avhere. Captain Hunter was unquestionabh' the first white 
man, who settled in the Hocking Valle}', and he of all others is entitled 
to the honor of having established the county of Fairfield. He died in 
1829, and was buried near the spot where his hand had first marked 
"human progress," in indelible characters. His wife died in 1870, at 
the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Castle, of Lancaster. Tlie work 
begun by Captain Hunter, was destined to be helped forward b}- brave 
hearts and willing hands, and in May a number of s,ettlers found tiieir 
wa}'- into the territory now included in Fairfield cou'ht^^ among whom 
were Nathaniel Wilson, Sr., Robert Cooper, Isaac^' Shaffer, John and 
Allen Green, John and Joseph McMullen. These all settled about 
three miles west of where Lancaster now stands, and within the limit of 
Hocking township.* 

Thrown upon their own resources, in a fertile, but new and wild re- 
gion, these adventurers found that their lot would henceforth be one of 
hardship and inevitable privation, but they faced their self-imposed trials 
bravely, and after creating a shelter for their families and limited world- 
ly goods, tickled the earth so effectively, that she laughed back with a 
harvest of corn the same year. 

This was the beginning. But where the necessity for brave men and 
true presents, responses are always abundant, and in the spring of 1799 
a general tide of immigration made mighty breaches in the forests, 
which for centuries had stood unscathed by the attempts of the red man 
for a mere animal subsistence. But mind was now exercising her do- 
minion over matter and these passive grants must bow. 

One of the first necessities of that period was to get to the most de- 
sirable lands to which the trace could not be followed. When the set- 
tlers had wagons, the tedious process of cutting a road through the 
woods with axes was the only resource, and required unlimited patience 
as well as great muscular exertion. Pack horses could generally be led 

*The names of subsequent settlers, by townships, will be found in the respective town- 
ship histories. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFiKLb COUNTV. 33 

between the trees, where a "M^lazed" route had ah'ead}- been laid. Roads 
through the settlements or to the county seat were obtained through the 
united efforts of the settlers to derive benefit therefrom. A "blaze" was 
siiTiply a large chip cut from the trees between which the route lay ; the 
"blaze" of course becoming unnecessary when a patli had been worn, 
unless after afresh fall of snow, when the first one to make the trip re- 
quired to bring it again into use. Hickor}^ bark torches were employed 
to follow one of these "blazed"' routes at night. 

For manv years there were no bridges, and when the water at the 
usual fording places was so high as to forbid either wading or swimming, 
it only remained for the traveler to tarry, till the overflow had been 
carried off, and the stream fallen to something like its usual channel. 
Thus the elements often interfered with the best laid plans of the set- 
tlers — much ot'tener than in these days of sublime engineering achieve- 
ment. 

The pampered epicure and the enterprising and public spirited citi- 
zen of to-day are almost equally ignorant of tho true import of tho 
words, "pioneer times ;" for the "'short and simple annals of the poor" 
are not the most eagerl}- sought, though they are general!}- instructive 
and pathetic pages in the book of history : and the customs, laws and 
superstitions of the men and women, who laid the foundation for this 
broad and loft}- plane of civilization have alread^• but the place of a 
child's fairy tale, in every day life. That the thinking people of to-day 
fail to accord the full meed of praise to those early struggles is not due 
to ingratitude, but to an imperfect conception ot the debt owed them. 
That which now seems so full of poetry and romance was to them but 
the monoton}^ of every-day existence, and that which now seems de- 
lightful primitiveness was to the pioneers onh' a weary, painful, and all 
but disheartening struggle for a bare subsistence. They had no leisure, 
ifthey hada desire, to transmit their simple tale to posterity; for it 
seemed not that their deeds possessed an\" degree of heroism or merit, 
only continued hardships and toil. Thus tiie customs, laws and super- 
stitions of the early pioneers of Fairfield county have had a narrow 
escape from being consigned to the graves of their possessors. 

The settlement of a family in Fairfield county, tor at least two de- 
cades of the present century, meant plenty of '"elbow room," but it also 
meant unremitting toil. The rude cabin had to be built, and it was gen- 
erally necessary to have a crop of corn planted immediately, for, 
although game was abundant and varied, the beasts of burden, upon 
which the settler was so dependent, were not carnivorous, and even the 
family of the pioneer could not subsist entirely upon animal food. The 
truck patch was the next necessity, and as nature had never been taxed 
for the maintenance of man. she was lavish in her responses to his pe- 
titions for food. 

The law of reciprocity was rigid, and the pioneer was compelled 
both to receive and grant assistance in making these wild places habita- 
ble. Thus the men felled trees, notched, trimmed and raised the 
logs to their places in the rude dwelling ; rolled logs, split rails, fenced, 
and cut out roads together; the women spun, wove, quilted, and, ulti- 
mately, pared apples, made apple-butter and soap, and picked wool in 
.company. 

5 



34 MISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

There is little doubt that the " Rock Mill/' built by Hezekiah Smith 
and Joseph Loveland, in the fall of 1799, was the first structure of the 
kind in the county. It was built of logs, and wedged in between the 
rocks, so that the grist had to be taken in at the gable, and let down to 
hopper by a rope. Smith and Loveland were both Yankees, and pos- 
sessed the full measure of Yankee shrewdness in all that had to do with 
money-getting ; and it was not long after they began to serve the 
,public as millers until they went into the distillery business, and made 
whisky for Indians and white men. 

Before Fairfield county was half a dozen years old, its surface was 
dotted by dozens of still-houses. In those days whisk}^ was regarded 
as a household necessity much more than now. Everybod}' drank. It 
was respectable and fashionable. The bitters were taken in the morn- 
ing before prayers, and the last thing at night. Doubtless the liquor 
was as pure as it was possible to make it, or at least contained nothing 
worse than the strychnine and nicotine compound of to-da}^ ; but the 
same paradoxical ideas regarding its qualities existed then as now, and 
men drank it in the winter to sustain animal heat, and in the summer to 
counteract the same ; and, despite its purity, pioneer whisky made red 
noses, and ragged raiment, and empt}" larders. Whisky was generally 
passed around at funerals, but just what the meaning of this custom 
was, is hard to say — perhaps to drown sorrow. The green glass bottle, 
with its long neck, was passed around, and to render the fellowship 
closer, each drank from the same small spout. 

Not only was assistance given those able to repa}^ in kind and de- 
gree, but the helpless were well provided for. The settler who became 
disabled by sickness or accident had no fear that his pressing work 
would remain neglected. His crops were tended and gathered ; his 
stock cared for ; his firewood cut, and all without expectation or desire 
for reward ; the golden rule being the only incentive. When danger- 
ous or protracted sickness visited the humble home of the pioneer, his 
neighbor, perhaps half a score of miles distant, held it no less than his 
bounden duty to minister to his wants. Even the presence of death 
was made lighter to bear by the read}^ practical S3^mpathy sure to be 
offered. The expense attending a pioneer funeral was light, being 
limited to the cost of coffin and shroud. The measure of grief was not 
seen in the nodding plumes, draped bier and long procession of magni- 
ficient equipages. The body was robed for its dreamless repose by 
familiar hands ; the grave dug, the body placed therein, and the little 
mound raised by those who had perhaps been associated with the de- 
parted one in clearing the very spot where the weary body was des- 
tined to find its ultimate rest. The widow's "• cruise of oil," or "mea- 
sure of meal," was not suffered to fail, and her fuel was provided, her 
grist taken to mill, and all as freely offered as thankfully received. 

The privations of the pioneer in the matter of clothing arose not so 
much from the lack of raw material as from an absence of implements 
and tools for worjcing it up. After the first two or three years, and 
when the supplies brought to the frontier ran low, the settler had usual- 
ly a few sheep to furnish him wool for clothing, and an occasional beef 
was killed, and this furnished leather for shoes, of which one pair was 
the yearly allowance. Small tan-yards were established through the 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, 



35 



county at an early day, and the leather tanned on the halves. If a man 
had two hides, he was especially fortunate, for he could then possess a 
side of upper, and one of sole leather. Tlie stock was sometimes made 
up by the head of the famil}^ and sometimes by the itinerant shoe- 
maker. No thought of going shopping for clothing ever entered the 
head of the early pioneer. Nearly every house had its spinning-wheel 
and loom, and if a man had no sheep he bartered for wool sufficient to 
clothe his family. Fulling mills sprang up through the newly opened 
country, and hither the rough but serviceable "home spun" was brought 
to receive final treatment belbre being made up. Fulling was charged 
for by the yard. At the fulling mills the cloth w^as sometimes colored, 
though the latter work was more otten performed where the cloth was 
woven. Black, brown and drab dyes were most generally employed. 
The great coats were nearly always drab, and made with "shingled 
capes :" i. e. from two to four overlapping capes, regularly graduated 
in size, the smallest or upper one being about six inches deep. The 
number of capes or shingles was considered a sort of measure to the 
wearer's title to gentility — or, at least, of his pride. An amusing story 
is told of the wedding coat of a young man then looked upon as a 
leader of fashion. The material had been woven and d^^ed after the 
most approved mode of the time, and taken to a local seamstress, whose 
skill was highly lauded. In due time the coat was returned, and so far 
as appearances went, was perfect. But when the owner tried it on he 
found, that he could not lower his arms to his sides. The sleeves had 
been sewed in upside down, and the expectant groom was obliged to 
postpone the ceremony until the error could be remedied. 




A PIONEER HOME, 



Sheep and cattle were the main dependance for clothing and shoes, 
and it will be pertinent in this connection to mention the raising of these, 
as well as other live stock, Man}- of the emigrants brought one or 



36 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

more milch cows. It was not so difficult to winter cattle, but epidemir 
diseases were more frequent and more fatal than now, and the pioneeo 
sometimes found himself without a single cow in the winter season, and 
with small children to whom milk was almost an imperative necessity, 
murrain was quite frequent, and hollow horn greatly troubled the 
milch cows. 

The first sheep brought into the county soon became unhealthy, and 
many died, and it was several years before they became acclimated. 
The principal malady was a species of influenza, or catarrh, which, if 
allowed to become chronic, was fatal. It was unquestionably a form of 
the disease common to horses, and known as glanders. The disease 
was at that time deemed contagious, but it is more probable that the re- 
mote cause was general. Foot rot was also common, and not being as 
thorough] \- understood as now, generally terminated fatalh'. 

Hogs were introduced at an early day, and were far less liable to 
disease than either horses, cattle or sheep. The}^ bred rapidly, and, 
with the exception oi the kidney worm, were but lightly afflicted in 
any waw In the wild state of the country many small droves strayed 
from the plantations, and in a ver^-" few 3'ears the woods contained lai^ge 
numbers of "■ wild hogs." The hills south of Lancaster were especiall}' 
rich in this, kind oi" game, which haunted that locality in search of 
acorns, upon which food the\ thrived and generally kept in a good or- 
der through the winter. Many families relied entirely on these droves 
of wild hogs for their winter's suppl}^ of pork. Sometimes the settlers 
managed to keep their ear-rriark on a drove of wild hogs, and thus es- 
tablished their ownership. All domestic animals, from the necessities 
of the case, being allowed more or less liberty, it was a matter of law 
that each stock owner should possess a peculiar mark, called an ear- 
mark, because generally made on the ear, although with horses the 
mark was usually burned into the shoulder. This mark was recorded 
in a book, kept by the township clerk, and was selected with especial 
reference to its dissimilaritv with the mark of any other man in the 
township ; and when litigations arose over the dispute of ownership of 
stock, the book was brought into court, and the mark on the disputed 
animal compared with the record. Speaking of wild hogs, calls to 
mind a story told bv Henry Leonard, of Liberty township. More than 
sixty years ago Father Gundy, of that township, contracted fort}'^ head 
of fat hogs to Mr. Buckingham, of Zanesville, for one dollar and fifty 
cents per hundred^ net weight, which, according to the custom of the 
day, was to be found by deducting one-fifth of the gross. Gundy drove 
his hogs to Zanesville, a distance of forty miles, but Buckingham would 
not take them, saying that the market price was only one dollar and 
twent3'-five cents Gundy declined to sell his pork at any such figure, and 
turning away, walked back to his home in Liberty township, leaving 
the hogs to care for themselves. Within three weeks every hog of the 
forty was back on the Gundy farm. Almost the entire distance traveled 
was a wilderness. Gund\' afterwards got iiis price, one dollar and fifty 
cents, at Chillicothe. 

The wild turkey was a great fax'orite with tht* people of that time, 
and C(nild be obtained with verv little trouble, as vast iiocks of this 
ro^'al game then roamed the whole country. But the white man's rifle, 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 37 

atid his ruthless destruction of the favorite haunts of the bird, soon 
thinned the flocks out, so that it became a question both of strategy and 
markmanship to bring one down. Even the pioneer's grain field would 
not tempt this war^' and suspicious bird to sta}', after the w^oods became 
more scanty. Experiments have shown that the wild turkey cannot be 
domesticated. Eggs brought h^om their haunts have been hatched un- 
der the well domesticated barn3^ard hen, but when the turkey became 
half-grown, he seemed to forget any obligation he might 1)6 under to his 
foster-mother, and soon disappeared, preferring the life led by his an- 
cestors, who held a place in his affections far above any ties of adop- 
tion. Fabulous stories are told of the enormous flocks of wild turkevs 
seen here fift\' or sixty years ago. It is said that a Philadelphia mer- 
chant, about that time, took a trip through the West, and on his return 
had business in the neighborhood of Newark. This finished, he hired 
a man to carry him to Zanesville. Their route lay through Hog Creek 
valley, which was famous for its groves of beech nuts. The turkey is 
very fond of beech nuts, and the remembrance of this fact caused the 
driver to volunteer the statement that he had seen, in that locality, over 
a thousand wild turkeys at one time. The merchant, a very tyro in 
backwoods lore, seemed inclined to shave the driver's story at least 
seventy-five per cent, but it was finally concluded to submit the subject 
to the mjin with whom they were to take dinner, an old pioneer, and a 
famous hunter. At the table, the driver boldly plunged into the sub- 
ject, and a direct interrogator}^ as to the largest number of turke3's ever 
seen in the valley, at once caused the man to reflect a moment, and 
then came the reply, with all the positiveness of one who considers 
himself indisputable authority: "Wall, I reckon about twenty thou- 
sand !" 

But the wild turkeys and wild hogs were by no means the most 
troublesome dwellers in the forests. Wolves swarmed over the terri- 
tory in great numbers during the first years of Fairfield county ; and 
the settlers soon learned that foot rot and influenza w^ere not the only 
enemies from which they must protect their sheep. The sheep were 
placed before dark in close pens, built of heavy logs, and from night- 
fall to daybreak, the wolves would keep up their hungry howls, and 
woe to any unfortunate strays, who had been overlooked in penning up 
the flock. Their bones, cleaned and polished b}' the rough tongues of 
the marauders, would greet the eyes of the frontiersman, who came 
down in the morning to liberate his frightened sheep, having heard the 
din of the rapacious creatures during the night with complacent satis- 
faction, confident that his property was safe from all possible harm. 
Wolves rarely attacked a human being, but lor this the settlers are en- 
titled to as much credit as the wolves, for the pioneer seldom ventured 
far from his clearing at night alone. The wolves would howl around 
the sugar camps at night, but as they share with all beasts of pre}' a 
wholesome dread of fire, a Uve brand from under the boiling saps 
thrown among them always secured the sugar makers a welcome im- 
munit}' from their company. 

Panthers were occasionally seen, but they generally found prey 
enough in the forests, and when this began to fail them, they had for 
various reasons about concluded to decamp. The rifle, with its small, 



38 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

patched ball, was, in the hands of the intrepid hunter, a formidable foe, 
and even had not large numbers of these been destroyed, they, in com- 
mon with wild turkeys, wolves, and bears, were unwilling to stay and 
become part of civilized society, if even permission had been granted 
them. But one instance is related of an}^ fatal attack on the human 
species by these savage beasts, among the settlers of Fairfield county. 
A woman, living in what is now Violet township, went into the woods to 
look after her cows. Her protracted absence alarmed the family, and 
going in search of her, the}- found her body lying in the woods partially 
devoured, and surprised a large panther in the immediate neighborhood. 
One of the arms was entirely devoured, and the body horribly mutilated. 

The squirrels, raccoons, blackbirds, and crows were a source of 
great annoyance and inconvenience to the farmer of the earl}^ days 
The birds gave the most trouble when the corn was first planted, while 
the stalks were small and tender. The}^ would follow the rows, and 
make systematic business of destroying the farmer's work, and the 
crops had frequently to be replanted part or wholly. This was not so 
hard to bear when the season was forward, but it was as apt to occur 
when the crops had barely time to mature before frost might reasonably 
be expected, as at any other time. The squirrels were still more ruth- 
less in their attacks ; for the}^ made their appearance in the cornfield in 
August and September, and when corn is in the milk ; that is, when it 
is just right for the table in the form of " roasting ears," a slight injury 
by beak of bird, or tooth of squirrel, is sufficient to prevent it from ac- 
quiring a good, sound, plump grain ; and the squirrels came in such 
numbers, and were so dainty in their feasting — perhaps eating but a 
few grains from each ear — that scarcely enough sound corn was left in 
a large field to supply the table of the rightful owner. The raccoon ate 
what he wanted whenever he chanced to stop, but he carried on his raids, 
at night, and was, therefore, almost as hard to combat as the squirrel. 

Fairfield countv was formall}^ declared by Governor St. Clair, dur- 
ing the session of his territorial council, on the 9th of December, 1800, 
about two years before Ohio was admitted to the Union as a State. The 
area ot Fairfield county was originally four times as great as now, em- 
bracing all of the present county of Licking, nearly all of Knox, prob- 
ably a portion of Richland, portions of Pickaway and Hocking, and 
extending into Peny some distance east of Somerset. The name of 
•' Fairfield " is suggestive of the broad, beautiful lands lying at the head 
of the Hocking Valley to-day, and the possibilities open to these hardy 
pioneers doubtless prompted them to name the district, in accordance 
with their prophetic views. 

Just one month before this formal declaration of Fairfield county, 
Lancaster had been laid out, and lots sold, so by the same authority it 
was named as the county seat, and dubbed "New Lancaster." The 
first contraction of the original bounds of the county, was the creation 
of Licking county, in 1808, an^thfe northern boundary of Fairfield was 
thus established as it has since remained. Before thatl^ the city of New- 
ark was a part of Fairfield county. On the 12th of January, 1810, 
Pickaway county was formed, and the western boundary of Fairfield 
thus established, has been since changed, but slightly. Perry county 
sprang into existence in 1817, and thus fixed the limits of Fairfield on 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 39 

the east. Hocking county on the south, was formed March ist, 1818 ; 
but this boundary has since been somewhat changed. Nearly all of 
Auburn and Perry townships were stricken from Fairfield, about thirty 
3'ears ago, and attached to Hocking county. The townships originally 
embraced in Fairtield county, were, Hocking, Berne, Clear Creek, 
Greenfield, Licking, Amanda, Pleasant, Clinton. Thorn, Richland, 
Reading, Pike, Jackson,, Falls, Perr3\ Auburn and Salt Creek — 17. 
Many of them embraced a large territory', and some were for many 
years very sparcely settled. The townships of Fairfield county at this 
writing are : Amanda, Berne, Bloom, Clear Creek, Greenfield, Hock- 
ing, Liberty, Madison, Pleasant, Richland. Rush Creek, Violet, Wal- 
nut and Lancaster — 14. 

The population of this county in 1820, the first year of the decennial 
census, was 13,508; in 1830. 24,753 ; in 1840, 31,858; in 1850, 30,264; 
in i860, 30,623: in 1870, 31,149; in 1880,34,283. The decrease in 
population between 1840 and 1850, is due to a large emigration to Cal- 
ifornia and the less remote West, during that decade. 

The position of Fairfield count}-, both geographically and topo- 
graphically is an important part of its history. Situated at the head of 
the Hocking valley, Lancaster, its county seat, becomes of necessity the 
outlet or eye of the valley as far south as Athens, by its canal and rail- 
roads. Fairfield, therefore, is within and a part of the Hocking Val- 
ley. Fifty years ago the Hocking Valley was little known to any but 
its immediate residents. Now, by reason of its mineral wealth, no citi- 
zen of this Republic, who takes an active interest in her commercial 
affairs, and especially in mining matters is ignorant of her location and 
resources. For fifty years the stage running between Maysville and 
Zanesville, only stopped at Lancaster long enough to take meals and 
change horses, and the traveler of the day was ignorant of the resources 
lying just south of the station, which was merely looked upon as a con- 
venient place to recruit horseflesh and appease the cravings of hunger. 
Even the citizens of Lancaster, previous to the opening of the canal, 
knew about as much of the true wealth of the valley, as they did of the 
geological formations of the South Sea Islands. But this was not to 
continue ; a wise Creator had not prepared fuel scores of centuries be- 
fore the advent of those for w^hose convenience it was intended, only 
that they, despising or neglecting their opportunities, should lack for 
what lay at their very feet. But these opportunities were not slighted ; 
and soon the people of the Hocking Valley had discovered a greater 
wealth within their grasp, than could be obtained by the most patient 
pursuit of pastoral or scholarly or sedentary employments ; for coal and 
salt and iron were discovered, and the canal was dug and operated, and 
soon found too slow, and was superceded by the swifter, and costlier 
and noisier steam-giant ; and the attention of engineers and capitalists 
was engrossed in calculating and developing the resources of this vast 
region ; and a few years have sufficed for raising the Hocking Valley 
from obscurity to a place among the richest mineral posessions of this 
populous and wealthy and happy country. Immediately north of this 
great field of industry and wealth, blocking the outlets of this now fa- 
mous valley, is Fairfield county ; and through it must necessarily pass, 
in all time to come, the chief products of this vast mining region. 



40 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

GENERAL GEORGE SANDERSON'S NOTES. 

General Sanderson came from Kentucky to the Hockini]^ Valley, 
with his father, in 1798, when he was a boy, and spent his long life in 
and about Lancaster. He was identified with the beginning and pro- 
gress of the town and count}^, and iilled several positions of trust and 
honor, and died in 1871, at a ripe old age. 

About the year 185 1, he prepared a small pamphlet of some sixty 
or seventy pages, which he entitled "A brief histor}- of the earh' settle- 
ment of Fairfield county." The pamphlet was published by Thomas 
Wetzler, then of Columbus, and was distributed variously over the 
county ; but at the end of thirty years, the compiler of this work with 
great difficulty and search, at last unearthed a single copy in a mutilat- 
ed condition. Extracts from its pages follow, which, though in part a 
repetition of matter incorporated in other pages of this volume, will be 
excused, because a history of Fairfield countv would be incomplete, 
without the notes of General Sanderson. His sketches were, in fact, 
outside of its political and religious history, the onh' history of the 
county, ever written. The pamphlet formed the text of Howe's His- 
tory- of Ohio, so far as Fairfield county was concerned. But the ex- 
tracts are chiefly valuable, on account of the familiarit}- of their writer 
with the scenes he describes. The following are extracts : 

"The present generation can form no conception of the wild and 
wilderness appearance of the county in which we now dwell, previous 
to the settlement of the white people. It was m short a countrv. 

Where nothing dwelt but beast oi prey, 
Or men as fierce and wild as they. 

The lands watered by the sources of the Hocking River, and now 
comprehended within the present limits of the county of Fairfield, were, 
when discovered b}^ some of the settlers of Marietta, owned and occu- 
pied by the Wyandot tribe of Indians, and were highly prized by the 
occupants as valuable hunting grounds, being filled by almost all kinds 
of game and animals of fur. The principal town of the Nation, stood 
along the margin of the prairie, between the mouth of Broad Street and 
Thomas Ewing's canal basin, and extending back as far as the base of 
the hill, south of the Methodist Church. It is said that the town con- 
tained, in 1790, about one hundred wigwams, and five hundred souls. 
It was called Tarhe^ or in English, Cranetozcii, and derived its name 
from that of the principal chief of the tribe. The chief's wigwam stood 
upon the bank of the prairie, near where the fourth lock is iDuilt on the 
Hocking Canal, and near where a beautiful spring of water flows into 
the Hocking River, The wigwams were built of the bark of trees, set 



Hl5?TORV OF FAIRFIELD COUXTV . 



41 




42 



HiStORV OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



on poles, in the form of a sugar camp, with one square open, facing a 
fire, and about the height of a man. The Wyandot tribe at that day 
numbered about five hundred warriors, who were a furious and savage 
people. They made frequent attacks on the white settlements along 
the Ohio River, killing, scalping and capturing the setders, without re- 
o-ard to sex, age or condition. War parties on various occasions 
attacked flat boats descending the river, containing emigrants from the 
Middle States, seeking new homes in Kentucky, by which, in many 
instances, whole families became victims to the tomahawk and scalping 
knife. 

'■'The war chief had a white wife in his old age. She was Indian in 
every sense of the word, except her fair skin and red hair. Her his- 
tory,' as far as I have been able to learn it, is this : Tarhe, in one of his 
raids on the frontier setttlements along the upper Ohio, near Wheeling, 
had taken her prisoner and brought her to his town on the Hocking. 
She was then about eight years old, and never having been reclaimed 
by her relatives and friends, she rem^fined with the nation, and after- 
wards became the wife of her captor. 

" On the 17th of May, 1796, Congress, with a view, no doubt, to an 
early settlement of their acquired possessions by the treaty of Green- 
ville, passed an act granting to Ebenezer Zane three tracts of land, not 
exceeding one mile square each, in consideration that he would open a 
road on the most eligible route between Wheeling, Virginia, and 
Limestone, (now Maysville\) Kentucky. Zane performed his part of 
the contract the same 3^ear, and selected one of his tracts on the Hock- 
ing, where Lancaster now stands. The road was only opened b}^ blaz- 
ing the trees and cutting out the under brush, which gave it more the 
appearance of an Indian path, or trace, than a road, and from which 
circumstance it took the name of Zane's trace — a name it bore man}- 
years after the settlement of the country. It crossed the Hocking at a 
ripple, or ford, about three hundred yards below the turnpike road, 
west of the present town of Lancaster, called the crossing of Hocking. 
This was the first attempt to open a public highway through the interior 
of the Northwestern Territory. 

" In 1797, Zane's trace having opened a communication between the 
Eastern States and Kentuck}-, many individuals in both directions, wish- 
ing to better their conditions in life by emigrating and settling in the 
back woods, then so called, visited the Hock-Hocking for that purpose ; 
and, finding the country unsurpassably fertile and abounding with 
springs of the purest water, determined to make it their new home. 

" In the spring of 1798, Captain Joseph Hunter, a bold and enter- 
prising man, with his family, emigrated from Kentucky and settled on 
Zane's trace, upon the bank of the prairie west of the crossings, and 
about one hundred and fitty yards north of the present turnpike road. 
Captain Hunter cleared away the brush, felled the forest trees, and 
erected a cabin, at a time when he had not a neighbor nearer than the 
Muskingum and Scioto Rivers. This was the commencement of the 
first settlement in the upper Hocking Valley ; and Captain Hunter is 
regarded as the founder of the flourishing county of Fairfield. He 
lived to see the county densely populated, and paid the debt of nature 
in the year 1829. 



HISTORY or FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 43 

"The general government directed the public domain to be sur- 
veyed. The lands were first laid off in full sections, and subsequentl}' 
in half and quarter sections. Elnathan Schofield, our late fellow citi- 
zen, was engaged in that service. 

" In 1800, 1801 and 1802, emigrants continued to arrive and settle- 
ments were formed in the most distant parts of the county, cabin-rais- 
ings, clearings and log-rollings were in progress in almost every direc- 
tion. The settlers lent each other aid in their raisings and other heavy 
work requiring many hands. By thus mutually assisting one another, 
they were all enabled, in due season, to provide themselves cabins to 
live in. The log cabin was of paramount consideration. After the 
spot was selected, logs cut and hauled, and the clap-boards made, the 
erection was but the work of a day. They were of rude construction, 
but not alwa37S uncomtortable. 

" About this time merchants and professional men made their ap- 
pearance. The Reverend John Wright, of the Presbyterian Church, 
settled in Lancaster in 1801 ; and the Reverend Asa Shinn and Rev- 
erend James Qiiinn, of the Methodist Church, traveled the Fairfield 
circuit very early. 

" Shortly after the settlement, and while the stumps remained in 
the streets, a small portion of the settlers indulged in drinking frolics, 
ending frequently in fights. In the absence of law, the better disposed 
part of the population determined to stop the growing evil. They ac- 
cordingly met, and resolved, that any person of the town found intoxi- 
cated, should, for every such offense, dig a stump out of the street, or 
suffer personal chastisement, (the chastisement consisted of so many 
stripes on the bare back, well laid on.) The result was, that after sev- 
eral offenders had expiated their crimes, dram drinking ceased, and for 
a time all became a sober, temperate and happy people. 

" In April, 1799, Samuel Coats, Senior, and Samuel Coats, Junior, 
from England, built a cabin in the prairie, at the crossing of Hocking, 
kept bachelor's hall, and raised a crop of corn. In the latter part of 
the year, a mail route was established along Zane's trace, from Wheel- 
ing to Limestone. The mail was carried through on horseback, and, 
at first, only once a week. Samuel Coats, Sr., was the post-master, 
and kept his office at the crossing. This was the first established mail 
route through the interior of the Territory, and Samuel Coats was the 
first post-master at the new settlement. 

" The settlers subsisted principallv on corn bread, potatoes, milk 
and butter, and wild meats. Flour, tea and coftee were scarcely to be 
had, and when brought to the country, such prices were asked as to 
put it out of the power of many to purchase. Salt was an indispen- 
sable article, and cost, at the Scioto Salt Works, five dollars for fifty 
pounds ; flour cost $16 per barrel ; tea, $2.50 per pound ; coffee, $1.50 ; 
spice and pepper, $1.00 per pound. 

"The early settlers were a hard}- and industrious people, and for 
frankness and hospitality, have not been surpassed by any community. 
The men labored on their farms, and the women in their cabins. Their 
clothing was of a simple and comfortable kind. The women clothed 
their families with their own hands, spinning and weaving for all their 
inmates the necessary linen and woolen clothing. At that day no cab- 



44 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

jns. \Mei-c. found without their spinning wheels, and it is the proud boast 
of the women that they could use them. As an evidence of their in- 
dustry and saving of time, it may be mentioned, that it was not an in- 
frequent thing to see a good wife sitting, spinning in her cabin, upon an 
earthen floor, turning her wheel with one foot, and rocking her baby 
in a sugar trough with the other. 

" The people of that day, when opportunity afforded, (which was 
not often,) attended public worship : and it was nothing new, or strange, 
to see a man at church with iiis rifle — his object was to kill a buck, 
either going or coming. 

" In 1799, Levi Moore, Abraham Bright, Major Bright. Ishmael 
Due and Jesse Spurgeon, emigrated with their families from Allegheny 
county, Maryland, and settled near where Lancaster now stands. Part 
of the company came through by land from Pittsburg, with their horses, 
and part of their horses and goods descended the Ohio River in boats 
to the mouth of the Hocking ; and thence ascended the latter in canoes 
to the mouth of Rush Creek. The trace from Wheeling to Hocking, 
at that time, was, almost in its entire length, a wilderness, and did not 
admit of the passage of wagons. The land party of men, on reaching 
the valley, went down to the mouth of Hocking and assisted the water 
party up. They were ten days in ascending the river, having upset 
their canoes several times, and damaged their goods.'' 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 45 



CHAPTER IX. 

REMINISCENCES OF EARLY TIMES. 

The first celebration on the Hocking of the birthday of American 
Independence occurred in 1800. The late General George Sanderson 
was an eye-witness, and the following account of the occasion came 
from his lips substantially as given. The celebration was participated 
in b}' the few families, who had settled in the valley and adjacent coun- 
try. It was held on the knoll in Mithoft^'s meadow, west of the Hock- 
ing, and on the south side of the pike, The menu of this pioneer ban- 
quet contained venison and wild turkey, roasted before a log fire, corn- 
bread, vegetables, and copper-distilled whisk3^ This last was a very 
important factor in the day's enjo3nnent. It was not doled out b}^ the 
glass, but the barrel was stood on end, unheaded, and dippers provided. 
The crowd was then given perfect liberty to drink as freely and as often 
as desired. Foot-races, jumping and wrestling matches,' quoit throw- 
ing, and kindred amusements assisted in passing the time. There was 
no reading of the Declaration of Independence, nor eloquent and patri- 
otic orations, nor costly and magnificent pyrotechnic display, to make 
the day memorable ; but in their stead patriotic songs, and blood-stir- 
ring games and amusements, much better suited to the temper of the 
people. Towards noon a solitary traveler was seen approaching from 
the east, over Zane's Trace. He halted, learned the meaning or the 
gathering, and was pressed to alight and sample the viands provided, 
and particularly to pledge the health of the young Republic in a gener- 
ous dram of the favorite beverage. Then came the usual questions, 
plainly put and candidl}^ answered, as to his residence, destination and 
business. He was from Virginia, and on his way to the valley of the 
Scioto, where some of his Old Dominion neighbors had preceded him, 
and he proposed to become one of their number, if the location w^as 
pleasing. The settlers told the traveler that the valley of the Hocking 
was immeasurably superior to that of the Scioto in productiveness, 
health, beauty of scenery, and all else, which should be considered in 
selecting a residence. Warming up to their subject, and influenced, 
probably, to a certain extent, by patriotism and copper-distilled whisky, 
they told the Virginian that there were better people in the Hocking 
valley, than in the land towards which he was traveling. He replied 
that he could better compare the merits of the two districts when he had 
visited both ; and as for the people dwelling therein, he was convinced 
that equally as good men could be found in the Scioto valley as in the 
Hocking, and perhaps, on his arrival at his destination, there would be 
a slight preponderance in favor of the former. In those davs the term 
" a good man '" was used entirely to describe a man capable of engag- 
ing in ordinary ph3'sical employments, and possessing a large amount 
of physical courage. In this sense, therefore, the traveler luid thrown 
down a challenge, which the valor of the settlers forbade them to refuse. 



46 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

It was proposed that the matter be conclusively settled then and there, 
and the stranger gladly acceded, only stipulating that fair play be given 
him'. He was furnished with "seconds" from the throng, who were 
as much bound to see him fairl}^ treated as though he had always 
their confidence and their friendship. A ring was formed, the traveler 
and the man selected to fight him stepped in, stripped, and the bout 
commenced. No interference was permitted, and, after a stubborn 
trial, in which both men were well pummeled, the traveler acknowl- 
edged his defeat. He was consoled with the assurance that his courage 
and prowess were highly esteemed, and again invited to remain with 
this people, whose generosity and bravery he had so satisfactorily 
tested. He concluded to stay, remarking that, while he knew little of 
either valley, there were as good men in the Hocking as he cared to 
encounter. 

A roll of paper bearing the date of June 14, 1836, has been found, ap- 
pended to which are the names of one hundred and sixteen persons, 
who were citizens of Fairfield county at the time. The document, which 
is headed " The Anarugens of Fairfield County," is a subscription list 
for defraying the expenses of a Fourth of July celebration held that 
year. Less than a dozen of those, whose names appear on the paper, are 
alive to-day. The following shows the purpose of the paper : "We, the 
undersigned, do each agree to pay the sums annexed to our names, for 
the purpose of defraying certain contingent expenses for the celebra- 
tion of American Independence, on the Fourth of Jul}^ by the Anaru- 
gens of Fairfield Count}'." The following is nearly, but not quite, 
the full list, a few names being illegible: David Iric, James Sherman, 
John McClelland, William R. Claspill, Samuel Matlock, J. C. Weav- 
er, George Bentley, Jacob Hite, Micheal Bissinger, Jacob Young, 
Nathaniel Cook, Robert Fielding, John Stallsmith, Zachariah Clemens, 
Henry Cronmer, C. Lobinger, Henry Orman, William Embich, R. M. 
Ainsworth, G. H. Little, P. H. Cramer, George Leoder, E. Nigh, 
John Schafier, J. E. Kinkead, William Hutchison, S. K. Hensell, J. 
Flemm, Work Galbriath, Michael Garaghty, C. W. Meeker, James 
Furguson, James Cross, Samuel Sturgeon, A. Crooks, James Mc- 
Mames, William Phelen, David Regg, Jesse B. Hart, William Wiley, 
Salem Shafer, Hugh Bo}^, Robert Sturgeon, Silas Tam, Thomas Ed- 
ingfield, Jacob Schiif^er,'^William Amsbach, Thomas Pinkerton, Robert 
Short, Joseph Work, Louis Levering, W. C. Embich, P. M. Kosser, 
W. T. Sherman, S. B. Butterfield, William Daugherty, William Rich- 
ards, H. Cook, William Medill, John Baldwin, Henry Myers, P. Van 
Trump, M. E. Kreider, John G. Willock, Robert Dunkin, Isaac 
Comer, Levi Anderson, Adam Guesman, L. Baker, A. Hunter, John 
Ramsey, D. B. Light, C. J. Arnett, J. N. Little, Stephen Smith, Dan- 
iel Riffle, J. C. Allen, Kimball Hall, Samuel S. Nigh, George W. 
Claspill, Joel Smith, John Van Pearse, Joseph Lilley, Thomas Hardy, 
George Reber, P. Beacher, Jr., Christian Rudolph, Henry Kestler, 
John H. Tennant, Henry T. Myers, John B. Reed, Samuel Michaels. 
Theodore Gunther, John M. Bigelow, B. Morgan, Samuel Hart, Geo. 
Creed, Louis Thompson, Ewel Jefries, Gabriel Carpenter, Jacob Em- 
bich, Sosthenus McCabe, John W. Miers, Charles Beck and William 
King. There were two parties of the celebrators, the "Anarugens." 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY 



47 



whose rendezvous was Schofiekrs Mineral Spring, south of the Mith- 
off farm, and another, to which no name was assigned, who assembled 
at Cold Spring Hill. There is nothing to show whether or not the two 
were in any sense rival gatherings. Frederick A. Schaefter prepared 
the dinner for the " Anarugens," and Gottleib Steinman for the party 
at the Cold Spring. The orator of the day at Schoheld's spring was 
John M. Creed ; at the Cold Spring, a young man named Cleary officia- 
ted. Two militar}^ companies, "The Hocking Spyes," Captain Jonas 
A. Ream commanding, and the '' Lancaster Blues," captain unknown, 
were in attendance. The occasion was made livelier, if not more en- 
joyable, by two old-fashioned, /. c, rough and tumble, lights. It was 
rare, indeed, that an}^ civic or military assemblage dispersed without an 
entertainment of this nature. One of the belligerents of tliat memorable 
Fourth of July is still living in Lancaster, at an advanced age. When 
the festivities were over, the •' Anarugens" found that about thirty dol- 
lars of the fund, provided for the day's pleasure, still remained in hand : 
and when they learned that Mr. Steinman would lose money on his 
dinner at the Cold Spring, they turned this sum over to him. It had 
been the purpose of the " Anarugens " to march to the " Black Bear," 
a tavern on the Rushville road, about four miles east of Lancaster, with 
" Pumpkin-head " Bill Green for orator of the day, but this idea was 
abandoned, and they gathered at the Mineral Spring, as above stated, 
with Mr. Creed as speaker. 

The Old Court House bell has a rather romantic history ; although 
much that is told about it has only a traditional foundation. It was 
brought to the Island of San Domingo, from Spain, in the early part of 
the last century, and placed upon a monastery, where it remained for 
many years. Various stories are circulated regarding the manner, in 
which it got off the island, all of which inclined to give the pirates a 
large amount of credit. Some have asserted that it was among the 
plunder, when these liberal-minded gentlemen sacked the island ; others 
that it was sent away to prevent it from falling into their hands. As to 
the manner in which it got into its present prosaic position, there is like- 
wise much speculation. But it was brought to Lancaster by General 
Williamson, about 1807, and mounted on the Old Court House, where 
it remained for forty-five years, or until the Temple of Justice was razed 
to the ground. It was then laid aside for about twent}^ 3^ears, and 
now, mounted on the engine house, on High Street, does duty as an 
alarm bell. 

When the Old Court House was first built, it was necessary to use 
green elm " back-logs " for the huge fire-places, coal being undiscov- 
ered in the valley. By some means, a sprout from one of these logs 
took root, and grew into a tree, the trunk of which was eighteen inches 
in diameter. It stood at the northeast corner of the building, about 
five or six feet from the wall, and just where the curbstone of the pave- 
ment now is. Soon after the demolition of the Court House, it went 
into decay and was cut down. 

Another tree, a weeping willow, claims some space in the annals of 
old Fairfield. It stood in front of the old Judge Irwin residence, and 
was cut down in 1870, after reaching the age of fifty years. It is said 
to have grown from a sprout carried by Mrs. Irwin, on horseback, and 



a8 history of fairi"ij*:i.d county. 

used as a riding whip tor several days, in a journey of some length. 
The tree was very large, covering the entire tront of the building. 
Soon after the last member of the Irwin family passed away, it was no- 
ticed that the tree was slowly but surely d3Mng, and it soon shared 
the same late as the elm tree just mentioned. 

In the smnmer of 1825, it was learned that Henr}^ C^l^y 
would pass through Lancaster, en-route from his home in Ashland, 
Kentucky, to Washington. It was resolved to give him a public 
dinner, and the following paper was circulated for signatures : 

-July 25, 1825. 

•' We, the undersigned, agree to contribute our proportion ot the 
expense of a public dinner, to be given to Mr. Clay, when he shall 
pass through Lancaster on his way to Washington City. 

[Signed.] " William Irwin, Elnathan Schotield, John Noble, Hugii 
Doyle, William Hanson, James White, Benjamin Connell, E. B. 
Thompson, Samuel Effinger, Richard M. Ainsworth, Michael Garagh- 
ty, G. D. Campbell, George Myers, Noah S. Gregg, Jacob SchatTer, 
T. Tenny, Adam Weaver, Hocking H. Hunter, Henry Arnold, Rob- 
ert McNeill, George Sanderson, R. Sturgeon, Henr\' Stanberry. John 
Herman, A. Pitcher, Isaac Church." 

An invitation having been forwarded in accordance with the above, 
Mr. Clay's letter, accepting the honor, is appended. The letter, in Mr. 
Clay's own hand-writing, together with a part of the proceedings of 
the occasion, can be seen at the law office of Brazee and Drinkle. 

Lebanon, O., August i. 1825. 
"I received your very obliging letter on the ^yth ultimo, informing me 
of the kind intentions of the citizens of Lancaster to make me a public 
dinner, and to know at what time I may pass through 3-our town. 

"I have been detained here upwards of two w'eeks by the illness of 
my youngest daughter, whose case has alternately tilled me with hope 
and apprehension. Present appearances are more favorable, and we per- 
suade ourselves, that she is convalescent. But it will still be some days 
(how mau}^ I cannot say,) before we shall be able to move her. It is 
my intention to pass through Lancaster, and I shall be extremely glad, 
if circumstances shall be such, as to admit of my accepting the hospi- 
tality, with which 3^ou propose to honor me. If it should be the case, I 
will endeavor to apprise you of the time of mv arrival. 

In the meantime I am, with great respect, 3'our obedient servant, 

Henry Clay." 
"P. S. Be pleased to offer my respectful compliments to Messrs. 
Schofield andEwing." H. C." 

Of the twenty-nine men, whose names are affixed to the above sub- 
scription, onl}' Hugh S. Gregg is living at this time. Mr. Clay arrived 
and the dinner came oft' as arranofed. 

Some time previous to 1820 the southern part of Fairfield county, 
and indeed all the settled country, lying between Lancaster and the Ohio 
River, was pestered by a gang of horse thieves and counterfeiters. 
Their rendezvous was known to be "Sleepy Hollow," among the rag- 
ged hills, a few miles south of Lancaster. Their number was not known, 



HISTORY OF FAIRFlEiLl) COUNTY. 49 

but many citizens had reason to lament their skill and cunning, and 
some of the band mingled with honest meii, seemingh- engaged in or- 
dinary occupations. Mr. Thomas Ewing, the prosecuting attorne}' ot" 
this county at the time, was a man ot' magniliceut physique and great 
courage. The capture of the band had often been tried, and alwa3^s 
unsuccessfully, and Mr. Ewing asked to be sworn in as a special con- 
stable, which was done. By a careful espionage he ascertained, that 
eight or ten of the thieves habitually ano regularh' met at a house in 
"Sleepy Hollow," and he decided that it was possible to capture them, 
though several were known to be desperate characters, particularl}- the 
leader, who was also a powerful and courageous man. Having defined 
his plan, he selected the following men, with especial reference to their 
strength and braver}^ : Nathaniel Red, Christian Neibling, Adam 
Weaver, Christian King, David Reese, Elnathan Schotield, and two 
or three others. This little posse started for the den of the outlaws, 
sometime after dark on an evening, which was known to be appointed 
for one of their conclaves. Arrived in the vicinity, they halted under cov- 
er of a dense thicket and secured their horses. They quietly surrounded 
the house and then broke down the door. The thieves were holding their 
conference in the second story, and, being siu-prised, were soon in 
bonds, with the single exception of Mr. Schotield's man, who was about 
to prove more than a match for him. Seeing this, Mr. Ewing, who 
had selected and overpowered the leader of the gang, jumpjed to the 
assistance of Schotield, when the leader rose to his feet and threw him- 
self backwards from the window, bound as he was, and actually suc- 
ceeded in getting away. It is supposed that the women in the lower 
part of the house aided him in his escape. The remainder of the band 
were sent to the Penitentiary, after due trial. 

Considerable discussion has arisen in the effort to settle the identity 
ot the first white male child, born in Fairfield county. The friends of 
the late Hocking H. Hunter have claimed that honor for him ; but Mr. 
Hunter himself once acknowledged his belief, that Captain Levi Stew- 
art, who is living at this writing, was thirteen months older — this, alter 
comparing notes personally with Mr. Stewart. "Howe's History of 
Ohio confers the honor upon a son of Mrs. Ruhama Green, and it has 
been said that a fom^th claimant comes from Clear Creek ; but Mr. 
Stewart has a preponderance of evidence in his tavor. 

The Mrs. Ruhama Green, just mentioned, was born and raised in 

Jefferson county, Virginia. In 1785 she married Charles Builderback, 

and with him crossed the mountains and settled at the mouth of Short 

Creek, on the east bank of the Ohio, a few miles above Wheeling. 

Her husband, a brave man, had distinguished himself as an Indian 

fighter, and the red men determined at once to rid the frontier of his 

unwelcome presence, and to secure a certain measure of vengeance. 

One beautiful morning, in the month of June, 1789, Captain Charles 

Builderback, with his wife and brother, Jacob Builderback, crossed the 

Ohio River to look for some cattle. As soon as the trio reached the 

shore, a party of fifteen or twenty Indians rushed from cover and fired 

upon them. They were thoroughly off their guard, as no Indians had 

been seen for a time sufKciently long to raise the belief that they had 

abandoned the western shore of the Ohio. Jacob was wounded "in the 
7 



50 



MlSTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



shoulder, and Captain Builderback taken prisoner. As soon as the 
savages had secured the Captain, they ordered him, on pain of instant 
death, to call his wife, who had hid in some driftwood, at the first attack. 
"Here," to use her own words, "a struggle took place in m}^ breast, 
which I cannot describe. Shall I go to him and become a prisoner, or 
shall I remain, return to our cabin ^nd take care of our children?" He 
called for her a second time, telling her that her compliance with the 
demand of his captors might save his life. She hesitated no longer, but 
appeared and gave herself up. All this took place on the bank of the 
river, in plain sight of their cabin, where they had left their two chil- 
dren, a boy three years old, and an infant daughter. The Indians were 
not long, however, in leaving the spot, knowing that pursuit was sure, 
as soon as the news of the raid should reach the stockade at Wheeling. 
Mr. and Mrs. Builderback traveled together that day and the following 
night. The next morning the Indians separated into two parties, and 
continued to journey westward by different routes. Mrs. Builderback 
never saw her husband again. Captain Charles Builderback had com- 
manded a company at Crawford's defeat in the Sandusky country, and 
was both feared and hated by the savages. He was in the bloody 
Moravian Campaign, and shed the first blood by tomahawking and 
scalping the Moravian chief, Shebosh. When, therefore, he replied, 
"Charles Builderback," on being asked his name, it is no wonder that 
the keen eyes of these vindictive children of nature flashed with malice, 
and it is but fair to presume, from what is know of the Indian character, 
that his fate was sealed trom that moment. In a few days from the 
time the fortunes of these brave pioneers met with such a terrible reverse, 
the party, having Mrs. Builderback in charge, camped on the Tuscara- 
was River, and were soon joined by the others ; but the brave pale-face 
was not there. The anxious and suffering wife was told that he had been 
killed, and to convince her of the horrible fact, a scalp was thrown into 
her lap, which she was able to identify with absolute certainty as being 
that of her husband. She made no complaint, uttered no moan, and 
soon, overcome by excitement and fatigue, fell into a sound sleep, sit- 
ting on the ground with her back against a tree. When she awoke the 
scalp was gone and she never saw it again. As soon as the news 
reached Wheeling, a party of scouts set oft' on the trail of one of the 
bands, and finally came to the body of Charles Builderback. He had 
been tomahawked and scalped, and apparently suffered a lingering 
death. Mrs. Builderback was taken to the Indian town on the Little 
Miami, and remained in captivit}^ about nine months, doing the drud- 
gery of the squaws, but otherwise being subject to no ill treatment. At 
the end of that time she w^as ransomed and brought to Fort Washing- 
ton, and soon after sent up the river to her lonely cabin and the embrace 
of her children, who had been provided for by the neighbors. Several 
years afterward she married John Green, and together they came to 
Ohio, and settled three miles west of the present city of Lancaster, 
w'here she resided until her death, which occurred in 1842. Mr. Green 
died ten years previously. 

David Ewing narrowly escaped torture, if not death, at the hands of 
the Indians, while hunting in the woods three or four miles north of Lan- 
caster, about the year 1806. He saw through the bushes what he sup- 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 5 1 

posed was a bear, at the opposite side of a small pond. He fired, and a 
squaw jumped up and fled, screaming from fright and the pain, caused 
by a wound in her arm. Ewing was \yell aware that a plea of "acci- 
dental shooting" would not "go" with an Indian, and therefore fled for 
his life, knowing that the squaw was certainly within hearing distance 
of her people. In his flight he passed the cabin of Daniel Arnold, but 
did not stop. The Indians pressed him close, but supposing he had 
taken refuge at Arnold's, they broke in and would have murdered Mrs. 
Arnold, who was alone with her children, but for the interposition of 
the chief. Mrs. Elizabeth Sheric, of Lancaster; a daughter of Arnold, 
well remembers the visit of the Indians to her father's cabin that morn- 
ing, and the terror occasioned thereby. Ewing kept away from home 
until the damaged arm of the squaw, and the mutilated honor of the 
Indian, had been repaired by money and "presents." He then returned 
in safety. 

In 1812 or 1813 the whole community for several miles around Lan- 
caster was thrown into a frenzy of excitement and terror by the rumor 
that a large force of hostile Indians was marching upon the settlement. 
Active measures, oflensive and defensive, were speedily commenced. 
Some of the best buildings in the settlement were converted into block 
houses, and to them the people fled for safety. Among the houses so 
used was that of Judge Burton, in Pleasant township, that ol Nathaniel 
Wilson, in Hocking township, and one in Berne township, where James 
Driver now lives. Valuables were hid in the woods and fields, and all 
sorts of tools were collected, which could by any possibility be converted 
into weapons. At night the doors of the houses were securely barred, 
and persons, coming to a fortin the night, had to make themselves fully 
known, to secure admission. The men ran bull'ets, brightened their 
firelocks and repaired to the Court House, at Lancaster, the recognized 
meeting-place, when anything affecting the welfare of the community 
was to be discussed. Mounted scouts were detailed to find out all that 
was possible concerning the enemy, and especially the direction, from 
which they might be expected, while the remainder of the force of 
armed men prepared to march and give battle. Before the line of 
march was taken up, however, the preparations for war came to a sud- 
den and definite conclusion. A party of young men had been engaged 
in a hunt and had met with the poorest possible success, being unable 
to satisfy their own cravings for food, much less to obtain a quantity, 
with which to fill their gaping game bags. Spurred by appetites, furnish- 
ed by vigorous exercise and superabundent vitality, they had so far for- 
gotten even backwood's courtesy, as to enter a cabin in the absence of 
the owners, and appropriate all that was eatable about the place. Not 
being satisfied with this, and, perhaps, filled with chagrin at the ill-suc- 
cess of their hunt, they fired off their guns and gave utterance to several 
excellent imitations of the much dreaded war-whoop of the Indian. 
This was the sole foundation for all the annoyance and alarm , to which 
the settlers had been subjected. Many ludicrous stories are told of the 
sayings and doings of the more timid, during the scare, which, it is 
better, should not be repeated, as some of the actors in the above farce, 
and many of their decendants are still living. 

Old Father Grabill was the best fox-hunter of his time, and was 



52 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

most enthusiastic, when in pursuit of the game. Nothing bwt an inter- 
Acntion of Providence could stop him or divert his attention when in 
the heat of the chase. On one occasion, Re^'nard, who had made ter- 
rible exertions to escape, and used all his wiles to throw the hunter 
and dogs ofi' the trail, but unsuccesslully, dashed into the open church 
d(K)r, which presented the tlrst opportunity for refuge, as he emerged 
from a thicket. The congregation were engrossed in the service, but 
the excited hounds were close upon the game, and had no notion of 
abandoning it, or regard tor the proprieties of the occasion. They fol- 
lowed their pre\' into the meeting house. ba\'ing lustily, and creating 
the wildest confusion am(Mig the worshippers, to all of which thev paid 
no heed, but dragged the lox out and killed it, just as their scarcely less 
excited master entered the door — not to worship, but to "'be in at the 
death." l^'he i^ame secin-ed, the old man shouldered his jjun and 
marched off. proudlv conscious of having done his whole duty as he 
conceived it, and leaving the congregation to get over their excitement 
and think what they pleased. 

In the spring of 1798, several men came h"om Virginia to make a 
start in the wilderness, intending to bring their families as soon as thev 
should have provided a foothold upon which to stand, while grappling 
with the giants of the forest. They selected the east side of Baldwin's 
Run, within a few feet of the bridge, where the Salem pike crosses the 
stream. Within a few days William Green, one of their number, sick- 
ened and died, with only his companions in hardship to minister to his 
bodily and spiritual needs. He was buried in a hickory bark coffin, 
on the west side of the Run, and on the north side of the road. Colonel 
Robert Wilson, who had with a few others, settled in the Hocking a 
month previously, assisted in consigning the body of the unfortunate 
stranger, to its lonel}' grave. This spot was long remembered by the 
citizens of Fairfield, as the grave of the first white man ever buried in 
the count}-. 

For sixteen \ears after the organization of the village of Lancaster, 
there was no bank in the place, and the necessity for such a conven- 
ience was little felt. A small amount of money was in circulation, and 
this was rapidly changing hands. When a man came into the posses- 
sion of an amount of coin, for which he had no immediate use, its pro- 
tection from theft gave him little concern, and it was laid away in cup- 
board or till of chest, often without even an ordinary lock to secure it. 
The merchant crossed the mountains to purchase goods with the cash 
results of his vear's trade, in a pair of ordinary saddle-bags. Almost his 
only precaution was to deliver the bags to the landlord, who furnished 
him lodging, for safe keeping while he slept. The hog drover pur- 
chased his stock on credit, and came back from eastern markets with 
saddle-bags loaded with silver, which belonged both to his creditors 
and himseh'. The creditors thus ran a double risk — that of h.aving a 
dishonest debtor, and also of losing their mone^• bv robbers ; but both 
chances were cheerfulK' and conhdentlv taken. The only enemies 
dreaded at night were the Indians, and at the time mentioned they had 
about ceased to cause alarm. The only burglars, then in existence in 
this country, were content when their hunger was appeased. During 
the war of 181 2, the money to pay the soldiers was brought from Cin- 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 53 

cinnati. on horseback in saddle-bags. -Mr. John Creed, who was after- 
wards President of the old Lancaster, Ohio, Bank, once brought $10,000 
from Cincinnati in this way, to pay off returned soldiers. 

A religious revival occurred in the M. E. Church, Lancaster, in the 
winter of 1841-2, which is without parallel in the history oi the count}^. 
Rev. Wm. R. Anderson held the pastorate at the time, but he was not 
regarded as a powerful preacher, or a man of extraordinary ability. 
The meetings were held in the basement of the church, the auditorium 
not being completed, and lasted from December until March — in all, 
something over three months. The house was unable to contain those, 
who wished to attend, after the first two or three weeks, and man}' were 
turned awav nighth', alter all available seating and standing room had 
been utilized. The altar was crowded nightly with mourners, and when 
the meetings closed there were over two hundred accessions to the M. 
E. Church. Other denominations came in for a large share. The 
spontaneitv of this season of religious fervor is not its least wonderful 
feature, tor, as betbre stated, the pastor was not a man of marked ability 
in the clerical profession. The services often continued until midnight, 
and religious exercises were sometimes held after the attendants of the 
meetings had arrived at their homes. Many of the best citizens of the 
place were among the converts, and the attendance of members of other 
denominations throughout the meetings was unusually large. One 
young lad}', while in the church, passed into a sort of trance, in which 
she remained for seven days. Her animation seemed suspended, and 
indeed, life would have been pronounced extinctbut for the animal heat, 
which was perceptible. When she recovered, she declared she had 
been in heaven, named those whom she had met, and said that her 
earthly existence was a blank trom the time she arrived at the church 
until her recovery. Hundreds of people visited her, including a num- 
ber of medical men, and all were completely mystified by the condition 
in which they found her. 

It is much to be regretted that Fairfield count}- never had a pioneer 
society, for no countv in the State is richer in pioneer reminiscences. 
The first settlers of the county brought with them from the older States 
the superstitions and prejudices, and the ignorance of their day, as well 
as a native virtue and integritv. At the beginning of the present cen- 
tur}', the belief in ghosts, witchcraft, and supernatural signs and omens 
was almost universal. A matter-of-t'act philosoplw might often dispel 
the ghosts in day time, but even those most skeptical of the supernatural, 
and possessing the least physical fear, were not averse to compan}-, if 
called to pass a graveyard at night. But the antagonism of science to 
these ancient chimeras has resulted in permanently crippling them, and 
their utter extirpation is a matter of but a few more years, at the present 
rate of mental progress. The incidents of the tbllowing "• ghost story," 
though true, did not occur in Fairtield county, but they illustrate the 
point in question most admirably. For two years the neighborhood had 
been annoyed and terrified at frequent intervals by the appearance of a 
*' ghost, " and no matter-of-fact solution of the mystery seemed quite to 
satisfy those who '' had seen the ghost." no odds what might be the 
scoffer's claims on the public respect. Intelligent men jeered at the 
idea, which thev said was a relic of barbarism ; but thev were treated 



54 HISTORY OF P AIRFIELD COUNTY. 

to a sight of the "ghost" in due time, and had nothing more to say. 
The " ghost " appeared in various locaHties, within a radius of two or 
three miles, and all who saw it agreed that it took the form of a human 
being, was clad in pure white, and had the field to itself — the last fact 
being incontrovertibly established. Its favorite places for materializa- 
tion were a deserted cabin by the roadside, and the village graveyard. 
At last the myster}- was made clear. Half a dozen 3'^oung people, re- 
turning from a quilting and husking " bee," were passing the cabin 
just mentioned, when, by the merest chance, they saw three boys leave 
the back door, and run in the direction of the graveyard, one having 
under his arm a white roll. The purpose of the boys was immediately 
divined, and the quick-witted young people concluded to try " fighting 
fire with fire." They hurried along, and arrived at the graveyard first. 
The tallest young man in the party removed his coat and vest, and lay 
down near a grave, where he would not be easily discovered, while the 
rest concealed themselves near by and awaited developments. The 
mischief-loving trio soon arrived, and, supposing the corn-huskers still 
traveling towards the cemetery, unrolled the snowy sheet, with which 
they had created so much sport for themselves, and prepared for the 
scare. Suddenly, the tall young man arose, his white linen presenting 
quite a ghostl}^ appearance, and thus harangued the youngsters : 

"Vain mortals, wh}^ do you come at this silent hour to disturb the 
peaceful slumbers of the grave ? Go back to your beds and pray ; for 
you, too, will soon lie with us !" The apparition dropped from sight 
with a horrible groan, and the boys fled in genuine terror. It is cer- 
tain that the " ghost " never again visited the neighborhood. 

Many of the ills, to which fle^i is heir, now laid to common causes, 
once caused accusation to fall on the heads of harmless old crones, and 
gained them enemies in every household. Witchcraft was a real, and 
not a fancied evil, for it ostracized from the society of the day any per- 
son, howe'er guileless, at whose door it might fall. No denial, or re- 
minder of an exemplary past life, had any effect — for if no more serious 
results followed, the suspected one must henceforth live and die almost 
wholly without the pale of neighborly" attention and mutual dependence. 
If a hog had the disease now known as kidne} worm, and as such easily 
cured, it was bewitched. Hollow horn in cattle, chicken cholera, poll 
evil in horses, and a host of commoner maladies, were pronounced the 
work of the witches, and generally laid at the door of some harmless 
and unprotected old woman, to whom the person afflicted fancied he 
had given offense — or his conscience, perhaps, really troubled him. 
But some of the deeds, charged to the witches, were really singular in 
themselves. Horses would be found in their stables in the morning, 
bearing every sign of having been violently exercised ; panting, sweat- 
ing, and exhausted, and leaving spur marks in the flanks, and bleeding 
mouths, as from a violent reining up. Nor was this all. Even the 
human species, after passing a night of unrest, and broken by troubled 
dreams, would arise unrefreshed — nay, more ; stiff' and sore, as from 
violent physical exercise. The theory on which this last really singular 
circumstance was accounted for, was that the witches had turned the 
subject of their wrath into a horse, and ridden him all night! Many 
persons of fair intelligence, really deemed themselves thus persecuted. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 55 

Mania, hysteria, epilepsy, and St. Vitus dance were charged to the 
witches. If tlie butter failed to appear, after a reasonable amount of 
churning, the " witch in the churn" was burned out by dropping a hot 
smoothing iron into the milk — when the butter came without- further 
trouble, The evils of being persecuted by witches, was, of course, not 
without its pretended remedies. Lending an article to, or borrowing 
one from a person suspected of exercising the " black art," was consid- 
ered a cure, as far as the person so bprrowing or lending was con- 
cerned, as long as the article remained away from the possession ot the 
owner. "■ Witch doctors " there also were, who did all sorts of curious 
things in exorcising the evil spirit. To draw an outline of the " witch " 
on a board or paper, and then fire a silver bullet into it, or one contain- 
ing silver, would kill the witchery, if not the witch. Hair from the tail 
of a black cat, worn about the person of the " bewitched," was another 
" cure." Placing a snake in the road, with the head laid in the direc- 
tion from which the sorceress was expected, horseshoes nailed over 
doors, greased broom handles, and many other practices of an equally 
unphilosophic nature, would drive oft' the spell. , 

The Pioneer Home : — The real log house of the pioneer was not 
the artistic and picturesque structure that has sometimes been painted. 
It was one story high, and roofed with clap-boards, which were held in 
place by small logs, called weight-poles. The loft was laid with clap- 
boards, and the floor with puncheons, split from the trunks of trees, and 
hewn level on the upper side. Sometimes there was even no floor to 
these historical dwellings, and it was no uncommon thing for a family 
to pass one winter, though rarely more than one, with no floor but terra 
-firnia. Many cabins were built withoftt an ounce of iron. The door- 
shutters were hung on wooden hinges, and closed with a wooden latch, 
the string always hanging outside. The chimney was topped out with 
split sticks, plastered inside with clay mortar, tempered with cut straw, 
when the straw could be had. A log was cut out generally opposite 
the door, and oiled paper mounted on sticks placed therein. This was 
the window — generally the only one in the building. The back wall ot 
the fire-place, and also the hearth, were usually of stift' clay, that be- 
came very hard when thoroughly dry. The housewife often did her 
first cooking when the clay was so damp that the legs of her old-fash- 
ioned Dutch oven made deep marks therein. The pot-trammel was 
a dog-wood or other pole, built into the chimney, about even with the 
mantle-piece. On this were hung chains or iron hooks, if they could be 
had ; if not, wooden hooks were used, which had to be swung aside, 
when the pot was taken oft', to keep them from burning. 

The furniture of the log cabin was in perfect accord with its sur- 
roundings. Bedsteads were easily made, if they were not artistic or 
handsome. Two inch holes were bored in a log, the proper distance 
from the floor, and a pole four feet long was inserted. The other end 
was supported by an upright post. This manner of making the head 
and foot of the couch was easily accomplished ; slats were then laid 
across the two, and the apparatus was ready for the bed clothing. Slat 
benches, with pole legs, had to do duty for chairs and sofas in many 
cases, tin a nearer approach to the conveniences of civilization could 
be aftbrded or procured. A small looking glass hung against the wall, 



^6 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

with a background of a square foot of wall paper, was an especial 
luxury, and might have been carried hundreds of miles, across the 
mounUiins, carefullv shielded from harm. The old sale-bill phrase, 
" and man}' other articles too numerous to mention," never had its 
origin in an effort to enumerate the household utensils of a primitive 
pioneer home in the da3^s when Fairheld coimty was first trodden b}- 
the foot of the white man. Every piece on the list of the pioneer 
woman's house-keeping utensils was in daily requisition, and sometimes 
one piece had to do several varieties of duty. The indispensables.(and 
tew had more,) were : a skillet, round pot, one or two fr3nng pans, and 
sometimes *a ten or twelve gallon iron kettle — all brought over the moun- 
tains with intinite labor. These were afterwards supplemented by a 
wooden bucket, a few pieces of tinware, half a dozen bone-handled 
knives and ibrks, the same number of pewter spoons, and, lastly, the 
inevitable gourd. This was the lull complement of the pioneer house- 
wife's outfit. 

Access to the loft was gained by means of a rude ladder. Beds for 
children were usually provided in the lotl ; but for the grown people 
the single room on the " hrst floor" served as kitchen, dining and 
drawing-room, and bed-chamber. Any one who might choose to call 
at sun down was invited to pass the night, albeit the guest was obliged 
to content himself, in the event of an acceptance, with an utter 
absence of au}^ thing like ceremony. But the hearty hospitality, so 
impartially bestowed, was calculated to allay the scruples of those, who 
had been unused to such fare, though this mode of living was rarely a 
novelty to such as had occasion to "visit" the home of "the hardv 
pioneer." 

There are few women in the country to-day. who could reproduce 
the corn pone, johnnycake, dodger and ash cake of those days ; but, as 
these condiments were then prepared, they were both palatable and 
digestible, though by no means dainty. 

Even the wedding trosseau of the pioneer's daughter was made up 
from the raw materials under the parental roof, including " the " dress 
of linen or flannel. Carding, spinning and weaving the wool, and 
pulling, watering and scutching the flax, was then as much a part of 
the rural housewife's duty, as churning, baking or mending. Besides 
this multiplicity ot duties, the women of the house olten helped in per- 
forming the hardest work about the premises, such as felling trees and 
planting crops. They were even obliged to handle the rifle in the pro- 
tection of the home, during the days of Indian hostility. 

The pioneer schools were kept in log pens, yclept school-houses, 
although, as the word is now understood, it were a decided misnomer 
to so dignify them. The oiled paper windows let in all the daylight to 
be had when the door was closed, here, as in dwellings. But 
one term was held in a 3'ear, and that only about three months in 
length. The session usually began in November, but occasional!}' not 
until Christmas. A custom prevailed of locking; the teachers out bv 

I'll *' 

barruig the door on the inside, on Christmas or New Year's. At such 
times, the larger pupils of the school banded together, and it was rare 
that they were circumvented by their teacher, who, to secure peaceable 
possession, had to agree to furnish a homely " treat" of apples and 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COIjNtY. 57 

elder, or, sometimes, he granted a holiday, which it was iiot customary 
to observe. Sometimes the " m.aster " gained access to the school- 
house, when the programme was reversed, and the object was to get 
him out. This was done by placing a board over the chimney, some- 
times by throwing sulphur into it, and like.bits of strategy. When the 
teacher was " game," a good deal ol amusement was sure to be ob- 
tained bv both besiegers and besieged. The curriculum of these primi- 
tive institutions, was simple and short : — Dillworth and Webster's Spell- 
ing Books, Pike's Arithmetic, the English Reader, Sequel to the Eng- 
lish Reader, American Preceptor, Columbian Orator, Weem's Wash- 
ington and Marion, and the Bible. The hickory switch was an inport- 
ant element in school government. The teacher's duty also required 
him to make and mend the goose-quill pens, and the courtesy of the 
time, to take part in the indoor and outdoor games of his pupils. When 
outdoor sports were possible, cat ball, bull pen, and town ball were the 
favorites ; and when the inclement weather drove them indoors, the 
sports of quilting "bee" and husking trolic were patronized, such as, 
"Sister Phoebe," "Marching to Quebec," " As Oats, Peas, Beans 
and Barley grows," and " Philander, Let's be Marching." 

Signs and omens were held in great reverence. If a whippoorwill 
perched near the cabin, uttering his mournful cry, it forbode a death 
in the family ; if the house-dog sat upon his haunches, and crawled to- 
wards the door, or across the threshold, it was a sign that a coffin 
would shortly be carried out of the home; domestic animals, born 
with malformations of any sort, were supposed to prophesy a death ; 
the sun-dog, in the margin of broken clouds, meant misfortvnie of some 
kind ; the meteoric showers was long believed to be a prophecy of the 
judgment ; the jack-o-lantern was an evil spirit ; comets were har- 
bingers of war — the comet of 1811, heralded the war of 1812, in the 
belief of many intelligent persons ; and that of 1843, the Mexican war, 
declared in 1846. Dreams had their interpretations, and it is noticeable 
that nearly all the recognized signs presaged some catastrophe — "good 
signs " being vastly in the minority. To dream of bees swarming, 
was a sign of sickness ; to dream that a swarm ran away, i. e., escaped 
hiving, was a sign of financial disaster ; to dream of fire, forboded 
anger ; to dream of a snake, meant the existence of an enem}^ ; to dream 
of a wedding, presaged a funeral, and so on indefinitely. 

The Pioneers olten suffered from a lack ol bread-stufts, especially 
in the latter part of the summer and early fall, when the little grist mills 
stopped for lack ol water to turn them. Not unusually it became neces- 
sary to select a few of the hardest ears of corn from the ungathered crop 
to grate into meal before the family could break its fast. This was 
necessarih- somewhat tedious, where the family was large — which was 
generally the case in pioneer homes. Wild onions were gathered from 
the woods to eke out the meal. Spice twigs and sassafras took the 
place of Rio and Young Hyson as family beverages. When the stream, 
which furnished power, went dr\' ver}^ early, even grated meal was not 
to be had, and subsistence depended upon vegetables and game, but 
the lack of breadstuffs was sorely felt, though there was no danger of 
starvation. When the field corn became hard, the hominy block was 
brought into use, to the great relief of all. The hominv block was a 

8 



^8 MiSfORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

section of a log, three feet long, or rather high, for it was stood on 
end, and a conical hole burned into it. This hole or mortar would con- 
tain two or three gallons. A pestle was made by fastening an iron 
wedge in the end oi' a stout stick or pole. The corn was pounded until 
the hull came off and the germ was somewhat broken. The finer part 
was for bread and the coarser was boiled — the latter dish being named 
"pounded hominy." 

Salt was brought from the Scioto and Muskingum Rivers at first, 
and a bushel (fifty pounds) .cost five dollars. As late as 1815, it re- 
quired twenty-five bushels of wheat to pay for one barrel of salt — this, 
too, when flour was worth sixteen dollars per barrel. Coffee was at 
one time a dollar and a half, and spices and pepper, one dollar per 
pound. Sometimes wheat was not saleable at any price, though the 
seller might be willing to take trade for all he had. A farmer, who had 
a surplus of wheat, went to Lancaster with a load, and could not dis- 
pose of it, even for trade, at a shilling per bushel. He was about to 
return home, greatly discouraged, when he was told that he could ob- 
tain a sliilling per bushel in cash if he would pour his load into a certain 
hole in the middle of- Main street, so that gentlemen could pass over 
dry shod. 

A man had the last payment on his land made up all but three dol- 
lars, which none of his neighbors could lend him. The money would 
be due in twenty-four hours, and all he had paid would be forfeited if 
he did not make up the full sum. That night his only cow died, and he 
hastily removed the hide and rode all night, arriving at Chillicothe in 
time to sell it for enough t(3 make the payment in full. 

A gentleman, who came to Lancaster, in 1807, subsequently bought 
some land in Liberty township, near the present village of Basil. He 
lived in harmony with his neighbors for some time, but, suddenly, they 
began to let him severely alone, and for a long time the cause of the 
coldness remained unexplained. Finally the truth came out. The Lan- 
caster merchant had imported some window glass, and Mr. Heyl avail- 
ed himself of the opportunity to dispense with the oiled paper windows 
he had been using. The two eight by ten glass windows caused his 
neighbors to say, that "the Heyl's had stuck themselves up with glass 
windows, when they were no better than other people." Verily, pre- 
judice and old fogyism are not distinctive features of advanced civil- 
ization. 

A party of young people were promenading on the summit of Mount 
Pleasant many years ago, when one couple, who were very devoted, 
each to the other, became separated from the main party. The young 
lady, in leaning over the clift' after a flower, lost her balance and fell, 
but lodged in the top of a pine tree. Her companion leaped after her, 
excitement preventing him from seeing an}^ other way of rescuing her, 
and fortunatel}^ lit on the same friendly tree. But they were in a ludic- 
rous position, and unable to rescue themselves, though safe from im- 
mediate danger. Their companions came to their relief, and both 
escaped unharmed. They were married soon after, and have since en- 
joyed a large degree of public confidence and private friendship. They 
are now grand-parents, and possess the satisfactory consciousness of 
having lived useful and honorable lives. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 59 

The Methodists were the pioneers in the reHgious history of the 
county. Their first class was formed at Real's Hill, in the fall of 1799, 
but they were quickl}^ followed by other denominations. Religious ser- 
vices were held in cabins and school houses till "meeting houses'' (for 
they had no use for '-churches") could be built. In the summer they 
walked to "meeting" barefoot, for shoes were hard to obtain. Lads 
and lassies, who sustained the delightful relation of lovers, would pair 
off into the bushes just before they arrived at the house of worship and, 
seated on the same log, put on the shoes and stockings, which had been 
carried in the hand. Then, when church was out, the foot coverings 
were removed and the church goers plodded home as they had come. 
On one occasion the preacher, a magnificent specimen of physical man- 
hood, was delivering his discourse in his bare feet, one of which was 
placed on the split-bottomed chair, belonging to the pulpit — the only 
chair in the house. He became very earnest, and, finally, an emphatic 
stamp of his foot sent it through the bottom of the chair. The removal 
of the limb was not so easy and several of the pillars of the church 
came to his rescue, amid the subdued tittering of the giddy young peo- 
ple. The release being accomplished, the preacher cast the chair 
violently behind him with the muttered command: "Get thee behind 
me, Satan." Men went to meeting in hunting shirts and buckskin 
breeches, sometimes with their rifles on their shoulders, to guard against 
an attack by Indians ; but they were sincere, honest, and consistent in 
their profession. For humanity, good will, honesty and dauntless 
energy in temporal and spiritual matters, they are well worthy our 
example. 

The primitive Methodist camp-meeting deserves notice. The first 
camp-meeting ever held in the count}- was about two miles north of the 
present West Rushville, on what has since been known as the 
Stevenson lands. The meetings were held here for many years, and 
though the ground has since been farmed, it is still sometimes called 
the "camp-ground." The preachers' stand was built between two 
trees, and the preachers' tent was in the rear. Long rows of slab 
benches faced the stand, and were backed and flanked with wooden 
tents. Back of the wooden tents were the canvas tents, and still farther 
to the rear were the canvas-covered wagons. Earth-covered stands were 
placed in different parts of the grounds, and large fires built thereon, 
giving both light and heat. Religious exercises were held almost hour- 
ly, and great unction was manifested in all the means of grace. The 
preaching was plain, forcible, and fearless — the clergy being, for the 
most part, practical, hard-headed men, and some preached solely for 
the love of doing good, receiving no remuneration for their spiritual 
labors, and working with their hands, like . their hearers, to satisfy 
their physical needs. Good fellowship and consistent Christianit}^ 
were leading traits of the pioneer Methodist, and all that they did 
was with their whole might. The camp-ground assemblage was 
called together by a blast of the horn. Everybody, who came, was 
heartily welcomed to all the hospitalities of the occasion, both temporal 
and spiritual. The meetings were productive of much good, and aid- 
ed these struggles in " patiently bearing the yoke, like good soldiers." 
The only unpleasant memory, which clusters around the old-fashioned 



6o HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

camp-meetings, is that of the rowdy element, which sometimes in- 
truded. 

No public gathering broke up without more or less horse-swap- 
pino-. Very little money changed hands, and the chances for more 
or less rough-and-tumble fighting were excellent. The "bump" of 
combativeness was frequently aroused by the copper-distilled whiskey 
of the time, the sale of which caused numerous taverns to spring up 
all along the public roads. The pioneer's copper-distilled whiskey 
is claimed to have been pure, but it nevertheless influenced men in 
doing some very singular things. A party of men were coming from 
a drinking bout at Rushville, in the early days, and each was try- 
ing to out-do the rest in some odd pranks. At last the leader jumped 
from his horst- and crawled through a muddy culvert, which ran 
under the road. There was barely room for his body, and he came 
out well plastered with mud, and soaked with muddy water. His 
example was followed by the half-dozen other members of the gang, 
and they then separated for their homes, proudly conscious of being 
on a mutual footing in the pertbrmance of deeds of valor. 

The "Tent" is a historic spot in Fairfield county. Its locality 
is south of the Lancaster and Rushville turnpike, about two miles 
west of Rushville. The circumstances which gave rise to the " Tent " 
are substantially as follows : In 1803 some missionaries came from 
Kentucky, and began preaching for a few of their denomination ( As- 
sociate Reformed Presbj^terians ), who lived in the neighborhood. 
There being no meeting house, a tent was erected, and here the people 
worshipped for some time. A church has since been built, and it is 
now called the United Presbvterian Church. The old settlers still 
call this place of worship the "Tent." 

The " first " mills, churches, school-houses, still-houses, and other 
land-marks, are extinct, and only the pen of the historian can preserve 
them from oblivion, with the lessons taught by them and by their found- 
ers, the "early pioneer." 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 6l 



CHAPTER X. 



AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE. 



The onl}^ organization having for its object the promotion of agri- 
cuhural.in Fairfield county, is that which had its inception during the 
year 185 1, and cuhninated in the tbrmation of a regularly constituted 
S3'stem for the holding of annual agricultural fairs, on the plan of award- 
ing premiums for best specimens and samples of all products of the soil, 
including fruits of all varieties, stock of all varieties, methanical arts, 
the fine arts, agricultural implements and flowers. The subject had, 
however, been incubating more or less for several years. The first 
meeting of the societ}" was held in October, 185 1, with John Reeber as 
president, and John S. Brazee. as secretary. The time for holding the 
annual meetings was fixed by the constitution to be in October, viz : 
always beginning on the day succeeding the state election, on the sec- 
ond Tuesday of that month, and continuing four days. That rule has 
never been changed. During the thirty years of the society, the 
general interest has been uniformly on the increase. With the excep- 
tion of three or four falls, when foul weather set in during fair week, 
the meetings have been largely attended, and in all respects a success 
has been attained, seldom equalled by any county in Ohio of equal or 
approximating population and general wealth. A large attendance 
and competition from abroad are annuall}/ present. 

The first fair, in October, 185 1, was held on the grounds, belonging 
to John Reeber, situated on the west side of Columbus Street, at the 
north end, nearly opposite the reservoir, and within a temporary enclo- 
sure. This first fair was a flattering success — greater than its sanguine 
prime movers anticipated ; but as no regular system of book-keeping 
was begun for several years, no statistics are possible. 

In anticipation of the future and growing success of the Fairfield 
County Agricultural Society, John Reeber was commissioned by the 
board of trustees to purchase suitable and permanent fair grounds. In 
pursuance of that trust, in the early part of 1852 he purchased about 
fifteen acres of the old farm of Thomas Wright, situated at the base of 
Mount Pleasant, and on the west side. The purchase was made on 
very advantageous teims to the society, and the work of putting the 
grounds in order for the fall meeting was speedily pushed to an early 
completion, under the energetic and efficient management of Mr. 
Reeber, as president, and in ample time for the October fair. Subse- 
quently, a small tract of land, lying immediatel}' on the west of the fair 
grounds, and known as the Widner place, was purchased, together with 
two or three acres on tlie nortii side, from Mrs. Van Pearce, thus mak- 
ing the aggregate of tvVenty-tw'o acres. During the fall — possibly 
summer — of 1880, fourteen additional and adjoining acres, on the west. 



62 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

were purchased from Henry Orman and the Weakly heirs, making in 
all about thirty-six acres, which constitutes the present fair grounds. 
The purchase price of the two last named lots, constituting the four- 
teen acres, was $7,972. Since this last purchase of ground, the society 
has expended, for fencing and grading the same, the sum of $1,588. 
An additional sum has also been expended, in filling and leveling up 
the " Orman pond," so called, and for the erection of a sheep barn. 

A trotting park was constructed on the old grounds, of about one- 
third of a mile in circumference. All of the buildings of the society 
are large and ample, and very substantially built. They consist of two 
very large amphitheatres, facing on the trotting park, and capable of 
seating about fifteen hundred persons, each ; an art and agricultui-al 
building, two stories, and about one hundred feet in length ; a music 
stand, judges' stand, floral hall, refreshment booths, sheds and plat- 
forms for exhibiting furniture, and boarding houses, and an unusually 
large number of animal stalls and pens. The grounds are amply sup- 
plied with wells of pure water, and of easy access. 

Since the addition of 1880, of the new grounds, a contract has been 
entered into for the construction of an extension to the trotting park, to 
the distance of a half-mile track, a part of which is to be raised ground, 
at a cost of $3,350. The total cost of erecting the art and agricultural 
hall, erected about seven years since, was $3,111.59. The two amphi- 
theatres, erected in the same year (1873) was $2,115.57. 

In 1874, tl^^ total receipts of the society, from all sources, were $10, - 
631.15, showing a deficit of $262.00. There was due the society from 
all sources, $262.69, leaving a balance in the treasury of sixty-nine 
cents. 

Receipts for 1879, fi"^"^ '^ll sources, $8,098.84. Receipts for the 
year 1880, from all sources, $8,000.99. 

The society pays, annually, liberal premiums, and at present carries 
a debt for the purchase of land. 

Thirteen years ago, a sj^stemetic course of book-keeping was begun, 
from which extracts have been taken. Mr. J. Reeber, who was the' 
first president, served in that capacity several years, and, after an inter- 
im, was re-elected. The names ot other officers, before the beginning 
of the recorded series, cannot now be furnished. 

In 1868, when the regular records begin, John S. Brazee was presi- 
dent, and John G. Reeves, secretary. Since then the officers have- 
been : 

Presidents, John Reeber, 1869-71 ; B. W. Carlisle, 1871-72; A. J. 
Musser, 1872-74; J. C. Kinkead, 1874-76; Thomas H. Busby, 1876- 
79; Isaac Claypool, ig76-8o; A. B. Gillet, 1880-81. 

Secretaries, John G. Reeves, 1869-75 5 William Davidson, 1875-81. 

Treasurers, John C. Weaver, 1869-72; William Noble, 1872-1876; 
S.J. Wolfe, 1876-81. 

The subjoining agricultural statistics, of the county, for 1878, will 
show not only the staple products, but the wealth of the farming popu- 
lation. This year ma}^ be accepted as about an average agricultural 
one, of the twenty-eight preceeding years, excepting corn and wheat, 
which are both for this vear in excess, something, of the average. The 
total number of bushels of wheat, as well as the average to the acre. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 6^ 

vvill be found to be a little above that of any year since 1874. ^^^^^ ^^^^ 
report makes manifest the status of Fairfield among the other counties 
in Ohio. The figures may var}^ a little from absolute correctness, they 
being the returns of the township assessors. 

Wheat: — Crop for 1878, 40,849 acres; 624,707 bushels. Buck- 
wheat 49 acres ; 479 bushels. Rye, 634 acres, 8,056 bushels. Oats, 
6,237 acres; 158,368 bushels. Barley, 488 acres; 18,471 bushels. 
Corn, 55,080 acres, 2,274,639 bushels. Timothy, 12,999 acres. Tons 
of hay, 18,410. Clover, 5,787 acres; tons of hay, 5,657; bushels of 
seed, 7,454. Acres plowed under for manure, 261. Flax, 2 acres ; 
bushels of seed, 25. Potatoes, 1,426 acres; bushels, 104,491. Sweet 
Potatoes, 95 acres ; 6,857 bushels. Tobacco, 8 acres, 1,604 pounds. 
Sorghum, 175 acres, 17,075 gallons of molasses. Maple Sugar 2,645 
pounds of sugar, 4,217 gallons of molasses. Bees, 3,871 hives; 45,394 
pounds of honey. 

Taxable land in Fairfield county, 133,331 acres; pasture, 78,847 
acres ; wood lands, 52,307 acres ; uncultivated waste lands, 5,712 acres. 
Total number of acres in the county, 270,197. 

Domestic animals, — Below is a statement of the number and value 
ol horses, cattle and mules, in Fairfield county, in the year 1879, ^^ 
shown by the assessors returns. 

Number of horses, 9,853 : total value, $524,835. Number of cattle, 
23,693; total value, $433,487. Number of mules, 168; total value, 

$9'595- ^ . . , 

Number and value of sheep, hogs and dogs in the county m 1879: 

Sheep, 28, 892 ; total value, $62,162. Hogs, 42,962; total value, $125,- 

278. Dogs, 4,263 ; total value, $1,764. 

Wool product, sheep killed by dogs, and the amounts paid for them 
by the county in the year 1878: Total amount of wool shorn, 98,469 
pounds. Number of sheep killed by dogs, 362; value paid, $1,138. 
Number or sheep injured by dogs, 279 ; damage paid, $349.00. Ag- 
gregate amount paid by the county for injury to sheep, including the 
killed, $1,487. 

Domestic animals died from disease in the county in 1878: Num- 
ber of hogs, 4,143 ; total value, $12,475. Number of sheep, 548: total 
value, $1,432. Number of cattle died, 220; total value, $4,799. Num- 
berof horses died, 104; total value, $6,511. 

Horticultural. — Grape culture in this county, as a specialty, be* 
gan in i860, with great earnestness, amounting during several years to 
almost a furor. The chief excitement was within a radius of a few 
miles around Lancaster, and the vineyards were on the hill sides and 
high lands, generally. Charles Dunbar first planted a vineyard on a 
large scale, on his farm, three miles south of Lancaster, on the State 
Farm road. He was soon followed by others, including F. J. Boving, 
J. C. Kinkead, John S. Sn3^der, John A. Fetters, Mr. Moury, the 
State Fai*m, and many others on smaller scales, until the maximum of 
the excitement had been reached, when the grape average of the 
county exceeded three hundred acres. 

The principal varieties were the Isabell, Concord, Catawba and Ives 
Seedling. For a number of years the growers were very sanguine ; 
grapes were produced in large quantities, and found a read}'^ market 



64 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

at remunerative prices. The idea of a wine company was projected, 
and matured. A wine house was erected, with two stories under ground, 
large preparations were made, and large quantities of wine manufac- 
tured under the supervision of John S. Snyder, The wine did not at 
tirst find a market to satisfy the majority of the stockholders, the en- 
thusiasm began to decline, and many of the stockholders sold out, 
probably at sacritices, vmtil at last Mr. Snyder became the sole owner 
of the wine establishment, which he is still running with energy and 
probable success. 

Of all the varieties, the Catawba was most relied upon for wine. 
Next, the Ives Seedling. The Catawba was found at last to fail on ac- 
count of the rot, some years amounting to very little. With its tailure, 
the discouragement began, and increased until man}' abandoned the 
business, and changed their lands to other uses. The summer of 1881, 
the number of acres in grapes within the entire county does not per- 
haps exceed twenty. Mr. Snyder and the State farm are now the prin- 
cipal growers. Of all the varieties planted in the county, the Ives Seed- 
ling has proved the most invulnerable against the rot, and is at this 
time about the sole reliance. The Concord has done well, but it is 
chiefly valuable as a table grape. 

Mr. Boving, who has given the grape culture careful and practical 
attention from the start, says that at the time of the greatest prosperity 
of the vineyards in the county, 2,000 pounds to the acre was an avei'age 
crop ; equal to 200 gallons of wine. He says, also, that the grape bus- 
iness, with reference to wine making, has been a failure in the county, 
as money enough has not been realized on sales to reimburse the plant- 
ing and other incidental expenses of the business. 

It was with special reference to the culture of the vine, and the straw- 
beny, that a Horticultural Society was organized in 1865, but since the 
partial failure of the grape, and the assured success of the strawberry, 
the society at lirst relaxed, and then ceased to meet, and may now be 
said to have no existence. 

The Strawberry. — The cultivation of the strawberry for the mar- 
ket began to receive special attention about co-equal with the grape, 
in this county, generally in the vicinity of Lancaster, and on the Reform 
Farm. John Gravit and a Mr. Hill were the first to appear in the mar- 
ket, with any considerable quantit3% Their culture rapidly increased, 
and soon arrived at the point of shipping to outside markets. The Re- 
form Farm alone, at one time, reached the capacity of more than a 
thousand bushels, largely shipped to distant markets. This was some 
years ago, and during the superintendency of George E. Howe, acting 
commissioner. It seems that they have given their culture less atten- 
tion since. At this time the farm is said to contain not exceeding three 
acres of strawberry plants, in a less cultivated condition. 

The chief varieties of the strawberries planted in the count}', as fur- 
nished to the compiler by John A. Fetters, are the Wilson, Albany, 
Kentucky, Green, Prolific and Forest Rose. Mr. Fetters, who is the 
proprietor of the latter, and who is sometimes spoken of as the straw- 
berry king, says of it, "The Forest Rose has now about superceded 
all other kinds on my plantation. I have furnished Forest Rose plants, 
that are now growing in every State and Territory in the Union, giving 



HISTORY OF p-AiRFIELb COUNTY. 65 

general satisfaction. The}- have been sold by luindrecls of thousands, 
so rapid has been the increase of the plant My sales of berries in the 
home market, have been about twent^-hve bushels per day, besides 
shipping to Columbus, Cincinnati, Butialo, New York and Boston. 
My average product to the acre has been about $300. worth. 

The history of the Forest Rose is a little remarkable. In 1871, Mr. 
Fetters discovered a stray plant among his grape vines, which he took 
to be a Wilson Seedling, or perhaps an i\lbany or Russell. It was a 
vigorous plant, and he removed it to a bed and cultivated it, to see w^iat 
it might be. As the runners of the plant developed, they were set in a 
bed of four rows, each row about four rods in length. During the past 
fewv3^ears he has continued to draw^ runners for his plantation, and to 
pick fruit from the old bed, for the market, at the rate of a bushel each 
picking. He chose a name for this new berry from the romance of 
"Forest Rose," written some thirty years ago, by Emerson Bennet, 
and because his plantation is within half a mile of Mount Pleasant, 
where the principal scene is laid. 

Professor E. B. Andrews, State Geologist, of Ohio, wrote as fol- 
lows : 

"I visited the grounds of Mr. Fetters this year to see his Forest 
Rose strawberry. I never before saw vines loaded with such a wealth 
of berries ; and the}- eclipse those of several other varieties, such as the 
Wilson, iVlbany, Charles Downing, Russell, Colonel Cheney, grown in 
the same soil, side by side, receiving the same treatment. In brief, in 
flavor, size and firmness, in bountiful bearing, in vigor and hardiness of 
vines. Forest Rose promises to be a strawberr}- of great merit." 

Dr. A. Warden, President of the Ohio State Horticultural Society, 
makes use of the following language, in his report, concerning the 
Forest Rose : 

"This new berry promises indeed to be a great acquisition to our 
stock of varieties. Here we have elegance of form, brilliancy of color, 
greater size, and firmness to bear transportation, all combined with 
table qualities of a higher order, than in the Wilson or Albany, which it 
surpasses even in field culture. 

Mr. Fetters furnished the Forest Rose plants, that have contributed 
so largely to the popularity of the establishment of the celebrated horti- 
cultural, berry and fruit gardens, of Leo Weltz, at Wilmington, Ohio. 
The acreage of the principal growers of the county, for the summer 
of 1881, is ; Fetters, 6 ; Boving, 3 ; Stalter, 2 ; Clark, 4 ; Schory, 2 ; 
Snyder, 3 and State Farm, 3 acres, besides a great man}^ of less 
ground. 

There is probably no county in Ohio that equals Fairfield in the pro- 
duction of strawberries, either in quantity or quality. Besides the 
home market, which is large, immense quantities are annually shipped 
away. 

Other berries are cultivated with an annually increasing attention, 
and are already liberally supplied in the markets, such as the different 
varieties of the raspberry, especially the black, which seems to be the 
most hardy. The common blackberry seems also to be greatly improv- 
ed by cultivation. 

Fairfield county is probably below the average of the old counties of 



66 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

the State for apples. It is below what it was forty years ago. The 
old orchards are failing, and the new ones are not doing as well as those 
of more northern counties. It is probable that the apple culture has 
ceased to be a specialty. 

Peaches have received better attention, though a good crop once in 
five years, is about all that is realized. The largest proportion of the 
peach trees of the county are of the cultivated kind. There are also 
mau}^ seedling orchards, which seem to stand the frost better than the 
budded trees, and, on the average, perhaps, produce more trequently 
than the cultivated trees. 

Plums and quinces are ordinarily in good suppl}', and seldom fail, 
especially the Damson plum. 

Pears are neither very abundant in the county, nor of ver^- good 
quality. Very little attention is given ^o their culture. 

Horticultural Society. — A Horticultural Society was first organ- 
ized in Lancaster, in 1865, whose members were distributed over the 
county. Its title was, "The Hocking Valley Horticultural Society." 
The object set forth in the preamble, was that of the promotion of gar- 
dening, floral and horticultural interest, upon improved systems. It con- 
stituent members were leading men in gardening and general agricul- 
tural pursuits, grape culture, &c. The call for the initial meeting, 
which was held on the 26th day of Januar}^ 1865, was signed b}- the 
following gentlemen : 

John A. Fetters, F. J. Boving, Charles Dunbar, John C. Rainey, J. 
C. Kinkead, Ambrose Bender, John D. Martin, John Gravit. H. V. 
Weakley, John S. Snyder, S. A. Griswold and John D. Clark. 

The officers of the first permanent organization were as follows : 

Joseph C. Kinhead, president; R. J. Black and F. J. Boving, vice 
Presidents; John D. Martin, Treasurer; JohnC. Weaver, Librarian; 
JohnC. McCracken, Recording Secretary. 

Members.— M. A. Daugherty, H. V. Weakley, J. C. McCracken, 
James Scott, John Gravit, Thomas H. White, P. B. Ewing, J. A. Fet- 
ters, R. J. Blaek, S. A. Griswold, J. D. Martin, Robert Work, R. J. 
Peters, C. Pairan, C. Speelman, Thomas M. Young, Emanuel Fetters, 
B. F. Reinmond, Martin Lundis, D, Talmadge, J. W. Lewis, E. O. 
Edwards, Robert Black, C. M. L. Wiseman, Daniel Ward, T. Broom- 
field, M. Effinger, J. C. Kinkead, Henry Borchers, C. F. Garaghty, 
F. J. Boving, John C. Rainey, John S. Snyder, John D. Clark, David 
Stalter, John Rhodes, J. C. Weaver, A. Dennis, E. E. Meason, J. 
R. Mumaugh, Kinnis Fritter, Samuel Barr, Salem Wolfe, John Artz, 
L. H. Olds, J. T. Busby, R. H. Hooker, George Kauftman, Chas. 
F. Schaefter, Daniel Ream, Jacob Moyer, G. A. Mithofi; John B. M. 
Neill, William Van Hyde. 

During the first twelve years, ten of the original members died, viz., 
H. V. Weakley. John C. McCracken, Emanuel Fetters, E. V. Ed- 
wards, Henry Borchers, John C. Rainey, J. C. Weaver, E. E. 
Meason, Salem Wolfe and Daniel Ream. 

The special purposes for which the society was organized, hav- 
ing been materialy accomplished, their meetings were discontinued. 

Patrons of Husbandry. — The Order of Patrons of Husbandry, 
or "Grangers," was instituted at Washington, D. C, in July, 1867, 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 67 

with William Saunders, Master, and O. H. Kelley, Secretary. The 
local organizations are called " Granges." The first grange organized 
in Ohio was in Februar}-, 1871, and the first in Fairfield covmty, in July, 
1873. The growth of the order in Ohio was as Ibllows: In 1871, one 
grange was established; in 1872, 7; in 1873. 315; in 1874, 779 5 ^^ 
1875, 128; in 1876, 62. The first officers were: Master, S. H. Ellis; 
Secretary', W. S. Miller. The members of the executive committee 
were: J. H. Brigham, chairman; J. P. Schenk, O. C. Cummings, A. 
R. Keller, N. H. Albraugh, H. McDowel, H. C. Ellis, and W. W. 
Miller. Nineteen granges were organized in Fairfield county, namely . 
Rush Creek, No, 67, at Bremen, July, 1873 ; Bloom, No. 397 : Pleas- 
ant, No. 675 ; Violet, No. 683 ; Greenfield, No. 725 ; Hocking, No, 
706 ; Union, No. 762 ; Cedar Hill, No. 763 ; Amanda, No. 815 ; Stouts- 
ville. No. 917 ; Harvey, No. 930; Walnut, No. 931 ; Berne, No. 959; 
Summit, No. 1038; Fairfield, No. 1148; Liberty, No. 929; New 
Salem, No. 971 ; Richland, No. 838; Clear Creek, No. loii. Num- 
bers 706 and 725 were afterwards consolidated ; likewise 838 and 1 148. 
Pleasant, Greenfield, Cedar Hill, New Salem, and Fairfield granges 
either built or purchased suitable halls. The largest membership, at- 
tained by the order in Fairfield county, was 1200, and it began to de- 
cline in 1876. At present but few of the local granges hold regular 
meetings. Mr. A. R. Keller, of Fairfield, a member of the executive 
committee, said, in 1876: "The excitement of organization carried 
man}^ into the order, who were influenced by purely selfish motives, and 
w^ho expected to grow rich without elibrt. Some of this class have 
expressed dissatisfaction, and have been dropped from the rolls of 
their respective granges. But the order is in a much better condition 
than ever before, a majority of the most enterprising farmers having be- 
come identified with it." 



68 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, 



CHAPTER XI. 

I^UBLIC HIGHWAYS. 

Two canals (Ohio and Hocking) pass through the central part of 
Fairtield county. The Ohio canal traverses its surface a distance of 
nearh' thirty miles. It enters the county through Winchester, in the 
southwest C(jrner of Violet township, through section thirty-two ; it then 
assumes a southeast coiu'se, passing the northern border of the village 
of Carroll, in Greenfield township. It then runs east, across the south- 
east corner of Liberty township, passing the villages Basil and Balti- 
more, entering Walnut township, turns north, and passes out of the 
county through section twent3'-two. 

The Hocking canal opens into the Ohio canal at Carroll. From 
this point it runs southeast, entering Hocking Valley near Hocker's 
Station, four miles above Lancaster. Passing Lancaster on its western 
border, and entering Berne township, continuing a southeast direction, 
it passes out of the county south of Sugar Grove, through section ten, 
Berne township, seventeen and one-half miles from Carroll. It then 
runs via Logan, Nelsonville, and Chauncey, to Athens, fifty-three miles 
from Carroll. 

Slack water navigation in Ohio, in the form of inland lock canals, 
was first mentioned in the Legislature of 1821, under a proposition, con- 
templating the connection of Lake Erie with the Ohio River, on the 
lock and dam principle. This was introduced with that of a proposed 
school law, and the changing of the mode of public taxation, to be more 
equitable, the measures all being popular with the public at large, were 
no sooner promulgated, than they began to receive the popular approval 
of the people. The Act, previously passed in regard to canals, had not 
taken effect. A few private individuals had been interested iu the mat- 
ter, with a view of obtaining a charter, for a company to construct a 
canal. For the want of popular favor they failed in that scheme. In 
1821, being introduced, as it was, with the school and taxation project, it 
at once became a dominant theme. M. C. Williams, of Cincinnati, was 
that year a member of the Lower House, of the General Assembly, from 
Hamilton county. After the meeting of the Legislature in December, 
Mr. Williams began the discussion of the subject of a canal, with vari- 
ous members, and presented his resolution on the sixth of that month. 
This provided for the appointment of a committee of five members, 
whose dut}^ it was to discuss that part of the Governor's message relat- 
ing to the subject — canals. The resolution was approved and passed, 
the lollowing gentlemen being appointed to act as. a committee : Messrs. 
Williams, Howe, Worthington, Moore and Shelby. 

Immediately after the passing of this resolution, Caleb Atwater, of 
Pickaway county, presented a resolution, calling for the appointment of 
five, to report on schools and school lands. The resolution offered in 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 69 

regard to taxation was next introduced and adopted, so with the aid oi 
these two the canal question was settled. 

Mr, Williams was the leading spirit of the committee, encountering 
many difficulties in the prosecution of their work, although adhering to 
it with prudence, discretion, and perseverence. January 3, 1822, they 
presented their report to the house, in elaborate form. This embodied 
a recommendation for the passage of a law. authorizing an examination 
into the practicability of connecting Lake Erie with the Ohio Riyer by 
canal, at the same time introducing a bill, embodying the recommenda- 
tion of the report. 

The bill passed the House at its third reading, January 21, 1822, al- 
though bitterly opposed for a time. In the Senate it became 'a law on 
the 31st ot January. The resolution for the appointment of seyen school 
commissioners passed the Senate, and both messages were carried to- 
gether to the House. Both originated in the House of Representatiyes 
December 5, 1821. and both became laws January 31, 1822. 

Soon after the enactment of the canal law, commissioners were ap- 
pointed to take charge of special duties ; first, the employment of an 
engineer to examine the location of the country lying between the two 
points. Lake Erie, on the north, and Ohio Riyer on the south. Mr. 
James Geddes, of New York, was emplo3'ed to ferret out the most 
eligible route, and report the same at an early day. He first examined 
the route to Columbus, yia Cu3-ahoga Summit, arriying in Columbus in 
June, 1822. During the su^mmer and fall he trayeled a distance of nine 
hundred miles. 

Samuel Forrer was one of the interested parties at home, trayeling 
about eight hundred miles. All this preliminary examination was 
completed in eight months, showing the energy with which this work 
was received. 

The commissioners took active interest, spending a large share of 
their time in the service, taking notes of the difterent proposed routes, 
in the years 1823, '24, '25. 

At last it was decided to locate the starting point at the mouth of 
the Cuyahoga River at Lake Erie, entering the Ohio at the mouth of the 
Scioto. 

The same year a canal was located between Cincinnati and Day- 
ton. 

While the above work was in progress, a board of canal commis- 
sioners had been created by law, and a stock company organized. A 
sufficient amount of money, to carry on the work of excavating on the 
respective canals, for one year, was borrowed of New York capitalists. 

David S. Bates, of Rochester, New York, was appointed chief en- 
gineer of Ohio canals, with the necessary number of assistants. The 
following notice is from an old copy of the Lancaster Gazette: 

" Canal Celebration — Washington Volunteers, Attend. 

" You are hereby ordered to parade in front of ' Reed's Tavern,' at 
Monticello, on the Fourth of July, 1827, at nine o'clock, for the purpose 
of saluting the canal boat " Hebron," which will be the first to run on 
the Ohio canal. By order of the Captain. 

"Jacob Bope, O. S." 



70 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

Hocking Canal. — The following response of Senator Carlisle to a 
toast, "The Hocking Canal," given on the occasion of the anniversary 
of the Hocking Sentinel, at Logan, April 26th 1877, gives a complete 
history of the canal : "In response to the subject assigned us, we beg 
to be indulged, while we review in abstract, and briefly, the history and 
reminiscences, of the Hocking Canal. Its history, though brief, and 
to some probably monotonous and uninteresting, is fraught with facts, 
important, and will be remembered by the pioneers of the Hockhocking. 
We call upon you friends, who have lived for tw^o and a half or three 
score years, in this beautiful valley of milk and honey, to return w^ith 
us on the wnngs. of memorv and hear again the shouts of joy echo 
throughout the length and breadth of this valley, as we heard them in 
the earliest days of our settlement. 

"The first part of the Hocking Canal was built by the Lancaster Lat- 
teral Canal Company from there to Curroll, there forming a junction 
with the Ohio Canal. The Lancaster Latteral Canal was put under 
contract in 1832, by Samuel F. McCracken, Jacob Green, Elnathan 
Schofield, Benjamin Connell and others, with Frederick A. Foster as 
secretary. This piece of canal, known at that time as the Lancaster 
side cut, was completed, and the first boats towed into Lancaster on 
the Fourth of July, 1836, amidst the booming of cannons, beating of 
drums, and the waving to the breeze of flags and banners, and being 
witnessed b}^ some ten thousand of Fairfield's yeomanry, who were as- 
sembled at the Cold Spring Hill, near Lancaster, where there was a 
roasted ox and a free dinner served, after which the Greens, Bill 
Furguson and others indulged in the popular exercise of fisticufls. 

"Up to this period our farmers usually got from 25 to 40 cents for 
their wdieat ; but many of them became rich from prices received for 
their surplus products afterwards. Lancaster w^as then one of the large 
commercial cities of the country/, getting all the grain from most parts 
of the county, as well as from parts of Perry, Hocking and Pickaway 
counties. There were nine dry goods stores, all doing a good busi- 
ness. 

"In March 1838, an act was passed b}- the Legislature of the State, 
authorizing the then Commissioners to purchase the side cut from its 
owners. April 6, 1838, a committee was appointed to confer with the 
Lancaster company and negotiate terms ; and December 22 1838, a 
contract was matured for the same, at a cost of $61,241.04. 

"The Hocking Canal was projected and put under contract by the 
board of public works in 1836, that board having just been made to 
substitute the canal commissioners of the State. Sixteen and one half 
miles, being from Lancaster to Bowner's lock, was put under contract 
in 1837, '^"d to be completed in 1839; '^^^^ ^^^'^^ portion from Bowner's 
lock to Nelsonville, being sixteen and one-half miles, w^as put under 
contract in 1837, to be completed in 1839, ^"^ '^^''^^ "*^t completed until 
1840. In September of this vear, the first boats loaded with coal, came 
out of the Hocking Valle}', and served as a curiosity to most of the 
upper valley citizens, who had never seen stone coal. In 1841 the canal 
was completed to Monday Creek, being forty-four miles from Carroll ; 
and from Monda}^ Creek to Athens, completed, and boats running 
through in 1841. 



HISTORY OP" FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 7I 

"The Hocking Canal cost has 31 locks, 8 dams, 34 culverts, and one 
aqueduct of 80 feet span. 

"The total cost of construction of this canal, was $947,670.65. 

"To the opening of this canal, Lancaster, Logan, Nelsonville and 
Athens, owed their principal prosperit}^ in affording an opening for the 
importation of goods and the exportation of grain, pork, lumber, salt, 
and various minerals of the Hocking Valley- Hemmed in as you were 
by towering hills, your agricultural wealth undeveloped, your 
mineral wealth unknown, to the Hocking Canal vou owe your intro- 
duction, to the world without. Through the medium of the canal, a 
market was brought near. The latent wealth of your hills was then 
developed, and the beautiful hills of Hockhocking became the hub of 
the mineral wealth of Ohio. 

"By the introduction of this old water horse (the canal), the long 
hidden treasures of mineral wealth ol this valley, were brought into 
notice, and general use ; manufactories built up in all the contiguous 
towns and territories ; this affording employment to a large and needy 
class of mechanics ; and the employment of an equal number of labor- 
ers, in penetrating the bowels of the earth for fuel, the employment of 
horses, boats, and men, to ship the tuel all along the lines of our 
canals, enriching many of the citizens of the valley. 

"Allow me to say in conclusion, that, although the iron horse moves 
majestically along the valley, bearing the greater share of your trade, 
yet the old boat-horse still lives, and possesses a large amount of vital- 
ity, and is therefore not as 3^et read}- to be turned out to die, as some 
would have him. And if any animated object were capable of waking 
in the human breast, sentiments .of gratitude and esteem, these the 
citizens of the Hocking valley owe to the canal."' 

Turnpike Roads. — Fairfield county has eight turnpike roads, all 
being gravel road beds with the exception of the Maysville and Zanes- 
ville roads, these two being originally made of broken lime stone, and 
completed between the years 1837-42. A joint stock road with toll 
gates was also made at this time. This road was made substantially, 
and during the forty-three 3'ears it has been in use, but little re- 
pairing has been required. It enters the county from the west, crossing 
the south line of the Clear Creek township, and the southeast corner 
of Amanda township, thence east through Hocking township, forming 
the Main street of Lancaster. From Lancaster east, it deflects a little to 
the north, crossing Berne, Pleasant, Richland, and Rushville town- 
ships ; it then enters Perry county. 

The Lancaster and New Salem road is twelve miles long, and con- 
sidered the best in the county. All the gravel roads were built under 
the provision of legislative enactment, providing a pro-rata taxation on 
land, lying within two miles of the road bed, on both sides, the per 
cent diminishing as the distance of the land tVom the road increased. 

The cost of this road to commissioner Fink of Pleasant township 
was six hundred dollars. The act, however, provided that tax payers 
might at their option, form joint stock companies, and erect toll-gates. 
Some did so, while others made their road free. 

The Cedar Hill pike intersects the Maysville and Zanesville road, 
half a mile west of Lancaster, passes through Amanda township one 



7i kl^TORV OF FAIRt'IELD COUlSfTY. 

mile south of Royalton, to Cedar Hill ; thence to the Pickaway county 
line ; it is smooth, substantial and free of toll-gates. 

The Baltimore and Kirkersville road, commencing at the north- 
west corner of Lancaster, continues in a northern direction through 
Dumontsville to Baltimore, eight miles ; thence nortlieast through 
Liberty and Walnut townships, into Licking county. A toll-road, at 
first, by a subsequent act of the Legislature, it was made free. 

The Amanda road, the shortest in the county, starts from a point on 
the Mavsville and Zanesville pike, nearly a mile east of x\manda, 
forming its Main street, and continues a distance of six miles, to the 
Pickaway county line. 

The Lancaster and Lithopolis pike commences at Main street, in 
Lancaster, and from Columbus street enters Greenfield township ; 
thence past Hooker Station, on through the villages of Greencastle and 
Lithopolis, in Bloom township ; thence to the Franklin county line. 
In 1881 this road was finished only to a point west of Lith.opolis. The 
Lancaster and Carrol road connects with the Lithopolis road at the 
canal bridge, near Hooker's Station, and running parallel with the 
Hocking Canal, to Carroll, enters Bloom township, passing througli 
Jefierson to Canal Winchester, there terminates. 

A free road is to be graded from Lancaster to the State Farm, a 
distance of six miles. Already two miles of that distance has been 
graded. 

Seven of the last roads mentioned, were constructed on the same 
legal and financial plan, in about three years' time, and have con- 
tributed largely to the convenience of the public. 

Railroads. — Within the limits of Fairfield county, there are seventy- 
eight miles of main track railway, and ten miles side track ; making a 
total of eighty-eight miles. The total valuation for taxation for 
the year 1880, was $824,704. In this summary three roads are com- 
prised. 

First, the Cincinnati, Wilmington and Zanesville, being the first in 
the county. It was chartered by the Legislature on February 4th, 185 1, 
soon after the work was put under contract west of Lancaster, and 
soon completed. The western termipiation of the road being its con- 
nection with the Little Miami road, at Morrowtown, in Warren county, 
and in 1853 cars were running into Lancaster from the west. Its east- 
ern termination was at Zanesville, in Muskingum county. It had a 
mileage of twenty-eight and fift3^-two one hundreth miles. Appraised 
at $411,280. In 1856 the road was completed, and regular trains run- 
ning between Morrowtown and Zanesville, thus opening communica- 
tion between Cincinnati and all eastern seaboards, by connecting at 
Zanesville with the original Central Ohio Railroad. 

To the capital stock of this road, the citizens of the county con- 
tributed liberall3^ The commissioners of the county, as provided for 
in the act of incorporation, subscribed $250,000, for the payment of 
which, bonds were issued bearing seven per cent. The company, ne- 
gotiating them in the markets at favorable rates, similar rates were sub- 
jected to the market, and sold by all the counties through which the 
road passed. In this way sufficient funds were raised to complete the 
road, including bridges, tunnels, ties, and the principal part of the 



HISTORY or FAIRFIELD COUNTV* 73 

iron. The road remained, however, to be completed, by the required 
stock having acquired a substantial value of hrst, second and third 
mortgages; bonds were issued and sold, and with the help of an in- 
come, loans were secured with these for securit}^ 

After three or four years of experience, the road found it had too 
heavy a debt to contend with. The interest on the bonds, and the 
running expenses ot the road, exceeded the earnings. The stock be- 
gan to decline in the market. An effort was made by the capitalists to 
save the road, by contracting the price of the shares from fifty to fif- 
teen dollars, but the first mortgage bonds became due, a fore-closure 
took place, the road was sold, and the name changed to that of the 
Cincinnati and Muskingum Valley ; having since changed hands, it is 
now the Muskingum division of the Pittsburg, Cincinnat and St. Louis 
Railroad. 

The county bonds and interests, together with the entire amount of 
the individual stock, was a total loss. The stockholders' loss was equal 
to that of the county. The first mortgage bonds were probably liqui- 
dated by the sale of the road. The second, third, and income bonds 
were valueless. 

The route of the road through the count}- is as follows : Entering 
Irom the \vest, through section nineteen, of Clear Creek township ; 
passes through this township in a northeast direction, crossing the north- 
west corner. It passes near Amanda, in Amanda township, entering 
Hocking township, still pursuing a northeast direction to Lancaster; 
from there east, through the northern part of Berne township, entering 
next. Rush Creek township ; after passing Bremen, its course is north- 
east, through section twelve, of Rush Creek township, here entering 
the adjoining county. 

The Hocking Valley Railroad has a mileage in Fairfield county 
of twenty-three and fifty-three one hundredth miles, main track, and 
five miles side track, making an aggregate of twenty-nine miles. It 
was placed on the county duplicate for taxation, in the year 1880, at a 
value of $205,364. This road was first chartered in 1864, under the 
title of "Mineral Point Railroad Company," and was to extend from 
Columbus to Athens, a distance of seventy-four miles. In June, 1867, 
the name of the road was changed by the court of common pleas, 
of Franklin county, to that of the Columbus and Hocking Valley R. 
R., its present title. 

The charter provided, that as soon as the company should reach the 
point of a specified stock, and expended this amount in making the 
road-bed, it should be authorized to issue one and one-half million dol- 
lars worth of bonds, secured by mortgage on the road, these to be sold 
in the market, and the proceeds to be applied to the further completion 
of the road. The required amount of stock was soon taken, and the 
bed of the road constructed without delay ; whereupon the bonds were 
issued and sold on favorable terms to the company. Within one year 
from the commencement of this road, cars were running between Col- 
umbus and Lancaster. In 1868, four years after the granting of the 
charter, the road was completed, and daily trains run from Columbus 
to Athens. 

For the construction of the Hocking Valley road, the authorities of 
10 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 75 

Jjancaster i^su'ed to the. company of the road, twenty thousand dollars 
of seven per cent, bonds, to enable the purchase of the right of way 
through the city. This, an act on the part of the city council, unauth- 
orized by law, caused much dissatisfaction, at first, among the tax- 
payers. Many declared their determination to resist the payment of 
the levy, but. at length, acquiescence was accorded, and the bonds and 
interest paid. 

This road has proved to be one of the wealthiest in the State, chiefly 
on account of the extensive transportation of coal out of the lower 
valley. 

The stock of the road has always been above par, paying an an- 
nual dividend of eight per cent., at times exceeding that, as well as 
carrying a large surplus fund. Their bonds, a million and a half in 
number, are at a premium in the market. 

The transportation of coal, in prosperous times, has been twenty 
trains, each containing thirty loaded cars, these passing Lancaster 
every twenty-four hours. 

The Muskingum and Hocking Valley have a joint depot at the 
south terminus of Broadway. The tracks cross the canal within 
twenty leet of each other, one hundred and fifty yards west of the 
depot. 

The Hocking Valley enters the count v from the northwest, at Win- 
chester, through section twenty-nine, of Violet township, and bearing 
a little south of east to section thirty-six, takes a southeast course 
across the northeast corner of Bloom township, entering Greenfield 
township a short distance above the village of Carroll ; thence in the 
same direction to Lancaster, where it takes a southern course, following 
the Hocking Valley, passing into Hocking county through section ten, 
of Berne township, one mile south of Sugar Grove. 

The Hocking Valley has five stations in Fairfield county, viz. : Lock- 
ville, Carroll, Hooker's, Lancaster and Sugar Grove. The five sta- 
tions on the Muskingum Valley are, Stoutsville, Amanda, Lancaster, 
Berne and Bremen. Both roads have six passenger trains daiW, three 
each way. 

The Central Ohio Railroad was originally projected from 
Toledo, on the Maumee, to Pomero}' on the Ohio, being designed for a 
mineral road to run into the coal fields of southern Ohio. It was first 
chartered as the " Atlantic and Lake Erie." For nine years it strug- 
gled through difiiculties, when funds were plenty, the work was con- 
tinued with energy, until the ground work of the northern division was 
well adyanced. During this time Gen. Thom^as Ewing, of Lancaster, 
was president of the compan}^ 

At last the road became so involved in debt that it had to be sold, 
but not until the company had endeavored to involve the stockholders, 
by bringing suit against them for more than the amount subscribed by 
them. Suit was entered in the court of common pleas, of Fairfield 
county, to inforce the pavment of this, but the stockholders resisted, 
and, pending the suit, an accommodation sale of the road was effected, 
and the suit was withdrawn. 

When the road passed into new hands, the name was changed to 
Central Ohio, and at once completed from Columbus to Corning, in 



y6 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

the Southern p?irt of Perry county, a distance of sixty-five mile^;- Irt 
the early part of the summer of 1880, trains were run through. That 
part running into Cokimbus is a branch, leaving the main track at 
Bush's Station, in Walnut township. The southern terminus of the 
road, at present, is at Corning, with a branch extending to Shawnee, 
seven miles to the west. On the northern end of the main line, cars 
run through to Fostoria, (Hancock count^s) in 1880, or beginning of 
the year 1881. The Central Ohio enters Fairfield county from the 
north, through section twenty-two, of Walnut township, and receives 
the Columbus branch at Bvish's Station ; here the route turns southeast, 
to Pleasantville, in the northern part of Pleasant township, from here 
into Richland township, where its course changes to due south, to 
Rushville, passing between the two villages into Rush Creek township. 
At Bremen it runs on the track of the Cincinnati and Muskingum 
Vallev road to New Lexington. The Columbus branch has six stations 
in Fairfield countv, viz. : Pickering, Basil, Bush's, Pleasantville, Rush- 
ville and Bremen. The mileage of this road, in the county, is twenty- 
nine and six one hundredths ; the appraisement being $208,030, taxa- 
tion. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 77 



CHAPTER XII. 

PUBLIC BUILDINGS. 

Court Houses. — Fairfield county's first court house was built in 
1806, and occupied in 1807. Four years had elapsed since the first 
court of common pleas had convened in the county, during which the 
courts were held in log cabins. The new temple of justice was a tw^o-sto- 
ry brick, and stood in the center of Broadway, on the north side of Main 
street. It was one of the first structures of the kind then complete in 
the state. The brick were made by Sosthenus McCabe — it is said at 
$2.50 per thovisand. 

In the first story was the court room, the seats being arranged in 
amphitheatre tbrm. In the second story were tw^o jury rooms, reached 
by a flight of winding stairs. The roof was conical, and "hipped," 
and surmounted by a balcon^^ and steeple. A fine bell hung in the bal- 
con}^ The building w^as used for nearly sixty years, and was con- 
demned by the county commissioners, in 1864, on account of its sup- 
posed dampness, the floor resting near the ground. Soon after the 
war, it was torn down, and the fears of dampness proved unfounded, 
by the remarkable dryness of the floor-lumbers. For the three years 
between the demolition of this venerable edifice, and the completion of 
its successor, the commissioners rented the basement of the German 
Reformed Church, on Chestnut street, for the sitting of the courts. At 
a very early dav, a two-story brick was built on the south side of Main 
street, and in the southeast part of the public square. This building 
contained four rooms, and was used by the county officers for several 
years. It was called, for political reasons, probably, the "Red Lodge," 
though the exact origin of this sobriquet is not now known. The post- 
office was kept in the lower stoiT, for a time. After the removal of 
the county offices, and also a small book store, the Fairfield Telegraph 
newspaper was published in the upper story, lor about three years, in 
connection with the telegraph office. After the removal of Judge Irwin 
to his farm, south of town, the county commissioners purchased his 
large brick dwelling, on the north side of the square, and devoted 
it to county uses. This arrangement was in effect between 1843 and 
1850. Soon after the purchase of the property, a stone vault was built 
on the premises, in conformity wath a statute providing, for the safe cus- 
tody of the books and funds of county treasurers. In this place the 
offices were continued until the completion of the new court house, in 
187 1. The Irwin house, known for more than twenty years, as the 
" county building," was used as a high school, for some time after its 
vacation by the county officials, and finally sold by the count}-, for five 
thousand dollars. 

The new court house was completed in 187 1, about four years from 



78 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

the time the ground was first broken for the foundation. Im- 
mediately after the condemnation of the old court house, the count}- 
commissioners began to move in the matter of erecting a suitable court 
house, large enough to contain all the county officers. The choice of a 
site was a matter of some difficulty, and, while pending, occasioned 
much discussion. The northeast corner of Main and High streets was 
finally decided to be the most eligible site, and the ground was pur- 
chased from John S. Brazee, for $5,000. An adjoining lot, on the east, 
was subsequently bought, of John Randolph, and added to the first 
purchase. The whole was inclosed with a strong stone wall, sur- 
mounted by an iron fence. A special act of the legislature was secured, 
which authorized a levy on the county duplicate for $100,000, for build- 
ing the court house, and the funds were raised by the sale of county 
bonds. The plan was drawn by Jacob Carman, architect, of Lancas- 
ter, who directed the construction trom the first. The corner-stone of 
the new court house was laid with appropriate ceremonies, and a large 
number of articles deposited therein. Among them were the names of 
county, state and national officials, religious and secular newspapers, 
religious pamphlets and books, several bottles of wine, and the 
names of the teachers and pupils of the Lancaster high school. 

When the house was finished, its cost was found to have exceeded 
the original appropriation by more than $50,000, but this amount was 
levied and collected without trouble, the public being full}' satisfied with 
the quality ol the work. The Fairfield county court house is entirely 
of Waverly sand-stone, quarried in sight ol the structure, and is three 
stories high. The basement story is occupied by the heating apparatus, 
rooms for storage, and the living apartments of the janitor. The main 
hall, on the second floor is paved with marble, and fronting it are the 
offices of the auditor, treasurer, surveyor, probate judge and recorder 
of the county. The common pleas court room is on the third floor of 
the south end. The jury rooms and the county clerk's office are on the 
right and left of the hall, at the north end. The inside work of the edi- 
fice, is all of hard wood. From the roof, a fine view of the city, the ro- 
mantic country around it, and of a portion of Hocking valley, is ob- 
tained. 

Jails. — The first jail was built of logs, and stood in the northwest 
corner of the present jail grounds. It was erected probably about 1802, 
though the exact date is unknown, there being no record on this sub- 
ject. The jail had but one room, and was, at that time, considered 
very strong ; but prisoners sometimes escaped from it, notwithstanding. 
A man and woman, confined there once, escaped in a single night, by 
prying up the puncheon floor, and burrowing out under the logs. About 
1816, a two-story brick jail was built on the south side of the jail 
grounds, fronting on, and close to the pavement of Chestnut street — 
nearly in front of the present jail. The west end was occupied by the 
family of the sherift'. There was a single prison-room below, where 
all prisoners were confined, besides a dungeon, for such as were con- 
demned to solitary confinement on bread and water — a punishment 
more common than now. In the east end of the second story was 
the debtors' prison, as debtors were not kept with other offenders. 
A debtor might, by furnishing a bondsman, be allowed liberty with- 



HiSTORV OF FAIRJ'IELD COUNTY. 70 

in prescribed bounds. The limit ot this privilege was, sometimes, 
only the narrow jail-3fard, sometimes a mile square, and again the 
township. If he overstepped the line, inadvertently or otherwise, 
his bondsman became personally responsible lor the debt. 

This jail was torn down in 1852, and replaced by the one now in 
use. The new structure is of sand-stone, two stories in height, and 
provided with strong cells, and large corridors for exercise. The fe- 
male department is in the second stor}^ and is sometimes used tor con- 
fining the milder class of male prisoners, when not otherwise occupied. 
The sherift^'s residence, in front, is a two-stor}'^ brick, with all the ap- 
pointments of a comfortable dwelling. The sheriff's office, a one-story 
brick, is at the east end. Communication with the jail is through the 
hall of the dwelling. A high, iron fence, which, in itself, is a very 
good prison, surrounds the jail-yard. 

The County Infirmary. — The necessity for a county infirmary 
was felt about 1827. Previous to that time, such persons as became 
county charges, were cared for in their respective townships, by officers 
called " overseers of the poor," who let out the contract for the keep- 
ing of each pauper, to the lowest bidder; such contract running one 
3^ear. The conditions were that the mendicant should receive adequate 
food, comtbrtable clothing, and competent medical attendance. The 
county infirmary is situated two and a half miles north of Lancaster, 
and the farm contains one hundred and seventv acres of land. The 
first buildings were erected in 1828, and were of frame. .In 1840, these 
were removed, and a two-story brick building placed on the same site. 
The dimensions of the new " poor-house'" were then sufficient to accom- 
modate the county poor, as well as provide a residence for the superin- 
tendent. From time to time thereafter, out-buildings were erected, the 
main building enlarged, and various accesspries provided, the better to 
conduce to the welfare, and make the place more attractive to visitors. 
The present value of buildings and grounds, is about $17,000. The 
infirmary is under the control of three directors, whose tenure of office 
is three years, the term being so arranged that one new director is 
elected each year. The office of superintendent of the infirmary is filled 
by this board, no time being fixed, the incumbent retaining his place 
solely by pleasure of the board. He resides in the institution, and has 
immediate charge of the inmates, attendants, and all properties belong- 
ing to the premises. 

The annual expense of the institution, at present, is about $12,000. 
This does not include outside support, nor outside medical attendance ; 
two items which, last year, amounted to about $1,000. A common 
school is maintained in the infirmary, in which the common English 
branches are taught by an inmate — the county incurring no expense 
therefor, other than that of the few books required. The number of 
inmates in the infirmary, February ist, 1881, were: males, seventy; 
females, fifty-four ; and of this number, there were twenty boys, and 
twelve girls. Of the whole number of inmates, there were thirty idiots, 
two blind, two epiliptics, and fitty-eight infirm. Eight were above the 
age of eighty, and sixteen were over seventy years. The expenses of 
the institution would be vastly increased but for the farming, stock 
raising, and fruit culture largely carried on by the inmates. 



$0 HIStORV OF iP-AlRflELE) COUNTV. 

The City Hall, of Lancaster, is of brick, three stories high, and 
was built in 1859. It stands on the tbrmer site of the old Red Lodge, 
before mentioned, south side of Main Street and on the southeast part 
of the public square. The third story is the Hall of Charity Lodge 
No. 7, L O. O. F. The lodge loaned mone}' to the city, towards the 
erection of the building, conditionally that the city should provide the 
Odd Fellows with a suitable meeting place. For this the city receives 
a fixed rental. The second floor contains one room, which is called the 
City Hall, and is used for public meetings of various kinds. It has 
a stage and scenery. The hall has been a source of considerable rev- 
enue to the cit}'. The front or north apartment of the lower story has 
been used as a post office, for twenty years. The middle division con- 
tains the Mayor's office and the cit}- council chamber. The south part 
is set apart for the fire engine and hose. When first erected, the third 
floor of the building was pronounced unsafe. The ceiling sank, and 
examination showed that the girders and roof timbers were not well se- 
cured to the walls. Iron girders were used, and ten iron pillars set in 
the audience chamber, which averted the danger. 

The old Market House, is situated on the west division of the pub- 
lic square, and w^as built in 1824. It is two stories high. The south 
room of the second story was used as city council chamber, until the 
erection of the City Hall, and for various other purposes. The north 
room was a Masonic Hall for many years, and is now used by a build- 
ing association, for its weekly meetings. The lower rooms have 
always been used as a meat market, and the sheds and adjacent pave- 
ments, form the general market space. The regular markets have 
sometimes been suspended for a whole year, and the building has fre- 
quently been threatened with destruction, which, however, has not yet 
overtaken it. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, 8l 



CHAPTER XIII. 

COUNTY AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS — PUBLIC MEN, 

Probate Judges. — The probate court was tirst provided for b}- the 
new constitution, adopted June, 185 1. Under the old constitution the 
functions of the probate court, were performed by the associate judges 
of the court of common ple;is, and clerk of court. The following are 
the Probate Judges, for the county of Fairfield, in order of their suc- 
cession : 

Joel Rudibaugh, was elected in the fall of 1852 ; before his term 
expired, he resigned, and Jesse Lockner was appointed to fill the 
vacanc}'. In 1854, Virgil E. Shaw was elected, serving three years. 
Succeeding him was Jesse Loehner, having been elected in 1857. He 
served three terms, in all 9 years. In 1866 Abraham Seifert was elected, 
and served until 1872, when William L. Rigby was elected, servmg two 
terms. In 1878 he was succeeded by S. Theodore Shaeflfer, who is at 
present filling the office. (1881.) ^ 

Clerks of Court. — At its first session, Hugh Boyl was appointed 
clerk of the court of common pleas, in 1803, and continued to serve in 
this capacity until 1833. when M. Z. Kreider was appointed in his place, 
serving until 1842, in all eight years. Jacob Rudibaugh was then ap- 
pointed, and served until the adoption of the new constitution, in 1851. 
By the provisions of the new constitution, the office of clerk of the 
court became elective, in place of appointing, as under the former con- 
stitution. 

Martin Cragy was the first to be elected, serving one term, of three 
years. He was then suceeeded by John Rudibaugh, who also served 
three years. John C. Rainey, was the next elected and re-elected, 
serving in all six years. Jesse Vandemark succeeded him, serving, 
likewise, two terms. His successor was Charles F. Rainey, who served 
two terms. In October, 1875, George Graybill was elected, serving 
two terms, expiring with 1881. 

Hugh Boyl*^continued to serve as clerk of the Supreme Court, until 
his death in 1841. 

Shp:riffs. — Previous to the year 1824, there appears no definite way 
of fixing the exact order of successions, of the early sheriffs of Fairfield 
count}^. Of those, who are known to have served previous to that date, 
are George Sanderson and William Crook, but the date and the length 
of term cannot be given. From 1824 to 1881. the following are the suc- 
cessions, in order : 

Edward B.Thompson, 1824-38; George D. Seits, 1828-32; Nathan 
Wetherby, 1832-34; Silas Tum, 1834-38; Thomas Edingfielcl, 1838-40 ; 
Samuel Ewing, 1840-44; Elias Perry, 1844-48; Oliver H. Peny, 1848- 
52; James Weaver, 1852-54; William Potter, 1854-56; Aaron Ebright, 



82 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

1856-60 ; James Miller, 1860-64; Emanuel Shisler, 1864-68; John D. 
Jackson. 1868-72; William Bush, 1872-76: George Lee, 1876-80. In 
October, 1880, Hiram Shoemaker, was elected sheriff, and is now in 
office. (1881.) 

Treasurers. — The office of county treasurer was created in 1826. 
Previous to that time collectors of taxes were appointed by the county 
commissioners, from 1802-27. During that time, taxes were collected 
and paid over to treasurers, also appointed. They were, however, requi- 
red to enter into bonds, with security. The names of the early treas- 
urers cannot be given. Only those who have served since 1826. 

Adam Weaver, 1826 ; Jacob Beck, 1830 ; Ewel Jefries, 1837 5 ^^^ 
Spurgeon, 1841 ; Jephtha Newkirk, 1845 ; Francis Lill)^ 1849; Edward 
Graybill, 1853; Peter C. Bennadum, 1857: O. E. Davis, 1861 ; Bat- 
eman Beaty, 1863; Jacob Baker, 1867; Gilbert Schaefter, 1871 ; 
Henry Martens, 1875 ; J. M. Hickel, 1879. 

County Surveyors. — Not until 1823, do the names of surveyors 
appear in regular order, which are from that date as follows : 

Samuel Carpenter, 1823-26; Solomon Shaw, 1826-42; J. Card, 
1842-49 ; Gabriel Strunk, 1849-54 ; William Hamilton, 1854-56 ; Ezra 
S. Hannum, 1856-57: Frank H. Carpenter, 1857-69; Levi Hartzler, 
1869-74; Ezra S. Hannum, 1874-76; Charles Boreland, Jr., 1876-80. 
He was then re-elected. 

The foregoing records of Probate Judges, Clerks of Court, Sheriffs, 
Treasurers, and County Surveyors, is complete to 1881. In compiling 
the succession of other county officers, there have been so many diffi- 
culties met with, that to complete the list is impossible. 

The files of the Ohio Eagle, between 1810-38, are wanting. From them 
the annual and biennial elections could have been shown. In the ^^a^'- 
£://£: office the files are still more incomplete. The court house records 
are so voluminous and so miscellaneously disposed, as to well nigh 
defy re-search, back through the eighty years of the county's existence. 
County officers have however rendered important aid in facilitating the 
prosecution of the search. The files of the Eagle, from 1838, are com- 
plete, with the exception of one volume, and a few mutilations. The 
following lists are authentic : 

County Auditors. — Samuel Carpenter, 1820-28; Thomas U. 
White, 1828-32 ; Henry C. Wilder, 1832-37 ; John C. Casde, 1837-44 ' 
Alfred McVeigh, 1844-48 ; William L. Jefries, 1848-54 ; James W. 
Towson, 1854-56; A.J. Dildine, 1856-60 ; William Robinson, 1860-64; 
William Shopp, 1864-68. Here a change in the law, extended the time 
of the incoming Auditor, from February to the following November. 
Lonis A. Blaire, the successor of Mr. Shopp, was elected to the two 
terms succeeding, and under the new law held the office four years and 
eight months, until November, 1873, when John C. Hite was elected, 
and served four years, until 1877. The new law now requires three 
years for a term. Ephriam K. Akers was elected, his first term expir- 
ing in 1880, being re-elected, his second term will end November, 1883. 
Prosecuting Attorneys. — -William Irwin, 1838-44; Washington 
Van Ham, 1844-46 ; Emanuel Giesy, 1846-48 ; William R. Rankin, 
1848-52; Virgil E. Shaw, 1852-54; Alfred WiUiams, 1854-56; James 
W. Stinchcomb, 1856-60 ; William T. Wise, 1860-62 ; Tallman Stough, 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 83 

1862-66; William A. Schultz, 1866-70 ; John G. Reeves, 1870-76; 
Thomas H. Dolson, 1876-80 ; John McCormick, i88o,until his death in 
1882. 

County Recorders. — William Giiiber, 1830, succeeded by Henry 
Miers. At the expiration of his term, 1837, William L. King was elected, 
and served imtil 1848. Then John K. Baker, 1848-49; Abraham Seif- 
ert, 1849-52; E. C. Flannum, 1852-56; Abraham Seifert, 1856-64; 
Timothy Fishbaugh, 1864-81. 

County Officers in 1881. — Probate Judge, S. Theodore Shaefter ; 
Clerk of the Court, George Graybill ; Sheriff, Hiram Shumaker ; Pros- 
ecuting Attorney, John McCormick ; Auditor, Ephraim K. Akers ; 
Treasurer, J. M. Hickle ; Recorder, Timothy Fishbaugh ; Surveyor, 
Charles Boreland, jr. ; Coroner, Thomas R. Tarpy ; Commissioners, 
W. McClenegan, William Fink, Henry Langle. 

County Officers, 1882. — Prosecuting Attorne}^, Daniel T. Clover; 
Auditor, Benjamin F. Dum ; Sheriff, H, H. Shoemaker; Surveyor, 
Charles F. Boreland ; Coroner, Simpson Sturgeon ; Recorder, Charles 
W.Parido; Treasurer, John W. Hickle; Clerk, WilHam H. Wolfe; 
Probate Judge, S. F. Shaeffer. 

Judges of Court. — At the opening of the first Court of Common 
Pleas, for Fairfield county, on the second Tuesday of May, 1803, Judge 
Wylys Silliman was the presiding Judge. In April, 1805, Robert F. 
Slaughter was on the bench, and, in 1807, Hon. Leven Belt. In the 
journal proceedings, we find that William Wilson was Judge trom 1809- 
19; John A. McDowell, 1820-23, In 1834, Grustavus Swan, who pre- 
sided until 1839. '^^^^ journal is signed variously by McDowell, Swan, 
Augustus, and Grimke. In 1839, Alexander H. Keith presided until 
185 1, when Henry C. Whitman was elected, serving until 1861, at 
which time he resigned, and Philoman B. Ewing was appointed, to fill 
his unexpired term. In 1862, Philadelph Van Trump was elected, and 
continued on the bench until elected to Congress, in 1867. Silas H. 
Wright was then elected to the judgeship. In 1879, J^l^n S. Friesner, 
of Logan, was elected to this bench. 

Court of Quarter Sessions. — The first judicial authority of Fair- 
field county was that of the Court of "Qiiarter Sessions," first organized 
in January, 1801, with Emanuel Carpenter, senior, as presiding Justice, 
Nathaniel Wilson, senior, David Vanmeter, and Samuel Carpenter, 
associates. 

The session was first held in a log school-house. A sheriff, by the 
name of Samuel Kratzer, was appointed, and sworn by the bench. A 
jury was also impanneled and sworn, called a "jury of inquest," and 
composed of the following named persons : James Converse, Abraham 
Wather, Jeremiah Con away, Arthur Teal, Conrad Fetter, Robert Mc- 
Murty, Samuel Coats, Abraham Funk, Thomas Cissina, Amasa Del- 
anoe, John McMullen, Edward Teal, David Reese, and Barnabus Gol- 
den ; no indictments were found, and the jury were discharged. 

Two attorneys were sworn, William Creighton and Alexander White. 

Three county commissioners were appointed, Nathaniel Wilson, jr., 
Jacob Vanmeter, and James Denn}-. 

In the proceedings of the Qiiarter Session the following record ap- 
pears : 



84 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

" Ordered, That a road be surveyed from the town of Fairfield, to 
the head of the muddy prairie." Lancaster was probably meant by 
" the town of Fairfield." The survey was made by Iluj^h Bo}!. 

The first morti^age, of which an}' record appears, was recorded b}- 
this Court of Qiuuter Sessions, for John Cleves S3'mmes, to Benjamin 
Murphy, for the purchase of one hundred acres of land, for whicii the 
payment was to be made in six years, with six per cent interest. 

This paper is dated August 19, 1801, and the sum contracted to be 
paid was two thousand dollars. The figures given are probably erron- 
eous, as twenty dollars an acre was not likely paid for wild lands at that 
early day. 

First Election. — October 12, 1802, two members of the Constitu- 
tional Convention were chosen by popular election, to frame a Constitu- 
tion for the State of Ohio. This was the first election held in the 
count\' of Fairfield. The two chosen were Emanuel Carpenter, senior, 
and Henry Abrams. the former receiving two hundred and twenty eight, 
and the latter one hundred and eighty-one votes. 

Court of Common Pleas. — The proceedings of the first Court of 
Common Pleas, in the county of Fairfield, were entered in a small 
blank book, of two hundred and thirty-one pages. The paper is coarse, 
of a dull white color, and unruled. The first dates are in 1803. Some 
of the entries would appear odd now. These records run through a 
period of six years, from 1803-9. There are no dates given to the en- 
tries, other than they are a part of the proceedings of the March term, 
or the June term, etc., and called " Minutes of the proceedings" of the 
Court of Common Pleas " of Fairfield countv." 

At the opening of the first term is wT-itten : " Before Silliman, 

Esquire, President." The first Grand Jurv were : David Pvcese, Joseph 
Hunter, Henry Mesner, Jacob Lamb, John McMean, Thomas Cisne, 
Frederick Teather, Thomas McCall, Joseph Work, James Black, John 
Shepler, John Mills, and David Shellenbarger. 

A detailed statement of the proceedings of the court, through the 
first six years, would scarcely be interesting. Still, the docket presents 
a large number of civil cases, taking into consideration the population 
at that age of the country. Licenses were granted for keeping taverns, 
in several places, which contained a permit to sell intoxicating, or spir- 
ituous liquors. 

Several cases of assault and battery were tried, and either acquitted, 
or fined. A number of men were fined lor selling intoxicating liquors 
without license. Estates of deceased persons, orphans, and guardian- 
ships, received attention. 

Free White Male Inhai^itants. — During the early years of Ohio, 
the words, " Free white male inhabitants," entered into her legal forms, 
as also the word " Redemptionist." Redemptionists being a class of 
persons, who, in emigrating, from foreign countries to the United 
Stntes, who had not the means of paying their passage, were, upon ar- 
riving in this C()unlr\-, sold to the highest bidder, or to one who paid 
their passag^^ lor a specified period of ser\'ice. These persons were 
Icruu'cl I'cdcMnptionists, and ccnild not claim citizenship, until the redemp- 
tion jirice was paid, by the expiration of their term of service, at which 
time they became free. I lence, the form " free white male inhabitants."' 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 05 

At an early da}^ there were a few redemptionists in Fairfield county. 
These forms have long since been obsolete, in the United States, as to 
the white race. 

In December, 1803, in establishing the basis of representation, the 
number of "free white male inhabitants'' within the county of Fairfield, 
was found to be 1,050 above the age of twenty-one years, and in 1807, 
2,166 of the same class of citizens. 

Votes Cast for Governor. — The votes cast in Fairfield county, 
for Governor, from, and including, the years 1806-81, has a political as 
well as a numerical significance. They are as follows : 

In 1806, for Edward Tiffin, without opposition, 327 votes ; in 1808 
three candidates were in nomination, Samuel Huntington, 973, Thomas 
Worthington, 192, and Thomas Kirker, three votes: in 1810, Return J. 
Meigs, 335, Thomas Worthington, 738 votes ; in 1812, Return J. Meigs, 
241, "Thomas Scott, 1,213 votes; in 1814, Thomas Worthington, 945, 
O. Looker, 176; in 1816, Thomas Worthington, 1,059, J^iries Dunlap, 
878 votes ; in 1818, Ethan H. Brown, 1,535, James Dunlap, 239; in 
1820, Ethan H. Brown, 1,794, Jeremiah Morrow, 33, William Har- 
rison, 35 votes ; in 1822, Jeremiah Morrow, 87, Allen Trimble, 32, Wil- 
liam Irvin, 1,819; in 1^24, Jeremiah Morrow, 1,369, Allen Trimble, 
1,157 ; in 1826, Allen Trimble, 2,609, John Bigger, 5, Alexander Camp- 
bell, 14, Benjamin Tappin, 2 ; in 1828, Allen Trimble, 1,234, John W. 
Campbell, 2,076; in 1830, Duncan McArthur, 1,035, Robert Lucas, 
1,819; in 1832, the Presidential vote was as follows: 

In 1832, Andrew Jackson, 2,648, Henry Clay, 1,274, Wirt, (Anti- 
mason), 2 votes. In 1834 ^or Governor: Robert Lucas, (Democrat) 
2,024, James Finley, (Whig) i'349- ^^ 1836 for President, Martin 
Van Buren, (Dem.) 2,906, William H. Harrison, (Whig) 1,846 votes. 
In 1838, for Governor, Wilson Shannon, (Dem.) 2,717. Joseph Vance 
(Whig) 1,633 votes. 

In 1840, Thomas Corwin, (Whig) 2,421. Wilson Shannon, (Dem.) 
3,411 votes. In 1842, Wilson Shannon, (Dem.) 3,212, Thomas Cor- 
win, (Whig) 2,037. I^ 1844, Mordecai Bartley. (Whig) 2,402. 
David Tod, (Dem.) 3,584 votes. 

In 1846, William Bebb, (Whig) 2,116, David Tod, (Dem.) 2,931. 
In 1848, John B. Weller, (Dem.) 3,573, Seabury Ford, (Whig) 2,266. 
In 1850, Reuben Wood, (Dem.) 3,232, William Johnson, (Whig) 2,098 
votes. In 1852, Reuben Wood, (Dem.) 2,042, Samuel F.Vinton, (Whig) 
1,736, Samuel Lewis, (Abolitionist) 2 votes. In 1853, (New Constitu- 
tion) William Medill, (Dem.) 2,803, Nelson Barrere, (Whig) 1,157 votes. 
In 1855, William Medill, (Dem.) 2,614, Allen Trimble, (Knownoth- 
i"g) 52, Salmon P. Chase, (Rep.) 2,474. In 1856, (voted 
for "Attorney General," this year.) Christopher P. Wolcut, (Rep.) 
1,631, Samuel Hart, (Dem.) 3,095, John M. Bush, (Knownothing), 
581. In 1857, for Governor, Salmon P. Chase, (Rep.) 1,281, Henry 
Pa3ne, (Dem.) 2,917, P. Van Trump, (Knownothing,) 357 votes. In 
1859, William Dennison, (Rep.) 1,394, Rufus P. Ranney, (Dem.) 
2,821 \'otes. 

In 1861, David Tod, (Rep.) 2,137, Hugh J. Jewett. (Dem.) 3,119 
votes. In 1863, John Brough, (Rep.) 2,790, Clement L. Vallandig- 
ham, (Dem.) 3,478. In 1865, Jacob D. Cox, (Rep.) home vote, 2,328 



86 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

army vote, 23, total 2,351. George W. Morgan, (Dem.) home vote' 
3,393, army vote, i, total 3,394. In 1867, R. B. Hayes, (Rep.) 2,056 
Allen G. Thurman, (Dem.) 3,940. In 1868, for President, U. S. 
Grant, (Rep.) 2,439, Horatio Seymour, (Dem.) 4,076. 

In 1870 for Governor, R. B. Hayes, (Rep.) 2,144, ^- H. Pendle- 
ton, (Dem.) 3,831 votes. In 1873 for Governor, Edward Noyes, 
(Rep.) 2,074, 'william Allen, (I^em.) 3,551. In 1877 R. M. Bishop, 
(Dem.) 4,154, W. H. West, (Rep.) 2,417. In 1879, Charles Foster, 
(Rep.) 2,933. Thomas Ewing, (Dem.) 4,883 votes, Gideon T. Stew- 
art, II, A. Sanders Piatt, i. In 1881, Chas. Foster, 2,656, John W, 
Bookwalter, 4,348, Abraham R. Ludlow^ 221, John Seitz, 4. 

Public Men of Fairfield County. — This county has furnished 
one United States Senator, Thomas Ewing, who was first elected in 
183 1, to fill the vacancy, caused by the resignation of Thomas Corwin, 
filling the vacancy until 1837. ^^ was again senator from 1850 to 
185 1". 

Congress Representatives. — The tollowing are the names 
of men who have been elected to the house of representatives in con- 
gress, from Fairfield county, since the state of Ohio was admitted 
into the Union, 1802 to 1873. Since that time this district has been 
represented b}^ men from other counties of the district to which Fair- 
field has from time to time been assigned. 

Philoman Beecher, from 1817-21, served his first term and his sec- 
ond from 1823-29. William Irvin, 1829-33. John Chancy, 1833-39. 
William Medill, 1839-43'. Thomas V. Edwards, 1847-48. Charles 
D.Martin, 1839-81. Philadelph Van Trump, 1867-73. 

Governors. — Fairfield has lurnished but one governor of Ohio. 
William Medill was elected lieutenant-governor in 185 1, his term 
commencing January i, 1852. During the later part of his term he 
acted in the capacit}^ of governor, and in 1853 was elected governor, 
serving one term. 

Judges of supreme court. — Three Fairfield county men have as- 
pired to the supreme bench for the district of Ohio. The first being 
William Irvin, and served during the early 3^ears of the county. 
Charles R. Sherman was elected in 1823, to fill the vacanc}', made 
by the resignation, August nth of that year. Mr. Sherman remained 
on the bench until the time of his death, at Lebanon, O., in 1829. 
Hocking H. Hunter, was elected supreme judge in 1851, but resign- 
ed before takino- his seat. 

Ohio legislature. — The following have been the members of the 
Ohio Legislature from 1808 to 1882, complete wath dates of election: 

Representatives, 1808 — ^Justice Owens and Elijah B. Merwin. 

1809 — Thomas Swearingen and Thomas Ijams. 

1810 — the same. 

181 1 — Thomas Ijams and Richard Hooker. 

181 2 — Richard Hooker and Nathaniel Wilson, sr., and George 
Ney, sr. 

1813 — Emanuel Carpenter and Benjamin Smith. 

1814 — Benj. Smith, Richard Hooker and John Leist. 

18 15 — the same. 

1816 — John Leist, Jacob Claypool and Jacob Catherlin. 

\ 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 87 

1817 — Daniel Smith, Robert F. Slaughter and John Leist. 
1818 — Daniel Smith, John Leist and Jacob Claypool. ! 
1819 — Robert F. Slaughter and John Leist. 
1820 — William Trimble and Valentine Reber. 
1821 — Robert F. Slaughter and George Sanderson. 
1822— George Sanderson and Jacob Claypool. , 
1823 — George Sanderson and Robert F. Slaughter. 
1824 — John Leist and Robert F. Slaughter. 
1825 — George Sanderson and William W. Irwin. 
1826-27 — Wm. W. Irvin and Samuel Spangler. 
1828 — Samuel Spangler and John Chaney. 
1829 — John Chaney and Dav^id Ewing. 
1830 — David Ewing and John Chane}^ 
1831 — David Ewing and Samuel Spangler. 
1832 — David Ewing and M Z. Kreider. 
1833 — Joseph Stukey and John M. Creed. 
1835— William Medill and John M. Creed. 
1836-37 — ^William Medill and John Graybill. 
1838 — ^John Brough. 
1839 — Lewis Hite. 
1840 — Charles Brough. 
1841 — William McClung. 
1842 — ^John Chaney and William McClung. 
1843 — Jacob Green and Joseph Stukey. 
1844-45 — David H. Swartz and Andrew Foust. 
1846-47 — Salmon Shaw and David Lyle. 
1848-49 — Daniel Keller. 
1850 — Christian Baker. 

In 1851, the new constitution was adopted, providing for the election 
of members on the alternate years, the first election taking place in the 
fall of 185 1, the legislature meeting the first Monday in Januar}-, of al- 
ternate years. 

1852 — Christian Baker. 

1854 — Samuel H. Porter. 

1856 — John Chane}^ and David Lyle. 

1858— B. W. Carlisle and T. W. Bigomy. 

i860— B. W. Carlisle. 

1862— J. C. Jefries. 

1864— Edson B. Olds. 

1866-68— U. C. Butler. 

1870 — George S. Baker and Jesse Leohner. 

1872 — Jesse Leohner. 

1874 — George S. Baker. 

1876— A. Seifert. 

1878— A. Seifert. 

1880 — Robert Sharp. 

In the list of senators, which here follows, the names of citizens of 
Fairfield county, only, appear. When this count}^ has formed a part of 
a senatorial district, members have, sometimes, been chosen from other 
counties. 

Senators. — 1808 — Elnathan Schofield. 



88 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

[809 — ^Jacob Burton and Elnathan Schoiield. 

[810 — William Trimble and Robert F. Slaughter. 

[811 — Robert F, Slaughter and William Trimble. 
I12-17 — William Trimble. 

[818-19 — Richard Hooker. 

[820-21-22 — Elnathan Schoiield. 

[823 — John Creed. 

[824-25 — Jacob Cla3'pool. 

[826-31 — Robert F. Slaughter. 

[832-41 — Samuel Spangler. 

[844-45 — John Chaney. 

[848-49— II. C. Whitman. 

[850 — Andrew Foust. 

[856— John T. Brazee. 

[858-60 — Newton Schleich. 

[862— Alfred McVeigh. 

[864— J. M. Connell. 

[870-72 — Michael A. Daughertj^ 

[878-80— B. W. Carlisle. 

In 1842-43, Nelson Franklin, of Pickaway county, was state senator, 
for the district of Fairfield and Pickawa}^. 

In 1846-47, Dr. Edward B. Olds, of Pickaway, was senator from the 
same district. 

After the adoption of the new constitution, in 185 1, Fairfield was as- 
sociated with Hocking and Athens counties, in the redistricting. 

In 1852-54, Lot L. Smith, of Athens, was chosen senator for the 
new^ district. 

In 1866-69, ^- ^- Golden, of Athens, was senator for the same dis- 
trict. 

In 1874-76, Robert C. Reece, of Hocking, was the member from 
Fairfield, Hocking and Athens ; after which B. W. Carlisle, of Fair- 
field, was elected, serving from 1878 to 1881. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, 89 



CHAPTER XIV. 

BENCH AND BAR. 

From an early date. Lancaster has justh' been aistinguished for the 
intelligence and respectability of its bar, ranking, at least, with the best 
in the state. In 1841, Thomas Ewing was at the summit of his legal 
career. Lancaster, at that time, was the home of other distinguished 
members of the bar, viz : John T. Brazee, Hocking H. Hunter, Wil- 
liam Irvin, Henry Stanberry, Charles Boreland, Jesse B. Hart, Wm. I. 
Reece, William "Medill, Philadelph Van Trump, and William Slade, 
besides several younger members, who left before establishing a legal 
reputation. 

During the year 1840 William Irvin, one of the leading members, 
was stricken with parah'sis, which, in time, terminated in death, 

Of the legal members mentioned above, but one survives at writing 
(1881) — William I. Reece, still residing in Lancaster, in feeble health. 
William Slader who went to Europe many years ago, is possibly living, 
although reported dead. 

Ever}' member of the present bar of Lancaster, entered the profes- 
sion since 1841, and all, with the exception of W. C. Gaston, stud- 
ied law here. 

Henr}' C. Whitman came from Washington City, in the spring 
of 1841, and entered the office of William Medill as partner. At 
that time, Medill was a member of Congress. 

Mr. Whitman was, originally, from Maine. He was a man of 
more than average ability as a lawyer, and rapidly arose to distinc- 
tion at the bar. In 1848-49, he was elected to a seat in the Ohio 
Senate, from Fairheld count}^ district, under the old constitution, 
thus serving two terms. In 1852, under the new constitution, he 
was elected Common Pleas Judge, serving until 1850. when he re- 
signed, and P. B. Ewing was appointed to hll out his unexpired 
term. Shortly after his resignation, he removed to Cincinnati, where 
he resumed the practice of law, and still resides. 

John S. Brazee studied law with his father, John T. Brazee, and has 
since risen to the distinction of an advocate of good ability. He was a 
member of a late board selected to modify the laws of Ohio, an ardu- 
ous labor, requiring over three 3'ears tor its completion. His law part- 
ner is H. C. Drinkle. 

John M. Connell has been a member of the bar for about thirty years. 
His great forte as an advocate lies in presenting the strong point of evi- 
dence to the jury. He is an industrious student, and thoroughh^ ac- 
quainted with books and references. 

Michael A. Daugherty is a young man, just entering the profession. 
He studied law with his partner, John D. McCormick. 

General Thomas Ewing inherited his father's comprehension, forc- 
ible brain, and excels him in forensic ability. He has not, how- 
12 



90 



MtSTORV OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



ever, attained his eminence at tke bar, as he has directed his attention 
more to raih'oads, coal-fields, and the rostrum, during the last twenty 
years. He is a lawyer of great ability, especially in a ditficult suit. 

Kinnis Fritter is a lawyer of twenty years practice. He is indus- 
trious, and gives close and careful attention to his business. 

W. C. Gaston has few superiors as an advocate, having been in the 
profession over twenty years, but a member of the Lancaster bar only 
three years, coming from Steubenville to this place, having previously 
practiced a few years in the west. 

David Stalter, formerly a citizen of Perry county, but a resident of 
Fairfield county for more than twenty years, came from the farm, enter- 
ing the law profession in the middle of life. Nevertheless, he has suc- 
ceeded. 

The firm of Hite & Dolson was established three years ago. Mr. 
Dolson filled the position of prosecuting attorne}', four years, with dis- 
tinguished ability. 

Samuel H. Kistler commenced the practice of law in Lancaster in 
i860. 

The firm of Martin & McNiell stands high in the profession. Chas. 
D. Martin, the senior partner, studied his profession in Lancaster, and 
has practiced many years. As a manager of complicated and intricate 
suits, he has few equals. John B. McNiell, the junior partner, is a son 
of Doctor Robert McNiell, one of the early ph3^sicians of Lancaster. 

John G. Reeves, a man of ten or fifteen years practice at the bar, 
giving his work earnest attention, was elected prosecuting attorney 
three times, serving from 1870-76. 

Virgil E. Shaw studied law, in Lancaster, thirty years ago. He 
was prosecuting attorney from 1852 to 1854, and then elected probate 
judge, filling this office three years. His death occurred recently. 

William A. Shultz has been a member of the bar for years, serving 
as prosecuting attorney four years, being first elected in 1866, and re- 
elected in 1868. 

Talman Slough was prosecuting attorney from 1862 to 1866. Before 
the court he is careful and concise in the management of his cases. 

George L. Seitz is among the oldest members of the Lancaster bar and 
one of its successful attorneys. He studied law in Lancaster, spent 
several years in Chicago, and has filled positions at Washington. 
/ Joseph S. Seitz, the son of a wealthy farmer of Fairfield county, stud- 

ied law in Lancaster, and has been practicing successfully tor six 
Tfears. 
y P. B. Ewing, the eldest son of Hon. Thomas Ewing, was, for a 
time, on the Common Pleas Bench. A large part of his time is devoted 
to banking, and other outside pursuits. 

E. P. Cartmell was formerl}^ rector of St. John's Episcopal church ; 
afterwards teacher in Lancaster, from which he entered the legal pro- 
fession. 

George W. Alfred studied law in Lancaster. After his admission 
to the bar, he settled in Logan, where he practiced for fifteen or 
twenty years. In 1880, he again settled in Lancaster. 

David T. Clover, alter teaching a school and educating himself 
in the profession, was admitted to the bar, and settled in Lancaster. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 9 1 

John G. Ewing, son of Hon P. B. Ewing, was admitted to the bar, 
in 1880, and the spring of 1881 was elected city solicitor. 

Edward F. Hnnter is the eldest son of the late Hon. Hocking H. 
Hunter. He studied law with his father. After practicing twenty 
years in California, he returned to Lancaster and entered his father's 
office as partner. 

John D. McCormick, served as city mayor two 3'ears. In the fall of 
1880, he was elected prosecuting attorney for the county of Fairtield. 
He died suddenly in September, 1881. 

WilHam Hackett, Wm. Davidson, A. R. Eversole, W. T. McClen- 
nigan, Charles W. McCleary, J. R. Shellenberger, are young lawyers 
of Lancaster, who have been admitted to the bar within the last three 
or four years. In 1879, ^^*- McCleary was elected Justice of the Peace 
for Lancaster township, which he resigned after filling the office one 
year. 

Charles F. Schaeffer, an old member of the Lancaster bar. com- 
menced practicing thirty 3^ears ago. He has however given 
much of his time to other pursuits. 

The Lancaster bar, in 1841, was said to be unsurpassed in the State 
of Ohio. The members at that time, have since passed away, and 
younger ones now fill their places. 

Judge Wright, a native of Hocking county, was a lawyer of Logan, 
at the time of his election to the judgeship, in 1867. 

Judge Friesner, a native of Hocking count}^ but a resident of Logan, 
was practicing law there, when elected to the Common Pleas Bench, in 

George W. Graybill, clerk of the court, was born and raised with- 
in two miles of Lancaster, and is a son of Samuel Graybill, deceased. 

The present sherift', Hiram Shoemaker, is a native of Berne town- 
ship, this county. 

Hocking H. Hunter, was born near Lancaster, August, 1801 and 
died at his residence in Lancaster, February 4, 1872, in his seventy 
first year. He was a son of Joseph Hunter, the first white man that 
built a cabin in the Hocking Valle}^, where he located with his famil}-, 
April, 1798. Mr, Hunter was in every respect a selfmade man. The 
son of a pioneer, in moderate circumstances, he had to contend with 
the privations and hardships inevitable to frontier life, in the wilderness. 
His early education was limited. He mastered all these hardships and 
difficulties, obtained a good education and taught such schools as the 
country then could aftbrd. From a humble start and meager facilities, 
he worked his way to tbrtune and fame. In all the affairs of life he 
maintained the reputation of a man of stern integrity of character, and 
scrupuloush' honest. He early choose the profession of law, in which 
he became eminent, not only in this county, but throughout the state. 
Atone time he was elected to the Supreme Bench of Ohio, but resign- 
ed before taking his seat. At another time he declined being Governor. 
So far as known, his life was unstained, preferring the duties of his pro- 
fession to the political honor bestowed upon him. His companion, 
who survives him, is the daughter of Mr. Mattock. 

Of his family now living, three sons and three daughters, Edward 
F. Hunter, attorney, of Lancaster, is his oldest son. 



92 IIISTOKY OF FAIKFIELO COUNTY. 

riiiladflph Van "rninip. lamiliar]}' known as Col. Van Tninip, was 
born in Lancaster, in 1811, or 181 2. The advantages ol' the day were 
lirriiled. In his youth he received an ordinary pioneer log cabin school 
education. He was at one time connectedvvith the Lancaster press, 
when a young man, after which he turned his attention to law, and at- 
tained a high position at the Lancaster bar, where for several years 
he was a partner of Henry Stanberry. In 1862, he was elected 
Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, iilling this position until he 
was elected to Congress, in 1867. He served six years in Congress. 
In 1873, being in poor health, he declined the fourth term. In 1876 he 
died. Mr. Van Trump, was a law student of Philomon Beecher, also 
his son-in-law. marrying his youngest daughter, Louisa. 

Henrv Stanberry was tV>r more than thirt}' years a distinguished mem- 
ber of the Lancaster bar. Settling in Lancaster in 1832, he married 
Elizabeth Beecher. oldest daughter of Philomon Beecher. After her 
death, in 1845, lie married a daughter of William K. Bond, of Chilli- 
cothe. 

Mr. Stanberry, as a lawyer, had few superiors. He practiced in 
the adjoining counties, and in the courts of the United States. He was 
the peer of Ewing, Hunter and Brazee. As a pleader, he was elo- 
quent and forcible. In politics he was a leading Whig of Fairfield 
county, until 1850, \vhen he joined the Democrats. In 1866 he accept- 
ed the appointment of Attorney General for ' the United States, as a 
member of President Johnson's cabinet. He was, previous to this, for 
a number of years. Attorney General of Ohio. * 

In 1864, he removed to Cincinnati and established a suburban house, 
on the Kentuckv side ol the river. His death occurred in New York, in 
June or July, 1881, at the age of eighty years. A good storv is told of 
Mr. Stanberry, which is worth the telling. 

A man accused' of horse stealing was arraigned before the court and 
had no council. Mr. Stanberry was assigned to defend the accused. 
There being no private room, he took his client, by permission, to the 
rear of the building, for consultation. He asked the man if he had 
stolen the horse. The prisoner said he expected the^^'d prove it on him. 
Stanberry asked him how long it would take him to run to that woods, 
some three hundred yard soff. He thought he could make it in about one 
minute. "Try it," Stanberry said. After the thief had been some 
time out of sight in the dense woods, Mr. Stanberry returned alone to 
the court room. ''Where is your client?" queried the court. "I have 
cleared him," council replied. 

John Garaghty, the oldest son of Michael Garaghty, former cashier 
of the old Lancaster, Ohio, Bank, was a lawyer of abilitv, and for many 
years a partner of H. H. Hunter. He was not a brilliant man, but 
a sound lawyer. Lie served as mayor of the town in 1848-49. Twenty 
years ago he removed to the \'icinitv of Cedar Rapids. Iowa, where he 
still resides. 

Wm. Slade, tlie son of Governor Slade ol Vermont, settled in 
Lancaster, about 1834 *^'" '5- ^^^ acquired a good jiractice in the law. 
In 2850, or near that time, he removed to Cle\eland. Alter taking a 
tour through Euroi-)e, he returned to Cleveland. 

Charles Boreland and Jesse B. Hart, were l/)r a number ol' years 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 93 

law partners in Lancaster, in 1835-50. Mr. Hart removed to Califor- 
nia in 1850: Mr. Boreland retired from the practice. 

William W. Irvin, Washington Van Ham, Emanuel Giesy, William 
R. Rankin, Adison Shaw, Alfred Williams, James W. Stinchcomb, 
Alfred McVeigh, and William T.. Wise, respectively, practiced law in 
the Fairheld County Court from 1838-60. Of this number, W. Van 
Ham, W. R. Rankin, Alfred Williams and Adison vShaw, only survive. 
(1881). 

Hon. William Medill, came from the state of Delaware, and open- 
ed a law office, in Lancaster, in 1832. He earl}' acquired the confidence 
of the people, and rose to distinction. He was a Democrat, and an 
ambitious politician. He was three times elected to the Ohio legisla- 
ture, (lower house. ) In 1838-41, he was elected member of the lower 
house of the National Legislature, serving tour 3'ears. He occupied 
the position of Indian agent, at Washington ; and in i860, held the 
office of tirst Comptroller of the Treasury. In the fall of 1852, he was 
elected Lieutenant Governor, of Ohio, and acted as Governor, the latter 
part of the term. In 1854 he was chosen Governor of Ohio, by the 
popular vote, and served two years. He was unmarried, and at his 
death in 1865, left a large estate, which he disposed of by will. 

William I. Reese, settled in Lancaster at an early day, and was for 
a number of years, an efficient and popular member of Lancaster bar. 
He tilled municipal positions in the affairs of the city, besides devoting 
a portion of his time to merchandizing. He married the oldest sister of 
General and Secretary Sherman. 

Several years since, Mr. Reese became partially paralyzed, wholly 
untittinor him for active life. He is feeble and aged. 

William Irvin was one of Lancaster's lirst lawyers. For a short 
time he was Judge of the Coint. He continued to practice law until 
1840. From 1829-33 he was a member of Congress. In 1839 or '40 ^^ 
Avas stricken with paralysis, and died in 1843, at his home, one mile 
south of town. 

Robert F. vSlaughter, among the tirst settlers of Lancaster, practiced 
law in the first courts of the count}^ In 1805-6, he was Judge of the 
Common Pleas Bench. After retiring from the judgeship, he was a 
member of the lower house of the General Assembly of Ohio, in 181 7- 
19-21-23-24. October, 1846, he died, at the age of seventy-seven 
years. 

Philoman Bee>:her, one of Lancaster's earl}' attorneys, was in Con- 
gress ten years. First elected in 1817, his last term expiring in 1829. 
His death occurred in 1839. 

John M. Creed began the practice of law in 1831. He was an able 
orator, and a success at the bar. Three times he was elected to the 
Legislature, 1833-35. The last term he was Speaker of the House. 
He died in 1847 or '48. 

■ William Pitt Creed, was a brother of John M. Creed. He began 
the practice of law in 1835. -^^ '^ speaker, he possessed extraordinary 
power. His death occurred about the close of the southern war, 
1S65. 

Judge Charles Sherman was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, May 26, 
1788. In 18 10 he was admitted to the bar, the same year marrying 



94 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



Mary Hoyt, of Norwalk. In the following j^ear he came to Lancaster 
with his wife and infant child, and commenced the practice of law. 
Their journev from their New England home was wear}?- and beset 
with hardships, exposvu'e and danger, being obliged to journey the 
greater part of the distance on horse back, carr3nng the baby on a pil- 
low before them. The little bo}' carried thus was the late Hon. Charles 
Taylor Sherman, United vStates district judge, of the northern dis- 
trict of Ohio. 

Charles Sherman was elected by the legislature to the bench ot the 
Supreme Court, in 1823 ; here he remained over six years, when death 
called him to a higher work. His death occurring at Lebanon, Ohio, 
while attending court, June 24, 1829. He was but fort3^-one years of age. 
Mary Hoyt Sherman, survived him many 3'ears. Their tombs are in 
the cemeter}^ east of Lancaster. 

Judge Sherman was the lather of Gen. William Tecumseh Sher- 
man, and Hon. John Sherman, now of the United States Senate(i88i,) 
also, Mrs. W. J. Reece, of Lancaster, as well as other sons and daugh- 
ters, not here mentioned. 

John Trafford Brazee was born in the State of New York, the 
place of his birth being Hinsdale, Columbiana county, December 24, 
1800. Regarding the humble origin of his earlv life, his career has 
been attended with unbounded success. 

When a mere child he was left an orphan ; he had one brother 
older than himself, and a sister, 3'ounger ; for a time he and his sister 
were taken care of by their grandmother. 

He acquired his education in the Ohio University at Athens, and 
studied law with Joseph Dana, one of the professors in the university. 
After his admission to the bar, he opened an office and commenced 
practice in the town of Gallipolis. 

During his course at the universit^', he accepted a proposition, (the 
solicitation of Thomas Ewing,) to teach a six months' term of school 
in Lancaster, at $200.00 for the term. During his stay in this place, 
he formed the acquaintance of Marj' J^ne Schofield, daughter of 
Judge Schofield, to whom he was married in November, 1829. He 
practiced his profession in Gallipolis until 1833, when he removed to 
Lancaster. 

For a period of nearly thirty 3-ears he was a member of the Lancas- 
ter bar, practicing also in other counties. In 1855, he was elected to 
the Senate of Ohio, and, during the session of 1856 and 1857, took 
active part in the perfecting of an act, providing for the establishment 
of the " Bank of Ohio." 

He possessed a taste for agricultural pursuits, to which he gradually 
directed his attention. During the last 3^ears of his lite, he withdrew 
from the 4aw business and gave his time to the management of his farm. 

In 1878, under his dictation, a sketch of his life was wa^itten, and 
published in the Lancaster Gazette, shortl3' after his death, October 
27, 1880. From its paragraphs we (ind the following accounts, which 
we quote for our readers : 

" Jn his tenth year he was left under tiie care of a man bv the name 
ol Lane,'" who, to use Mr. Brazee's terms, " was an ignorant, high- 
tempered, profane, stu])id man, and his wife no better." 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. g^ 

" At the end of two years of hard work, scanty provisions and 
clothing, he was taken awa}^ by his grandfather. From that time he 
hved at different phices, earning small sums of money at anything he 
could get to do. At one time, working for a blacksmith ; another time, 
selling ginger bread ; then a clerk in a small establishment ; at length 
he saved a small sum of mone}', and, at the age of fifteen, he went to 
Hudson in search of emplo3'ment. After clerking six months in Can- 
andugua, he concluded to come to Ohio. and. with the assistance of 
two of his employers, who gave him $25.00 each, he started on his 
journey, in company with a tailor and tin peddler ; they came by water 
to Wheeling, and from there to Cincinnati ; remaining there but a sin- 
gle da}', he started on foot tor Williamsburg ; here he obtained employ- 
ment, as assistant to the clerk of the court, for iifteen dollars a month : 
obtaining board for five dollars a month. While tilling this position, 
he was inspired with the idea of becoming a lawyer. He was recom- 
mended to go to Athens ; this he did at once, walking most of the way. 
Here he entered the school, earning his way by teaching and assisting 
the clerk of the court." 

Hon. Thomas Ewing was born December 28, 1789, near West 
Liberty, Ohio county, West Virginia. His father, George Ewing, was 
reduced in pecuniar}^ circumstances, from selling his property in Cum- 
berland county. New Jersey, for which he received, in payment, 
continental script, then at par, but shortly after, worthless. After 
this misfortune he moved west, and settled on a small farm near West 
Liberty. In April, 1792, the family removed, and settled at the mouth 
of Ohio Creek, on the Muskingum. The}^ moved soon again, and set- 
tled in what is now Athens county. 

In the meantime Thomas was taken back to West Liberty, for the 
purpose of attending school, he then being eight years old ; here he 
remained seven months. He had previoush^ been taught to read b}' 
his sister, while the famil}^ were staying at the block-house, at "Olive 
Green," a refuge from hostile Indians. The Bible being about the 
only book the block-house could afford, he read much in it, causing him 
to be named " The Bishop." 

His home on Federal Creek, Athens county, was in a wilderness, 
seventeen miles west of the frontier. Here, for three years, the famil^^ 
was deprived of all intercourse with human beings. During this time, 
Mr. Ewing's hbrary consisted of '-' The Vicar of Wakefield," " The 
Fool of Quality," and the Bible. 

In 1800, several other families having settled in the vicinity of the 
Ewings, a school was opened, in which Thomas studied the rudiments 
of Enfjlish sframmar under Charles Cutler and Moses Everett, two 
graduates of Cambridge College. 

In a published letter of Mr. Ewing's, found in Walker's Histor}^ of 
Athens County, he gives the following : 

" My father settled in what is now Ames township, Athens county, 
early in 1798. There were a few families settled on or near the present 
city of Athens ; but no roads, or even pathways, led to them ; the dis- 
tance was about twelve miles. There was also an old pioneer settler, 
encamped at the mouth of Federal Creek, ten miles away. This, as 
far as I know, comprised the population statistics, of what is now 



C)6 IIISTOKV OF I \IRF1EI.D COUN'J'V. 

Athens county. I do not know the date of what is called * No. 5,' 
in Cooley's settlement, but it was early. 

" At this time of my father's removal, I was with my aunt. Mrs. 
Morgan, near West Liberty, Virginia, going to sciiool, then near nine 
years old. In May, 1798, my uncle brought me home. We de- 
scended the Ohio River, in a flat boat, to Little Hocking, then came 
along a dim foot-path, some ten or fifteen miles, stopping over night at 
Dailej^'s camp. I was tired, and slept well on a bear skin bed which 
the rough old dame spread for me. ' In the morning my uncle engaged 
the son of our host, a boy about eighteen, to pilot us. 

" I was now at ni}' home, and fairly an inceptive citizen of the 
future Athens county. The young savage,, (our pilot,) w'as much im- 
pressed with some of the rude implements of civilization, which he saw 
my brother using, and expressed the opinion, that with an axe and augur 
a man could make ever3^thing he wanted, except a gun and bullet 
moulds. My brother was engaged in making some bedsteads. He 
had also finished a table, in the manufacture of which, he had also used 
an adze to smooth the plank, which he split in good widih, from straight 
grained trees. 

" Transportation was exceedingl}^ difficult, and our furniture, of the 
rudest kind, composed of articles of the first necessity. 

Our kitchen utensils were the big kettle, little kettle, bakeoven, 
frying pan and pot. The latter had a small hole in the bottom, which 
was mended with a button, keyed with a nail through the eye, on the 
outside of the pot. We had no table furniture that would break, little 
of any kind. Our meat consisted of bear or raccoon, with venison and 
wild turkey cooked together, and seasoned to the taste, then cut up in 
morsels and placed in the center of the table. Whilst the younger 
members of the family, armed wath sharpened sticks, helped themselves 
about as well as with four fined forks, great care was taken in selecting 
wholesome sticks, as sassafras, spice bush, hazel and hickory ; some- 
times the children were allowed to cut with the butcher knife, then- 
slices from the fresh bear's meat, and venison, and stick them alternate- 
h' on a sharpened spit, and roast before a fire. This made a royal dish. 
Bears, deer and raccoon remained in abundance until replaced by 
herds of swine. The great west w^ould have settled slowly without 
corn and hogs. 

We had wild fruit of several varieties very abundant. There was a 
sharp ridge quite near my father's home. On which I had selected four 
or five service, or Juniper bushes, that I could easily climb, and kept 
watch of them, until the}' should get fully ripe. At a proper time, I 
went with m}^ sister to gather them ; but a bear had beeri in advance of 
me. The limbs of the bushes were brought down to the trunk, like a 
folded umbrella, and the berries all gone. 

The first year I was a lonely boy. My brother was eleven 3'ears 
older than myself, and my sister could not always be with me in the 
woods among the rocks and caves. 

A small spaniel dog was my daily companion. I was the reader of 
the family, but we had but few books, one besides "Watt's Psalms and 
Hymns," that being, "the vicar of* Wakefield," which was by me al- 
most committed to memory. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFtELt> OOUNTY. 97 

Space will not permit to follow Mr. Ewing's career throughout, as 
he aivesit. His father was never able, to give him more than a fair 
common school education, but Thomas, by his diligence, in earnmg 
small sums of money in various ways, at length entered the Univer- 
sity at Athens, where he graduated : chose the profession ot law ; 
came to Lancaster in 1815, and entered the office of Philoman Beecher, 
as a law student. Two^ brief anecdotes of his life may here be permitted. 
At one time, when l\e was chopping wood in the forest, a pioneer 
Methodist preacher came along. By a recent rain the stream to be 
crossed was swollen. The missionary was afraid to attempt to lord it. 
Mr EwintJ-, being a young man, strong and tall, took the preacher on 
his shoulders, the horse by the bridle, and landed them safely on the 
other side of the stream, and then returned to his ax. 

After being admitted to the bar, he began to cast about for a place 
to locate. Hearing a favorable report of Urbana, he visited the town on 
horseback. Two or three lawyers had already settled there. Mr. 
Ewino-, after making his business known, and receiving little encourage- 
ment "mounted his horse, and returned to Lancaster. As he rode away, 
the idle group of loungers about the tavern door, learning something 
of his history, expressed the opinion that the best thing he could do, 
would be to go home, and go to chopping wood. 

In physical strength, Mr. Ewing had lew equals. At one time as he 
was passing the court house, a number of stout men were trying to 
throw a chopping ax over the building, they had all tried their mus- 
cle but not with success. Mr. Ewing halted just long enough to take 
the' ax-handle in his hand and send it sailing five feet or more above the 
steeple and then walked on down the street. 

In oratory he was not eloquent, but he could say more m fewer 
words than any one, and in that lay his great success. 

By some he was considered unsocial, as he seemed, when his mmd 
was at work, but when once reached, his social quahties were warm, 
cordial and sincere ; his mind worked on an elevated plan, leaving the im- 
pression, that he knew little of the small affairs of life, but at the same time 
he could often tell a farmer more about plows than he could tell himsell. 
During the latter part of his professional life his business was chiefly 
in the higher courts, mostly at Washington City. 

He first entered political life in 1830, when he was elected to the 
United States Senate, serving there two terms, and two in the cabinet. 
Upon the death of President Harrison, (April 4th, 1841) Vice President 
Tyler invited the cabinet in a body, of which Mr. Ewmg was at that 
time a member, to remain. He was originally intended for the Post- 
Office— but was Anally assigned to the Treasury Department, which he 
accepted but upon the meeting of the extra session of Congress, feel- 
ing confident in his mind that Mr. Tyler would betray the trusts and 
disappoint the hopes of the party that elevated him to power. Mr. Ew- 
ing indignantly resigned his place m the caoinet. 

On the lid of his burial casket was engraved the following: 

THOMAS EWING. 

Born December 28th, 1789, 

Died October 26th ,1871. 

13 



q8 history of fairfikld county. 

The following members of his family still survive him : Mrs. Gen. 
W. T. Sherman, Hon. P. B. Ewing, Hugh Boyle Ewing, Gen. Thos. 
Ewing, Mrs. Col. Steele and Gen. Chas. Ewing. 

Mrs. Mariah Ewing, wife of Hon. Thomas Ewing, was born in 
Lancaster. She was the oldest daughter ot Hugh Boyle, and was 
married January 1820, to Mr. Ewing, her death occurring in 1864. 
Both are entombed in the Catholic cemetery on the east border of Lan- 
caster. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 99 



CHAPTER XV. 

OHIO REFORM SCHOOL. 

The first action looking towards the establishment in Ohio ot a re- 
form school for boys, took place in session of the legislature for 1857. 
James Monroe, member from Oberlin, introduced a bill providing . for 
an appropriation of $1,000 to defray the expenses of commissioners, to 
inquire into and examine existing institutions. The bill was not passed.. 

The suggestions made by Charles Remelin of Cincinnati, upon his 
return from Europe, where he spent some time in the examination of 
reformatory institutions for youth, gave the tirst effective impetus to the 
project in Ohio. In 1858 an appropriation was voted, commissioners 
appointed, and a site purchased. Cheap log buildings were forthwith 
erected and titted for occupancy, and on the 30th day of January, 1858 
ten bo3^s were brought from the House of Refuge of Cincinnati, and 
placed there. 

The general management of the Reform Farm was, by law, vested 
in three commissioners, one of whom, Geo. E. Howe, was constituted 
acting commissioner, who with his famil}^ resided on the farm. In 
the acting commissioner was lodged the duties of general superintend- 
ent, purchasing agent, disbursing agent, Stewart, and bookkeeper. He 
also had the power of appointing and discharging all subordinates, sub- 
ject to the concurrence of his associates. The law also provided for an 
assistant superintendent ; and James G. Randall was appointed. Mrs. 
Howe, wife of the acting commissioner, was appointed matron, and 
Mrs. Sarah Randall, wile of assistant superintendent, assistant matron. 
Mr. Howe held the position of acting commissioner from, the beginning 
until the spring of 1878, in all, nine years. Mrs. Howe was matron 
during the time. Mr. and Mrs. Randall have also held their positions 
from their first appointment, and are still acting. 

During the session of the Legislature of the winter of 1878, a new 
Act was passed, reorganizing the benevolent institutions of the State. 
The Act provided for the appointment, by the Governor, of five trustees, 
to take the place, of the three commissioners. These trustees were 
vested with the duty of electing one superintendent and matron, out- 
side of the board of trustees ; also, an assistant superintendent and 
matron. 

At the first meeting of the board of trustees, John C. Hite, of 
Lancaster, was elected superintendent, and Mrs. Hite, matron. Mr. 
and Mrs. Randall were, at the same time, elected assistants. At the 
end of one year, viz: in the spring of 1879, ^ol. G. S. Innis, of Colum- 
bus, was elected superintendent, vice J. C. Hite, and Mrs. Innis, mat- 
ron. In the spring of 1880, Charles Douglass, of Toledo, was elected 
superintendent, and Mrs. Douglass, matron, Mr. and Mrs. Randall 
being annually continued. 



lOO HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

The same act of reorganization also provided for the appointment of 
a secretary and steward. Mr. Berr}-, of Cincinnati, was appointed 
secretary, and William Van Hyde-, of Lancaster, steward. Subse- 
quently, the functions of the secretary and steward were consolidated, 
and Mr. Berry filled both positions until his resignation, in the spring of 
1880. At the annual election of that spring, C. M. L. Wiseman, of 
Lancaster, was elected secretary and steward. 

A further Act of the Legislature, supplementing the reorganizing 
Act of 1878, provided for the annual appointment of one trustee, as the 
terms of the incumbents respectiveh' expired, in such manner, that the 
board should consist of four members, with the acting Governor of the 
State as the fifth member, but only to act when a deciding vote became 
necessary ; and further, that said board of four trustees should be so 
appointed as to consist perpetually of two Democrats and two Repub- 
licans. 

The Ohio Reform Farm consists of 1170 acres, and is situated six 
miles from Lancaster, a little south of southwest. The surface is ex- 
ceedingly rugged in some of its parts, being cut with sharp ravines, 
with out-cropping sandrock. The soil, for the most part, is poor, being 
mixed all over the farm with the grindings of the old red sandstone, 
which underlies the entire surface. The timber is chestnut, white and 
pitch pine, scrubb}^ oak ot several varieties, laurel, and whortleberry. 
There are some belts of fair soil. The hill slopes are well adapted to 
grape and peach growing, while the upper tablelands have been recov- 
ered, and are used for gardening and vegetables generally. 

Very little grass can be produced on the farm ; in dry seasons, not 
even green pasturage, sufficient for the few cattle that are required. 
The poorest of the hills produce nothing but ferns, whortleberry, and a 
few scrubb}^ bushes. Small quantities of wheat and oats can be pro- 
duced. Peaches, as a rule, have done well, as also strawberries and 
blackberries. Both of these have received considerable attention. In 
1880, there were 30 acres of gardening, 8,000 peach trees, and besides, 
about 400 acres of tillable ground. Apples are produced in consider- 
able quantities. The highest surfaces are about six hundred feet above 
low water in the Hocking, four or five miles east, and about five hun- 
dred above the site of Lancaster. 

The farm is reached, from Lancaster, over a good summer road, 
along pine-covered ridges, that, in warm days, make the air redolent 
with resinous exhalations, and presenting to the e3^e, on either hand, 
stretching of^' in the distance, romantic scenery, nowhere surpassed in 
Ohio. From its elevated position, the air is healthful and bracing in 
summer. 

From a very humble beginning, in January, 1858, when ten boys 
were brought from Cinciniuiti, and placed in the first rude wooden 
buildings erected, the farm has grown into a place of gigantic propor- 
tions and beauty. The idea seems to have been popular from the start. 
.Soon other boys were brought, and the need of more room became ap- 
parent. 

The iitti'utioii ol'the Legislature was awakened, and .ample appro- 
priations were not wanting. The log structures soon disappeared, and 
fine brick buildings took their place. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. lOI 

The main building is i6i feet in -length, with projections. It con- 
tains offices, reception rooms, parlors, dining rooms, residences, guest 
rooms, storage rooms, council chamber, and telegraph office. The 
kitchen, culinary department, and boys' dining rooms, are all in pro- 
jections of the main building.. This is situated centrally, with regard 
to the other buildings. 

What are denominated family- buildings are two stor^^ bricks, with 
basement story. The basement is the wash room and pla}' place for 
the boys ; the second story is the school room, and apartments of the 
elder brother and his family ; the third story is the sleeping apartment 
for boys. There are nine of these family buildings, besides union fam- 
ily buildings. The other buildings of the farm are : first, the chapel ; 
then shops, laundr}-, antl wash house, water tower, bake house, engine 
house, stables, hot houses, coal houses, hospital, ice house, mending 
room, knitting room, piggery-, and chamber of reflection, besides man}^ 
other out-buildings. The buildings are disposed in squares, more or 
less spaced, and altogether occupy an area of probably twenty acres. 
The Ohio building, which is the home of the small bo3^s of ten years 
and under, is isolated from the others, and stands oft' nearl3-a mile to 
the east, anti is in connection with the chapel and main grounds by a 
good plank walk. The grounds are laid oft' with gravel drives and 
plank walks, and are beautifull}- decorated with evergreen trees, arbors, 
flower houses, and grass lawns. 

The family buildings are named after rivers in Ohio, thus : Mus- 
kingum, Ohio, Hocking, Scioto, Cuyahoga, Huron, Maumee, Miami, 
and Erie. The family of boys of each building take the family name 
after the building, as the Maumee family, Muskingum famih', Hocking 
family, etc. 

In the incipient state of the school, some discrepancy of opinion ex- 
isted in regard to modes of discipline. B}"^ some it was proposed to 
adopt the House of Refuge plan, in part, in connection with the open 
s3-stem. The latter wds adopted. The time of the bo3^s is divided be- 
tween work of some kind, school, and recreation. Ever3' bo3^ is half 
the da3^ in school, and the other half at work. There is an hour for 
dinner. Recreations are taken after supper, on Saturday afternoons, 
sometimes, and on holida3's. 

Each famih' is under the management of an officer, denominated the 
elder brother, whose wife, with lew exceptions, is the teacher. The 
branches taught are those of a common school English education. 
Within the last three years, a grammar school department has been 
added. The bo3^s are held to close and rigid discipline, but treated 
with uniform kindness and trust, whenever trust can be extended. One 
of the leading features of the discipline is to inspire the inmates with 
the ambition of earning a good reputation, and trustworthiness. In 
man3- instances, bo3S are permitted the freedom of coming and going, 
and even to transact business. Corporal punishment is onh' resorted to 
in extreme cases, and is alwa3\s v\ith the rod. A lock-up is j)rovided 
for the most incorrigible, and is denominated the " chamber of reflec- 
tion." Here, those condemned to this mode of discipline, are left to 
solitary' confinement, until they- are willing to make proper contession 
of their wrong doing, and promise of amendment. In a few instances, 



I02 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

the chain and ball have been foimd necessary to restrain the vicious, or 
to prevent escapes. 

A constant care is observed to prevent escapes by running awav, 
but numerous escapes have taken place notwithstanding. The boy 
who escapes, and is returned, loses credit on his good conduct, the 
effect of which is to protract the time of his detention. Credit is 
given for merit, and good boys work themselves out in shortened 
time. No specified time is fixed in the commitment. The time is 
left to the superintendent, and depends very much on the conduct of 
the bo3% The State pays fi\e dollars each for the return of nmaway 
boys. 

In addition to school education and manual labor on the farm, me- 
chanical branches are also taught. The institu.tion has a shoe and boot 
manufacturing establishment, a brush factory, a tailor shop, a cane-seat 
making department, and a telegraph ofHce. Several good telegraph 
operators have left the farm, and are doing well. Other mechanical 
trades have been learned there, that have been highly creditable to the 
institution, and greatly advantageous to the boys. It is one of the cares 
of the management to fiild homes for such boys, on their discharge, as 
have no home to go to, and this duty is always carefully carried out. 
Boys under sixteen years of age, who commit penitentiary crimes, are 
usually sent to the Reform Farm ; and some, who have been sentenced to 
the state's prison, have been commuted to the farm. 

There is a hospital, for the sick, always provided with competent 
nurses ; and it is the duty of the matron to visit the hospital in person, 
as otten as may be necessary, to see that all is right, and that the wants 
of the sick are properly attended to. A physician is appointed espe- 
cially for the inmates, who resides in Lancaster, and can be called at 
any hour. But this does not prevent the right of parents, or others, 
from emplo3'ing physicians of their preference to attend their sick boys, 
at their own expense. 

Religious services are held in the chapel ever}' Sabbath. This has, 
tor the most part, been done by the clergy of Lancaster, by alternation, 
and for a compensation of live dollars for each visit. A Catholic priest 
visits the farm, at stated periods, for the instruction of Catholic boys. 
During the summer of 1880, a stated pastor was arranged for, and set- 
tled at the farm, but who, after a few months residence, resigned. 

A Sabbath school is maintained, at which all the boys are required 
to attend, Catholics as well as Protestants. There is, also, a library, 
provided by the state, for the use of the boys, and from which they 
draw books under regulations. 

The number of inmates is constanth' increasing. In commissioner 
Howe's annual report to the governor for 1876, the number who had 
passed through the institution, from the beginning to date, was given at 
2,019: and in superintendent Douglass' report, of the date of Nov. 
15, 1880, the number received at the farm, from the first, is given at 
3,170, and 514 remaining. In June, r88i, the number of inmates ex- 
ceeded 550. 

It is the concurrent testimony ot all the official reports, that a large 
majority of the boys, who have passed tlirough the Reform Farm school, 
have turned out well. Mr. Howe gave the proportion of those who 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. lO^ 



were discharged during his nineteen years of control, and who did well, 
at eighty percent. ; and superintendent Douglass, in his report of Nov. 
15, 1880, gives a similar favorable account. A few have turned out 
badly. 

A complete history' of the tinances of the farm, from 1858 to the present, 
cannot be easih' obtained ; nor would the specifications be important. 
It may suffice to say, that the present value of the farm, with all its 
buildings, improvements, and fixtures, exceeds half a million of dollars, 
and that the appropriation asked for, by the trustees, tor the year end- 
ing Nov. 15, 1871, was $105,340. 



I04 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

THE LO(; CABIN CAMPAIGN OF 184O. 

When General William Henry Harrison and John T3der were placed 
in nomination tor the presidency, by the national convention, an indis- 
creet, and not far-seeing" Democratic editor, thinking, doubtless, to 
make a coup de main in the start, penned a paragraph to the effect that 
General Harrison was better qualified to sit in his log cabin, and drink 
hard cider out of a gourd, than to be President of the United States. It 
was, of all other things that could have been said, the worst for the op- 
position. 

From Maine to Florida, and from Charleston to Detroit, ever}- Whig- 
organ saw its advantage, and turned it to account. It was not two 
weeks before the whole country was in a blaze. The yeomanry did 
not relish the idea of having their log cabins and hard cider referred 
to derisively. It was their proud boast, that they and their ancestors 
had been dwellers in log cabins, and they did not want people, who sat 
in cushioned chairs, or rode in "English coaches,'' to make fun of them. 
But the paragraph had become public property and could not be recalled. 

•' Tyler, too," chiming in so euphoneously with "Tippecanoe," it 
became of easy construction in song, and at once Harrison was raised 
to the hero of Tippecanoe, and the refrain, " And Tyler too," was soon 
adopted by the people, and nothing could check the avalanche. 

Mr. Allen, notwithstanding his accustomed discretion and good 
sense, made a mistake, when he said that the ladies of Chillicothe voted 
General Harrison a " petticoat," for his prowess at the Thames, for, no 
matter about the truth or untruth of the allegation, he should have fore- 
seen that the not very dignitied title of " Petticoat Allen" would be at- 
tached to his name. He should have been astute enough to comprehend 
that in the excited state of the popular mind, the masses w^ould not stop 
to inquire into the truth of his statement. 

They simply accepted it as a thrust at the log cabin candidate. Such 
are the foundations of the log cabin and hard cider campaign. The 
excitement came just on the heels of the universal financial crisis of 
1837, '^^"^^ '^t '^ time when scarcel}' a bank bill in the whole country was 
at par, and when the circulating medium consisted largely of corpora- 
tion and individual shin-plasters. With few exceptions, the banks were 
in a state of suspension, and the country was flooded with irredeemable 
notes. The Bank of the United States had been suspended, and the 
prospect ahead was gloomy enough, being one of these general condi- 
tions of any country that incites the people to desire a change in the 
administration of the public affairs. The occasion was opportune, and 
the uprising of the masses was natural and legitimate. 

General Harrison and John Tyler were elected by an overwhelming 
majority of the popular vote, as well as of the electoral college, having 
two hundred and thirty-four electoral votes, to sixty for Van Buren and 
Johnson. 

General Harriso*i died on the fourth da}^ of April, 1841, thirty-one 
days after his inauguration. At this time, the administration passed 
into the hands of the Vice President. But a revulsion soon followed, 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 105 

and the same people who elected " Tippecanoe and Tyler too," in 1840, 
without the experience of a test of his policy, undid all they had done. 

Thomas Corwin, who was elected Whig governor of Ohio, in 1840, 
over Wilson Shannon, Democrat, by a majority of sixteen thousand, 
was, in 1842, defeated by Shannon by a majority of over 2,000 ; and in 
1844 James K. Polk was elected President by the Democratic party. 

The emblem of the Whig party was the bucke3'et that of the Demo- 
crats, the hickory — originating from the term, " Old Ilickory, as ap- 
plied to General Jackson. The emblems adopted by the Whigs, during 
the campaign, were coon-skins, cider-barrels, live coons, blood-hounds, 
and log cabins ; while the Democrats added to their hickory pole, the 
rooster and the petticoat. But the log cabin was the central and lead- 
ing feature of the "Tippecanoe, and Tyler too," rall}^. They were to 
be seen everywhere, from the miniature cabin of a foot square, nailed 
on top of the gate-post, to the log cabin of a thousand capacity, covered 
with clapboards. Almost every village had its log cabin, in which the 
people assembled to sing, and make speeches. They were built in the 
most primitive style, of unhewed logs and poles, and, sometimes, the 
primitive stick and mud chimney. For the most part, their decorations 
consisted of cider-barrels and coon-skins, attached to the logs on the 
outside. On special occasions, the spectacle of a live hound, secured 
on the roof, was no strange sight. Sometimes a rifle was to be seen, 
lying in the wooden hooks on the wall, a gourd hanging beside the 
door outside, etc. 

The Whigs of Lancaster built their log cabin near the old court 
house. It was a very primitive appearing structure. However, many 
a merry crowd was entertained within its walls, and it was, in fact, the 
instrument of proselyting many a voter. Only a few can remember 
it, and the echo from the following, among other doggerels : 

" We'll cut out a window, and have a wide door in, 
We'll lay a good loft, and a first-rate floor in. 

* « * « » * * ;•;■* * » 

On the fourth day of March Old Tip will move in it, 
And then little Martin will have for to shin it. . 

Hurrah ! hurrah! for Harrison and Tyler; 
A nice log cabin, and a barrel of hard cider." 
" Oh ! what, tell me what, will be your cabin's fate ? 
We'll wheel it to the Capitol, and place it there in state, 
For a token, and a sign, of the Bonnie Buckeye State. " 

" What has caused this great commotion? 

Motion, motion, motion. 
It is the ball a rolling on. 
For Tippecanoe, and Tyler too, 
For Tippecanoe, and Tyler too. 
And with them we'll beat little Van, 

Van, Van, Van's a used-up man. 
And with them we'll beat little Van." 

" Three cheers for the old log cabin's friend, 
Long time ago. 
The cabin boys on him depend. 

Long time ago. 
In English coaches he's no rider. 
But he can fight, and drink hard cider. 
Long time ago." 
14 



lo6 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

The processions of the Whigs were comical enough, sometimes. 
Every possible kind of vehicle was brought into requisition. Immense 
wagons were improvised by iixing long poles on two pair of wheels ; 
and, when they could be procured, buckeye limbs and bushes were 
either nailed on, or inserted into the poles, so as to present the appear- 
ance of a moving grove of green buckeyes. Seats were arranged, and 
sometimes from seventy-five to one hundred persons would be crowded 
into one of these large wagons. Flags, banners, songs, and cheers 
brightened the scene, and the levity of one of these occasions was par- 
ticipated in by the men, women, and children of the best families. 

The wagons often displayed the emblems and insignia of log cabin 
life. The cider barrel usually is a prominent feature. Also, plows, 
wooden harrows, pitchforks, flails, flaxbrakes, scutching board, hat- 
chets, johnny cake boards, Dutch ovens, old-fashioned looms, and 
women "making believe" they were weaving on them. 

Sometimes men appeared, as if in the act of threshing wheat ; 
others breaking and scutching flax ; at other times, blacksmiths with 
their sleeves rolled up appeared at their work ; coopers were seen driv- 
ing on hoops, others slinging the maul ; women were represented as 
being at the wash tub ; perhaps a blood hound was visible ; gourds 
hanging on nails, and coon skins tacked up, were common appendages. 
Raccoons were very common. 

One of these processions passed through the principal street of Lan- 
caster, with "Mother Green," as a prominont feature. Mrs. Ruhama 
Green, the pioneer mother, who was identified with the beginning of 
Lancaster and Fairfield county, only survived this occasion two 
years. 

When Gen. Harrison was to speak in Chillicothe, a large delega- 
tion from Lancaster went down. The delegation left Lancaster very 
early in the morning, and consisted of a long line of carriages and 
horsemen. Arriving in the vicinity of Tarlton, a tall hickory pole, by 
the roadside, indicated the residence of a Democrat. From its top flut- 
tered a red petticoat. The boys called a halt, and said it must come 
down,, and began to look about for an axe. "Uncle Christ," over forty 
years younger than he is now, was there w^ith his four horse coach, fill- 
ed with Whigs, He thought it would not be right to cut it down, and 
proposed to climb the pole, and take down the offensive rag. When he 
had reached about ten feet from the ground, his hands slipped and he 
slid back to terra firma. Nothing could induce "Uncle Christ" to make 
the second attempt, and the procession moved on, while possibly the 
owner of the offensive pole was convulsed with laughter, as he viewed 
from his concealment their discomfiture. 

The Whigs of Pickaway, Madison, north Clinton, Fayette and this 
count}^ took up the line of march from Washington court house, about 
the twentieth of July, for a grand march to the Hillsboro mass meeting, 
leaving with three thousand strong. They were gone about three days, 
leaving but very few Whigs at the court house, to take care of things. 
Upon their return it was contemplated to hold a rousing meeting, in the 
log cabin, standing near the south-west border of the town, with a seat- 
ing capacity of about five hundred. It had been the scene of speech, 
song and jubilation, all summer. The crowd that assembled there 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. IO7 

nightly consisted largely of ladies, but during this lull in the merri- 
ment, the Democrats took advantage of the absent ones, having 
things pretty much their ow^n way. The log cabin, upon the return, 
was found not only untenable, but unapproachable, so much so, that 
renovation was rendered impossible ; subsequently, as the only way of 
abating an unendurable nuisance was to reduce it to ashes. 

In this dilemma, small posters were displayed about the town, in the 
afternoon, to the effect that the "Tippecanoe Club," would meet to- 
night in the court house. Word was brought to the Whig headquar- 
ters, that the Democrats had stolen into the court house, and organized 
a meeting. Inside of twenty minutes forty stout Whigs marched 
down the pavement by two's, seized the dozen Democrats, who were 
going through the formula of a meetmg, and set them down in the mid- 
dle of the street. The president, whose avoii^dupois fell but little short 
of three hundred pounds, required a double force to transfer him. 

It amounted to nothing more than a big joke, not a word having 
been spoken. 

On their way from the "Queen City," the stage (with the nine oc- 
cupants,) stopped in a village to change horses and the mail. One of 
the passengers was a grocer, and had in the coach a number of hideous 
false faces. As they neared the town, the passengers, thinking to be- 
guile the monotony of stage travel a little, concluded to have a little fun, 
and, accordingly, each man drew on a mask. When entering the town, 
seeing green buckeyes growing along the side-walks, they, legitimately 
enough, concluded they were entering a good Whig village. When the 
stage stopped in front of the tavern, they commenced to sing at the top 
of their voices, 

"Old Tip's the boy to swing the flail, 

Hurrah, Hurrah, Hurrah, 
And make the Locos all turn pale, 

Hurrah, Hurrah, Hurrah, 
He'll give them all a tarnal switchin', 
When he begins to ''clear de kitchen." 

The refrain was not sung, for just at that point a big fellow stepped 
to the coach window from the crowd that had collected, wanting to 
know if anybody in there thought himself man enough to give a 
Democrat a "tarnal switching," and seemed determined to press his 
demand. He was pulled back with the words, (in rather a low voice,) 
"Why, Jim, you fool, keep away from them, they're Indians," 

At this point, the new team having been hitched, "Old Hundred" 
welled up, and the stage dashed away, under a tremendous "Hurrah 
for Van Buren," 

A special feature of the log cabin campaign was a kind of drink 
sold all over the country, known as "coon oil," It had a sweetish lemon 
flavor, yellowish in color, and rather oil}' consistence. Its special pe- 
culiarity was its efficiency in making men drunk, and that, in a shorter 
time, than any intoxicating liquid, ever before known, perhaps by its 
seductive taste. As the coon was an emblem of the Whig canvass, this 
drink, which it was said, left men without headaches or other bad feel- 



I08 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

ings, was named "coon-oil," and the place of rendezvous was to be 
known as "coon boxes." 

These extravagances were almost entirely on one side. The Demo- 
cratic partv had its hickory poles, standing as sentinels all over the 
country, whilst roosters and other insignia decorated their banners. 
In their processions, hickor}' bushes and roosters were carried, but they 
were visibly weak, and expended their principal batteries against 
"The wild delirium and extravagance of the Whigs." They were 
rather overwhelmed, and their enthusiasm was moderate, the field pieces 
being chiefly the hickory, rooster and petticoat. 

There was not, on either side, separate from paraphernalia, very 
much displa}' of logic, 



] 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. IO9 



CHAPTER XVII. 

STATISTICS. 

The number of children in Fairlielcl county eligible to enter the com- 
mon schools, that is between six years and twenty-one years ot age, 
in 18/9, was 11,904. 

The number of civil judgments entered in Fairfield county court 
of common pleas, for the year ending June 30, 1879, ^^^^ -^9- ^^ 
these, 195 were rendered for mone}' alone, and 94, where money was 
included. Amount of judgments, $131,900. Within the same time, 
26 decrees were rendered by the county, for the year ending March 31, 

Number ot births in the county tor the year ending March 31, 1879, 

725- 

Number of letters of guardianship issued by the probate court, for 

the year ending March 31, 1879, 47' i^umber of wills probated, 40; 

letters testamentar3^ 24; letters of administration issued, 51; estates 

administered on, 75. 

Number of persons sent to insane asylums from Fairfield county for 
the year ending March 31, 1879, ^7 ' I'^ales, 6; females, 11. 

Number of paupers supported by Fairfield county, for the year end- 
ing March 31, 1879, 2^9- Total expense to the county, including out- 
side support, $12,420. Average cost of each pauper per diem, twenty 
cents. 

Political. — Since 1832 the county of Fairfield has been Democrat- 
ic by majorities ranging from 800 to 1000. As is well known, the 
birth of the Democratic party was coincident with Andrew Jackson's 
presidential canvass. The numerical relation between the Republicans 
and Democrats of the present day is almost the same as existed between 
the old Whigs and Democrats. Prior to the Rebellion the Abolition 
party had no existence in this county, there never having been more 
than three or four votes cast. 

There is hardly a civilized nation on earth that is not represented in 
Fairfield county, some countries having furnished thousands of its 
present population. In 1798, when immigrants first began pouring into 
the Hocking Valley, Pennsylvania furnished the most, followed by Vir- 
ginia, Maryland and Kentucky. In 1799 and 1800, several small col- 
onies of Swiss arrived and settled in the neighborhood of what is now 
Basil, Liberty township. This continued until a considerable Swiss set- 
tlement was formed, and the name "Liberty"' was given to the town- 
ship by them. Soon after the population of Fairfield county was great- 
ly and rapidly augmented by arrivals from "Der Faderland" and Hol- 
land. The dialect of every German province is spoken in Fairfield 
county, the Teutonic being second only to the English tongue, in th e 
number of its representatives. 

There is not a European state or province, or one of the original 



I lO HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

thirteen United Colonies of America, not represented in Fairfield 
county, the New England States and Carolinas furnishing the smallest 
number of settlers. 

Marriage Licenses. — By reference to the records of the clerk of 
court, and those of the probate court, it is found, that within a period 
of forty-six years, viz., from April 1835 to April 1881, there were is- 
sued within and lor Fairfield county, 13,243 marriage licenses, being 
an average of 290 to the year. This would give the number of per- 
sons married within the same time at 26,680. This seems wonderful, 
because the average population of the county for the same years, has 
been below thirty thousand souls, all told, including children and aged 
persons; and yet this is true. Even the present population is but little 
above thirty thousand. 

Some Mortality Statistics. — The average duration of human 
life in Fairfield county, until recently, has been estimated at 33 years ; 
it is now supposed to be between 35 and 37 years, undoubtedly owing 
to improved sanitar}^ conditions and better modes of living. To throw 
some light on the subject of longevity, the births and deaths within 
the county for the year 1877 are here given. City of Lancaster, first 
ward, births, 30; deaths, 16; second ward, births, 14; deaths, 8 ; 
third ward, births, 22 ; deaths, 14 ; fourth ward, births, 14 ; deaths, 4 ; 
fifth ward, births 17: deaths, 5. Total for the city of Lancaster — 
births, 97; deaths, 47. Hocking township, births, 28 ; deaths, 9 ; 
Amanda township, births, 48 ; deaths, 10; Pleasant township, births, 
44 ; deaths, 28 ; Richland township, births, 28 ; deaths, 9 ; Rush Creek 
township,, births, 58; deaths, 16; Greenfield township, births, 33 ; 
deaths, 12 ; Madison township, births, 25 ; deaths, 17 ; Bloom town- 
ship, births, 46; deaths, 9; Walnut township, births, 40; deaths, 17 ; 
Violet township, births, 66 ; deaths 18 ; Berne township, births, 31 ; 
deaths, 15; Liberty township, births, 58; deaths, 15. Total births for 
the county, outside of Lancaster, 525 ; total deaths in the county, out- 
side of Lancaster, 187. Total births, city and county ,622 ; total deaths, 
cit}' and county, 236. It will be noticed that the number of deaths in 
proportion to the births, is greater in the city than in the country. 

The population of the county in 1877 varied a little either way 
from 34,000 ; the inhabitants of the city of Lancaster, for that year, 
numbered about 6,000. 

The number of deaths in Fairfield county for the year ending March 
31, 1879: White, males, 137; white, females, 129; colored, males, 3; 
colored, females, 2 ; deaths, where sex was unknown, 14. Total deaths 
for the year, 285. 

Causes of death in the count}' for the year ending March 31, 1879: 
Measles, i ; scarlet fever, 5 ; diphtheria, 12 ; croup, 9 ; whooping cough, 
2; typhoid fever, 9; erysipelas, i; influenza, i; cholera infantum ,8 ; 
ague, 2; rheumatism, 4 ; gout, i ; dropsy, 9; cancer, 6 ; mortification, 
I ; scrofula, 3 ; consumption of the bowels, i ; consumption of the 
lungs, 49 ; drops}' of the brain, i ; inflammation of the brain, 3 ; apo- 
plexy, 2 ; paralysis, 7 ; epilepsy, i ; convulsions, 4 ; brain disease, 7 ; 
inflammation about the heart, i ; heart disease, etc., ig ; bronchitis, 2 ; 
asthma, 3 ; lung disease, etc., 29; inflammation of the stomach, i ; in- 
flammation of the bowels, 2 ; fistula, 2 ; liyer complaint, 2 ; diabetes. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. lit 

2 ; joint disease, 6; carbuncles, i ; skin disease, i ; child-birth, 3 ; old 
age, 20; atrophy, 2; fractures and contusions, i ; burns, i ; suicides, 
2 ; sudden deaths and causes unknown, 17 ; still-births, i. 

Inquests — The number of inquests held in Fairfield county by jus- 
tices of the peace, for the year ending June 30, 1879, '^'^s 5 5 ^Y the 
county coroner, 6 ; of this number two were suicides, three were homi- 
cides, and six by accident. Of the eleven, thi-ee were foreign born, 
three were native born, and five nativity unknown. 



112 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

THE WAR OF l8l2 AND MEXICAN WAR. 

Though war with England was not formally declared by Congress 
until June i8, 1812, histor}^ shows that a company of infantry was 
mustered in Fairfield county in the month of April of the same year, 
to operate on the northern border against the British. The company 
was recruited by the late General George Sanderson, with headquarters 
at Lancaster. When the company started for the frontier, it numbered 
forty-two ; and was officered as follows : Captain, George Sanderson ; 
First Lieutenant, David McCabe ; ensign, Isaac Larimar ; sergeants, 
John Vanmeter, John Smith, James Larimar and Isaac Winter ; cor- 
porals, James White, Daniel Hudson, Robert Cunningham and William 
Wallace. 

Privates, George Baker, William Brubeck, Daniel Baker, Robert 
Cunningham, John Dungan, John Davis, William Edmunds, Reese 
Fitzpatrick, John Hiles, Christopher Hiles. Thomas Hardy, Philip 
Hines, Archibald Darnell, William Jinkins, Samuel Johnson, Isaac 
Finkbone, John Kerley, Joseph Loveland, John Collins, Charles Mar- 
tins, John Mclntire, Jacob Monteith, James Monteith, Jacob Mellon, 
Daniel Miller, William McDonald, William McClung, Henry Martin, 
William Nelson, Joseph Oburn, Cornelius Post, William Ray, John 
Swiler, Daniel Smith, Jacob Sharp, Thomas Short, Samuel Work, 
Joseph Wheston, Henry Shoupe, John Huffman, Samuel Nolan, in all 
tifty-three. 

This entire company, with all its officers, was included in the sur- 
render of General Hull, when in front of Detroit, August 16, 181 2, 
and were paroled by order of the British General Brock, then in com- 
mand of the post, not to take up arms against the British army until 
regularly exchanged, which exchange did not take place until in May, 
1812. 

This surrender of the American forces under the command of Gen- 
eral Hull, including all the military stores and munitions of war within 
his department, was in violation of the best judgment of his officers, 
who solemnly affirmed there existed no necessit}^ for it, and at the same 
time so enraged the soldiers, that subsequently many of them disre- 
garded their parol, and re-enlisted. The majority of the Fairfield 
county men subsequently re-entered the service, and remained in it 
until the close of the war, including Captain Sanderson. 

In April, 1813, Captain Sanderson recruited a second company-, 
partly from Fairfield county, and partly from Franklin county, Dele- 
ware county and the Western Reserve, numbering, when they struck 
tent to march to the front, one hundred and fifty-seven men. This 
company served until the close of the war, and was honorably dis- 
charged. The officers were — George Sanderson, Captain; First Lieu- 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELII COUNTV. II3 

tenants, Aurora Butler, Andrew Bushnell, John A. Miftbrd, Abraham 
Fish, Second Lieutenant, Ira Morse ; Third Lieutenant, Wm. Hall ; En- 
sign, John Vanmeter ; First serg't, Chaney Case : Second serg't., Robt. 
Sanderson ; Third serg't., John Neibling ; Fourth serg't., John Dugan : 
Corporals : John Collings, Peter Cor3^ Smith Headl}-, Daniel 
T. Bartholomew. Musicians: John C. Sharp, Drummer; Adam 
Deeds, Filer. Privates : William Anderson, Joseph Anderson, John 
Atkins, Joseph Allowa3^s, Thomas Boyle, John Bartholomew, John 
Berrimen, Henr}^ Bixler, Abraham Bartholomew, Samuel Bartholomew 
James Braden, Sheldon Reeber, James Brown, JoknBeaty, Eli Brady, 
Charles Berdinoo. John Batiere, Daniel Baker, John Burley, Thomas 
Billings, Daniel Benjamin, Flenr}- Case, Archibald Casey, Joseph Clay, 
Holden Collens, Blader Cremens, Chester P. Cabe, Nathan Case, 
Chaney Clarke, Almon Carlton, Stephen Cook. David Crosb}^, Jesse 
Davis, Asa Draper, Walter Dunham, Geo. Daugherty, Enos Devore, 
Benj. Daily, John Evans, Joseph Elinger, Peter Fulk, John Forsyth, 
Daniel Filkall, John Faid, Ephraim Grimes, William L. Gates, Elna- 
than Gregory, Joseph Gibson, Samuel Gause, John Hunt, James liager- 
ty, Josiah Hinkley, John Hall, Fred. Hartman, David Hughs, Perlin 
Holcomb, John Harter, Jacob Headly, John Harbeson, John leas, Am- 
brose Joice, James Jones, John Johnson, James Jackson, John L. Jack- 
son, John Kisler, James Kincade, George Kissinger, Jonathan Kitts- 
miller, Samuel Kinsman, Joseph Lariman, Fi-ed. Leathers, Henry Lief, 
Amos Leonard, Marinas Leonard, William Lauther, John McClung, 
John McElwayne, Francis McCloud, Hosea Merrille, John McClark}^ 
Josh Merrill, James Moore, Joshua Mullen, Thomas Mapes, John Mc- 
Bride, WilHam M. Clare, Henry Mains, Andrew Miller, John McCon- 
nell, Alex. McCord, William Harper, Isachar Nickerson, George Os- 
born, George Parks, Samuel Pratt, Powel Pain, Benjamin Berkhart, 
Luther Palmer, Arzell Pierce, John Ray, David Ridenor, William Reed, 
George Raphy, Elijah Rogers, Asa Rose, Joseph Straller, Henr}^ Shad- 
ley, Christian B. Smith, Perry Spry, John Sunderland, Christian Shy- 
power, David Seress, John Seress, Henry Skolls, Ephraim Summers, 
Henry C. Strait, Jonathan Sordan, Jacob Shoup, Charles Smith, Myn- 
der Shears, Adam Senor, John Smith, T. Sharp, S. Shenor, G. Shad- 
wick, S. Taylor, J. Trorenger, F. Tesler, B. Thorp, F. Tucker, L 
Thorp, J. Twadle, P. Vancleaf, L Vanney, Thomas Thorp, J. Twadle, 
B. Thorp, A. Walker, A. White, L Weaver, T. Wheatlev, D. Walters, 
J. Wright, J. Welchaus, C. Wolftly, F. Williams, W"^. Wallace, A. 
Wilson, W. Watson, J. Young, H. Zimmerman, D. Zeigler, D. Wood- 
worth, S. Tyler, G. Tennis, L. Vanney, J. Wilson, L Wheeler. 

The first company commanded by Captain Sanderson, and which 
marched trom Lancaster in April, i8i 2, formed apart of Colonel Lewis 
Cass's Regiment of Ohio Volunteers. There was another company, 
* which was in part recruited in Fairfield but of which very little infor- 
mation is to be obtained. The company was attached to Colonel Paul's 
regiment of Twenty-Seventh United States Infantrj'. 

The}' were honorably discharged at Detroit, in 1814. Accident 
placed in the hands of Dr. Scott an old blank book, which was pur- 
chased with a lot of odds and ends at the executor's sale of the effects of 
the late venerable John Leist, one mile west of Amanda, b}^ a son of 

15 



114 



HISTORY OF FAIRP'IELD COUNTY 



the late William Graham, of Hocking township. It is a journal in 
diary form of a third company ot Infantry recruited in Fairfield county, 
with headquarters at Lancaster. The company was commanded by 
Capt. Jesse D. Courtright ; John Leist. First Lieutenant ; but no other 
oflicers or other specifications of the constitution of the company are 
written in the memorandum. The record seems to have been kept b}- 
one, Samuel Taylor, probably an orderly sergeant. The Journal opens 
thus: "Rendezvoused at Lancaster, on the 26th day of August, 1812, 
for a six months tour on an expedition towards Canada." 

The record then proceeds in the form of a regular kept diary, giv- 
ing particulars of the dail}' marches and encampments, until the Mau- 
mee countr}" is reached, when it terminates abruptly with. this brief 
paragraph. 

"General Harrison arrived at the rapids, and started next day with 
a thousand men, commanded by General Perkins, to reinforce General 
Winchester. They did not get far, when they met some of Winches- 
ter's men, who told them that Winchester's army was all taken prisoner, 
or killed." 

There was also a rifie company ofganized in 1812, numbering from 
eighty to one hundred strong, raised chiefiy along Ewing's Run, and 
north of Lancaster, marching first to Upper Sandusky, where they 
were encamped for some time. What part they further enacted in hos- 
tile movements, does not appear. 

They enlisted for six months, and at the expiration of this time the}^ 
were honorably discharged. 

This company w^as commanded by Captain David Ewing, Thomas 
Ewing, First Lieutenant and John Burton Second Lieutenant. 

To give a minute account of the part taken in the war with Mexico 
by Fairfield count}^ in 1846 and in 1847, at this late day, in the ab- 
sence of muster rolls, is almost impossible, nor would a specific detail 
of the particularities serve any special purpose to future history. But it 
may be said, that Fairfield furnished as man}- soldiers as any county in 
Ohio in proportion to her population, and that she was as prompt in re- 
sponding to the call. There were two companies from the county. The 
first company left for the seat of war in 1846, and was commanded by 
Captain Wm. Irvin, with Aaron Julien as First Lieutenant. The com- 
pany went out full, and served one year, and was honorably discharged. 
They were in several sharp engagements, but did not suffer greatly. 
A few of their number died from disease. The second compau}- started 
out in the month of May, 1847, sixty strong, and filled up at Cincin- 
nati. They were absent a little more than one year, their return being 
in July 1848; they suffered some from sickness. This company did 
mostl}^ guard duty. It was commanded b}^ W. F. Furguson, First 
Lieutenant, W. Rice ; Second Lieutenants, Alva Perry and Perry 
Steinman. The company was honorably discharged. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 115 



CHAPTER XIX. 

WAR OF THE REBELLION. 

To Fairfield count}- belongs the distinguished honor of sending the 
first company of soldiers to the state capital under President Lincoln's 
first call for 75,000 men just after the fall of Fort Sumter. As the in- 
telligence of the surrender of this fort flashed over the country, at 
Lancaster it enkindled the same intense patriotism, and aroused the 
same righteous indignation that was displayed throughout the entire 
north. The colors of the nation had been assailed and trodden under 
foot, and under this national insult, party differences were for a time 
forgotten, and the wildest excitement prevailed. The call for men was 
made April 15th, and on Tuesday, i6th, Lancaster was in arms. The 
Lancaster Guards, a military company, had just lost its captain by re- 
moval from the count}', and J. A. Stafford, a young shoemaker of 
Lancaster, had been elected in his place. Tuesday evening a large 
and enthusiastic citizens' meeting was held, volunteers were enlisted 
and one thousand dollars were contributed by the citizens for the bene- 
fit of the families of those, who obeyed their country's call. Wednes- 
day all was confusion and excitement. The company paraded the 
streets with the stars and stripes and with mnsic. The little military 
band by enlistments, had swelled its numbers to over one hundred pri- 
vates, and about four o'clock in the afternoon formed into line on 
Broadway and marched to the depot, escorted by an immense throng 
of citizens, led by the Lancaster Brass Band. Farewells were spoken 
to parents, wives and sweethearts, and at five o'clock the train depar- 
ed for Columbus, via Zanesville. It was the first to arrive but was 
speedily followed by the Dayton Guards and other companies. 

The First Ohio Volunteer Infanrty was organized on the morn- 
ing of April 18 at Columbus, with A. M. McCook as Colonel, and before 
the dawn of the next day together with the Second Regiment, was on 
its way to Washington. The Lancaster Guards had the proud distinc- 
tion of being Company A. So speedily had come the clash at arms, 
that equipments were unprovided for, but the regiment was ordered to 
proceed to Washington without arms. It made a halt of a day or two 
at Harrisburg. where the soldiers were hospitably entertained by the 
ladies of the city. At Lancaster, Pennsylvania, they halted for arms 
and equipments, and after several vexatious delays, reached Baltimore 
a few days after the Massachusetts Regiment had been fired upon in 
the streets. 

One of the boys in a letter home, after his arrival at Washington 
says : "Well, here we are at the capitol. When we arrived at the de- 
pot at Baltimore, some of our boys were timid about going through the 
city, remembeVing the assault on the Massachusetts men ; but ils we 
could not crawl under it, nor fly over it, and would not go around it, 
we marched through the streets with our guns well charged and our 
fingers on the triggers." 



Il6 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

The First and Second Regiments crossed the Potomac, and went 
into camp, six miles west of Washington, at Camp Upton, Fairfax 
count}', Virginia. The earliest action of the First was at Vienna, where 
General Schenck unexpectedly met the enemy, and lost six or seven 
men. Company A was detailed for guard duty, at the Cross Roads, 
near Falls Church, a few miles from Vienna. The three months' term 
of service expired a few days before the battle of Bull Run, but the 
regiment remained, and did efficient service in covering the retreat. 
The only loss Compan}' A sustained was one man taken prisoner. He 
found his way back to Lancaster, about the close of the war. The 
company was sent home, and discharged in August. It numbered one 
hundred and fourteen men. J. A. Stafi'ord was Captain; Thomas M. 
Hunter, First Lieutenant, and Ezra Rickets, Second Lieutenant. 

Within a tew da3's after its discharge. Company A re-enlisted. The 
place of rendezvous was at Camp Corwin, near Dayton. The organ- 
ization of the regiment was not completed until October. November 
4th, it received arms at Cincinnati, and on the i6th, at Camp Nevin, 
Kentucky, reported to General McCook, then in command of the Sec- 
ond Division of the Army of the Cumberland, and assigned to the 
Fourth Brigade. December 17th, it marched to Green River, where it 
was first engaged. It remained in camp here until February 14, 1862, 
when orders were received to join the forces of General Grant, then 
moving on Fort Henry. At Upton Station, news was received of the 
fall of Fort Henry, and a retrograde movement was begun. It reached 
Nashville, March 3d, and encamped, late at night, five miles out on the 
Franklin Turnpike. The men had neither tents, blankets, nor shelter 
of any kind, and the rain, snow, and sleet was falling fast. Encamp- 
ing in an open field, the men suffered terribl3^ 

Its first severe struggle was at Pittsburgh Landing. At daybreak, 
on the morning of April 7th, the regiment reached Pittsburgh, after a 
forced march, and, at six o'clock, moved to the front, and formed in 
line of battle. It was engaged in the hottest of the fight all day, and 
lost sixty men, killed and wounded. Captain Hooker was among the 
severely wounded. 

The regiment participated in the tedious movement on Corinth, hav- 
ing occasional skirmishes. Under Major Langdon, it had a brisk fight 
at Bridge Creek. The First did not participate in the pursuit of the 
enemy, but remained in and about Corinth, doing picket and guard 
duty till June 10, when it received marching orders for Nashville. After 
several diversions, it reached Nashville, September 10, and continued 
its march, in company with General BuelTs army, in pursuit of Bragg's 
Rebel army, then on its way to Louisville. The National forces 
reached Louisville first, through forced marches, but the extremel}^ hot 
weather, dusty roads, and absence of drinking water, occasioned great 
loss. 

October 9, at Dog Walk, a brisk engagement was had with the en- 
emy. A number of arduous marches, and sliarp skirmishes followed, 
and December 31, the First was engaged in heavy fighting at Stone 
River. It was stationed in the front line of battle, and maintained that 
position, after a litUe confusion, until the close of the action. January 
6, 1863, the regiment went into camp, four miles from Murfreesboro. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. II7 

On June 24, 1863, the movement on Tullahoma commenced. The 
First was not actively engaged at Liberty Gap, being held in reserve, 
but was under a heavy artillery hre. Rapid and tedious marches were 
made, and at one o'clock in the night of July i, the deserted Rebel 
camps, with tents standing, and artillery, etc., lying about at Tulla- 
homa, were reached. August 16, the march was resumed, and Belle- 
fonte reached on the 2 2d. 

The First was engaged in the Chickamauga campaign. September 
18, it was placed on picket, near the right of the National lines, and 
during the da}' there was constant tiring between the pickets. On the 
morning of the 19th, the regiment was relieved from picket duty, and 
marclied to the support of General Thomas. It was placed in the Iront 
line of battle, with the Second Division on the right of the Fourth 
Brigade. A charge was made, and the enemy driven a mile and a 
half, their artillery captured, and the ground occupied by General Baird 
fully recovered. The enemy attempted to regain their position, but 
were handsomely repulsed. 

About dusk, the rebels reappeared in great torce, and, driving in 
the center, the First Ohio was compelled to change its position, to con- 
front the enemy. It fell back about one hundred and fifty yards, re- 
formed its lines, and, in the gathering gloom and smoke, a terrible 
carnage ensued, from which the enemy soon retired, and the National 
division received orders to fall back. 

On the lollowing morning, the First occupied the second line of in- 
trenchments. About one o'clock it made a charge, with the Louisville 
Legion, upon a heavy Rebel force marching around to the left, and put 
it to flight. The loss of the regiment, during the two days, was one 
hundred and twenty in killed and wounded. 

October 20, it formed part of the important expedition down the 
Tennessee River, which resulted in the capture of the ridge command- 
ing Brown's Ferry, and the roads, thus enabling supplies to reach Chat- 
tanooga. 

November 23, the battle of Orchard Knob was fought, the opening 
of the battle of Mission Ridge. About noon, the First Ohio and Twen- 
ty-third Kentucky consolidated, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel 
Langdon, and was formed in column doubled at the center, to the right 
of Hazen's Brigade. It advanced on the enemy, and captured his rifle 
pits, and one hundred and fifty prisoners. This position was held till 
the afternoon of the 25th, when the First was placed in the front line, 
on the right of the brigade and division, and advanced on the rebel 
works, about a mile distant, on the double quick. The rebels were 
fairly lifted out of their works, almost without firing a shot. 

After taking possession of these abandoned works, the troops were 
exposed to a galling fire irom the crest of the ridge. A charge was 
made upon the works at the top of the ridge, under a withering fire, 
in which Lieutenant-Colonel Langdon and Major Stafford were 
wounded. The crest was gained, but tlie First lost five officers and 
seventy-eigiit men, killed and wounded. 

January 17, 1864, it had a hard fight at Strawberry Plains. On May 
4, it started with Sherman, on the Atlantic campaign. During the 
next two months, it was engaged at Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, i\dairs 



Il8 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

ville, Burnt Hickory, Kcnesavv, and Chattahoochie River. In all of 
these engagements it sustained losses. August 15, 1864, Company A 
was mustered out, with twenty-seven men, only one-fourth the number 
which enlisted. 

In all, it participated in twenty-eight battles and skirmishes. Cap- 
tain Stafford was promoted to Major, and was mustered out with Com- 
pany A. He had command of the regiment a great part of the time. 
Lieutenant H^ooker succeeded him in the captainc}' of Company A. 

Seventeenth O. V. I. — This regiment belonged more distinctively 
to Fairfield county, and contained a greater number of her men than 
any other in the field. After Company A, of the First, had reached 
Columbus, on the 17th of April, Sergeants A. H. Geisy and Theodore 
Michels, and Leo Noles, Abraham Ogden, and J. W. Stinchcomb were 
detailed to return to Lancaster, and raise another compan}-. By the 
20th of April, one hundred and eighty-five men had been recruited, and 
two companies were organized, for three months service. 

The second call of the President for troops, found these two com- 
panies encamped at the Lancaster Fair Grounds, christened Camp An- 
derson. Thev were at once made the nucleus of the Seventeenth Reg- 
iment, which John M. Connel was ordered to recruit, and which was 
rapidly formed here. Within a few days, eight companies, from sur- 
rounding counties, reported, and on the 20th the regiment started for 
West Virginia. J. M. Connel was its Colonel. The two Fairfield 
county companies were officered as follows : Compan}^ A, A. H. Geisy, 
Captain ; Abraham Ogden, First Lieutenant ; Leo Noles, Second Lieu- 
tenant. Company I, J. W. Stinchcomb, Captain; John Wiseman, First 
Lieutenant, and J. C. Watson, Second Lieutenant. 

Its first dut}^ was to guard trains to Clarksburg, Virginia. Company 
A was there one of two companies detailed as guard to General Mc- 
Clellan. Company I was sent dowai the river, with several others, to 
operate against the guerillas. It was stationed at Ravenswood, with 
another company, and pertbrmed good service in breaking up rebel re- 
cruiting camps. Governor Wise, of Virginia, made preparations to 
capture the two companies, but they were reinforced, and he wisel}^ 
forebore. The regiment consolidated at Buckhannon, and was order- 
ed to occupy and fortify Sutton, Virginia, which was done. August 3, 
the regiment started for home, reached Zanes ville on the 13th, and 
were mustered out on the 15th. 

Efforts were at once made to reorganize the regiment for three years, 
and August 30, it assembled at Camp Dennison. In the newM^egiment, 
Colonel Connel commanded, and one-half the companies belonged to 
Fairfield county, as follows: Companv A, Benj. F. Butterfield, Captain 
Benjamin Showers, First Lieutenant ; Hemy Arney, Second Lieutenant. 

Butterfield was promoted to Major, December, 1862. Lieutenant 
Showers, in May, 1864, was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel. Lieu- 
tenant Arney was promoted to the Captaincy, in December, 1863. 

Compan^' I>, James W. Stinchcomb, Captain ; Aaron P. Ashbrook, 
First Lieutenant, and Owen W. Brown, Second Lieutenant. Stinch- 
comb became Major in December, 1863. 

Company F. — Ezra Rickets, Captain ; Irvin Linn, First Lieutenant, 
and Daniel Sullivan, Second Lieutenant. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. Hg 

Company I. — Abraham Ogden, Captain : Leo Noles, First Lieuten- 
ant, and Theodore Michaels, Second Lieutenant. 

Company K. — Daniel M. Rea, Captain ; Wm. Cook, First Lieu- 
tenant ; and Seth Collins, Second Lieutenant. Rea resigned in Au- 
gust, 1862, and was succeeded bv Captains Kumler, Clark, and 
others. 

September 30, the regiment was ordered to Kentucky, reporting 
at Camp Dick Robinson, October 2. Thence it moved to Wild Cat, 
participating in the fight there, and losing several men. It also par- 
ticipated in the battle of Mill Springs. 

When in the vicinity of Mill Springs, Colonel Connel, in com- 
mand of the Seventeenth, was ordered to defend a ford on the Cum- 
berland River, When some two or three miles from the rebel posi- 
tion, he took with him Captain Rickets, Lieutenant. Sifer, and ten 
men, and advanced to reconnoiter. He stationed his men as 
pickets along the road, and advanced, alone, to an eminence in 
front of the enemy's camp, where, at a bend in the road, he suddenly 
encountered a band of m'ounted rebels, about thirty yards distant. 
They dashed towards him, unslung their carbines, and shouted the 
challenge. The Colonel put spurs to his horse, and the fire of his 
pursuers passed harmlessly over his head. Unfortunatel}^ his charger 
stumbled and fell, throwing the rider, then galloped off. 

Captain Rickets, attracted bv the fire and challenge, dashed up 
to his fallen and injured Colonel, dismounted, and assisted him to his 
own saddle ; then, instantly turning, he discharged his revolvers at 
the advancing rebels, and plunged on foot into the thick woods that 
lined the roadside. Both reached the camp in safety. 

From this place the regiment proceeded to Nashville, arriving 
March 3, 1862. Thence it guarded a wagon train to Shiloh, but did 
not arrive in time to take part in the battle. It participated in the siege 
oF Corinth, and was engaged in several severe skirmishes, in one of 
which Company B, with sevent}- men, penetrated the rebel lines, 
drove the rebel pickets on their reserves, and held the position two 
hours, losing six men wounded. 

At the battle of Perryville, the Seventeenth did not participate, 
though it was under fire, in the rear of General MitcheFs command. 

At Stony River, the brigade to which the regiment was attached, 
was stationed on the extreme right, until December 29, when, after 
night, it marched from Nolinsville, to the Murfreesboro' Pike, and 
next day had a severe skirmish with Wheeler's Cavalry, at Lavergne, 
and recaptured the wagon trains he had taken. About one o'clock De- 
cember 31, the regiment went into battle line, and with the brigade 
charged the Rebel General Hanson's Brigade, drove them in confusion, 
killing their general and about one hundred and fifty of the rank and 
file. The loss of the Seventeenth was twenty wounded. 

After the long rest at Murfreesboro', General Rosecrans inaugurated 
the Tullahoma campaign. The Seventeenth moved w^ith its brigade, 
and at Hoover's Gap, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Durbin 
Ward, charged the Seventeenth Tennessee Rebel Regiment, strongly 
posted in a belt of woods. In making the charge, it was compelled to 
cross an open field, and receive a full fire directly in its left flank, from 



120 HISTORY OF FAIRFlEI.t) COUNTY. 

a rebel brigade and batter3^ yet it drove back the Seventeenth Tennes- 
see, and occupied its position. 

At the battle of Chickamauga, the regiment was on the extreme 
right of the center, attached to the corps, commanded by General 
Thomas. When General Wood's division was double-quicked out of 
the line, the gap left exposed the right flank of the regiment, of which 
the rebels took immediate advantage, and opened fire, both on the right 
and front flank, causing it to lose heavily, and scattering its men in con- 
fusion. Halting about three hundred yards from where they had been 
driven, about two hundred of the Seventeenth were collected, and 
charged back on the enemy, but to little purpose, as they outnumbered 
them ten to one. Falling back again, they held a given point and 
faught throughout the da}', leaving the field with but fifty-two men. 
The loss of the. Seventeenth in killed and wounded, not including those 
with slight flesh wounds, was over two hundred. It was the severest 
fight, in which the regiment participated. The gallant Captain Rick- 
ets, lell dead in the early part of the fight, and Lieutenant-Colonel 
Ward, fell about the middle of the afternoon, on the front line, badly 
wounded. 

During the siege of Chattanooga, the Seventeenth was in several 
severe skirmishes, and at Brown's Ferry, it won honor, along with the 
brigade to which it was attached. At Mission Ridge, though in the 
rear when the battle commenced, it was at the front when the top of tlie 
hill was gained. In this brilliant charge, the braive and gallant Major 
Butterfield fell mortally wounded, while leading the regiment. 

January i, 1864, the subject of re-enlisting as veterans having been 
agitated, three hundred and ninety-three members of the Seventeenth 
agreed to enlist tor a second three years term, if it became necessary. 
January 22 the regiment started home on furlough, and on the 7th of 
March, returned to the field with over four hundred recruits. It went 
with Sherman to Georgia, and at Resaco, May 13, bore its full share of 
the conflict. An assault having been ordered, it moved forward witli 
Turchin's Brigade, until", unsurported on either side, it could go no fur- 
ther. Stfll it held the position it had gained, until the commanding 
General decided to abandon the attack on the enemy's works at that 
point. Its loss here, was quite heav}-. 

At New Hope Church, Pumpkin Vine Creek, Kenesaw Mountain, 
Peach Tree Creek, and several other places, the regiment was actively 
engaged. Moving with Jefl'. C. Davis' corps, to the rear of Atlanta, 
the Seventeenth was among the claimants tor the honor of having been 
the first to strike the railroad. The next da}'^ Hunter's Brigade, tormer- 
ly Turchin's, in which the Seventeenth had been placed through the 
campaign, sustained Este's and advanced under a galling fire of mus- 
ketry and artillerv, to the assault on Jonesboro. This ended the cam- 
paign. 

The Seventeenth was always at the front, never doing a single day's 
service in mere garrison duty. It was never driven, except at Chicka- 
mauga. Even then it quit the field only under orders, and that at night- 
fafl. 

The Seventeenth Regiment Band, was composed of eighteen mem- 
bers, all of whom were from about Lancaster. It served with the regi- 



I 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD C'OlJN'ry. I2l 

ment lor about a year, in the Army of the Tennesee, and was discharged 
September 9, 1862. There were three deaths in the band, dming the 
term' of service. Its leader was Geoi'ge Blaire, who was subsequently 
commissioned Lieutenant, captured and imprisoned in Libby for nearly 
a year. 

Sixty-First O. V. I. — This regiment, though organized at Camp 
Chase, is more intimately connected with Lancaster. During the win- 
ter of 1861-2, General Newton Schleich, maintained a recruiting office 
in Lancaster, using the starch factory building for a barracks. Several 
companies were recruited, but transferred to complete other regiments 
as fast as recruited. In x\pril, 1862, under astringent call for imme- 
diate troops, three regiments, partially formed, the Sixty-tirst, Fiftieth 
and Fifty-second, were consolidated at Camp Chase, under name of 
the Sixty-first. The other two regiments were afterwards organized. 

Colonel Newton Schleich commanded the regiment, and Captain 
Daniel J. Schleich, Company B, the only Fairfield company. George 
J. Wygum and Edward Hay, were the Lieutenants of the company. 

The regiment was mustered in for three years, and left Camp Chase 
for Western Virginia, May 27, 1862, where it was connected with Gen. 
Fremont's (afterwards Pope's) armv. It first saw the enemy at Cedar 
Mountain, where it arrived too late to participate actively, but in time 
to receive a severe shelling from the enemy's guns, and sustained some 
little loss. A number of brushes with the rebels occurred, and in the 
second Bull Run battle, the regiment assisted in covering the retreat of 
the National forces, and lost twent3'-five men, killed and wounded. 
September 2, it was engaged with the enemy at Chantilly, then fell 
back towards Washington, and formed part of General Sigel's reserve 
force. It went into winter quarters at Stafford C. H. 

On May 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th, it stood under fire at Chancellors- 
ville, and sustained loss. It joined in the pursuit of Lee's army, and 
Jul}^ I opened the battle at Gettysburg as skirmishers. It was so fur- 
iously received, that it was obliged to fall back to Cemetery Hill with 
great loss. It held its position here, till the close of the fight, and then 
joined in pursuit of the flying enemy. Captain J. M. Reynolds of 
Cincinnati, in command of company' B here, was killed by a shell. 

During the night of October 28, a fierce fight took place between 
the Sixty-first and the rebels at Wauchatchie Valley, in which the lat- 
ter w^ere routed. November 22, it crossed the Tennessee River, and 
joined the main army. On the three succeeding days, it was engaged 
at Mission Ridge. Several marches were made and the regiment went 
into winter quarters at Bridgeport, Tennessee. 

In March, 1864, i^ re-enlisted, and returned to Ohio, on thirty days 
veteran furlough. Re-assembling at Camp Dennison, it started for the 
front and joined the main forces at Rocky Face Ridge, May 7. From 
this time it was almost constantly engaged with the enemy in the At- 
lantic campaign. May 14, in the vicinity of Resaca, it rescued the 
Fifth Indiana Batter}^, which had been deserted b}^ its support, and 
drove the enemy before it. The next day the battle of Resaca was 
fought and won, and the continued pursuit of the enemy commenced. 
Ma}^ 19, the army again caught up with the enemy, and again routed 
them. On the 25th, near Dallas, Georgia, it was again found. The 

16 



122 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

Sixty-first was here deployed as skirmisliers, and in performing this 
duty lost six men killed and seventeen wounded. Skirmishes, many 
of them severe, w^ere constantly had, till June 22, when the army reach- 
ed Kenesaw Mountain, and commenced building' works at Gulp's Farm. 
While thus engaged, the enemy made a dash upon the National lines, 
and for a few moments luid things their own way, but the troops rallied 
and drove them back. In this atlair, Major Becket was killed, and a 
number wounded. While the fight was in progress, Colonel McGroarty 
was ordered to advance his regiment to a certain point, but in executing 
the order, he placed it far beyond the line intended, and in the darkness 
became almost isolated from his brigade. An attempt was made by a 
rebel regiment, to capture them, but in moving through the dense 
woods in the dark, the rebels were detached from their officers, and, 
becoming alarmed, attempted to hide themselves in the thickets. The 
Sixty-first, in falling back to its proper lines, stumbled across these fel- 
lows, and captured a large number of them. Colonel McGroarty alone 
brouglil in seventeen of the scared rebels. 

Peach Tree Creek was the next severe engagement, in which the 
regiment participated. In it five officers were wounded, one fatally. 
Over seventy men were wounded, and about twenty killed. The corps 
to which the Sixty-first was attached was the first to march into Atlanta. 
It remained here nndl November 15th, and then started with Sherman, 
on his march to the sea. At Benton ville the last real battle of the 
campaign was fought, and our regiment performed its part of it. At 
Goldsboro', North Carolina, they went into camp, and here the Sixty- 
first was consolidated with the Eighty-second Ohio, under the name of 
the latter. 

The name of the Sixty-first was thus extinguished from the rolls of 
the army. It was always a reliable regiment, and always found at its 
post, as the numerous losses it sufTered will attest. At its last roll call 
but fifty-five men answered to their names. Tiie consolidated regiment 
marched to Washington, participated in the grand review there, and 
returned home. It was mustered out of service at Columbus, in Sep- 
tember, 1865. 

The Regimental Band was organized at Lancaster, with E.W.Wolfe 
as leader. It remained a 3^ear with the regiment, and in May, 1862, 
was mustered into General Hugh Ewing's Brigade, as Brigade Band. 
During the operations about Vicksburg the band became disabled, by 
death and sickness, and was again discharged by special order from the 
War Department, in May, 1863. After this, the band was reorganized 
as Post Band, at Camp Chase, where it remained till the close of the 
war, and was finally mustered out February 4, 1865. 

The Forty-third O. V. I contained one Company, I, enlisted 
in Fairfield county, during the winter of 186 1-2. Peter Brown was the 
original Captain, but he soon resigned, and Lieutenant Peter Hewiston 
was promoted to the vacancy, where he remained until he was mustered 
out, in October, 1864. 

Henry S. Beck was made Captain of this company, on its re-enlist- 
ment. O. W. Rigby and S, J. Morrell were the Lieutenants. The 
gallant and lamented J. L. Kirby Smith was the original commander of 
the regiment. It was organized at Mt. Vernon, February 7th, 1862, 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 1 23 

and was assigned to the Army of the Mississippi ; and in all the opera- 
tions that distinguished that army, in its first campaign, it bore a con- 
spicuous part. At New Madrid, Missouri, Island Ten, Tiptonville, 
Tennessee, Fort Pillow, and luka, it rendered most efficient service. 
At Corinth, October 4th, the Fort3'-third and Sixty-third Ohio deserve 
particular honor. They were posted on either side of Battery Robinet, 
and, without any support, bore the brunt of the rebel hand-to-hand 
charge, and ^cceeded in hurling back the opposing columns, when 
our lines were breaking in all other parts of the field. Colonel Smith 
fell at the first onset, mortalh^ wounded, and over one-fourth of the 
Fort3^-third was killed or disabled. 

It was with Grant at Oxford, Mississippi, and in the campaign 
against Forrest, in West Tennessee, and General Dodge's raid, in North 
Alabama, in April, 1863. 

In December, 1863, it re-enlisted almost unanimously, and at the ex- 
piration of its veteran furlough returned and captured Decatur, Ala- 
bama. May 3rd, 1864, it took the advance of the Army of the Tennes- 
see in the Atlanta campaign. It participated at Resaca, on the 13th, 
and the two following days was engaged in heavy skirmishing. At 
Dallas it took an important part. In all the general movements of 
its corps — the Sixteenth — during the campaign, the Forty-third partici- 
pated. July 22nd, it started with a train of some fifteen hundred wagons, 
with the Ninth Illinois Mounted Infantry, from Marietta to Decatur, 
and by its prompt and fearless action, prevented the train from falling 
into the hands of the enemy. 

When Hood attempted to cut ofT General Sherman's communica- 
tions, the Forty-third assisted in the chase, and on its return to Atlanta, 
joined in the '* March to the sea."' It participated in the grand review 
at Washington, and, returning to Ohio, was mustered out July 13th, 
1865. 

The Forty-sixth Ohio rendezvoused at Worthington, Franklin 
county, and was organized October i6th, 1861. Two companies were 
recruited in Fairfield county — C and F. Company C was officered by 
John Wiseman, Captain ; Frank Linnville and John Lutz, Lieutenants. 
Company F b}" Henry Geisy, Captain ; John J. Carron and C. H. Rice, 
Lieutenants. Captain Geisy was promoted to Major, and was killed at 
Dallas, May 28, 1864. Colonels Thomas Worthington, C. C. Walcutt, 
and E. N. Upton successively commanded the regiment. 

It left Camp Chase for the field, in February, 1862, and reported a 
few days later at Paducah, Kentucky. Its first important battle was at 
Shiloh, in April. It was engaged during the entire fight, and received 
a total loss, in killed and wounded, of two hundred and eighty seven 
men. April 27, it moved with the arm}^ upon Corinth. 'The summer and 
part of the autumn of 1862 was spent in garrison and provost duty. 
Early in June, 1863, it was transported to Vicksburg, and participated 
in the seige there. At the battle of Mission Ridge the regi- 
ment was engaged severely, and sustained a heavy loss. It then 
moved on the Knoxville campaign, and marched to Scottsboro, Ala- 
bama, for winter quarters. Here the regiment was armed with Spen- 
cer's repeating rifled muskets, and here, too, it re-enlisted as veter- 
ans, and was furloughed. 



124 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



At Resaca it was actively engaged. May 13th, 14th. and 15th, 
but met with small loss. It arrived at Dallas on the 26th, and took 
a position on the extreme right of the army, where it twice aided in 
repelling a rebel assault. The Spencer riftes produced sad havoc in 
the ranks of the opposing columns, and caused the Forty-sixth to be 
thenceforth dreaded. At New Hope Church it gained a position with- 
in eighty yards of the enemy, and Colonel Walcutt, commanding the 
brigade, by strateg}' caused the rebels to abandon their lines in confu- 
sion. At Kenesaw, Walcutt's Brigade led several brilliant charges, but 
suffered considerable loss. 

Jul}^ 20th found the regiment in line i)efore Atlanta, and here it per- 
formed noble service. x\t Ezra Church it was again engaged, and find- 
ing the rebel regiment, ""{'hirtieth Louisiana, that had confronted it at 
Pittsburg Landing, assailed it with such vigor that the rebel Colonel, 
ten of his officers and half of his men were killed, and their colors 
taken. 

During August the regiment was frequently engaged in skirmishing, 
and on the 29th, took part in the battle at Jonesboro. At Lovejo3-'s 
Station, the Fort3'-sixth and the Sixty-sixth Illinois was deployed in 
front of the army, aiid a challenge passed between the two regiments, 
as to which would first occupy the enemy's lines, about a mile distant. 
As they neared the lines, the conflict became hand-to-hand. The ene- 
mj^ were forced to retire, and the Forty-sixth gained its part of the line 
first, capturing about fifty prisoners. Next the regiment participated in 
the campaign against Hood, in northern Georgia. 

November 25th, it left Atlanta with its brigade for Savannah. 
When near Griswoldsville, the brigade was attacked by a greatly su- 
perior force. The men waited until they had advanced to within one 
hundred and twenty-five yards, then opened fire upon them with fear- 
ful effect. Five times the enemy was broken and driven back, the 
last time not to return. 

Early in 1865, it charged the enemy at Bentonville, and captured 
the works. For its service here, it was especially complimented for 
gallantry. The regiment marched northward, via Petersburg and 
Richmond to Washington. It was mustered out at Louisville, Ken- 
tucky, July 22nd, 1865. During its term of service, the Forty-sixth 
lost twenty men captured, and seven hundred and five men killed, 
wounded, and died of disease. 

The FiFTY-EiGHTM Regiment contained Companv I, recruited in 
Pickaway and Fairfield counties, by Captain Samuel M. Morrison. 
William Robv and Stephen Defenbaugh were Lieutenants. February 
loth, 1862, the regiment left Camp Chase, and arrived at Fort Donald- 
son, Tennessee, on the morning of the 13th. Stopping only long 
enough to prepare their coffee, the regiment, then within four miles of 
the fort, pushed on with energy, over rough and circuitous roads, but 
did not form in line in time for action that da\'. On the 14th, however, 
it engaged in the assault, and on the 15th marched into the loi't at its 
sui'render. 

After Pittsburg Landing and the march on Corinth IkuI been expe- 
rienced, the regiment participated in various expeditions. Battles and 
skirmishes were participated in at Milliktn's Bend, Haine's Bluff", 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 1 25 

Greenville, Bolivar Landing, and Johnson's Landing, at which latter 
place the regiment lost forty-seven per cent, of the whole number en- 
gaged. It remained in the vicinity of Yazoo River till January, 1863, 
when it assisted in the capture of Arkansas Post, April 29th the battle 
of Grand Gulf was fought, where it lost heavily. Its last service was 
at Vicksburg, January 14th, 1865, at'ter which it was mustered out at 
Columbus. 

Eighty-eighth O. V. I. — This regiment contained one full com- 
pany (A), from Fairfield county. Its history is somewhat confused 
with that of the Eighty-tit"th. James C. Henley was authorized to 
recruit a company for the Eight\'-eighth, and he raised the company 
and received his commission as Captain June 10, 1862. June 14, 1862, 
the company was. for some reason, transt'erred to the Eight3'-lifth, the 
organization of which was never completed. It consisted of a battalion 
only (four companies), and rendered service in guarding rebel prison- 
ers at Camp Chase. At the expiration of three months this partially 
formed regiment was discharged. Captain Henlev's Company in this 
regiment was K. His Lieutenants were George Orman and Henry C. 
Sites. During Morgan's raid this company was ordered to Kentucky, 
under command of Lieutenant Orman. 

In September, 1862, Captain Henley recruited another company 
from near Pleasantville and Royalton principall}-, Its term of service 
was three years. It became Company K of the Eighty-eighth. 
Though enlisted for regular service its duties were largel}-^ confined to 
Camp Chase. Henry E. Howe and Harlow Park were First and Sec- 
ond Lieutenants. Colonel George W. Neft' commanded the regiment. 

After a few months the guard duty at Camp Chase became exceed- 
ingl}^ irksome, and the men clamored to be placed in the field. Their 
hopes for a change, however, were delusive. Though detachm'ents 
were occasionally sent abroad for short periods of time, the greater 
part of the three 3'ears' service was spent in and about Columbus. 

Company A was ordered to Williamsport, Maryland, and from there 
to guard the ford at Blennerhasset's Island against Morgan's escape 
from Ohio. It also marched twice to Grafton, Virginia. Companies 
A and B were the two companies sent to Holmes county, under Colonel 
Wallace, of the Fifteenth, to quelch the insurrection of those who 
attempted to resist the draft. The insurrectionists had built a fort and 
entrenched themselves behind it, but, after a few shots were fired, con- 
cluded that they preferred war abroad to war at home, and fled igno- 
miniously. The company also served a short time in Cincinnati on 
guard dutv. The regiment was well drilled, and had it been given a 
chance would undoubtedly have performed good service in the field. 
It was mustered out July 3, 1865. 

The Ninetieth O. V. I. contained two companies from Fairfield 
County. Of these Company D was ofiicered by Alvah Perry, Captain ; 
John M. Sutphen, First Lieutenant, and George W. Welsh, Second 
Lieutenant ; Company I, by Lewis R. Carpenter, Captain ; Augustus 
R. Keller, First Lieutenant, and Samuel L. Weidner. Second Lieuten- 
ant. Captain Perry was promoted to the rank of Major in April, 1863, 
and Lieutenant Sutphen succeeded him as Captain of Company D, and 
was mustered out with the regiment. Captain Carpenter resigned in 



126 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

December, 1862, and Lieutenant Keller was promoted to Captain. 
Lieutenant Weidner also attained this rank. The Colonels of the regi- 
ment were Isaac N. Ross, Charles H. Rippey, and Samuel N. Yeo- 
man, successively. 

The two Fairfield companies were organized at Lancaster and ren- 
dezvoused at Circleville. The_y were mustered into service August 28, 
1862, for three 3^ears. Their tirst duty was outpost picketing at Lex- 
ington, Kentucky. A forced march of over one hundred miles was 
made from this place to Louisville in eighty-six hours. The new 
recruits were compelled to quench their thirst with stagnant pool water 
and march through stifling dust. Their suffering was intense, and 
man}^ sunk under it. October 15, the enem}^ was met and conquered 
at Wildcat Mountain, and on the 20th the regiment surprised twelve 
hundred of the enem3^ and captured two hundred of them. 

The morning of December 31 found the regiment in line at Stone 
River, where they fought with the intrepidity of veterans, losing one 
hundred and thirtv men, killed, wounded, and missing. Captain Perry 
was captured here and sent to Libby Prison. He was afterward 
exchanged and rejoined his regiment. January i, the Ninetieth was in 
line all day, and on the morning of the 2d it occupied the hill on which 
was massed the forty pieces of artillery which sent Breckinridge's Rebel 
Corps howling back over Stone River. At five P. M. the Ninetieth 
Ohio and Thirty-first Indiana were ordered to move over an open 
field. They obeyed and charged a rebel position, still held on the 
national side of the river, and, with but little loss, became masters of it. 

On September 12, after the Tullahoma campaign, the regiment 
found itself on West Chickamauga Creek, On the i8th it was ordered 
to move with its brigade to the support of General Thomas's Corps. 
The line of battle passed at quick time over a corn-field and through a 
strip of timber, and, on debouching from the timber, discovered the 
enemy at close range in the act of completing their movement of turn- 
ing and enclosing General Thomas's right flank. A charge was made 
which succeeded in driving back the enemy until the brigade formed 
on the prolongation of General Thomas's right flank. This line was 
established at one o'clock P. M., and, notwithstanding the repeated 
eflbrts of the enemy, was held until half-past tw^o P. M., when the 
supply of ammunition became exhausted, and Colonel Rippey received 
orders to retire his regiment to a strip of timber one hundred and fifty 
yards in the rear. Here a section of a battery was obtained and the 
enemy held in check till a fresh supply of ammunition was obtained. 
The rebels again attempted to flank their position, and to meet this 
new movement the regiment made a right-half wheel, about faced, and 
was in position to meet the impending charge. To save a rout of the 
right it was plain that a counter charge must be made. The Ninetieth 
led the charge in gallant style, and caused the enem}- to retreat in con- 
fusion. It was next ordered to the support of General Jackson's Divi- 
sion, then hard pressed. September 20 tiie brigade constructed works 
and repelled his assaults. The Ninetieth then relieved the Second 
Kentucky under a heav}'^ fire. The line was afterwards broken on the 
left of the brigade and the regiment exposed to a rear and flank fire. 
The enemy was driven back, but again turned the right flank, which 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 1 27 

compelled the abandonment of the works. The retreat was made 
under hre on the Dry Valle}- road. The loss of the regiment in this 
engagement was three officers killed, and eighty-three men killed, 
wounded, and missing. 

Ma}^ 3, 1864, the regiment joined in the great Atlanta campaign, 
and for one hundred and twenty days marched, fought, and suffered, 
till the objective cit}- was entered. October 3 it left Atlanta, and, with 
the Fourth Corps, repassed the scenes of its advance, and participated 
in the desperate battle of Franklin, and others. It was also at Nash- 
ville, and after the victory joined in the pursuit of the rebels. Return- 
ing, March I, 1865, it remained at Nashville until the surrender of the 
rebel armies, and was then sent to Ohio and mustered out of service. 

Company K, of the One Hundred and Fortieth O. V. I. was 
recruited from Fairheld and Pickaway counties. It was intended for the 
Ninetieth, but that regiment was full before the company was com- 
pleted. George W. Hurst of Williamsport, was its first Captain and 
Isaac Butterlield and Joseph Bury its Lieutenants. Hurst soon. resign- 
ed, and the two Lieutenants were successfull}^ promoted to the Captain- 
cy. The regiment was mustered in, September 11, 1862, aud was or- 
dered to Memphis. Thence it moved down the Mississippi River to 
Johnson's Landing on the Yazoo River to join General Sherman. De- 
cember 26th, it participated in the assault at Chickasaw Bayou, and 
after the retreat assisted in taking Arkansas Post. It next moved down 
the river to Young's Point, Louisiana, where it lost over one hundred 
men from sickness and death. 

The regiment was in the whole of the Vicksburg campaign and par- 
icipated in the battles of Thompson's Hill, Champion Hills, Big Black 
Bridge and the siege of Vicksburg; It sustained considerable loss 
here. It was on duty in Louisiana until November 28th, when it was 
embarked for Texas, landing at Decrow's Point, on Matagorda Penin- 
sula, December 3. It remained on this barren sand coast until January 
14, 1864 and then moved to Matagorda Island. April 18th it was or- 
dered to Alexandria, Louisiana, and arrived on the 26th. Here it was 
engaged for six days and retreated with General Banks' army. At 
Marksville and at Yellow Bayou the enemy was met and defeated. 
This campaign was very severe. Forced marches of twenty-five 
miles per day and ten days duration were endured. The arm}- was 
continually harassed by the enemy, both on flank and rear, and suf- 
fered greatly from the stifling heat and dust. The weary march ended with 
the approach of the Mississippi. November 21, it was ordered to the 
mouth of White Ri\'er, Arkansas, and was here consolidated with the 
One Hundred and Twentieth Ohio. 

December 6th, the regiment was ordered to Morganza, Louisiana. 
January 8th, 1865, it moved to Kenna and, on the 24th, was ordered to 
Barrancas, Florida. It remained at this point until May and was sent 
to Texas. On the way it helped take Mobile, remaining there eight 
days. From Texas the regiment came home and was discharged in 

During its term of service it was engaged in eight hard fought bat- 
tles and many skirmishes. Its loss in killed and wounded was eighty- 
six. During the first year about two hundred men died from disease 



128 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

and many were discharged lor disability ; but the latter part of the ser- 
vice was sing-ularly tree troin casualties. It performed dut}' in ten dif- 
ferent States and marched by land and water over ten thousand miles. 

The One Hundred and Twenty-sixth was organized at Camp 
Steubenville. Eight companies were ready for marching, when three 
arrived from Fairfield and Perry counties, which had been raised for 
for the Ninetieth. The organization of the regiment was complete how- 
ever before thev could join it and they were transferred to the One 
Hundred and Twenty-sixth. The three companies were consolidated 
into two, Company I being principally Fairfield county men and K, 
Perry county men. Company I was recruited principally from Rich- 
land, Walnut, Rush Creek and Pleasant townships. Captain, Henry 
C. Yontz of New Salem commanded and Jacob Lamb and Joseph C, 
Watson were Lieutenants. The Lieutenant-Colonel of this regiment, 
the brave Aaron W. Ebright of Fairfield county, was killed at Winches- 
ter, Virginia, September 19th, 1864. Col. Benj. F. Smith commanded 
the regiment throughout its whole career. 

The first winter was spent among the mountains of Virginia. The 
regiment suffered greatly from typhoid fever and small-pox. June 13th 
at Martinsburg the brigade, to which this regiment was attached, was 
attacked b}^ Lee's advance army and about seventy men of the One 
Hundred and Twenty-sixth, mostly from Company I, were captured. 
The 14th was consumed in hard fighting and in the evening the Union 
forces retreated to Harper's Ferr}-. At Manassas Gap it had a brisk 
fight with the enemy. In August 1863, it went to New York to aid 
in enforcing the draft there. In the spring of 1864 it participated 
in Grant's march on Richmond. May 12th it suffered severely from 
an engagement with the enemy at the Rapidan. It participated in all 
the engagements of the campaign up to June 7th. At Cold Harbor, 
Monacac}^ and Winchester it lost heavily. It arrived at Cedar Creek just 
in time to take part in that memorable battle. 

During the first months of 1865 part of the regiment were on picket 
duty and in the trenches within sight of the enemy constantl}^. On the 
morning of April 2d, it performed an important part in the charge on 
the enemy's intrenched lines. During the next few daj^s it participated 
in the pursuit of Lee's army, and on the night of the 5th was detached 
for guard dut}'. It was mustered out near Washington, June 25, 1865. 
During its term of service the regiment lost nine officers and one hun- 
dred and eleven men killed ; ten officers, and three hundred and seven- 
ty-nine men wounded, an aggregate of five hundred and nine, or more 
than one half the regiment. 

The One Hundred and Seventy-eighth was commanded by 
Col. J. A. Stafford. It was recruited for one year's service in the fall 
of 1864. Company C was composed of Ross and Fairfield county 
men. The Fairfield quoto was recruited b}^ Lieutenants P. H. Mc- 
Grew and J. A. Sears. Charles Cavinor of Ross county commanded 
it. 

The regiment was dispatched to General Thomas" command in 
Tennessee, and during the siege at Murfreesboro was severely engaged. 
In this engagement Company C lost its two color bearers, Irvin Linn 
and George Crumley. Both were shot dead. In the affair at Wilker- 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, 1 29 

son's Pike, in which two fine twelve-pounder Napokiorts dnd two hun- 
dred prisoners were captured, tlie One Hundred and Twenty-sixth par- 
ticipated. After tlie defeat of General Hood's rebel army, at Nash- 
ville, the regiment was engaged in a smart skirmish with the enemy at 
Wise's Fork. After the advance to Raleigii it performed garrison 
duty at Charlotte, North Carolina, till mustered out of service. June 29. 
1865. It was discharged at Camp Chase, July 10, 1865. 

The First Ohio Volunteer Cavalry was organized at Colum- 
bus during the latter part of the summer of 1861, under the first call of 
President Lincoln for three years" service. As it was the first organiza- 
tion of the kind in the State, there was a great anxiet}^ and in the 
selection ot its members, a fine, physically developed regiment was 
procured. The strictest military discipline was inaugurated, and a 
high degree of efficiency soon attained. 

Company F was from Fairfield county, recruited by its Captain, 
Valentine Cupp, who was afterwards promoted to Major and Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel, and fell at Chickamauga. Lafayette Pickering, the First 
Lieutenant, succeeded to the Captaincy. The other Lieutenants 
of the company, during its services, were J. H. Pierce, resigned ; Allen 
T. Overly, mustered out ; Wm. G. Lowder, mustered out as Captain ; 
George V. Ward, mustered out ; Henry G. Ward, resigned ; Wm. T. 
Brison mustered out, and Geo. W. Keys, honorably discharged. 

December 9th the First proceeded to Louisville, the first regi- 
ment of cavalry to enter that department. It will be impossible to 
even mention all its services, and only the most important will be no- 
ticed. It was almost constantly engaged in scouting, skirmishing, raid- 
ing and clearing the country of guerrillas and bush-whackers, when 
not charging the enemy in battle. In Januar}^ 1862, among other 
rebel parties encountered in Kentucky, was a detachment of the John 
Morgan guerrillas, who were severeh' handled. The regiment partici- 
pated in the advance on Corinth, and frequentl}^ engaged the enemy in 
the vicinity of Murtreesboro ; from December 26 to 31 it was repeat- 
edly in conflict. On the 31st it covered the retreat of our infantry. 
The brave Colonel Milligan in command of the regiment. Major Moore 
and Lieutenant Condit, and a long list of men were slain in checking 
the overwhelming, advancing foes. Perceiving the imminent danger of 
the infantry, the Colonel dashed fearlessly into the pursuing rebels 
without any svipport, until entirely surrounded. He succeeded in check- 
ing the advance momentarily, and then cut his way out of the lines 
again, but the gallant strike cost him his life. In June, 1863, the 
brigade to which the First was attached, moved on the extreme left of 
the army in its advance on Tullahoma. On August 18, the regiment 
under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Cupp, crossed the Cumberland 
Mountains with its brigade, and captured a number of prisoners. 

On Sunday, September 19 the First arrived at Chickamauga and 
was immediately led into the fight on the right. Through some misap- 
prehension the Lieutenant-Colonel was ordered to charge the enemy's 
line, and wath drawn sabers the little band of about two hundred and 
filty men — four companies being detached — started across the interven- 
ing space to precipitate themselves upon the foe when the order was 
countermanded. A moment later and scarcely a man could have re- 

17 



130 



lITSTOKY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



turned. As it was, the dashing and brave Cupp was slain and one- 
tifth of the rank and file were killed or wounded. 

In September the First rendered General Crook's Division in East 
Tennessee signal service by encountering a vasdy superior force of 
rebel cavalry under General Wheeler. 

In November, with five other cavalr}' regiments under Colonel 
Lonti-, the First moved from about Chattanooga, crossed the river and 
made a raid in the rear of Brigg's position, which was brilliantly suc- 
cessful. Twenty miles of railroad and the largest percussion-cap and 
torpedo manufactury in the Confederacy were destroyed, two hundred 
wagons burned, six hundred horses and mules and five hundred prison- 
erscaptured and brought into Chattanooga. Other successful raids fol- 
lowed. 

In Januar}^ 1864, about three hundred men re-enlisted and the regi- 
ment was recruited. May 26 it participated at Moulton and lost about 
twenty men. In front of Kenesaw the First had frequent and severe 
skirmishing. Captain Pickering was wounded here. When surround- 
ed by the enemy at Lovejoy's Station the regiment distinguished itself 
by holding in check, for some time, a force from Cleburne's rebel in- 
fantry, suffering a loss of fifty men. After the evacuation ot Atlanta 
the non-veterans were mustered out and the regiment weakened some- 
what. October 13, it carried the advance of Garrard's Division in the 
fight near Rome, Georgia. Soon after the First was sent to Louisville, 
Kentuck}^ to be refitted for the field. 

December 28, it left Louisville to join the cavalry corps near Grav- 
elly Springs, Alabama. From March 19,1865 to April 22, when it entered 
Macon, the First was in continual active service. The last severe en- 
gagement in which it participated was the night assault on Columbus, 
by the capture of which its arsenals and factories were possessed, and 
twelve hundred prisoners and ninety-six cannons taken. The regi- 
ment continued to garrison Georgia and South Carolina until Septem- 
ber when it was mustered out and discharged. 

The Eleventh Ohio Cavalry also contained a company which 
was largely recruited from Fairfield county, Company C. John Van 
Pearce was first authorized to recruit a company for the Sixth Cavalay, 
but before it was completed, orders were issued to stop the enlistment 
of cavalry, and the partially formed Sixth and Seventh Regiments were 
consolidated. Of the new regiment thus formed a battalion of four 
companies were mounted and equipped, and these, impatient at delay, 
were ordered to St. Louis, Missouri, leaving the other two battalions in 
Ohio. They never met afterwards, and the connection between them 
was permanently dissolved. 

The Western Battalion contained Company C, which was officered 
by Thomas L. Mackey, of Chillicothe, Captain ; John Van Pearce, of 
Lancaster, First Lieutenant, and Thomas P. Clark, of Springfield, 
Second Lieutenant. Through the promotion of Mackey, Van Pearce 
became Captain, and John P. Reeves, of Lancaster, Lieutenant. 

The four companies were known as the First Independent Battalion, 
Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, until the summer of 1862 when two battalions 
were added and the organization denominated the Eleventh O.V.C. 
While the battalion was at Benton Barracks, aw^aiting the move- 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. I3I 

ment of an expedition to the southwest, of which it was to form a part, 
the Indians, instigated by rebel agents, became hostile and cut off all 
communication, overland, with the Pacific. The battalion was ordered 
to proceed at once across the plains to open and protect communication. 
It left St. Louis April 4, and reached Fort Laramie after great suffer- 
ing. May 30. From this point the battalion was scattered in small de- 
tachments almost to Salt Lake City. The small number of troops and 
the vast extent ot territory under their charge made the services ex- 
tremely active, arduous and hazardous. 

Company C was scattered between Sweet Water Crossing to South 
Pass during 1862, chiefly in three detachments under Captain Mackey, 
Lietenants Clark and Reeves. In the fall the company was re-united 
and built Fort Halleck, where it remained the following winter. The 
summer of 1863 was spent on the River Cache la Poudre to protect the 
Overland Mail Route from Indian depredations. 

The troops at Fort Halleck were menaced by the Ute Indians in 
Februar}^ 1863, and Company C was ordered to march to their relief. 
While on the route a terrible snow storm overtook them, from which 
all suffered to a greater or less extent. Two men, John Griffith and 
Courtright, were frozen in their saddles. This is only one of many inci- 
dents that happened to the Eleventh in its frontier service. The first 
battalion was mustered out April i, 1865, having served about three 
years and a half. 

There were many other regiments which contained a number of 
Fairfield county men, yet few, if any, that contained an entire com- 
pany. The aggregate, however, was very considerable. In all, the 
county had in service more than three thousand soldiers. These were 
almost all volunteers. Only one or two drafts were made, and they 
were quite small. 

In the Sixty-second, Clement F. Steele, of Lancaster, was commis- 
sioned Major at its organization but rose to the rank of Lieutenant- 
Colonel. The regiment contained a few Fairfield county soldiers. 
Henry B. Hunter, of Lancaster, was Lieutenant-Colonel in the One 
Hundred and Twenty-third. 

The Fourth and the Tenth Ohio Cavalry each included in its ranks 
a quoto from this county. The Twelfth U. S. Regulars, Company A, 
was partially recruited here. The Seventy-third, One Hundred and 
Seventy-sixth, Eighteenth, Sixtieth and many others were also repre- 
sented. 

Generals. — Fairfield county may well pride herself on the number 
and ability of the commanders she furnished for the war. Besides the 
regiment and company officers, whose record for brave and gallant ser- 
vice is not surpassed by any other county, she can claim a Lieutenant- 
General, two Major-Generals and several Brigadier-Generals. 

William T. Sherman, now General of the United States Army, was 
born at Lancaster, Februar}^ 8, 1820. His father, an eminent lawyer, 
died when William T. was nine 3^ears old and he was adopted into the 
family of Hon. Thomas Ewing. He entered West Point in 1836 and 
graduated fovu- years later. Remaining in the regular service thirteen 
years, he resigned his commission to engage in banking business at 
San Francisco. In 1857 he turned his attention to law and practiced 



132 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

for a year or two in Kansas. He conducted the Louisiana Military 
Academy tor a year or more but resigned on the tirst intimations of the 
approaching war. When called to his nation's service he was Presi- 
dent of the St. Loui's Street Railroad Company. His brilliant career 
throughout the four years' struggle has immortalized his name and 
made it a familiar household word of devoted patriotism. 

Thomas'^ Ewing, the son of Hon. Thomas Ewing, was born at 
Lancaster, August 11, 1829. He received a liberal education and be- 
gan practice at the bar. In 1856 he removed to Leavenworth, Kansas, 
and soon rose to the* rank of a leading lawyer. He recruited the 
Eleventh Kansas Infantry, of which he was appointed Colonel. For 
gallant services at Prairie Grove he was promoted to Brigadier-General 
in March. 1863, and soon after assigned to the command of the Dis- 
trict of the Border, afterwards to the St. Louis District. At Pilot 
Knob, September 27, 1864, he commenced one of the most stubborn 
and sanguinary conflicts of the war, with an enemy vastly exceeding 
him in the number of men. His withdrawal from the place and the 
retirement of his forces to Rolla was masterly, and won for him the 
rank of Brevet Major-General. He resigned his command March 12, 
1865. 

Hugh Ewing, the brother of Thomas Ewing, was engaged in the 
practice of law at the breaking out of the war. He was appointed 
Brigade Inspector of the Third Brigade, Ohio Militia, in May, 1861 ; 
]iarticipated in the battle ot Rich Mountain, and in August, 1861, was 
appointed Colonel of the Fortieth. He rose to the command of a 
brigade and served efficiently throughout the war. For meritorious 
services he was bre vetted Major-General, March 13, 1865. 

The connection of Jacob A. Stafford with the First Ohio, and as 
Colonel of the One Hundred and Seventy-eighth, has already been 
mentioned. March 13, 1865, he was brevetted Brigadier-General. 
No officer in the army possessed the confidence of his men or was more 
intensely liked than General Stafford. Though a severe disciplinarian 
he was generous and brave, accustomed to spring from his horse and 
lead his regiment atbot to victory. 

Newton Schleich was appointed one of the three Brigadier-Generals 
to command Ohio troops during the three months' service. At the ex- 
piration of that time he recruited and commanded the Sixty-first Ohio, 
as already narrated. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 1 33 



CHAPTER XX. 

EARLY HISTORY OP^ LANCASTER. 

Ebenezer Zane was the owner of a section of land, one mile square, 
upon which Lancaster was built. He acquired this section from the 
Gov^ernment, as part compensation for opening " Zane's Trace," from 
Wheeling, Vv'^est Virginia, to Limestone, (Maysville), Kentucky, in 

^797- ^ ^ . • ^ 

His article ot agreement, with the lirst purchasers ol lots, is as fol- 
lows : 

Article of agreement, made and entered into by and between Eb- 
enezer Zane, of Ohio county, Virginia, and the purchasers of lots in 
the town of Lancaster, county of Fairfield, Territor}^ northwest of the 
Ohio River, now for sale in lots, on the east side of the Hocking River, 
by Ebenezer Zane. 

Section L — The lots to be numbered in squares, beginning at the 
northwest corner of the town, and thence alternately from north to 
south, and from south to north, agreeable to the general draft of the 
town. 

Section IL — One-fourth of the purchase money will be required to 
b« paid two weeks from the date of this article. The residue of three- 
fourths will be required on or before the fourteenth day of November, 
one thousand eight hundred and two, to be approved by secured notes, 
bearino- lawful interest, from the fourteenth dav of November, one thou- 
sand eight hundred. 

Section HL — vSquare number sixteen, including five lots situated in 
the southeast corner of the town, was thereafter to be held in trust, for 
the use of a graveyard, tlie erection ot a school-house, a house of wor- 
ship, and such other buildings as may be found necessar}'^, all of which 
to be under the direction of trustees for the time being. 

Also, foin* lots at the intersection of the two main streets, running 
east and west, north and south, known by appellation of the center 
square, are given for the purpose of erecting public buildings not here- 
tofore specified, but under the supervision of the trustees. 

Section IV. — Possession will be given immediately to pmxhasers 
complying with Section II of this article ; when fully complied with, the 
said Ebenezer Zane and heirs bind themselves to make a deed to the 
purchasers, their heirs and assigns. If the terms be not fully complied 
with, the lot shall be considered forfeited, and returned again to the 
original holder. 

Section V. — For the con\ onience of the town, one-fourth part of 
an acre, lying west of the lot numbered two, in the square numbered 
three, including two springs, will be, and are hereb}- given for the use 
of its inhabitants, as the trustees of the town may think proper. 



134 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

Section VI, — In consideration of the advantages that arise from 
the early settlement of mechanics in a town, and the encouragement of 
those who may first settle, lot number three, in the twentieth square ; 
number six, in the fifteenth square ; number six, in the twelfth square ; 
will be given, one to a blacksmith, one to a house carpenter and joiner, 
and one to a tanner, all of whom are to settle, and continue in the 
town, pursuing their respective trades, for the term of four years, at 
which time the aforesaid Zane binds himself to make them a free deed. 

In testimony of all and singular, the premises, the said Ebenezer 
Zane, by his attorneys, Noah and John Zane, hath hereunto set his 
hand and affixed his seal, this fourteenth day of November, in the year 
of our Lord 1800. Ebenezer Zane. 

A full list of the names of the first settlers of Lancaster are here 
given, the last one djdng more than forty years ago. They purchased 
their lots during the 3^ears 1 800-1 -2 : 

Emanuel Carpenter, Noah McCullough. Jacob Taylor, Ralph Dud- 
dleston, Ebenezer Marten, Peter Reber, John Barr, John Reed, J. 
Denny, Benjamin Allen, Nathaniel Willes, Thomas Worthington, 
Thomas Terree, Noah Zane, John Zane, Jeremiah Conaway, Jacob 
Teller, Peter Teller, Philip Teller, B. Teller, Abraham Reeger, Nath- 
aniel Johnston, William Trimble, William Stoops, Thomas Barr, Joseph 
Beard, Nathaniel Wilson, James Denny, Kerp, Grubb, and Hampson, 
Michael Skoag, Joseph McMullen, John McMullen, Thomas Sturgeon, 
John Overdear, Rudolph Pitcher, Ralph Morris, Joseph Hunter, Jacob 
Woolford, Henry Meison, James Converse, George Coffenberry, James 
Hanson, John Williamson, Samuel Coats, William Harper, Mary Pas- 
tor, John Vanmeter, Solomon Reese, James Hardy, William Rabb, 
John Lynch, John Jups,John Carson, Amasa Delano, Henry Westwine. 

Lancaster, the county seat of Fairfield county, received its name as 
complimentary to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, many of its first citizens be- 
ing tbrmer residents of that town and county. 

It was first called New Lancaster, but it soon became obvious that 
confusion would arise in the mail service between New Lancaster, 
Pennsylvania, and New Lancaster, Ohio. To avoid this, the Legisla- 
ture of 1805 changed the name to that of Lancaster. 

The place continued, however, to be called New Lancaster for 
years afterwards, and mistakes in sending letters continued to occur, 
until 1840, Pennsylvania mail being received at Lancaster, Ohio, and 
letters intended for the latter place, were carried to the former. 

Lancaster is situated on the east bank of the Hocking River, and in 
the northeast corner of Hocking township. In 1877, its eastern bound- 
ary was parallel with the western line of Berne township, where Maple 
street is now located, running due north and south, so that citizens re- 
siding east of that line, and all of East Lancaster, were in Berne town- 
ship. By an act of the Legislature, East Lancaster was annexed to 
Lancaster, and constituted the Fifth ward. By the same act, the 
boundaries of Lancaster were extended one mile each way, making a 
square of two miles, which territory was by law annexed to Lancas- 
ter township, with a municipal organization independent of the cit}- 
proper. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 135 

The boundary lines of Zane's section of land has been variously lo- 
cated by the old" citizens of Lancaster. It has been generally under- 
stood that " Lundy's Lane'' was the north line of the section. Good 
authorities locate this line ten miles south. No dispute has yet arisen 
in regard to the east boundary. 

The southeast corner of the section is near the residence of Squire 
Thomas H. White (Kuntz's Hill), thence west to the residence of G. 
Mithoff; then north to the intersection of the northern line. 

In November, 1800, one month prior to Governor St. Clair's declar- 
ation of Fairfield county, Lancaster was surveyed, and the sale of lots 
begun, the prices ranging from five to fifty dollars, according to loca- 
tion. 

A lot of two acres was donated by Zane for public use. This is 
divided into tour equal parts by the crossing of Main street and Broad- 
way. 

In after years legal opinions were at variance in regard to the use 
to be made of this donation. It was contended by some that the city 
authorities could not sell and convey the ground without forfeiting the 
title, yet they had the right to erect upon it any kind of buildings the}' 
wished, providing the rent or other income should be used for public 
purposes. Others contended that no buildings, except those to be used 
exclusively for the public, could legally be erected. 

In 1879-80, a test was made in the case, where the city authorities 
leased the west half of the square, lying on the north side of Main 
street, to a company, to erect an opera house, city hall, and offices, 
the lower rooms to be used as offices. On the west half it was leased 
for the building of a business block. 

The leases were perpetual, or ninety-nine years. An injunction 
was served and sustained by the Common Pleas Court, and this part of 
the public square remains yet (1881) vacant. 

A part of the ground upon which the injunction w^as allowed was the 
allegation by the heirs of Frederick Schaefier, contending that the erec- 
tion of such buildings as proposed would materially damage the Shaef- 
fer property, they claiming the required right of the pavement on the 
east side of the Shaefter block, this being a public thoroughfare. 

In 1824, the market house was erected on the south side of the 
square, and later the City Hall, "Old Red Lodge" building, and 
public scales. 

At the time of the founding of Lancaster, and the sale of lots, not 
more than two or three small cabins were built on the east ot Hock- 
ing. The entire site of the present citj^ from Mount Pleasant south 
to the bank of Hocking, was a wild forest of trees and underbrush, in- 
terspersed with ponds of water and deep marshy swales. One of the 
swales at the north crossing of Main Street was filled with water the 
year round and used as a watering place for stock. Another, where the 
Talmage block now stands, was at times deep enough to swim a horse. 
These places have since been filled up for building lots. As late as 
1841, Neibling's pond, north of King street, was inclosed with trees and 
thickets of under-brush, affording resort for flocks of wild geese and 
ducks, for the pleasure of sportsmen, and in winter, affording a fine 
sliding place for the boys. 



T36 IIISTOUV OF FAIKKIICLH COUNTY. 

In 1841 nearly the entire northern pari, of the city was either 
vacant land, or fields of grain. A few huil'dinos extended out on Col- 
nmbus street north to the Wagenhall neighborhood. 

On Broadway, tiie most northern building was a small frame, oc- 
cupied by Mrs. Peebles, and now owned by F. J. Boving. 

East of Neibling's pond, were several smaller ponds, also in the di- 
rection of Mount Pleasant. They are now all tilled, and built upon, 
first being drained b}^ sewers from King street, passing out under the 
canal. 

The square on the hill, donated by Zane, for a cemetery and the 
erection of a house of worship, is located between High street on the 
west, Chestnut street on the north. Broad alley on the east and the 
Methodist church lot on the south. 

Zane sold the south half of his section to Emanuel Carpenter, who 
laid a portion of it out into town lots, and sold to purchasers. In the 
original survey of Lancaster, the principal streets were Chestnut, Main 
and Wheeling, running east and west, and the cross streets were Col- 
umbus, Broadway and High. These still remain unchanged. 

The exact route of ""Zane's trace" through Lancaster is supposed 
to have entered from the east on Wheeling street to Columbus street, 
here diverging to the left, crossing Main street, east of the present 
canal, passing between the canal bridge and the first lock, thence to the 
crossing' of the Hocking. 

At an early day Christian King, one of the merchants of Lancas- 
ter at that time, assisted by his brother William, built a toll bridge over 
Hocking, which was kept up until the enterprise of constructing the 
Maysville and Zanesville turnpike road, when the company purchased 
his right, and located their road on the same route, the bridge at that 
day being a public necessity. The Hocking, at times, overflowed its 
banks, making the road, during a freshet, impassible. The bridge ex- 
tended in both directions, over the marshy ground, and was an accom- 
modation to the public. 

It is said that many of the first settlers ot Lancaster were mechanics, 
building their small one story cabins, of logs cut from the lot upon 
which they were built, probably covering it with clapboards, made from 
a sturdy oak, slabs or puncheon being used for floors. At times 
mother earth served as this last purpose, while the smoke curled forth 
from the stick and mud chimne}'. The newly opened streets were cov- 
ered with stumps and unremoved logs. Rail fences, if any, inclosed 
the lots. Few domestic animals were to be seen. Small patches of 
ground, were cleared for garden patches. vSuch w^as Lancaster more than 
eighty years ago. 

x\t that time, (1800) squads of Indians were still lingering in the 
valley of the Hocking ; camping near Lancaster ; spending their time 
hunting during the summer and fall, but in the winter disappearing. 

They were daily visitors at the cabins of the villagers, always 
peaceable and friendly, never causing trouble, unless under the influence 
of liquor, when they required careful watching. 

In a very early day a sickle factory was in operation at Lancaster. 
It was located on the north bank of the Hocking, near the fourth lock. 
It obtained water power from "Baldwin's Run." It was in operation, 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 137 

a.s near as remembered, previous to 1810. it wati estabiished for the 
manufacture of reaping sickles, and the buildinj^ is reported by David 
Foster not to have been moved until 1828. The builder and ow- 
ner's name being disputed, it is given bv some parties as Frank, by 
others as Roland. 

In the winter of 1876-7 a tunnel was sunk under the canal, to give 
oudet to the water from the low lands on the north side. In doing this 
the foundation of this factor}^ building, including the water wheel part 
of a grinding stone and other relics, were found buried two or three feet 
below the surface. 

A quarter of a mile south of the sickle factory, a water power mill 
lor breaking and scutching flax, was in operation. This, as reported, 
by Mr. Foster, belonged to the owner of the sickle tactor}^ and was " 
built on the site of the frame dwelling, belonging to the Giesy mill, and 
is tirst remembered as being in operation, in 1816. Every" vestige of 
the building has long since disappeared. 

A powder mill, owned and run by George Bickler, was in operation 
about the same time, on the Fricker farm, a short distance southwest of 
Lancaster. 

Dr. Charles Shawk, came with his father from Kentucky, and set- 
tled in Lancaster in 1806, then a small boy, but now over eighty years 
of age. He has a distinct recollection of the infant days of Lancaster; 
remembers sfeeing horses swim the pond, (spoken of elsewhere) now 
covered by the west end of the Talmadge block ; wagons swam- 
ped in the mud in Main street, and men pryiug them out with long poles ; 
hearing Governor Worthington make a speech in the old court house 
yard, in 1810, when he was a candidate, and how he was cheered, be- 
ing a favorite of the people. 

He mentioned Governor Worthington and Judge Abrams, being en- 
gaged in surveying the land, in the vicinity of Lancaster, and down 
Hocking, into wdiat is now Hocking county ; remembering that at 
that time a part of Main street was bridged with poles, called cordu- 
roy ; that bears and deer often came into town, and flocks of wild 
turkeys straying through the woods near the cabins in day time, was a 
common occurrence. When he came, (1806) but six or eight cabins 
were then built on Wheeling street, and on Main street about thirty. 
These constituted the village. On account of the condition of Main 
street in muddy weather. Wheeling became the principal thoroughfare. 
He remembered the rough and tumble tights so common on muster 
day, or other public gatherings. In 18 17, he shot and killed a huge 
bear on Kuntz's hill, now within the corporation. About the same time 
John Rhodes killed a panther near there. It measured seven teet from 
the tip of the tail to the tip of the nose. 

In 1812, Mrs. Flovd Butler King, relict of Christian King, came to 
Lancaster, and taught school in a small log cabin, where Dr. Turner's 
brick office now stands, on Main street. She was the first lady teacher 
in Lancaster. 

At this time, (1812) William King and John Creed were the princi- 
pal dry goods merchants, though there were several others selling dry 
goods. The doctors were, Wilson, Torrence and Shawk ; leading 
lawvers, Philomon Beecher, William Irwin and Robert F. Slauohter 

l8 ^ 



1^ 



r:;8 IILSTORV OF FAIKFIELI) COUNTY. 

The principal tiuerns were kept b\- Thomas Stur<j^eon and Joh 
Sawyer. 

Frederick A. Foster, who died in the early part of 1880 at the age 
of eighty-nine, came to Lancaster in 1810. A short time before his 
death he stated that when he arrived in the place, there was but a sin- 
gle brick house in the village, that being built on the Schofield property, 
now the gunsmith shop of Herman Peter, previously the law office of 
John T. Brazee. 

In the tall of the same year (1810) Philoman Beecher built his brick 
office adjoining his residence, on what is now known as the Rising cor- 
ner. The third brick building was the residence of John Wright, on 
the north side of Main street, now the residence of II. J. Reinmund. 

Mr. Foster also referred to the typhoid epidemic that prevailed in 
Lancaster in 1823, and that not more than two persons in the village, 
Christian Weaver and himself, escaped this fatal disease. A great 
many of the prominent citizens died. He and Mr. Weaver escaping 
the malady, the care of the sick, as w-ell as the burial of the dead, de- 
volved upon them. 

In 1799 the government established a mail route from Wheeling, Vir- 
ginia, to Limestone, Kentuck\% to be carried on horse back over "Zane's 
Trace," once a week, each wa}', the w^hole distance being two hun- 
dred and twenty six miles. With the exception of a few cabins at the 
crossing of the Muskingum, Hocking and Scioto RiverS, almost the 
entire distance was an unbroken wilderness. The line\vas divided into 
three routes. The first extended from Wheeling to the Muskingum ; 
the second, from the Muskingum to the Scioto, and the third, from that 
to the Ohio at Limestone. This was the first mail route established in 
the "Northwest Territory.'' 

A post office was established at the same crossing of Hocking. This 
was about one year before Lancaster was laid out. Samuel Coates, 
sr., was appointed postmaster, and kept the office in his cabin, at 
the crossing. 

Samuel Coates, sr.,and his son, Samuel Coates, jr , were Englishmen, 
who came from England to the United States for the purpose of mak- 
ing the new^ country their home ; having penetrated as far as the Hock- 
ing, they stopped at the crossing, put up a cabin, and planted a patch 
of corn. As soon as they established a settlement, their families were 
sent tor. The elder Coates did not long survive, and his place in the 
office was taken charge of b}^ his son. 

After Lancaster began to assume the appearance of a village, the 
post-office was removed to a cabin at the west end of Wheeling street, 
on the same lot where James Kinney now lives. Previous to the rebel- 
lion, the post-office w^as removed to an apartment in the new city hall 
building, where it still remains. 

The following are the post-masters that have served since 1799, to 
1881 : Samuel Coates, Senior, Samuel Coates, Junior, Jacob D. Dit- 
rich, E. Scofield, H. Drumm, Thomas N. White, Daniel Siffi3rd, Henry 
Miers, James Craumer, John C. Castle, Benjamin Council, J. L. Luth- 
ill, C. M. L. Wiseman, and John M. Sutphen, now (1881) serving his 
third appointment. ' 

The late General George Sanderson, when a boy fifteen years old, 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 1 39 

carried the mail between Lancaster and Chillicothe. Christian Ru- 
dolph, one of Lancaster's oldest citizens, was at one time mail boy be- 
tween Lancaster and Zanesville. He was hired by Richard M. John- 
son, Avho, at that time, had the contract for carrying the mail between 
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and Limestone (Maysville), Kentucky. Mr. 
Rudolph began the service in October, 1815. His route required him 
to be out, sometimes, all night, which, over narrow roads through for- 
ests, dark nights, and cold weather, made it a dreary and lonesome 
task for a young boy. 

On one occasion, arriving at Za=nesville late in the night, and being 
behind time, he received his mail and turned back, coming as far as 
Somerset witliout feeding his horse or taking anything to eat himself. 
He had several streams to cross, sometimes when the water was danger- 
ously high from a freshet. The river was crossed in canoes, and horses 
changed on each side. 

Two or three 3'ears after he began to carry the mail, open box- 
wagons were placed upon the road, the new contract requiring the mail 
to be carried six months in wagons, and six on horseback, this contract 
being with John Dugan. In 1820, stage coaches were introduced on 
this line. 

The mail carriers in early times carried tin horns, or trumpets, 
which were blown when approaching the post-offices. These were de- 
nominated the " post-boy's horn. Sdme of the carriers acquired the 
art of blowing tunes on their long, tin trumpets, which, on quiet even- 
ings, wakened the country far and near. The sound of the " post- 
bov's horn " aroused a lively cheer as far as the sound penetrated, often 
bringing joy to many a weary heart. 

The charges for carrying letters then was regulated by distance, and 
not weight, as now. For fifty miles, and under, the rate was six and 
one-fourth cents. Over fifty miles, and under one hundred and fifty, 
twelve and one-half cents. Between one hundred and fittv and three 
hundred miles, eighteen and three-fourth cents, and over three hundred 
to any part of the United States, twenty-five cents. 

It was the dut}' of the post-master to mark the price of the letter in 
figures on the outside. If the postage was prepaid, the word "paid" was 
also written. If not, the price marked was paid by the person addressed. 
Two sheets folded together was charged double rates. 

These old-fashioned letters were written on the pages of the sheet, 
which was afterwards so folded as to allow the blank side to form the 
outside of the letter, upon which the address was written. The fourth 
page of letter paper was left unruled for this purpose. The old-time 
letters were sealed with sealing-wax in the form of wafers, which were 
for sale in all stores and groceries. They were in color, red, blue, black 
or green. Now they are not to be found anywhere, except as unsold 
rubbish, pushed on the back shelf. The introduction of envelopes has 
superceded them. 

Colored People of Lancaster. — There were colored persons 
among the verv early settlers of Lancaster, as a number are remembered 
to have come to the place previous to the 3'ear 1810. They were most- 
ly emancipated slaves from the state of Virginia. A few were brought 
out with their tbrmer masters, who emigrated to Ohio. Since the be- 



140 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

ginning of the War of the Rebellion, many have came into the county 
from the Confederate states. 

The Lewis family, it is believed, were among the first of the race 
who came to Lancaster — the father, mother and three children. Ste- 
phen, the oldest, married Judy Jones. He died many years ago. His 
wife, tamiliarlv known as "Aunt Judy," survived him many years, and 
died about 1880. "Aunt Disa '' was the sister. She lived to a 
great age, and has been dead a few years. She boasted of having 
nursed General Washington. Problematical. Elijah Jones is still a 
locum tenens^ at an age tliat the memorv of man runneth not therewith. 
Scipio Smith was a very early settler. He came from Virginia, and 
was a tinner bv trade. His death occurred not far from i860 — probably 
a little earlier. He is remembered by his artificial leg, and his exceed- 
ingly black face. Reuben Banks dated the time of his arrival in 1814. 
He was an emancipated slave from Virginia, and thought he was four- 
teen years old when he came to Lancaster ; his death took place in 1881. 
Nelson Smith was a ver\^ old settler, and was a popular barber in 
Lancaster for full fift\' years. He died in 1880. at an advanced age. 
His sons, of whom Egbert is the oldest, have succeeded him in the 
tonsoria] profession. 

There were many other well-known colored characters residing 
in Lancaster during its earh^ years, but space forbids further men- 
tion of them. Some of them possessed peculiar traits, and most of 
them spent lives of usefulness, though generally in the humbler ave- 
nues of life. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. I4I 



CHAPTER XXI. 

LANCASTER AS AN INCORPORATED VILLAGE AND CITY FORMATION OF 

FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

In 1831, upon petition, an act of incorporation was passed bv the 
Legislature, incorporating the village of Lancaster, and endowing it 
with certain specified municipal powers and privileges. The munici- 
pal officers were one mayor, one marshal, one recorder, one treasurer 
and a board of trustees. The respective officers were elected by 
the qualified electors, annually, on the first Monday of April, The 
act of incorporation conferred power to levy a tax for revenue. The 
fiscal resources were light — taxation, and license to shows and exhibi- 
tions. The following exhibit is from an old copy of the Ohio Eagh\ 
of the date of June, 1827, and shows the finances of the village of Lan- 
caster, for two years, viz. : from April 20, 1825,10 April 23, 1827, thus : 
Amount of income from all sources, for two years, $888. 14^; total 
disbursements for all purposes, for the same time, $932. 88| ; showing a 
balance against the treasurer of $44.74] ; signed, Benjamin Connell, 
treasurer; attested by Gotleib Steinman, recorder. 

The total absence of all records for the twenty years between 183 1 
and 1851 renders it impossible to furnish much of the municipal history 
of the village during that period. It is known that for the years 1848 
and 1849, John Garaghtv was mayor. Bevond that, nothing appears on 
record. 

In the year 185 i Lancaster was made a city of the third class, by a 
special enactment of the State Legislature. The act provided for one 
mavor, whose term of office should be two years : one city clerk, one 
city solicitor, one marshal, and two councilmen for each ward, the 
latter to serve two years, and so arranged that one councilman in each 
ward should be elected each year, and one term expire each year. The 
act of incorporation at the same time divided the cit}^ into four wards, and 
fixed their boundaries. And thus, when the Fifth ward was created 
by the annexation of East Lancaster, the city council was made to con- 
sist of ten members, one-half of whom shoidd be elected annually. 
The succession of ma\'ors, from 1851, under the city government, was 
as follows : 

1851-53 — William P. Creed. 

1853-55— John D. Martin. 

1855-57 — Silas Hedges. 

1857-59— Alfred McVeigh. 

1859-63 — Kinnis Fritter. 

1863-67 — Samuel Ewing. 

1867-75 — Tallman Slough, 

1875-77 — Philip Bennadum. 

1877-79 — ^John McCormic. 

1879-81 — William Vorys. 



142 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

Samuel Rainey, elected in 1881, is the present incumbent. The city 
elections are held on the first Monday of each April. 

The financial showing fifty years later than the foregoing' exhibit, 
b}^ way of contrast, will measure the growth of the population and bus- 
iness of Lancaster for a half century. The gross receipts for the two 
years ot 1875 to 1877, from all sources, for city purposes, and not in- 
cluding school funds, as shown by the treasurer's books, was ^^61,437. 
56; and the total expenditures for the same time, not including school 
funds, was $53,220.08, leaving a balance to the credit of the city of 
$8,217.78. There is likewise a showing, that during the two former 
years, $5.00 were paid to Thomas Ewing by the village for legal ad- 
vice^ and that during the two latter years, about $1000.00 were paid for 
counsel. 

The burdens the cit}^ bears is a legitimate part of its history. It 
supports ten churches at an annual expense of about $15,000, exclusive 
of Sunday school and missionar}' collections, and the building and re- 
pairing of church edifices. The amount levied on the city for corpora- 
tion purposes, and to meet the interest on city bonds, school bonds and 
other purposes, with not fall short of $30,000 annually. In addition to 
the foregoing the city has built — within the last ten or fifteen years two 
new school buildings, at a cost of about $80,000, including the cost of 
building lots. The annual levy for school purposes alone, including 
interest on school bonds, is about $26,000. These burdens are sus- 
tained by a population of something less than eight thousand souls. 

Lancaster has alwa3'S, until within the last twenty-five or thirty 
years, been a slow-growing, conservative community, though possess- 
ing many superior local advantages. But its growth has been steady 
and substantial. There are perhaps a greater proportion of its citizens 
who live under their own roofs, than any other town of Ohio of equal or 
approximate population. Within the last dozen or more years, its 
manufacturing and other interests have been greatly extended. 

Lancaster has acquired abroad, a reputation almost classic, more 
especially in its early history, which it owes not to its institutions of 
learning, but to an unusually large number of distinguished citizens who 
found their way to it. 

The death rate in Lancaster during forty years is probably in about 
the same ratio of other cofnmunities. though the place sustains a repu- 
tation for general healthfulness and exemption from epidemic disease. 
The epidemic of 1823, elsewhere referred to, has never had an approx- 
imate parallel im the place. But the natural death rate may be no- 
ticed. The citizens of Lancaster of forty years ago, who were past 
the middle age, and who were the leading business men and women 
of the place are all dead. Less than a dozen business men of Lancas- 
ter of 1840 are alive, and the few there are of them remaining have, 
with few exceptions, retired from active duty. An entirely new popu- 
lation has come in. The Lancaster of to-day is in no respect the Lan- 
caster ol torty 3'ears ago, neither socially, commercially nor in any sin- 
gle one of its features. 

In August 1850, Lancaster suflered a visitation of cholera. The 
disease was prevailing in Columbus at the time, and it was supposed 
to have been brought to Lancaster b\^ a foot-man, who walked down 



HISTORY OP FAIRFIELD COtJNTV. 14;^ 

on a hot day with the disease upon him. He stopped a short time in 
East Lancaster, and died on the following day. The disease immedi- 
ately broke out. and during about two weeks some thirty deaths occur- 
red. In three instances nearly the entire family was swept away. 
Great alarm prevailed, and many left the place. The deaths were 
chiefly in East Lancaster and the immediate vicinity. In Lancaster 
proper there were onl}^ Ave deaths. 

There have been several visitations of small-pox, at various inter- 
vals of time, generally malignant and confluent, many of the cases 
proving fatal. A rigid system of non-intercourse with the affected 
houses, and the use of the yellow flag, usually confined the malady to 
its first locality, thereb)' presenting its spread and saving the town from 
its epidemic influences. 

Additions: That part of the city of Lancaster known as "Car- 
penter's Addition" embraces all lying south of an alley running east 
and west parallel with the south end of the first tier of lots on the south 
side of Chestnut street, and extending east, west and south to Zane's 
section lines, and was purchased from Mr. Zane by Emanuel Carpen- 
ter, jr., in 1814. Mr. Carpenter at once platted his addition to the 
town ot Lancaster, which plat and the list of sales were recorded Sep- 
tember 13, 1814. The alle}^ referred to, which runs between the origi- 
nal town and the Carpenter addition is now called Center alley — its 
original name being Jackson's alley. Its eastern terminus at High 
street is about opposite the line dividing the old grave-yard from the 
Methodist church premises. The grounds upon which the M. E. and 
A. M. E. churches stand and also a third lot adjoining the_ A. M. E. 
church on the south were devoted by Mr. Carpenter for church and 
burial purposes. The last named lot was subsequently condemned 
by the city authorities and made a part of Walnut street. The continu- 
ation of Columbus and Broad streets Irom Jackson alley through the 
new addition was effected without changing their names. High street 
— Fourth street of the old town — south of Jackson's alley he named 
Jackson street. To the first street running east and west in the new 
addition he gave the name of Walnut, which it still retains. Perry 
street of Carpenter's addition extending diagonally from Broad street 
at the railroad to High street south of the Methodist church, was 
named by him and Winding street of this addition is still the same. 
The Lawrence street, surveyed and named by Mr. Carpenter, is now 
the railroad bed. Grogon is a short street, which runs from the railroad 
south towards the canal, on the west side of Hood's row. The large 
hill, the south end of which is cut by Walnut street, which is lamiliarly 
known as "Green's Hill" is marked "Mount Prospect" on Carpenter's 
plat. The open space at the south end of Broadway, through which 
the railroads pass was called "Center Circle" by Mr. Carpenter, as 
several streets converge there. He gave lots sixty-nine and tw^enty- 
three, both triangular, for school purposes. Lot sixty-nine is at the 
southwest corner of High and Perry streets : twenty-three is on the 
southeast corner of Columbus and Walnut streets. Carpenter's plat 
extended to the present canal. All beyond as far as the original boun- 
dary of Zane's section, west, south and east, was subsequently sur- 
veyed and sold as out-lots, and is principally so used, though portions 



144 HISTORY OF FAIKFIEJ.D COUNTY. 

of this ground have been sold as town lots and improved. Up to the 
present time more than twenty other acUh'tions have been added to the 
original plat of the town of Lancaster, llie Hop Company addition, 
comprising the northeast part of the Fifth ward iS among Uie largest. 
Its principal street is Hop avenue, running north and south. This is 
properly Talmade's addition, as Theodore Talmade laid the ground ofl' 
into town lots after having purchased it of the Hop Company, in which 
he was a large stockholder. The ground originally contained about 
eighty acres. 

Joseph C. Kinkead laid out an addition, situated chietiy between the 
north end of Broadway and Chestnut streets. Thomas Ewing's addi- 
tion was to the southeast corner of the city, and extended down to the 
east graveyard. Hunter's addition borders on the west side of the east 
graveyard, embracing Maple street. There is also an addition called 
"Hunter's heirs' addition," all belonging to the original tract. Car- 
ter's addition lies along Main street, east of the hill. John C. Weaver, 
being the owner ot some land over the hill and in the present southeast 
part of the city, laid it off into lots, which he sold. John G. Willock 
made an addition to the north part of town. His lots were on North 
Broadway near the fair grounds. The Wagonhals addition is on North 
Columbus street, in the northwest part ot the city. 

At an earl}^ da}^ a man named Branstadt laid out and sold a number 
of lots in what is now^ known as the "Hood neighborhood."' John Latta 
laid offaud sold some lots lying north of Mill street, between Broadway 
and Columbus streets. The section of buildings south of Columbus 
street, between Pratt's tanyard and the old Logan road, is known as 
Giesy addition. Daniel Sefford made two additions to Lancaster, one 
east of the hill and on the north of the Zanesville pike, the other north 
of Mill street, between Broadway and Columbus street. Hugh Bo3'le's 
addition was on Mulberry street, embracing the Keitz corner, and ex- 
tended up Broadway to the first alley on the north side, and also ex- 
tending on Columbus street. Henry Sutsen sold some lots on the west 
side of the canal, embracing the old tanyard. East of Broadway and 
south of Main street, additions were made to the original plat of Lan- 
caster by Michael Garaghty, John Reber, and Jesse B. Hart. The 
Cox heirs' addition is principally on King street, between Broadway 
and High streets. Abraham Syfert made a small addition to East 
Lancaster. Thomas Sturgeon has made additions to various parts of 
the city, but chiefly to the northeast part, on both sides of Mulberr}- 
street, east of High street. John H. Tennent sold one tier of lots on 
the south side of Chestnut street and west from Maple. Tunis Cox 
was the proprietor of a small addition of town lots in the yicinit}' ot the 
old starch factor}-, on the north bank of the canal. Rising's addition 
comprises a number of lots in the north part of the city, lying between 
Broadway and Columbus streets. 

The plat of a town of the same size as Lancaster was originalh* is 
among the county records, though not half a dozen persons now living 
have ever heard of it. The name of this paper creation was "The 
Town of Fairfield." It was surveyed and platted by John Murphy in 
1802, and was regularly entered in the recorder's office. The lots were 
all numbered and the streets named. It is not certain that any lots 



HISTORY OF FATRPtELi) COUNTS'. I45 

were ever sold. It is reasonably certain that the phil of the town ol' 
Fairfield was in section 34 ot" the original township oi' Richland, and 
about one mile west ot' West Rush\'ille. Zanes section was located 
and bounded before the Government sin^veys were made. It happened, 
therefore, that when the Government sections were established Zane's 
section was surrounded on all sides by irregular and inconvenient gores, 
Irom which have arisen many difficulties in establishing metes and 
bounds in the resurve^'s, as witness the contest between the city and 
the Cox heirs, some years ago. As an instance of the awkwardness of 
some of the section lines, it mav be mentioned that Zanes section line 
was some four hundred yards south of the north line of Hocking town- 
ship, and on the east, the west boundary of Berne township extended 
into Lancaster originally to Center alley, while Zane's section extended 
east as far as Maple street — nearly three squares from the township 
line. The same difficulties, therefore, necessarih- existed with regard 
to the section lines on the south and w^est. 

Fairfield county was established by Governor St. Clair, December 
a, 1800. That part of the proclamation defining its boundaries reads 
9s follows : 

" Beginning at a point in the east line of the fifteenth range of town- 
ships, and west of the fourteenth range, as surveyed in pursuance of 
the ordinance of Congress of the 20th of Ma^-, 1795, where the said 
line intersects the south boundary line of the military land, and running 
fi'om thence north until it intersects the Indian boundary line ; thence 
returning to the before-mentioned, and running south by the said range 
line between the fourteenth and fifteenth ranges, until it intersects the 
northern boundary line of the Ohio Company's Purchase ; thence wath 
the said northern boundary line due west to the north-west corner of 
the said Ohio Company's Purchase ; thence south six miles ; thence 
with a line drawn due w^est until it intersects the western boundar})- of 
the tw^entieh range of the townships, thence with the western bovmdar3' 
of the said twentieth range to the belbre-mentioned Indian boundary 
line, and with that line of limit to the before-mentioned intersection of 
that boundary line.'' — Territorial Land Lazus. 
19 



J46 HISTORY OK FAIRP^IELD COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

LANCASTER SCHOOLS. 

No records whatever of the primitive schools of Lancaster are in 
existence, and, therefore, a specific history in detail cannot be written. 
Their history is the same as that of all the schools of Ohio during the 
same year. The sites of some of the school-houses are pointed out, 
and a few of the early teachers are remembered previous to the year 
1820. The primitive log-cabin school-houses of the early times, with 
their slab or rough plank benches, and common writing benches 
arranged along one side of the room, were then the only ones seen. 
The}^ were lighted by paper windows, or eight-b3'-ten glass, where the 
scholars would sit by turns to write their copies with goose-quill pens. 
The first and second spelling classes stood in rows along the walls, 
intent on spelling the missed words and gaining the head of the class, 
while the schoolmaster stood out in the middle of the room with Web- 
ster or Dilvvorth in one hand and a hickory gad in the other, giving out 
the spelling lesson. The master sat on a split-bottom chair, with the 
rod in hand, or stood within easy reach and patientl}^ took the little 
urchins by his side to assist them in sa3'ing over the a, b, c, or ab, eb, 
ib, &c. ; and the larger scholars coming up, one at a time, to read their 
assigned lessons in the English Reader, Sequel to the En^ish Reader, 
Introduction to the English Reader, American Preceptor, Columbian 
Orator, or, it may be, Weem's Life of Washington or Marion ; after 
which he heard the Testament or Bible class. The big bo3-s or big 
girls, who were learning to " C3^pher," came with their slates to the 
master to see if the}^ " had done their sums right," or to ask for help if 
they were " stalled." 

Flora Butler taught school in 181 2, in a little log school-house that 
stood where Dr. Turner's brick office now is, on Main street ; James 
Hunter taught a school on Columbus street, where the old blacksmith 
shop of Stephen Smith stands. Andrew Hunter, still living, says he 
went to school to him when he was a little boy, and the first morning he 
either forgot to take off his hat, or did not know he should do so, and 
that the scholars laughed at him. This made him angry, and he never 
went back. 

The first advance to better educational facilities in Lancaster was in 
the erection of the brick Academy, on Wheeling street, by a number 
of the most wealthy citizens, and which is the present modernized resi- 
dence of Andrew Bauman. This building was erected shortly before 
1820. It was the enterprise of Philomon Beecher, Elnathan Schofield, 
William Irvin, Robert F. Slaughter, John Noble, Thomas Ewing, Got- 
lieb Steinman, John Creed, Hugh Boyle, and a few others. Mr. Whit- 
tlesy was the first man to teach in it. After him, and about 1825, the 
late John T. Brazee taught a six months' term. After Mr. Brazee, 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 1 47 

Professor Howe occupied it for a number of years, when the trustees 
sold the building to Dr. Bigelow for a private residence, some time be- 
tween 1834 ^^^ 1839. 

After the abandonment of the brick Academy, Professor Howe built 
a frame house on Mulberry street, on ground belonging to Hugh Boyle, 
and reopened his school. This school was for many years known as ( 
Howe's Academy, and was conducted about ten years. In this school, 
and as pupils of Mr. Howe, General and Secretary Sherman, P. B. 
Ewing, Boyle Ewing, J. C. Kinkead, and many others of Lancaster's 
young men and 3'oung ladies attended. 

The first public schools in Lancaster were opened May 30, 1830. 
At that time the population of the town was about 2,800. In the spring 
of that year, Samuel Carpenter, George Sanderson and Henry Doople 
were elected school trustees, and a public school was opened on Colum- 
bus street, south of Main, in a building known as the Old Reform 
church. William Charles was hired to teach at thirt}^ dollars a month, 
for a term of four months. At the same time another school was 
opened on Walnut street, in a building occupied before as a shoe shop. 
Louis A. Blaire was employed as teacher of this school at twenty dol- 
lars a month. The branches taught here were reading, writing, arith- 
metic, geography and grammar. There was no uniformity of text 
books, and but little classification. The furniture was of the most 
primitive style. In 1838 a public school was opened in a frame build- 
ing on the corner of High and Chestnut streets, where the residence of 
•John S. Snider now stands. At the same time a school was opened in 
a brick building on Walnut street, immediately west of the old Radical 
church. A Mr. Booth, assisted by a Miss Collins, taught this school. 
In 1842 a school was opened in the basement of the Presbyterian church, 
with a Mr. Johnson as teacher. The public school fund, controlled by 
the school directors at this time, was not sufficient to pay the small sal- 
aries of the teachers, and keep the schools in session more than four or 
five months in the year. In addition to these public schools, there were 
private schools, one of which was located on Wheeling street, and 
known for a time as Booth's Academy ; another located on Mulberr}^ 
street, known as Howe's Academy, already referred to. These schools 
were patronized by persons of sufficient means to enable them to edu- 
cate their children. 

Previous to the year 1830, there was no public school fund in Ohio 
provided by law. All schools, whatever, were sustained entirely by 
private subscription. The relation between teachers and employers 
was that of a private contract with each parent, in which he agreed to 
pay a stipulated price for each scholar sent to the school. Under that 
system no school directors nor certificates of qualification were re- 
quired. The contract was in the form of an article of agreement, 
signed by both the contracting parties. Each employer wrote opposite 
his name, in figures, the number of scholars he proposed to send, which 
bound him to pay whether he sent for a day or the full term. The 
price per scholar, for the term of three months, the usual time, was 
from $2.50 to $3.00, payable at the end of the term. 

In an old copy of the Lancaster Gazette, bearing the date of July 
5, 1838, appears the following remarkable notice: 



j^^g HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

" Lancaster Institute, for the instruction of young ladies, cor- 
ner of Columbus and Mulberry streets ; conducted by Mrs. and Mr. 

McGill, A. B., R. H. A. ' . . ^ u 

'' The principals beg leave to announce to their friends, and the 
people generally, that they have opened the above institution. 

" The course of instruction comprises the Latin, French and Eng- 
lish languages ; music, and singing on the Logerian system ; drawing 
and the'^elements of perspective ^geometry ; fruit, flower, figure and 
landscape painting, in oil and water colors ; oriental painting on paper, 
satin, velvet and wood; Grecian and glass painting; Japaning ; mez- 
zotinting and transferring ; orthography ; reading ; English grammar ; 
composkion and letter writing ; history, ancient and modern ; writing 
on a free, beautiful and easv system, in which legibility and elegance 
are combined ; the ornamental hands ; arithmetic and book keeping 
on an improved svslem, adapted to domestic accounts; geography; 
use of the globes ;' construction of maps : astronomy ; mythology and 
chronology ; practical chemistry, as it relates to the useful arts depend- 
ent on tha"t science ; natural and moral philosophy ; botany, with in- 
structions for drawing and coloring plants, flowers, &c. : plain and 
ornamental needle and fancy work." 

How^ many of the young ladies of Lancaster availed themselves ot 
the advantages of this remarkable course of studys and what was the 
ultimate success of the " Institute," does not appear on the records. 

But little, if anything, was done between 1830 and 1847 to improve 
the conditions of the public schools. On the evening of the fourth of 
December, 1847, a meeting of the citizens of Lancaster was held at 
the court house to take into consideration the condition of the common 
or public schools. In the call for this meeting the citizens were urged 
to turn out and earnestly consider the matter of their schools, with ad- 
monition that, "No subject exxeeds it in importance : and yet no other 
has received less attention." 

This call for a public meeting to consider the school question, and 
to receive suggestions looking towards a general improvement of the 
system, was signed bv the following citizens: H. C. Whitman, Wil- 
Ham Slade, Benjamin'Connell, M. A. Daugherty, Henry Orman, F.A. 
Foster, Georire KaulTman, John D. Martin, John C. Weaver, Joseph 
Work, Elias Perry, H. H. Robinson, Geo. H. Smith, Rev. Wm. Cox, 
Geo. W. Boersder. John Reber, Alfred McVeigh, Robert Reed, John 
Garaghty, James Gates, John G. Willock. 

At this meeting the inefficiency of the existing schools, and the 
great importance of immediate action for their improvement, were ably 
and earnestly presented by H. C. Whitman, William Slade, Rev. Cox, 
P. Bope and others. 

The meeting was largely attended, and at its close the sentiment 
seemed generally in favor ot securing better schools. Other meetings 
were held, and as a result of the interest thus awakened, there is to be 
tound among the proceedings of the Legislature of that winter, the 
passage of an act for the '' support and better regulation ol common 
schools in the town of Lancaster, Ohio,'' passed February 19, 1848. 
The provisions of this act are similar to the law generally known in this 
State as the " Akron school law." Section first of this law provided. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTtV-,,^^ 1 49 

that the corporate limits of the town of Lancaster be erected into one 
general common school district, provided, that if any of the districts of 
said town, as now organized, shall, on the first Monday of April, 1848, 
at the place of holding of said town elections, between the hours of to 
A.M. and 4 P.M., of said day, by a majority of the resident voters 
therein, decide, by voting "■nay,'' not to come into said general district, 
then, and in that event, this law shall in no manner apply to said dis- 
trict or districts, either in its benefits or burdens." 

At the election that part of the town lying north of Main street. 
and known as the north district, adopted, by a large majority, the pro- 
visions of the new school law. 

A majority of the voters residing south of Main street voted, on the 
same day, "■nay,'' thus deciding not to share with the north half ot the 
town the burdens or benefits of an improved system of schools. 

The north district proceeded immediately to organize, by electing 
a board of education, composed of six gentlemen, viz. : Henry C.Whit- 
man, John Reber, William Slade, Robert Reed, John C. Rainey and^ 
William Upheld. Ground was purchased at the northeast corner of 
Broad and Mulberry streets, and the erection of a school building be- 
gan. The building' was completed with unusual dispatch, being ready 
tor occupancy bv the spring of 1849. 

It was built" of brick, \vas two stories high, and contained eight 
school rooms, four on each floor. It was supplied with furniture, a 
very great advance on the old "slab benches" of the most intelligent 
communities of the past. Schools were opened in this building in June, 
184Q. They were divided into six grades, or departments. John S. 
Whitwell was employed as the first superintendent, and teacher of the 
hidi school, assisted bv M. M. Barker. The salary of the superinten- 
dent at that time, was $600. per year, and that of his assistant, $300. 
The following are the names of his subordinate teachers for the first 
year: Mrs. Thorn, Mrs. Claspill, Miss Slaughter, Miss Louisa and 
Miss Anna Mather. The highest salary received by the female teachers 
was $150. In a copy of the Ohio Eagle, under the date of November 
9th, 1849, ^^ fo^ind the following in the editorial department: 

"The education of the youth of Lancaster is not neglected. Dur- 
ing the past year, a most beautiful and large brick building was erect- 
ed and completed for occupancy by the public schools of the north 
district, and at this time there are five hundred children in attendance. 
The city feels proud of the building, and loves to point it out to stran- 
gers and visitors." 

The people were greatly pleased with their enlarged and improved 
school facilities in the north district, and notwithstanding the strong op- 
position of some, the south district voted at the April election of 1850, 
by an emphatic majority, to accept the "burdens and benefits" of the 
new school system. The following gentlemen were then, after the or- 
ganization of"^ the south district, elected a common board of education: 
fohn Reber, John D. Martin, Robert Reed. John L. Tuthill, Jacob 
Hite and John C. Rainey. 

One of the first acts "of the board was to lake the necessary steps to 
secure a school building tor the use of the south district. 

Four acres of ground, favorably and eligibly situated, were pur- 



150 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

chased, and with as little delay as possible, a building of similar con- 
struction as that of the north district, was planned and put under con- 
tract. The building was completed and read}' for the opening of the 
schools by the first of April, 1850. No definite information is obtaina- 
ble now in regard to the classifying, or course of study at that time. 
Four primary, four secondary and a high school, were opened on April 
1st, 1851, with Dr. John Williams, as general superintendent. Miss 
Vv^ilcox was elected to teach the high school. In the primar}' and sec- 
ondary departments, the teachers were Mr. Hill, Mr. Boothe, Mr. Gri- 
ner. Miss Morgan, Miss CHfford. Miss Mather, Miss Slaughter, Mrs. 
Thorn and Mrs. Claspill. 

The following extract from a report of the condition and progress of 
the schools, by the secretary of the board, May ist, 1856, five years 
after the adoption and organization of the graded system, exhibits the 
excellent condition of the schools : 

''The schools are organized under one general system, and so con- 
ducted as to embrace all the higher branches of an academical educa- 
tion. The city can boast of two as commodious school edifices, as 
any town in the State ; and a school S3\stem wherein the youth can avail 
themselves of an education in all higher branches of learning, without 
sacrificing any of the advantages derived from the common school sys- 
tem of the State. 

From this report is also learned, that at that time the branches 
taught in the schools were, reading, writing, arithmetic, geography, 
grammar, algebra, geometry, natural philosophy, history, chemistry, 
botany, rhetoric, French and Latin. 

Revenues for the support of the schools were derived from the State 
tax, sales of lands, and direct tax. The following table will exhibit the 
growth of the S3'stem from the year 1855 to 1875. 

1855 1865 1875 



Number of pupils enumerated, 1226 

" enrolled 876 

Average daily attendance 547 

Number of teacliers 10 

" " school rooms 15 

" " grades 6 

" " weeks in session 40 

Amount paid teachers $2,860 

Total expenditures 7,547 

Value of school property 13,000 

The enrollment in the public schools does not appear large, com- 
pared with the number of children enumerated. This is accounted for, 
in part at least, by the fact that the Catholics at the same time main- 
tained a school in Lancaster, enrolling about 250 pupils. There were 
likewise private schools in operation in the town, with more or less at- 
tendance, making the total enrollment in the city for the year 1S75, 
probably 1300, and for the year 1881, probably 1500 to 1600. 

For several years after the adoption of the imion system, the grad- 



1465 


2232 


1020 


1035 


662 


762 


16 


22 


16 


25 


y 


10 


42 


41 


$6,933 


$12,267 


5,866 


24,933 


16,000 


100,000 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 151 

ing and classitications were very imperfect. Various modiiications and 
changes in the course of study have been made from time to time. 

The schools are now divided into four departments, embracing nine 
grades below the high school, the work of each grade, requiring one 
37ear for its completion. 

1. Primary Department, composed of four grades, A, B,Cand D. 

2. Intermediate Department, two grades, A and B. 

3. Grammar Department, three grades, A. B and C. 

4. High School Department, embracing a four years course ot in- 
struction. The course of study for the grades below the high school, 
included reading, spelling, writing, arithmetic, geography, English 
grammar, etvmolog3^ U. S. history and constitution, algebra, ph3^sics, 
drawing, composition, German and object lessons. First lessons 
in reading are taught by the object and word methods combined. Words 
used in the reading lessons, must be spelled by the sound, as well 
as the letters. In the reading lessons, in all the grades, practical atten- 
tion is paid to the articulation. In writing, script letters are used from 
the beginning. First lessons in numbers are taught objectively. 
Pupils who have passed through the lirst four grades, are able to write 
and read numbers readily, as high as hundreds of thousands ; can 
add, subtract, multiply and divide correctl}' and rapidly. Arithmetic is 
completed and reviewed in the grammar grade. No text book is put 
into the hands of the pupils, until they have reached the B intermedi- 
ate grade ; but in the grades below that, the subject is taught orally. 
Instruction in the correct use of language, is commenced in the D pri- 
mar}^ grade, and is continued throughout the course. Technical grammar 
is taught through the grammar grades, and is reviewed in the fourth year 
in the high school. Political geography and arithmetic are also review- 
ed in the last year of the high school course. German is taught by a 
special teacher, in all the grades above the Cprimar}^ Drawing is alter- 
nated with writing in all the grades below the high school. Composition, 
declamation and object lessons receive attention throughout the course. 
Monthly examinations are held in all the grades ; these examinations 
are both oral and written. During the last term ot the school year, the 
various departments are examined by the superintendent. The grades 
received on this examination are averaged with the grades of monthl}^ 
examinations, and on this basis the transfers are made. 

The monthly examinations are regarded as excellent incentives to 
study, and as best test of the knowledge of the subject possessed by the 
pupil. 

The report calls the attention of parents to the standing of their chil- 
dren in their studies, and secures for the teacher a more hearty co-opera- 
tion at home, than could otherwise exist. Transfers are made annuall}-, 
the first week of die fall term ; but pupils, who are found to be decidedly 
ahead of their classes, are promoted at any time during the year. SucK 
promotions are frequent in the Lancaster schools. 

When the graded system w^as first adopted teachers, w^ho had had 
experience in classified schools, could not be had at the salaries then 
paid, and the board, from a necessity, selected teachers of but little ex- 
perience, and to the most of whom the phrase, "Methods of Instruc- 



ic;2 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

tion, " was a misunderstood expression. Many of these made the hest 
teachers after becoming" acquainted with tlie new system. 

A gentleman who had some experience in "'keeping school,' ap- 
plied for a position as teacher soon after the adoption of the graded 
system. He was employed to teach a primary grade, consisting of 
about forty pupils. The second daY after he took charge of the school 
the superintendent visited his room, and inquired how he was getting 
along. He replied, ver}- well, only he found some difficultvin "getting 
around," with his recitations. Upon further inquiry, the superinten- 
dent learned that he had been calling up the pupils singly, and trying 
to hear as many recitations as he had pupils. His services were dis- 
pensed with. 

Teachers' meetings, county, district, and State teachers' associa- 
tions, edvicational journals, and a higher standard of qualirications, 
have been some of the means of improvement in the profession of teaching 
in the Lancaster schools. The aim has been, and still is, to encourage 
the teacher to be an earnest seeker for better methods, and for increased 
skill in the art of instruction. 

The buildings, erected in 1849 ''^^^^ ^^5^ ^^^' schools, Avere occupied 
— the north building until the fall of 1875, '"^^^ the south building until 
1874. In 1867, the south building became so crowded with scholars, 
that the board found it necessary to furnish room for another school. 
The old Radical Church on Walnut street was purchased, and used 
for a primary school for a time. 

In the spring of 1870, the board of education procured a competent 
architect to examine and report on the condition of the north building. 
It was pronounced unsafe, and the schools were temporarily suspended. 
A public meeting was called to consider the propriet}- of abandoning 
the building, and for the further purpose of taking action towards erect- 
ing a more secure and better planned building. The board submitted 
to the qualified voters of the cit}^ the proposition of levying a tax of 
forty thousand dollars, pa3^able in from one to ten years. It was ap- 
proved by a large majorit}'. The board was delayed for some time in 
securing a site, but at last four and three-quarters acres w^ere se- 
cured on North Broadw^ay. Plans were adopted, contracts awarded, 
and w^ork on the new house commenced. The old north house was 
strengthened and rendered safe, and the schools reopened in it in 1871. 
In the spring of 1872, the south building was found to be so crowded 
with pupils, that the board was compelled to provide additional rooms 
for school purposes. The building known as the county building, lo- 
cated on Broadway, near Main street, was rented, and arranged for 
occupancy by the high school and south C grammer, and were so occu- 
pied on the first day of April, 1872. 

At a meeting of the board, held on June 21, 1873, the following re- 
solution was adopted : 

" That the board deem it expedient for the welfare and accommoda- 
tion of the schools to be taught in the southern part of Lancaster, that 
the old school building should be removed, and a new and substantial 
one be erected." 

For the purpose of carrying out this resolution, a meeting, to vote on 
a proposition to levy a tax of thirty thousand dollars, was called, 



HISTORV OK FAIRKIELD COUNTY. l^^ 

July 15, 1873. The tax was authorized, and phms for the hew building 
adopted, the contract let, and work immediately begun on the old site. 

The new north house, a brick, three stories in height, containing 
twelve school rooms, chapel, hall, reception room, and superintendent's 
office, each school room provided with improved furniture, was ready 
for tiie schools at the opening of the fall term, September i, 1873, the 
high school occupying two rooms on the third floor, the remaining 
rooms, on the first and second floors, being occupied by the lower grades. 

At the opening of the schools, September i, 1873, the south schools 
were removed to the old north building, where they remained till the 
first of September, 1875, at which time the new south building, an ele- 
gant brick, containing ten large school rooms and a chapel hall, fur- 
nished the same as the north building, was read}^ for the schools. This 
south building is modeled after the north, and is, also, three stories high. 

A separate school for the colored children was established in 1856, 
and maintained since that time. It is composed of two grades — a 
primar}' and a grammar grade, and being under the same supervision 
as the white schools, has the same advantages as the others. 

The north school grounds have been enlarged to about seven acres, 
and have been tastefully ornamented with flower beds, evergreens, and 
forest trees. The grounds of the south school, including over four 
acres, are similarly improved, though not equally, with the north. The 
schools are all provided with the necessar}- apparatus required to illus- 
trate subjects taught, among which are an excellent telescope, with 
three and a-half inch object glass, an improved air pump, a fine collec- 
tion of mineralogical and geological specimens, etc. No better evi- 
dences of the public appreciation of the school is needed than the readi- 
ness and cheerfulness with which the citizens generally support them, 
and consider nothing a burden that is deemed necessary for their 
greater success and advancement. 

At the opening of the schools in the north building, April i, 1849, a 
high school was organized, in which algebra, geometry, philosophy, 
history, chemistr^^ and Latin were taught, by Mr. Whitwell, the super- 
intendent of the schools, assisted b}^ Mr. Barker. In 185 1, Miss Wil- 
cox was elected principal of the high school, which position she filled 
with ability. In the fall of 1857, she resigned, and was succeeded by 
Mr. Haskins, who remained one 3'ear. More room being required for 
use of the primary classes of the north district, the high school was 
changed to the south building in 1856. 

Since 1858, the principals of the high school have been: 

1858-68— Miss Jane Becket. 

1868-69— Miss Holbrook. 

1869-70 — C. Wilkinson. 

1870-73— C. F. McCoy. 

1873-74 — Mr. Manly. 

1874-/5 — G. F. Moore. 

1875 — Mr. Halderman, six weeks. 

1875-77— Rev. E. B. Cartmill. 

1877-78— Miss Ella Trout. 

1878-79— Mr. Waldo Dennis. 

1878-81— E. Burgess. 

20 



154 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

Miss Mary Hamilton entered the high school, as assistant teacher, 
at the fall term of 1875, and still holds the position. 

The tirst graduate was Miss Mattie Connell, in 1853. 

The second class graduated in 1855, and was composed of the fol- 
lowing young ladies : 

Mary Brazee, Lillian Williams, Louisa Hoffler, and Ellen Williams. 
Since that time sixteen classes have graduated, varying in numbers 
from live to twelve. 

In 1878 the high school course of stud}^ underwent some change 
from the previous courses, and that which is now used was established, 
which is likely to be permanent. There is an English course, and a 
classical course, optional with pupils and parents. 

The following have been the superintendents of the schools, with 
duration of service : 

1849-51 — John Whitwell. 

1851-56 — John Williams. 

1856-57 — W. Nelson. 

1857-61 — Rev. Daniel Risser. 

1861-62— Mr. E. F. Fish. 

1862-68 — Rev. Jacob Reinmund. 

1868 — W. R. Spooner, six months. 

1869-79 — George W. Welch. 

1879-81 — Samuel Knabenshue. 

Geo. W. Welch was elected in 1881, and now holds the position. 

The Board of Education consists of the following gentlemen : 

Rev. G. W. Meckling, President ; John Gravitt, Secretary ; John 
D. Martin, Treasurer; Kinnis Fritter, H. G. Trout, Thomas Cox. 

The following gentlemen have, at various times since the inception 
of Lancaster free schools, served on the board of education, with pos- 
sibly two or three names omitted : 

H. C. Whitman, William Slade, John Reber, Robert Reed, John 
C. Rainey, William Kinkead, Mahlon Smalley, Newton Schleich, O. 
H. Perry, E. C. Kreider, Jacob Hite, Jesse Vandemark, Wm. Vorys, 
Henry Gabelein, and Gen. Thomas Ewing. 

To the devotion and diligent attention of many of these gentlemen 
just named, the achievement of the schools in arriving at their present 
success and completeness, is due. Some of them, more than others, 
have found time to frequently visit the schools, and give personal atten- 
tion to the promotion of their general welfare. 

Few cities or municipalities of Ohio excel Lancaster in the com- 
pleteness and general efficiency of her schools. 

During the year 1880 a school building was erected on the north 
school grounds, for the use of the colored schools, at a cost of $1,300. 
It is a neat brick of one story, divided into two compartments. The 
colored school has two grades — a primary and a grammar grade. 
The present enrollment of colored children is about sixty-five, with 
an outside number not yet enrolled. The school capacity is to be 
increased, when the attendance will reach one hundred pupils. Pre- 
viously, and from the first organization of the free school system, the 
colored school was kept in the basement of their church. 

For the purpose of raising the necessary funds to meet the ex- 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 155 

penses of the erection of the public school buildings of 1849 ^"^ 
185 1, and of the more costly edifices of 1870 and 1874, seven per 
cent, bonds were sold by the city authorities. The aggregate amount 
of bonds, sold for the erection of school buildings, has been about 
$100,000. The total cost of the buildings of 1870 and 1874 was about 
$70,000, viz. : north building, $40,000 ; south building, $30,000. 

To provide a contingent fund, a levy of ten mills was made on the 
general duplicate of the city, which, together with the city's portion 
of the state school fund, has proved adequate to meet the current ex- 
penses of running the schools, and to meet the interest on the school 
bonds, with a constantly increasing surplus ; so that in April, 1881, the 
levy was brought down to seven mills. The indebtedness of the board 
had, at the same time, been reduced from $100,000 to $13,000. The 
old north school grounds, on the northeast corner of Broad and Mul- 
berry streets, were, in about 1879, sold to the St. Peter's Lutheran con- 
gregation, for $6,000. The present north school building stands on 
the east side of North Broadway, within two squares south of the fair- 
grounds, and the south building is- situated on a four-acre lot, in the 
southeast part of the city, fronting on Walnut street. 

The total value of the school property within the incorporate limits 
of the city, at the present time, will not vary much from $113,000; possi- 
bly a few hundred dollars more. The contingent expenses for running 
the schools, including salaries, light, fuel, and janitor's salary, for the 
year 1880, was $22,000. 

The salaries of teachers have been increased with the growing pros- 
perity of the schools. At this time, the salaries are: superintendent, 
$1,400; principal ot high school, $1,000; assistant in high school, 
$600; grammar schools, $800; two female teachers receive, each $500, 
and all female teachers below receive $375 ; principal of colored schools, 
$800. 



156 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

CHURCHES OF LANCASTER. 

Methodist Episcopal Church. — The Methodists were the pio- 
neers in Fairfield count v. The first Methodist class organized in the 
county was in the tall of 1799, at a place known as " Beal's Hill." 
about two miles northeast of Lancaster. The society consisted, at its 
organization, often members, viz : Edward Beal and wife, Jesse Spur- 
geon and wife, Ishmael Dew and wife, Elijah Spurgeon and wife, and 
Nimrod Bright and wife. They held their meetings in the cabin of 
Mr. Beal. he being class leader. Previous to coming to Ohio, Mr. 
Beal was class leader in Maryland, from where he emigrated. Very 
soon after the formation of this little class, they were visited by the Rev. 
James Qiiinn, then a young Methodist minister, and, so far as known, 
the first to enter the Hocking valley. 

The first quarterly meeting in this county was held in the year 
1800, at the cabin of John Murphy, about one mile west of the present 
West Rushville. The preachers present on this occasion were Bishop 
Asbur}^ and Daniel Hitt, who was at that time a presiding elder in the 
Baltimore conference. 

The first class formed in Lancaster was in the spring of 181 2, with 
a constituent membership of ten persons, viz ; Jacob D. Detrich and 
wife, Peter Reber and wife. Christian and Elizabeth Weaver, George 
and Mary Conode, and Thomas Orr and wife. The first house for 
worship erected by the Methodists was a brick of two stories, with a 
gallery. It stood nearly on the site of the present brick church on the 
hill, and was erected in 1816. Rev. James Qiiinn preached the first 
sermon in it, using for his pulpit a carpenter's bench. Lancaster was 
then included in the Hocking circuit, formed in 1801. Joseph Che- 
nowith was the first preacher to travel the Hocking circuit, and, at the 
close of the first year', returned a membership of three hundred and 
sixty-six persons, which showed an astonishing increase, as only 
three years and about six months had elapsed since the arrival of 
the first pioneer family in the Hocking valley. 

Nathaniel B. Mills succeeded Mr. Chenowith on this circuit, in 
1802. followed, in the years 1803-04, by James Qinnn. In 1804 
James Williams was sent out by the conference to assist Rev. 
Qiiinn. 

Lancaster, and the present county of Fairfield, remained in Hock- 
hocking circuit until 1811. 

Between 1811 and 1830, a number of circuits were formed, of 
which Fairfield was one, including Lancaster. The increase of mem- 
bership between 1811 and 1830, a period of nineteen years, showed 
Fairfield circuit to contain one thousand, two hundred and seventv- 



HISTORY OP" FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 1 57 

six members in full fellowship. In 1830 Lancaster was made a 
half-station, with several appointments in the country. 

During the nine ensuing years, the following ministers supplied 
the circuit, in the order in which their names occur : 

Zachariah Connell. William Young, John Ferree, Edward D. Rowe, 
William H. Lowder, Levi White, William T. Snow, John J. Bruce, 
William T. Hand, Charles R. Baldwin, John Reed, Charles R.Lowell, 
and Charles Swain. 

The present brick editice was erected in 1838-39, the basement 
stor}^ being used as the place of worship until the summer of 1843, 
when the audience chamber was tinished for public use. At the session 
of the annual conference of 1839, Lancaster was made a full station. 
Since that time, and until the year 1881, the following ministers have 
occupied Lancaster station, in the tbllowing order, the date reterring to 
the time of appointment to the station by the conference : 

1840 — Henr}- Baker, one year. 

1841 — William R. Anderson, one year. 

1842 — William P. Strickland, two years. 

1844 — Randolph S. Foster, two years. 

1846 — M. Dvistin, one year. 

1847 — Granville Moody, two years. 

1849 — William Sutherland, one year. 

1850 — Moses Smith, onq 3'ear. 

185 1 — A. Brooks, two A^ears. 

1853 — N. Westerman, one year. 

1854 — James M. Jamison, two years. 

1856 — E. M. Boring, one year. 

1857 — Joseph H. Creighton, two years. 

1859 — William Porter, one year. 

i860 — E. C. Felton, two 3'ears. 

1862 — C. A. Vananda, two years. 

1864 — T. H. Phillips, two years. 

1866 — L. Taft, two years. 

1868 — B. N. Sparks, two years. 

1870 — T. R. Taylor, three 3'ears. 

1873 — Joseph H. Creighton, one years. 

1874 — ^' ^ • Stanley, three years. 

1877 — J. R. Miller, three years. 

1880— Orville L Nance. 

The total membership of Lancaster station in 1881 was between six 
and seven hundred. 

I'he Methodists organized a Sabbath school at an early day, which 
has never been interrupted in its course. It embodies on its 
rolls now from two to three hundred children, and has always been in 
a flourishing condition. 

Methodist Protestant Church. — This is another pioneer denom- 
ination, of which there are no records in existence showing its founding, 
progress, and tinal dissolution. The society was organized in 1836 or 
1837. ^^^ ^"^ time it had quite a flourishing membership, embracing 
a number of the business and substantial families of Lancaster. The 
society owned, during its existence, a commodious brick church. For 



158 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

a number of years they maintained a stated pastorate and flourishing 
Sabbath school. Their church was located on the north side of Walnut 
street, between Broadway and Columbus streets. By the death and 
removal of a few of the responsible members, the society became weak- 
ened, and finally ceased to ask their conference for a preacher. At 
length the society was regarded as disbanded, when a portion of the 
members found homes in other churches. Their church building, after 
standing vacant a few years, was purchased by the board of educa- 
tion, and converted into a school house for a time. It was then sold to 
the " Old School Baptists," and is their present place of worship. The 
proceeds of the sale of the property, after defraying some small liabili- 
ties, for which the society was responsible, were divided among the 
original members. 

After the society was disbanded, and had been dropped from the 
conference list, a claim was issued, b}' the Ohio conference for the 
church property. The members resisted and suit was brought in the 
Court of Common Pleas. After passing through several terms, in 
which able council was employed on both sides, the case was finally 
decided in favor of the society. The suit was brought up after the sale 
of the property to the school board, and the funds were taken charge 
of by the court, pending the final decision. Among the leading and 
working members during the prosperous years of the church were 
Benjamin Connell, John Arney, Cooper Mussie, William Pierce, 
George Hood, Salmon Shaw. 

Regular Baptist Church. — The Regular Baptist Church first 
obtained a formal and recognized status in Lancaster in the year 1811, 
with Rev. Geo. Debolt, as their pastor. The constituent members 
were Isaac Church and wife, James Lowry and wife, Stephen Whittles}' 
and Anna Bruin. The last named was quite a remarkable person, and 
is entitled to a special mention. She was a descendant of the colored 
race, and uneducated ; nevertheless she possessed a vigorous, clear in- 
tellect ; was industrious and frugal, was single, and resided in the 
family of George King, who was a Baptist. Anna Bruin was a favor- 
ite among her acquaintances, and was welcome wherever she choose 
to go. So devoted was she in her religious faith and to her church, 
that she was never absent from an}' of the stated meetings, unless in 
case of sickness, or other unavoidable reason. She died in 1875 ^^ 
the age of one hundred and six 3'ears. 

This little church with its humble origin has ever since maintained 
its organization in Lancaster. In religious faith they were predes- 
tinarian, which faith has undergone no modification with them to this 
da3^ Their maximum membership at one time was about fifty ; at pres- 
ent (June, 1881) it is twenty. They continue to have preaching once a 
month statedly, but more frequentlv as preachers pass through the 
place. Their present pastor is Rev. William Fisher. 

Very soon after their organization, the little band succeeded in 
erecting a comfortable frame church on Chestnut street near the Tal- 
mage house. In this edifice they continued to worship until it was de- 
stroyed b}' fire in 1870. The ground was subsequently sold to Darius 
Talmage, for fifteen hundred dollars. This fund was used for the pur- 
chasing of their present church on Walnut street. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 1^9 

The Rev. Debolt continued to preach for this church a number of 
years. He died a few years since at the age of ninety. This vacancy 
caused by his death, was filled by the Rev,. William White, father of 
the late Dr. James White. His labors were continued until 1829, when 
the Rev. Samuel Carpenter took charge, and continued until the time 
of his death in the summer of 1870. 

Baptist Church. — This church disclaims the appellation "New 
School" but claim the}- are the regular Baptist Church. They were 
formerly of the mother church, but they have a separate history, hav- 
ing a communion and fellowship of their own. With their denomina- 
tional relation this history has nothing to do. 

This society was first organized in Lancaster in 1842, with a class 
of twelve members. Many of the original members possessed means, 
and were influential citizens. They at once went to work in earnest to 
secure a house for public worship. This they accomplished in less 
than two years, and a neat brick church with a seating capacity of 
about five hundred was soon the fruits of their diligence. It is situated 
on the southwest corner of Columbus and Mulberry streets. During 
the greater part of the thirt}^- eight years of its existence, the church 
has maintained, with only short intervals a connected succession of 
pastors. Below is a list in the order of their occupancy. 

Rev. J. M. Courtney was the first, remaining about two years and 
w^as succeeded bv Rev. S. T. Griswold, Rev. J. B. Sackett, Rev. E. 
F. Strickland, Rev. S. G. Dawson, Rev. J. R. Powell, Rev. William 
Sharp, Rev. H. A. Lyon and Rev. E. Daniels. For the past ten years 
and at this time (June, 1881) the church has been without a permanent 
pastor, having only occasional preaching by supplies. 

The Sabbath school of this denomination is prosperous, and the 
membership- of the church has increased in the same ratio of other 
churches. 

Presbyterian Church. — John Wright, a young man from Ken- 
tucky, came in the year 1801 as a missionary of the Presbyterian de- 
nomination, and settled in Lancaster. There were at that earl}^ day a 
number of Presbyterian families in Lancaster and its vicinity, also in 
other settlements of the county. He at once began to preach in the 
village and such other neighborhoods as desired preaching, more es- 
peciall}' along Rush Creek, and that part of the county where Bremen 
and Rushville are now situated. He also visited Newark, preaching 
there occasionally, as well as in other parts of the county, which was 
then large. 

At that time, the whole county w^as little else than a" wilderness, in- 
terspersed with the simplest form of log cabins. In these pioneer huts 
for the w^ant ol better accommodations, the first religious services were 
held. During the first four years, Mr. Wright's labors seemed to have 
been on the missionary plan, as an organization of members was not 
effected until some time in the year 1805. 

After the building of the first court-house, completed in 1807, the 
Presbyterian, as well as other denominations, held services in it for a 
number of years until the societies became strong enough to erect 
churches. 

In the year 1820 the first Presbyterian church was completed, as ap- 



l6o HISTORY OF FAIUFIEl.D COUNTY. 

pears from their old church books. It was located on the southeast 
corner of Broadway and Mulberry streets, at the same place where 
the residence of J. S. Wright now stands, about thirty feet from the 
north wall of the present church. The ground was purchased from Peter 
Reber. 

The members of this church held a meeting in Lancaster, Nov. 24, 
18I19, at their usual place of worship, Rev. John Wright officiating, and 
Samuel F. McCracken acting as secretary. The society proceeded to 
elect the following trustees : David Ewing, Thomas Propeck and 
Samuel F. McCracken, and Frederick A. Foster, clerk. 

The trustees were required to circulate subscription papers, the pro- 
ceeds thus obtained to be used in purchasing a site and building a 
church at an early day. They were sworn in by George Sanderson, 
Justice of the Peace. 

From the church records, the following, concerning a meeting held 
July 6th, 1822, is taken : The pews were to be assessed, and sold at 
auction. The salary of the pastor was to be paid from the proceeds. 

The p^ws, thirty-two in number, sold on an average of from twenty 
to four dollars. The church was a neat, one-story brick, and continued 
in use as a place of w^orship until the completion of the present church 
in 1835. 

Mr. Wright remained pastor of the Lancaster Presbyterian Church 
until 1835, when he resigned to accept a pastorate in Logansport, In- 
diana, where he died at an advanced age in the 3'ear 1849 °^' '5^- 

In 1836, William Cox was installed pastor of the congregation at 
Lancaster and continued until 1854, when he accepted a call to Picka- 
way, Ohio, where he died a few \^ears since. He was interred in the 
east cemetry at Lancaster. 

At his death, Rev. J. M. Lowrey took charge of the work at this 
place and remained eight years. From 1805 to 1881, the following are 
the names of pastors, who tilled the pulpit of this church: Revs. John 
Wright, William Cox, J. M. Lowrey, Robert Gillbraith, Webster, 
George Fullerton, Worden, Muse, Snodgrass and J. R. Boyd, the 
present pastor, who has occupied the pulpit about eight years. Aside 
from the above named, a number of supplies have taken the charge for 
a short period. 

The membership at present numbers nearly two hundred, none of 
the original members living now, nor but one, who was a member in 
1820, being Betsy Lilly, now residing in Iowa, eighty 3'^ears of age. 

The Sabbath school of this denomination is, and always has been, 
one of great interest ; about one hundred children are in attendance. 

St. John's Episcopal Church. — There being a number of families 
in Lancaster belonging to the Episcopal denomination, a church organi- 
zation was effected in 1835, assuming the title of "Episcopal Parish of 
St. John", its first rector being the Rev. Sherlock A. Bronson. 

A few years subsequently, and during the rectorship of the Rev. 
Alva Qiiinn, the congregation erected a beautiful church with chancel 
and stained window glass, and the addition of stud}', library room and 
end gallery, furnished with an organ and supported by a good choir. 
The churcli was located on the southeast corner of Broadway and 
Wheeling streets. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIEL15 COUN'tV; i6l 

The following named persons co-operated with Mr. Qiiinn in the 
erection of the church : Henry Stanberry, John T. Brazee, Daniel 
Sifford, John Reber, Daniel Kutz and William P. Creed. It was con- 
secrated and dedicated by the late Right Rev. Bishop McElvaine. 

After Mr. Quinn, the following were the succeeding clergymen at 
the St. John's: Revs. Daniel Risser, J. M. C. Bonte. Frederick Grey, 
Henry Lathrop, E. Owen Simpson, William Brittian, John Scott, A. 
S. Gorrell, Edward B. Cartmell and J. N. Rippy, who is now (1881) 
rector. The members are all willing workers in the Sabbath school. 

Catholic Church, St. Mary's of Lancaster, Ohio. — This is 
the distinctive tide assumed by the Catholic Church of this place, upon 
its organization. A number of Catholic families were among the tirst 
settlers of Lancaster. Their early services were held in private houses, 
by priests who visited them from time to time, coming generally from 
Somerset, where an early Catholic setdement existed. The church 
continued under the care of the Dominican fathers of St. Joseph's 
Church of Perry county until 1839. 

About 1820-22, the congregadon erected a small frame church at 
the west end of Chestnut street, south side, and what is now known as 
the east bank of the Hocking Canal. Here thev continued to worship 
until 1839. The building is still standing and used as a private resi- 
dence. 

The burial ground connected with the church was abandoned upon 
the establishment of the east cemetery, and the dead removed to the 
new burying ground in 1837-8. 

In 1841 the new brick church, on the northeast corner of High and 
Chestnut streets, was completed and dedicated, its erection having 
been begun about two years previously. Services, however, were held 
in it as early as the winter and spring of 1839. This year the Rev. J. 
M. Young settled in Lancaster as pastor of St. Mary's. In 1854 ^^ 
was made Bishop and assigned to the see of Erie, where his death oc- 
curred about tifteen years after. 

In 1864 the present church was completed and dedicated ; it was 
built north of the old church of 1841. About the same time a two- 
story brick was built on the east end of the church grounds. The two- 
stor}^ frame, that had previously stood adjoining the east end of the old 
church, was removed and attached to the brick, which constituted the 
residence of the priest. 

After the occupancy of the new church, the old building was remod- 
eled for a parish school, for which purpose it is still used. Between 
three and four hundred children are in regular attendance. From the 
first opening of the school it has been under the care of several Domin- 
ican sisters. The large bo3'S are taught by a male teacher, who also 
has a general supervision over the whole scliool. 

Succeeding Father Young, the Rev. Henry Lange was sent from 
Cincinnati, and remained in charge from 1854 ^^ 1864, when his 
death occurred. He was entombed at the east end of the church. 

Rev. J. W. Brummer was then placed in charge, temporarily, for a 
few months. In August, of the same year. Rev. Bernard Evans was 
sent to the charge. His health failed, and he was compelled to return 
to Cincinnati, where he survived but a short time. 



1 62 HISTORY OF J''AIRFIELD COUNTY. 

In 1865, Rev. Daniel O. Rogers came, remaining a little over two 
years. He also had to relinquish his charge on account of tailing 
health. In a short time afterward he died among his friends at Du- 
buque, Iowa. 

The charge was then tilled by Rev. F. J. Rudolph, who remained 
until May, 1868, when a change in the diocese took place, and he, 
wishing to remain in the western division, relinquished his claim here 
to Rev. Louis Decaill3%who was in charge until the spring of 1874. ^^ 
then transferred to the Newark charge. Rev. M.E. Pilger tilled this was 
vacancy made by the removal of Rev. Decailly, remaining but a few 
months, when he was transferred to Delaware, Ohio. Rev. J. B. 
Schmidt succeeded him and still has charge. 

In June, 1875, Rev. Gabriel Volkert was assigned to St. Mary's, 
as assistant pastor. He died in September of the same year, and the 
vacancy was tilled b}- Rev. F. J. Campbell, but in a short time he was 
transferred to Marietta, and Rev. Montague was appointed to take his 
place in Lancaster. 

Over two hundred and sixty families are represented in the present 
congregation at St. Mary's, being about sixteen hundred and fifty mem- 
bers in the congregation. During a year, about eighty baptisms and 
fifteen marriages are solemnized. 

The missions, three in number, have been maintained by this con- 
gregation, and were attended by priests from Lancaster until recently, 
when a special pastor was assigned to take charge of them. 

"Our Lady of Good Hope," in the southeast part of the count}^, has 
over forty families under her supervision ; at " Sacred Heart," near 
Bremen, about thirty families, and at " St. Joseph's," in the vicinity of 
Sugar Grove, about forty families. 

The ground upon which St. Mary's Church and school buildings 
now stands, was purchased from Michael Garaght}^, in 1837 oi" 1838. 
These buildings are substantial and handsome, the new church be- 
ing one of the most elegant in Ohio. Their surrounding grounds are 
beautifull}'^ decorated with evergreens and brick and gravel walks. 

St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church. — This is one of 
the early churches of Lancaster ; the precise date of organization can- 
not be given, as the old records were burned with the building in Feb- 
ruary, 1846. Previous to that j-ear the history is mostly traditional. 
Some of the old members recollect of a box containing papers relating 
to church aflairs being saved, in so disorderly a condition, at the time of 
the fire, that the person to whom they were entrusted found they were 
worthless. 

Previous to the year 1810, the first society was formed by the Rev. 
Steck. For awhile they held their meetings in the court house, while 
at other times in the German Reform chapel, on south Columbus street. 
Subsequently the society buiU a small log house on the site where the 
Canal church now stands. This was used for a time, then torn down 
and a two-story brick built in its place. In 1846 this was burned. At 
this time a division was effected, and the German members bought the 
claims of the English and proceeded to erect the brick building that 
still remains. 

In 1840 the church was incorporated by an act of the Legislature. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 1 63 

The names of the incorporators were Henry Arnold, George W. Bant- 
ler, Christian Bearster, Christian Baughman, Henry Orman, Philip Bope 
and Conrad Crumley. The lot upon which the church is erected was 
deeded to the society b}- Jacob Beck, the elder, and one of the first 
members. 

Mr. Steck remained in charge of the congregation until 1829. His 
place was then filled by Rev. John Wagenhals, who filled the pulpit 
until 1845. He then removed to Lithopolis and took charge of a con- 
gregation there. Ten or fifteen years afterward he returned to Lancas- 
ter, where he is now living, being old and feeble. Succeeding Mr. 
Wagenhals in St. Peter's congregation were Rev. H. Burcher, Rev. 
Leon Hart, Rev. Speilman and Rev. Mechling, who is now (i88i)pas- 
tor. The membership is over six hundred, and a Sabbath school has 
been sustained for half a century. 

During the year 1878 the society purchased ground on Broadway 
and Mulberry streets. In the spring of 1880 the}^ began the erection 
of a church, having prepared the foundation the summer previous. 
In 1 88 1 the work suspended on account of cold weather, but was re- 
sumed and the building was completed. 

First English Lutheran Church. — Previous to the year 1843, but 
one Lutheran Church existed in this place. The German and English 
element separating at that time, formed separate societies. They con- 
tinued to occupy the church jointly on alternate Sundays. The one 
service was in German and the other in English. This continued 
until the burning of the church in 1846. 

The English members sold their interest in the site to the German 
society, and purchased a building lot on the east side of Columbus 
street, between Wheeling and Mulberry streets. The}' immediately- 
built a fine brick church, with a basement, entrance hall, and gallery, 
completing it in the fall of 1846. 

At the time of the church division the membership of the English 
was twenty, which, in 1881, had increased to about two hundred, but 
six of the original members being of this number. From the first they 
have been earnest and zealous workers in the Sunday school. 

The following pastors have presided over the charge from 1843 to 
1881: Revs. John McCron, Charles F. Shaefter, J. A. Weddle, L. 
Kizer, J.Hamilton, Jacob F. Reinmund, Samuel Sprecher, N. J.Knise- 
ly, Chas. Steck, John B. Helwig, John O. Hough, G.W.Halderman 
and J. N. Morris, pastor from the beginning of the year 1881. 

German Reform Church. — This church was first formed by Rev. 
George Wise, in October, 1816, with twenty members. Rev. Wise 
continued pastor until 1838, twenty-two years after the organization, 
during which time he preached in other parts of the county, as well 
as Ross, Pickaway, Hocking, Perry. Licking and Franklin coun- 
ties. Rev. Steck was called to this charge after the death of Rev. Wise, 
and continued to fill all the above named appointments. 

In 1818 the German Reform society purchased a lot on Columbus 
street on which they built a small brick chapel, where they continued to 
worship until 1845, the church being dedicated in 1832. This build- 
ing was also used for years as a school house and place of worship for 
other denominations. It still remains and is used as a private dwelling. 



164 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

About 1843 the society purchased a second site and proceeded to 
erect a new and more commodious place for worship. In 1845 this was 
completed. 

Rev. Henry Willard succeeded Mr. Wise in 1838 as pastor, re- 
maining in charge six years to 1844, his successor being Rev. Jesse 
Steiner, At his departure the pulpit was filled by Revs. Jeremiah 
Good, Henry Brinkerhoft, John Ricker, P. D. Schory, G. W. Heck- 
ling, Henr}' Hockman, John Swander, L. Straussman and William 
Hale. The latter being called to Dayton, left the charge under the 
leadership of occasional supplies. During his work here, the title, 
•' Grace Reform," was given to the church. At the time he left, the 
membership numbered two hundred and twenty-live. In 1880 Rev. 
J. M. Kendig was called and accepted the charge. An interesting- 
Sabbath school is maintained. 

Emanuel's Church. — The organization of this church took place 
in 1849 by the withdrawal of twelve members from St. Peter's Church. 
When formed, it was to be exclusively a German denomination, not 
admitting English services. In this latter church a portion of the mem- 
bers preferred that services be held only in the German language, while 
others of American birth desired that the children should be instructed 
in both languages, and insisted on alternate German and English services. 
For a time the two services were carried out, but in time twelve of the 
purely German members seceded from the old division and formed a 
society constituting the " First German congregation of the unaltered 
Augsburg Confession," with F. W. Richman as pastor. 

Immediately upon the completion of the new organization, a site 
was purchased on Chestnut street near High street, aud soon a hand- 
some brick church was built, seating about four hundred. They dedi- 
cated it in 1852, and now have about three hundred members, also an 
attendance of seventy-five children at their Sunday school. 

Their constitution provides that only male members who have at- 
tained the age of twenty-one years and over are eligible to vote at 
church elections. Of these they have about one hundred. 

Under the pastorate of their present minister they have English ser- 
vices occasionally. The following ministers have filled the pulpit: 

1849 — ^' ^' Richman. 

i853_J. P. Calb. 

1857 — F. W. Faclinger. 

1858— J. S. Daib. 

1859— M. Merz. 

1865 — J. Neithamer. 

1866— E. J. Frederick. 

1869 — J. Slocum. 

1870— C. A. Frank. 

1873— E. Kailer. 

1876— C. A. Frank. 

Rev. C. F. Borech and Rev. C. Dr^-er are the present pastors. 

During 1870 the society erected a handsome two-story frame par- 
sonage adjoining the church. 

Evangelical Church. — The Evangelical ("Albrecht's Leute ") 
Association erected a substantial brick church in Lancaster in the sum- 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 1 65 

mer of 1870, under the pastoral charge of Andrew Swartz. It is com- 
monly called the East Lancaster Church, the building standing on 
Main street, east of Graveyard street. 

Mr. Swartz was an ardent worker, and his energy found readv co- 
operation b\' the members of the new organization, in the erection and 
completion of their church. The church was dedicated in 187 1, and 
has a seating capacity of about four hundred. The present member- 
ship exceeds one hundred and sixty. The number of children enrolled 
in the Sabbath-school, in 1881, was over one hundred. The pastor is 
Rev. Sherrick : the superintendent, W. H. Cassett. 

The following pastors have accepted calls to this church : Rev. M. 
Leohner, Rev. H. Swartz, Rev. A. N. Orwig, Rev. H. Swartz (reap- 
pointed), Rev. M. Shupe, i^ev. Cochlin, Rev. H. Spiller, Rev. Hensel, 
Rev. Rife, Rev. B. Mohn, and Rev. W. W. Sherrick, pastor in 1881. 
African Methodist Episcopal Church. — As early as 1825 the 
colored people of Lancaster organized a religious society under the 
title of "African Methodist Episcopal Church." At once they began 
the erection of a church on one of the lots dedicated by Emanuel Car- 
penter tor church purposes. Upon this a neat frame church was built, 
in which the}' held worship until the erection of their present church 
in i860. They have sustained a settled ministry, and held Sabbath- 
school each Sunday. The tbllowing are the names of their ministers 
from 1825 to 1882: Rev. Grey, Rev. Thomas Lawrence, Rev. Samuel 
J. Clingman, Rev. Lafa^xtte Davis, Rev. C. H. Peters, Rev. George 
Coleman, Rev. Thomas Lawrence, Rev. Daniel Winlon, Rev. John P. 
Woodson, Rev. Jeremiah Bowman, Rev. John Tibbs, Rev. Edward 
Esse, Rev. John W. Jones, Rev. Arthur Howell, Rev, Isaac Dillen, 
Rev. Roberts, Rev. Daniel Cooper, Rev. R. Plogan, Rev. William 
Arnold, Rev. Gibbons. Rev. Lewis, Rev. W. D. Mitchell, Rev. David- 
son, Rev. Clark, Rev. R. Morris, and R. M. Wilson. 

Colored Baptist. — This small society of colored Baptists have 
not succeeded in erecting a place for worship nor employing a settled 
pastor. The society has been in existence a number of years. 

A Religious Revival occurred in the Methodist Church of Lancas- 
ter during the winter of 1841-42, being one of the most remarkabe 
known in the annals of that denomination. In the history of modern 
revivals it has no parallel. Although it was an occurrence of forty 
years ago, still it is vividly remembered and referred to as the "An- 
derson revival." Many of the efficient members, not only of that 
Church but others, began their religious life under the influence of this 
revival. 

It began in December, 1841. The meetings were held nightly in 
the basement of the new church, the main auditorium not being com- 
pleted. Nothing unusual attended the meeting at first, but as it pro- 
gressed the interest increased, the capacity of the basement room 
becoming too small to accommodate the crowd that attended. 

When it became evident throughout the surrounding country that a 
great revival was in progress in Lancaster, people Hocked in from other 
villages, including preachers from the circuits, members of other 
denominations taking part. Catholics were in regular attendance. 
Ministers of other denominations attended and took part in the serv- 



1 66 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

ices. From twelve to fifty persons came to tiie altar each night as 
seekers of religion. It was an imposing sight to see persons of all 
classes kneeling at the altar, some as seekers of religion, while others 
were praying for the mourners. Some who had been known to 
denounce noisy revivals were among the most active and earnest work- 
ers. The roughest element of the town came, but were decorous and 
well behaved. 

The meeting often continued until a late hour. On many occasions, 
after the congregation had been dismissed, groups of people lingered 
in the church in prayer and praise, as if unwilling to leave a place that 
seemed to them hallowed. At late hours parties were heard returning 
from the church singing, and even pouring forth their happiness in loud 
shouts of jo}', and hallelujah, even continuing in praise and prayer 
after their arrival at home. 

On one occasion a young lady, under the influence of religion, 
passed into a trance, from which all efforts to restore her to conscious- 
ness failed. She was removed to the house of a friend, where she 
remained seven days and nights, unconscious of what was transpiring 
around her. She was visited by hundreds. At times it was difficult to 
ascertain whether the vital spark still remained. When she recovered 
she testified as to being in Heaven, giving descriptions of what she had 
seen and heard ; had met many of her earthly friends, who had passed 
away. She lived many years afterward, and loved to converse upon 
the heavenl}^ scenes she had witnessed, and the glories of the happy 
home, of which she expected some day to be an inhabitant. 

The meetings were continued until March, 1842. This revival was 
remarkable. The number of accessions to the Methodist Church was 
between two and three hundred, while many who professed conversion 
joined other denominations, quite a number of the leading business and 
professional citizens being among the converts. The revival was like- 
wise characterized by the unusual fact that most of these conversions 
were lasting. 

Cemeteries. — The first interments of the dead at Lancaster were 
probabl}^ made in the old grave}' ard on the hill north of the Methodist 
church. At the west end of Chestnut street the Catholics had a small 
cemetery, near their little frame chapel, in which interments were made 
at an early day. After the purchase and laying out of the last ceme- 
tery by the city authorities, the Catholics secured the south-west corner 
and removed their dead there, in 1837-38, and the cemetery on Chest- 
nut street was abandoned. 

The Methodists used the east end of their church lot as a burial 
place until the purchase of the new graveyard, in 1837. About that 
time an ordinance was passed by the town council forbidding further 
interments on the hill. Permits were afterward granted for the burial 
of such persons who had companions or families interred there. The 
east grave3^ard consisted of about ten acres, purchased by the city from 
John Creed in 1837. The ground was sectioned off for the accommo- 
dation of the public, the Methodists, Baptists, and Catholics choosing 
separate divisions. A large portion of the ground was laid off' into family 
lots and sold under warrantee deeds. Two sections were inclosed with 
stone walls and mounted with iron railings by several associated families. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 167*9 

* 

There was also set apart a portion for a colored burying place, as 
well as a part for public use, and a Potter's Field. In 1881, there were 
about three thousand graves here. 

The small burying ground on the hill, northwest of the city, con- 
sisting of two acres, was either purchased or donated by Jacob Beck, 
in 1826. This has been commonly called the German graveyard. 

The old cemeter}', dating back to a very early dav, is situated on 
the church lot of the German Lutherans, on the east bank of the canal, 
in the northwest part of the city. 

The English Lutheran cemetery lies on the north border of the city. 
The ground was sold to the church in 1855 by John C. Weaver. The 
first family lots were sold in 1856. This church sells family lots to par- 
ties outside of the society. 

In the beginning of the year 1881, the Catholic society purchased 
from Philip Rising fifteen acres of ground, one and one-half miles south 
of Lancaster, adjoining the State Farm road, on the east side. For 
this they paid twelve thousand dollars. 

In June, 1881 the}^ had expended nine hundred dollars in the con- 
stiniction of a stone vault. 

The grounds were also enclosed, and good gravel drains and walks 
constructed through the grounds, besides famih^ and single lots. A 
section of lots is set apart for the use of such Catholics as are not able 
to purchase. 

A handsome monument, mounted with the cross, is erected in the 
north end of the cemetery. 

The cemetery and purchasing committee are John D. Clark, Hugh 
Cannon, Thomas Scanlan, George Matt, and Tallman Slough. 



[^8 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

LANCASTER PRESS AND AUTHORSHIP. 

Der Ohio Adler. — The first weekl}^ paper established in Lancas- 
ter was a small German sheet, with the title Der Ohio Adler, by Jacob 
D. Detrich. The first issues of the paper are extinct, and the exact 
date cannot be given by the oldest inhabitant here now. Some remem- 
ber the German paper during the war of 1812, and date its origin in 
1809. Mr. Wetzler, present editor of the Eagle, is confident that Gen- 
eral Sanderson told him, at one time, that Mr. Detrich came to Lan- 
caster in 1807, and at once began the publication oi Der Ohio Adler. 
This assertion is probably true, as General Sanderson was quite a 
laro-e boy when he came into the Hocking valley with his father in 
1799. We will copy a short extract from an old copy of Der Adler, 
also, give the translation : 

" An Ehekreutz. — Ich warna hiermit yeder man miner frau, Mar- 
o-arette, nicht auf zu miner namen zu leihen, order zu bargen jevile 
ich mit entsclhossen babe kinen cent fur sie zu bozalen, von dieser data 

on." 

" Rush Township, December 16, 1812. 

" A Marriage Cross. — I hereb}^ forewarn ever}- man not to trust 
m}^ wife, Margaret, or lend to her on my account, because I have de- 
termined not to pay one cent for her after this date." 

From this we would infer that some time previous to 1812, Jacob 
D. Detrich emigrated from Staunton, Virginia, to Lancaster, Ohio, 
and began the publication 01 a German weekly paper, entitled Der 
Ohio Adler. 

The sheets were about sixteen by twenty inches in size, the paper 
of coarse texture, and dull white color, the mechanical execution good, 
the print remaining quite legible. An English issue of the same, bear- 
ing date of 1813, is numbered volume four, making 1809 the 3'ear of its 
origin. 

No dates have been found, showing when the paper passed into the 
hands of Edward Shafer, but supposed to be in 1813, at this time 
changing to the English print. It was issued, however, for some time 
in both languages, after the change, this as late as 1816. 

In the scrap ol Der Adler, before referred to, is found Governor 
Meigs' proclamation, calling for volunteer troops to serve in the War of 
1812. In the English edition is found the following advertisement: 

" One Hundred Dollars Reward. — Run awa}^ from the sub- 
scriber, living in Moorfield, Hardin county, Virginia, on the twenty- 
ninth of April last, a negro man named Berr3\ He is about twenty 
years of age ; height, five feet eight or nine inches, round shouldered, 
slender made. He is active and undaunted, but not viciousl}^ inclined ; 
redish lips, stutters when closely examined. Whoever will secure said 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 1 69 

slave in any jail of the United States, so that I can get hinl again, shall 
receive the above reward, and all reasonable charges paid, if brought 
home. 

July 15, 1 8 15. William Cunningham." 

After the advertisement, the following appeared : 

"To THE Public. — On Sunday last, the 20th inst., the following 
circumstance occurred at the great meeting, or love feast, held at the 
house of Casper Hufford, Raccoon Creek, three miles east of Lancaster. 
The subscriber, with his wife, attended said meeting. His wife, wish- 
ing to remain there till Monday following, turned the mare she had 
been riding into a large meadow, containing fort}' acres, in which about 
fifty or sixty other horse creatures were at the same time grazing. On 
the following Monday, his wife, intending to return home, missed the 
mare, and after the most diligent search, a dai'k brown mare, without a 
bridle or halter, was found loose in Mr. Hufford's stable. No person 
present owning said mare, or knowing the owner thereof, the subscriber 
took her into his possession. He cannot conceive whether his creature 
was taken out of mistake for the one left behind in the stable ; whether 
rode oft' or wilfully stolen. The subscriber's mare is a bright bay, eight 
years old, fourteen hands high, shod belore. strong built, a natural trot- 
ter, and has some saddle and harness marks. Should some person 
have rode her oft\ or out of mistake taken away said mare, and left his 
own in place thereof, he is hereby desired, in a friendly manner, to re- 
turn the same immediately, as such incautious proceedings may bring 
on disagreeable consequences. 

August 24, 1815. George Bright," 

The first cop3^ of the ^«^/6' that appears in the English language, 
bears date of 1813, with Edward Shafer as editor and manager. From 
18 1 2 to 181 5 its pages contain news of the War of 181 2. After Mr. 
Shaffer, the paper was edited by John Harmon, previous to 1820, as 
is supposed, the old issues of the paper having been destroyed, when 
the office burned in 1844. 

In 1828, Thomas U. White was editor of the Eagle. He was suc- 
ceeded by John Brough, who had charge in 1839, 'Assisted by his 
brother Charles. In 1841, Samuel Pike succeeded the Broughs, re- 
maining about one year, when Dr. Casper Theil took charge of the pub- 
lication, and during his editorship the office was burned. 

From that time to 1881 the following editors have taken charge : 

H. H, Robinson, D. Robertson, F. JNI. Ellis, J. B. Dixon, Newton 
Schleich, Jackson Gruber, John L. Tuthill, John M. Connell, Charles 
Roland, William Baker, William L. Rigby, John C. Hite, Victor 
Zahm, and Thomas Wetzler. 

Of the above number, Mr. Wetzler has occupied the position the 
greater length of time, having taken charge in 1870. The Eagle, from 
its humble origin, during the seventy-two years of its existence, has 
successfully grown into one of the best, largest, and most creditabl}^ ex- 
ecuted weeklies of the State. Beyond current newspaper literature, it 
has been strictly a political partizan sheet. In 1828, under the editorial 
management of Thomas U. White, it supported the claims of Andrew 
Jackson for the Presidency against John Quincy Adams. After the 
National Convention of 1832, at which the supporters of Mr. Jackson 

22 



170 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

assumed the name of the "Democratic part3\" the Eagle continued to 
support the Jackson ticket, in 1836, the Van Buren ticket against 
William H, Harrison. It has 'so continued to be the Democratic or- 
gan for Fairfield county. It has a wide circulation, and a lucrative in- 
come. 

Lancaster Gazette. — The first number of the Lancaster Gazette 
was issued on the fourth day of April, 1826, by George Sanderson and 
Benjamin Oswald. The publication continued under the title of San- 
derson & Oswald, until the beginning of 1830, when Mr. Sanderson, by 
purchase, became the sole proprietor. In 1832, Philadelph Van Trump, 
at that time publishing the Enquirer, became a partner in the Gazette, 
and the paper was called the Gazette and Enquirer . Two years after- 
ward Enquirer was dropped, and the paper assumed the title of Lancas- 
ter Gazette, which still remains. 

In 1838, Benjamin Moeler purchased the establishment, and became 
sole proprietor and editor, until 1841, when he was bought out by Per- 
cival and Van Fossen, who published the Gazette until 1850, when 
they sold to George Weaver, who assumed the editorial control, with 
John Wright as publisher. This arrangement was continued until 
1852, when the establishment was purchased by Thomas S. Slaughter, 
who published the paper one year, then selling to a company, and Geo. 
McElroy became editor of the Gazette, for one year. At this time, 
Joshua Clarke became editor and proprietor, with W^illiam Kooken as 
publisher. The Gazette was then issued under the firm name of Clarke 
and Kooken, until x\pril ist, i860. In the preceding January, Dr. H. 
Scott purchased the American Democrat and Gazette establishments, 
and combined them on the first of January. He continued the publica- 
tion of the Gazette, as editor and proprietor. Before the breaking out 
of the War of the Rebellion, he sold the paper to Robert M. Clarke, 
William H. Kooken and John M. Sutphen, constituting the firm of 
Clarke, Kooken and Sutphen. 

In 1863, A. P. Miller bought the interest of R. M. Clarke, and the 
name of the firm changed to Miller, Kooken and Sutphen. In Febru- 
ary 23, 1866, S. A. Griswold became a member of the firm, by pur- 
chasing Mr. Miller's share. In 187 1, the establishment became the 
"Gazette Printing Company," by the admission of H, W. Griswold, J. 
E. Griswold and H. C. Drinkle. The senior proprietor, S. A. Gris- 
wold, has been the responsible editor from his first connection with 
the Gazette, Yeh\-U3.ry, 1866, to the present time. (1881.) During the 
greater part of that time, Samuel Griswold has been local editor, and 
still holds that position. 

Like the Eagle, the Gazette has been a partisan weekly. In the 
presidential campaign of 1828, it supported John Quincy Adams, and 
in 1832, as supporters of Andrew Jackson assumed the title o{ Demo- 
cratic Party, the friends of Mr. Adams, in their convention one 
month later, resolved that they were the descendants ot the "Whigs of 
1776." Hence the Whig party, the Gazette then becoming the the 
organ of the Whig party for Frirfield county. 

In 1855, when the American "Know Nothing" party was organized 
all over the United States, absorbing not only the Whig party, but all 
small faction also a portion of the Democratic part3% the Gazette 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. l*J1 

Supported the American ticket. Two years later, upon the adoption of 
the Philadelphia platform, by the National Convention, assuming the 
title, Republican party, the Gazette took up the appellation, and irom 
that time, has been a strong supporter of the Republican party. Dur- 
ing the Rebellion, the Gazette was the uncompromising advocate of the 
Union, as it was before the breaking out of the war, and of the replant- 
ing of the National flag all over the south ; also standing by the gov- 
ernment in all its laudable efforts to suppress the Rebellion and restore 
the Union. 

The Gazette was of humble origin, its first issue being twenty 
years later than the Eagle. They were superior, in a mechanical 
sense, besides of an improved quality of paper. Its first issues were five 
columns, whilst the Eagle were four. There was also a notable im- 
provement in the typograpliy. It grew from an insignificant to a large 
and popular sheet,, now vying with any similar journal of the 
State or elsewhere, m appearance. 

It has a weekly circulation surpassed by but few county papers 
in Ohio, as well as a paying income. 

The part}' of the Gazette in this county has from the first been 
in the minority, hence has received but a small share of the official pa- 
tronage. To this rule, were two exceptions, viz., 1843 and 1854, ^7 '^'^^ 
triumph of the ''Cork leg," and "Know Nothing" tickets. A single ex- 
tract from an early number of the Gazette, will give an idea of the 
temper displayed by the editors in contingencies, fifty-five years ago. 
He thus gives freedom to his pen, in attempting to rebuke a political ad- 
versary for some indiscretion. 

"The subject of the above proceeding is an insult to the honor and 
intelligence of our country. The very man who is the instigator of this 
maneuver, and who professes to be a heroite of the first water, if he 
were opened, there could not be found in his liver, as much blood as 
would clog the foot of a flea." 

The Eagle and Gazette have been successful publications trom the 
first, with very little interruption. Qiiite a number of weeklies have 
from time to time been projected in Lancaster, but lived a short period. 

General Sanderson commenced the publication of a four column 
sheet, in the summer of 1811, continuing about two years. The second 
number of volume second is in possession of a citizen, and bears date 
of November 21st, 1812. It contains President Madison's annual mes- 
sage. The title of the sheet is The Independent Press. 

About the year 1834, P. Van Trump began the publication of a 
weekly paper, which he named the Enquirer. It had but a brief exis- 
tence, soon merging into the Gazette. 

April 23, 1850, William L. King and Jackson Gruber commenced 
issuing an independent weekl}^ paper, entitled Lancaster Telegrafh. 
This proved to be a handsome and neatl}^ executed sheet, in a mechan- 
ical sense, and rapidly acquired a large circulation. In July, 185 1, 
Mr. Gruber became sole proprietor, by the purchase of his partner's 
interest. He continued the publication until April 12, 1853, when itwas 
connected with the Eagle., Mr. Gruber becoming partner in that paper. 
His death occurred in less than two years from this time. 

In 1848-49, W. S. Beat}^ published in Lancaster a neat weekly pa- 



172 HISTORY OF FAIKFTEI.D COUNTY. 

per, 6i1titled The American Democrat, which was for a time suspended 
and again renewed, under the same title. In the winter of i860, this 
paper was purchased by Dr. H. vScott, and April ist, 1861, was consoli- 
dated with the Lancaster Gazette. 

In 1849-50 a small dail}^ sheet was issued from the Gazette office, 
entitled the Daily Gazette. Its publication was continued about two 
years, and then sus]")ended. 

A handsome and well-printed eight-page weekly, entitled The Fire- 
side, was issued by A. P. Miller, in 1861. Its pages were devoted to 
domestic affairs and select literature. After a few issues of The Fire- 
side, Kinnis Fritter went in as partner with Mr. Miller, and the name 
of the paper was changed to The Uii/on. continuing under this title for 
one year, and was then abandoned. 

The Lancaster Free Press was established by the firm of Adams, 
MacCracken & Co., on the hrst of March, 1879. At the close of the 
tirst year Mr. Adams assumed the full control of the paper, and still 
conducts it successfully. Its politics is Republican, and, while it is 
emphatically a "free press," its vocation would have been better ex- 
pressed b}^ the name of " regulator," as it attacks whatever it judges 
imfair or wrong. It has man}' readers, and well deserves its hearty 
patronage on account of its independent fearlessness. 

The Saturday 'Journal was published ever}'- Saturday morning, by 
John C. Hite. It was a neat, eight-page, six-column paper, of clear 
typography. It was an earnest Democratic publication, ably conduct- 
ed, and popular. 

The y(??/r«a/ was hrst established in Basil, Liberty township, this 
county, by J. Evins, in 1875, under the title oi Fairfield County Nezus. 
It was then a four-page sheet, of seven columns to the page. In April, 
1879, this establishment was removed into Lancaster, where it was un- 
der the editorial control of W. S. Beaty, until June 29th, 1879, when 
John C. Hite became editor and manager. The last issue of this popu- 
lar paper appeared December 2nd, 1882, the publisher having sold it to 
the Eagle, in which paper it is now merged. 

The Lithopolis Home News is a neat, eight-page weekly publica- 
tion, issued in Lithopolis by Cramer brothers. It is chiefly devoted to 
home news and general literature. This paper is ably conducted, and, 
as a family newspaper, is highly creditable to its proprietors, as well as 
the village of Lithopolis, 

The Rushville Times is a small sheet, published weekly at Rush- 
ville, in the eastesn part of this county. The villagers are proud of 
their '* home journal." and well sustain it. 

Two or tiiree campaign papers which have not ])een mentioned 
above, have also been in publication during elections, afterwards sub- 
siding. Of these the principal one was the Loo- Cabin, published 
from "the Gazette office,' during the fall of 1840. 

LiTEiiARY Men and Women of FAiitFiELo County. — Lancaster 
has contained a large number of literar}- characters, though none of 
them can claim a very extensive authorship. 

Honorable Thomas Ewing was the author of some very able state 
papers, which were printed in the journals. He also left some very 
meritorious letters, which may 3'et appear. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 1 73 

A. P. Miller, who resided in Lancaster, acquired a reputation for 
poetical genius, but he and his poems have disappeared from the 
galaxy. 

Judge Philadelph Van Trump was a fine writer, but left nothing 
but a few addresses in print. 

Mrs. A. H. Devoling in i860 produced a neat little volume of 
poems, man}' of which were considered beautiful. The little book 
was well received, and found ready sale. Besides this book, vari- 
ous New Year addresses, epitaphs, and obituar}- poems have been 
written by her, whicii displa3ed more than ordinar}^ talent as an au- 
thoress. 

John Garaghty. a former member of the Lancaster bar, but now 
a resident of Iowa, wrote a number of poems that would have hon- 
ored men of world-wide fame, but he was unpretentious and neglec- 
ted his talent. 

Walter Applegate, a young surgeon, was said to be a natural 
poet. 

R. E. H. Levering, deceased, deserved better the reputation of a 
rln'mster than poet. A few of his efforts were of sufficient merit to 
have at least entitled him to an humble place among the literati. 

Rev. Lowry, for eight years pastor of Lancaster Presbyterian Church, 
was a theological author of fine ability. He produced several volumes 
on various theological topics, that found readv sale. 

Judge Silas H. Wright, who has been on the Common Pleas bench 
fifteen years, possesses literary ability, although he has not yet acquit- 
ted himself in the work of authorship. His caste is decidedl}^ political. 
His centennial oration, delivered Jul}^ 4th, 1876, and afterwards 
published, was a master effort that commanded great praise both from 
the press and the public. 

John Wright, son of Judge Wright, as a journalist gives promise of 
fine literary ability. 

Dr. H. Scott, as a pioneer sketcher, has acquired merited notoriety, 
he having lived on the frontier during the pioneer age. His series of 
over one hundred numbers, entitled " Pioneer Life in the West Sixty 
Years Ago," were published in the Lancaster Gazette^ a few years 
since, continuing through more than two 3'ears, and were much sought 
after. He is the author of a manuscript on pioneer history ; also a three 
hundred page historx- of Fairfield county. 

William Duke was a Lancaster boy of unrecognized talent. He is 
now in the employ of the Government, at Washington, as a writer of 
agricultural history and its general literature. In this he has acquired 
considerable distinction. 

Horace P. Biddle, now known as Judge Biddle. of Logansport, 
Indiana, was fbrmerh' a citizen of Lancaster, where he studied the pro- 
fession of law, with Hocking H. Hunter. He possessed considerable 
poetical talent. His first published work was a small volume entitled 
*' Poems ;" his second, '• Glories of the World :"' his third, " American 
Bo}hood ;" his fourth, '* Amalories," followed b}' " Elements of Know- 
edge." " Amatories" is a partial work gotten up especially for private 
distribution, there being not over one dozen copies published. It is a 
quarto volume, bound in most elaborate style in Turkev morocco. 



1^4 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

Dr. John Williams, A. M., as an author stood almost unique. He 
was the author or but two published works, his first being " The Read- 
able Dictionary; or Topical and Synonymic Lexicon." This work was 
first published by M. C. Lilh% of Columbus Ohio, in i860. This work 
was wholly original, both in design and general plan, containing a won- 
derful scope of subjects. Some idea of the work will be obtained from 
the following : The word " light," for instance, is given — then every 
word used in the English language, no matter what its derivation, that 
relates to the subject of light in even the most remote degree, follows, 
with its definition, until the theme is exhausted. This continues through 
many thousand subjects. There probably has never been a book pub- 
lished, in any language, that contained an equal or approximate 
amount of useful knowledge. 

His other production was the " Parser," a small work on grammar, 
which was claimed to be a valuable acquisition to school text-books. 
At his death he left an unfinished work on geometry, which has been 
pronounced by geometricians as far ahead of any work that has ever 
appeared, and doubts have been expressed as to whether a man could 
be found capable of carrying out the doctor's plans, judging from the 
axioms and principles laid down. 

Professor E. B. Andrews was the author of scientific works, partic- 
ularly on geology, minerology, archeology, paleontolog}'. He was 
for several years Assistant State Geologist for Ohio, and his works, 
found in the State Geological Reports, are regarded as very valuable. 
He also left at his death, in the fall of 188 1, some unfinished works, one 
of which was in press at the time of his death. His manuscript will 
probably yet be published. 

General Sanderson prepared "Notes on the Early Settlement of Fair- 
field county," which wa.s published in pamphlet form, in 1849-50 b}' 
Thomas Wetzler. The pamphlet was liberally distributed about the city 
and county thirty years ago, and now it has become of inestimable worth. 

James Towson, in 1850 or about that time, published a map of 
of Fairfield county by townships. Sixteen years later, 1866, E2;ra Han- 
num, county surveyor, likewise published a map of the county by town- 
ships. 

In about 1845, W. S. Beaty published a volume on domestic animals 
and agriculture, chiefly a compilation. 

The Ewing Memorial, published in 1873, is a neat and handsome 
bound volume of two hundred and ninety pages, chiefly contributions 
by the famil}' and friends. 

Miss Bina Pearce, as "Frank Briarwood," a native of Lancaster, as 
a writer of romance has shown fine ability. Her st3'le is smooth, agree- 
able, and free from a redundancy of verbiage. 

Miss Pearce's first effort was an attractive little volume entitled 
"Mabel Cliffon" published by a Philadelphia house. The work met 
with a flattering reception by the reading public. She has been a con- 
tributor to the Toledo Blade and Cincinnati Commercial. She is also 
the authoress of a farce in one act. that has been praised by the lovers 
of plays. The title of the piece is "Miss Louring's Holiday," or "The 
Wrong Man," Her last work, "Woodland Priory," is about to go 
to press. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIEI-D COUNTY. I75 



CHAPTER XXV. ^^ 

MEDICAL AND DENTAL PROFESSIONS OF LANCASTER. 

Medical Profession of Lancaster. — Dr. John Shawk was the 
first physician who came to Lancaster. He arrived .from Lexington, 
Kentucky, in the spring of 180 1, over Zane's trace trom Limestone 
(Maysville), at a time when there were less than half a dozen cabins on 
the entire route, with the exception of the small settlement at Chilli- 
cothe. Lancaster had just been platted and the first lots sold the pre- 
vious November. It was at that time a patch of woods, with a few 
small log cabins scattered about. 

Dr. Shawk purchased two lots fronting on Main street, and after 
hiring Mr. Gaster to clear off the ground and inclose it with a rail 
fence, he returned to Lexington. In the spring of 1806 he returned 
with his family and commenced the practice of medicine at a point ex- 
actl}" where the Hocking canal crosses Main street, and in a building 
erected by one Doctor Irvin, who seems to have come to the place 
during his five years absence. In this building Dr. Shawk lived and 
practiced his profession for a time, and then he removed it to his lots 
further up Main street, where to this day it constitutes a part of Shawk's 
row, but so covered in and modernized as not to be seen. The building 
was removed up the present Main street on rollers, after opening a way 
for its passage by cutting away the trees and grubbing up the stumps. 
One half of the original Shawk block is now the property of Dr. Charles 
Shawk, who resides in it, a happ}- bachelor of eighty years. He is the 
second son of Dr. John M. Shaw^k, and the only living member of 
the family. Dr. John M. Shawk lived to a venerable old age, and 
died at his house in Lancaster, in the year 1846. 

No data can be found to show when other early physicians 
came to Lancaster, how long they remained, or when they died. And 
there is not a soul living in the place to-day who could, from recol- 
lection, tell one word about them, beyond the fact that they lived in 
Lancaster, and passed away. The very best then that can be done is 
to write their names, with an approximation to their times. 

Of the very earliest physicians who are known to have practiced in 
the place, Dr. Irvin was probably the first, for he was on the ground 
and built a house between 1801 and 1806. Following him, and up to 
about 1870, those named below have practiced medicine in Lancaster, 
nearly in the order in which their names stand. 

Dr. John M. Shawk, Dr. Carr, Dr. Wilcox, Dr. Florence, Dr. Depee, 
Dr. Clark, Dr. James White, Dr. Robert McNeill, Dr. Wolftey, Dr. M. 
Z. Kreider, Dr. John M. Bigelow, Dr. Wilson, Dr. H. H. Wait, Dr. 
Paul Carpenter, Dr. George Boerstler. Dr. Tom O. Edwards, Dr. Saxe, 
Dr. George K. Miller, Dr. Goucher, Dr. Brecker, Dr. M. Effinger, Dr. 
Lynch, Dr. Andrew Davidson, Dr. P. M. Wagenhals, Dr. John W. 



176 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

Lewis, Dr. Turner, Dr. Elmer Jackson, Dr. G. Miese, Dr. George W. 
Boerstler, Dr. Frampton, Dr. O. E. Davis, Dr. Lawson, Dr. Kinsman, 
Dr. Goss, Dr. Flowers, Dr. John Nourse, Dr. Harmon, Dr. Myres, Dr. 
ShraHer, Dr. Charles Shawk, Dr. Lorenzo D. Rush, Dr. Joseph Beek, 
Dr. Tom O. Edwards, Jr., Dr. Willage, Dr. Hershberger, Dr. J. Kells. 

There have been, from time to time, transient men, who remained 
too short a time to entitle them to a place in the list of Lancaster's phy- 
sicians. 

Ot those named, who remain in the practice in the lall of 1881, are 
Dr. Charles Shawk, Dr. M. Effinger, Dr. G. Mierse, Dr. George W. 
Boerstler, Dr. J." M. Lewis, Dr. Turner, Dr. Goss, Dr. Flowers, Dr. 
Kells, Dr. Harmon, and Dr. Hersliberger. 

Those who have moved away, and are known to be living, are Dr. 
O. E. Davis, Dr. Shrader, Dr. Frampton, Dr. Kinsman, Dr. Tom O. 
Edwards, Jr. Dr. A. Davidson purchased the drugstore of Geo. Kauft- 
man, on Main street, some years ago, and retired from the active prac- 
tice. 

Those who are known to have deceased previous to 1881 are Dr. 
John M. Shawk, Dr. Irvin, Dr. Carr, Dr. Wilcox, Dr. Florence, Dr. 
Robert McNeill, Dr. James White, Dr. M. Z. Kreider, Dr. Clark, Dr. 
H. H. Wait, Dr. Depee, Dr. Wolfiey, Dr. John M. Bigelow, Dr. Paul 
Carpenter, Dr. Wilson, Dr Saxe, Dr. Goucher, Dr. Brecker, Dr. Geo. 
W. Boerstler, Dr. Tom O. Edwards, Dr. P. M. Wagenhals, Dr. Geo. 
K. Miller, Dr. Dawson, Dr. Jacob Myers, Dr. D. D. Rush, Dr. Joseph 
Beck. 

About 1839 '^^^^ 1840, the medical board of Lancaster was one of the 
most eminent in the State. It then consisted of the following mem- 
bers : 

Dr. Paul Carpenter, Dr. John M. Bigelow, Dr. James White, Dr. 
M. Z. Kreider, Dr. H. H. Wait, Dr. George W. Boerstler, Dr. Tom 
O. Edwards, and Dr. Geo, K. Miller. Of these eight gentlemen, not 
one lived to see the first day of January', 1881. 

The profession, practicing in Lancaster at the beginning of 1881, 
were . 

Dr. M. Effinger, Dr. F. Flowers, Dr. Harmon, Dr. Turner, Dr. E. 
Jackson, Dr. Joseph Kells, Dr. J. W. Lewis, Dr. John Nourse, Dr. G. 
Miese. Dr. Goss, and Dr. Geo. W. Boerstler. Dr. Hide came up 
from Logan, and practiced in Lancaster one 3'ear, perhaps a little 
more, and then settled in Pleasantville in the early part of 1881. 

Lancaster has furnished a few men eminent for their surgical skill. 
Among those who have distinguished themseh'es in the use of the knife 
and saw, it is probably right to mention M. Z. Kreider first. He was 
a bold, fearless, and successful operator, and in his prime pertbrmed 
some operations that would have done credit to Sir Astley Cooper, 
Dudley, or any cotemporarv man. But his fondness for the knite, and 
skill in its use, were supposed, sometimes, to overrule safe surgical 
judgments. Among his successful operations may be mentioned the 
removal of the lower jaw in two cases, lor the cure of osteosurcoma, 
aud the excision of the thyroid gland for the cure of bronchocele, or 
goiter. This operation he performed successfully on a Philadelphia 
gentleman, after the case had been declined by eminent men of the sea- 



HISTORY OF FAlRFlf:Ll) COliNTV. 1 77 

board cities, and of New Orleans. The operation was performed at 
the ShaefFer House, in Lancaster, some time previous to 1840. The 
patient had abandoned all hope, and was on liis wa}- home from New 
Orleans to close up his affairs. 

Dr. Tom O. Edwards was skillt'ul. and performed some tine opera- 
tions. His son Tom O. Edwards, Jr., distini^uished himself in sur- 
gical ability when a very young man. Dr. P. Carpenter uas also a 
successful operator in difficult and comjilicated cases. 

There were two Homoeopathic physicians, Drs. Barlow and Bab- 
cock, whose names should have been written in the previous lists. 
These gentlemen practiced their professions in Lancaster during a 
number of 3ears between 1850 and 1870, but some time after went away. 

Dr. Silas Hedges was a physician of Lancaster who merits historical 
mention. He died about 1868. He was in the army as surgeon about 
two years. Drs. Long, father and son, came to Lancaster about the year 
1874 ^"^ remained some three years. They had a good share of practice. 

Dental Profession. — Previous to 184: there was no settled den- 
tist in Lancaster. For many years before, transient operators visited 
the place, stopping from a few weeks to a few months. Litde atten- 
tion was paid to the care of the teeth during the first forty years of 
the history of the place, and the science and art of the profession 
were both in a crude state. 

In April, 1839, ^^'- ^' Scott came to Lancaster and remained part of 
the year. In the summer of 1840, Dr. William Ide, of Boston, came and 
remained six months. Dr. Scott returned in April, 1841 , and made a per- 
manent settlement, and was the first resident dentist of the town. He 
practiced his profession continuous!}' about forty years in Lancaster. 

The next dentist to settle in the place was Dr. Hartupee. He 
came about 1845, and continued three years. Dr. Switzer had a dental 
office in Lancaster about one year, between 1845 and 1850. Jacob 
Feemen opened an office in 1858, and at the end of about two years 
sold out to Dr. Von Bonhorst. 

Dr. Hammel removed from Xenia and settled in Lancaster in the 
spring of 1859, and practiced his profession to within a few months of 
his death, which occurred in January, 1863. Dr. Frank Carpenter was 
an operator on the teeth, more or less, from 1842 to about 1845. 

Dr. H. L. Crider began the practice of dentistry in Lancaster about 
the year 1850, and still continues to occupy the same rooms in the Giesv 
block, on Main street. Dr. Von Bonhorst succeeded Dr. Feemen about 
i860, and still remains in business. Dr. Palmeter settled in Lancaster 
in 1872, or about that time, and still continues to practice in the same 
rooms, on Broadway. Dr. Thomas was a partner with Dr. Crider dur- 
ing some two or three years. In the fall of 1880, he was compelled, 
from declining health, to abandon the office and retire to the country. 

During about forty-two years the business of dentistry has grown 
wonderfully. There are four or five establishments in the citv, and 
four principal operators, all doing well. Of the five dentists of the citv. 
including Dr. Thomas, temporarily retired, two are graduates of dental 
colleges; Dr. J. C. Scott graduated from the Ohio College of Dental 
Surgery, in March, 1873, and Dr. David S. Thomas graduated from 
the Philadelphia College in March, 1876. 

28 



178 History of fairfield county. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

SECRET ORDERS OF LANCASTER THE TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT. 

Free Masonry. — Extract of a letter Irom Hon. Win. J. Reese, Past 
Worthy Grand Master : 

" The Masonic fraternity obtained a formal and recognized status in 
Lancaster at an earl}^ period. December 15, 1820, Lancaster Lodge of 
Free and Accepted Masons was constituted, under charter from the 
Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ohio, with James Wilson for its 
Worthy Master, Charles R. Sherman, first Senior Warden, and Jacob 
D. Detrich, first Junior Warden." 

The Lancaster Chapter of Royal Arch Masons was organized by 
the authority of the M. E. Grand Ro3^al Arch Chapter of Ohio, January 
12, 1826, with Charles R. Sherman as First High Priest. The Lan- 
caster Council, No. 3, of Royal Select Masons, was organized January 
II, 1828, by John Barker, as Sovereign Grand Inspector of the Supreme 
Council of the 33d degree. 

The Lancaster Commandery of Knights Templar, No. 2, was or- 
stituted December 16, 1837, under warrant of the Grand Encampment 
of the United States. W. J. Reese was constituted first Grand Master; 
George Sanderson, first Generalissimo, and Joseph Greet, first Captain 
General. It meets every second Tuesday of the month. 

The Lancaster Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, at its first 
constitution, in December, 1820, numbered fifty-seven members. In the 
summer of 1881 its number was one hundred and fifty. Its regular 
meeting nights are on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. 

Daughters of Rebecca. — The membership of this order numbers 
about ninety persons, of both sexes. Their meetings are held on the 
second Wednesday of each month. The order was first instituted in 
Lancaster in 1879. 

Knights of Pythias. — Mount Pleasant Lodge, No. 48, of the 
Knights of Pythias, was instituted in Lancaster February 20, 1873. The 
charter members were twenty-seven, viz : Henry B. Gra}^, J. H. Heed, 
Leo Billhorn, R. R. Pierce, John A. Heim,J. A. Richards, C. A. Sco- 
ville, WilHam Ditto, George Heilbron, R. M. Wiley, J. A. Bartholo- 
mew, U. C. Rudolph, H. Getz, C. H. Towson, W. W. Obough, O. S. 
Stoneburner, Noble Gates, T. C. Ochs, J. Billhorn, H. Borneman, F. 
Etzel, J. D. Widner, W. F. Getz, M. H. Harps, S. H. Steck, A. Deitz, 
C. Bartholomew. Average number of members about two hundred. 
The stated meetings of the lodge are held on Friday night of each 
week. 

Knights of Honor. — The order of the Knights of Honor, Colum- 
bia Lodge, No. 27, of Lancaster was instituted September 9th, 1874, 
by the following initial members : John W. Faringer, John C. Tuthill, 
John C. Hite, J. M. Sutphen, A. M. Beery, Wm. B. MacCracken, 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 1 79 

Wallace W. Hite, William Bush, Dr. George Boerstler, J. D. Allen, 
Robert Durane, Henry B. Peters, Solomon Weaver, M. A. Philips. 
In March, 1877, the lodge contained fifty-four members. Their regular 
meetings take place on the evening of the first and third Thursday of 
each month. 

Odd Fellowship. — The order of Independent Odd Fellows was 
introduced into Lancaster in February, 1838 by Jacob Holt. On the 
night of the eighth day of that month, a lodge w^as instituted, with the 
following initial members, viz., Jacob Holt, R. R. Bauer, R. Timber, 
Jacob Grubb, George H. Arnold and R. P. Hazlett. The title they 
assumed was Charity Lodge, No. 7. The lodge meets regularly 
every Monday evening. They now number over tw^o hundred mem- 
bers. 

On the 2nd of June, 1847, the second lodge was initiated in Lancas- 
ter, under the name of Alpine Lodge, and was numbered 566. The or- 
ganization was by Joseph Dowdal, P. G., Representative and Special 
Deputy. There were fitty charter members, as follows : R. G. Sugart, 
P. G., B. F. Reinmund, P. G., A. Brenneman, P. G., H. J. Reinmund, 
P. G., J. C. Hite, P. G., Thomas H. Hall, George M. Bell, George W. 
Boerstler, T. H. Dolson, L. Kissner, T. Reap, Lewis Boyer, Abe 
Mj^ers, Charles Elliot, C. F. Ochs, Leo Bilhorn, John A. Heim, Allen 
Titler, Jacob Heimbarger, Simpson Sturgeon, J. E. Hall, George A. 
Bryant, John McKown, Henry Borneman, E. W. Dannels, P. G., H. 
C. Outcalt, P. G., H. B. Smith, P. G., W.. W. Davis, M. S. Harps, 
William Kooken, J. M. Sutphen, William Stra3^er, William Ditto, D. 
W. Boyer, B. H. Sowders, R. J. Harris, William Dennis, John Bill- 
horn, W. W. Walker, Christ. Gaiser, O. S. Stoneburner, G. H. Smith, 
A. M. Beery, J. K. Davis, A. W, Swartz, William F. Getz, James 
Wilson, John W. Farringer, P. G., William Downs, P. G. The Alpine 
Lodge meets every Tuesday night. 

The Hocking Encampment of Odd Fellows, No. 28, was instituted 
December 4, 1847. The encampment meets each second and fourth 
Thursday of the month. The present membership is over two hundred. 
The charter members were seven in number : Jacob Holt, James W. 
Pratt, B. F. Brannon, Thomas Hyde. Josiah Wilson, Joseph C. Kin- 
kead, William Baker. 

St, Joseph's Benevolent Association, Catholic Brotherhood. 
The brotherhood was constituted on the second of July, 1861, with a 
large membership. 

The officers of the association are : L. C. Butch, President ; George 
E. Blaire, Vice President : Gerhardt Miller, Treasurer ; John Weigle, 
Recording Secretaiy ; Charles F. Fuchs, Corresponding Secretary ; 
Leo. Noles, Messenger; Thomas O. Connor, Banner Bearer; Charles 
Baumeister. Joseph Kurtzman and John Bletzacker, Committee to visit 
the sick. 

Knights of St. George. — This is also a Catholic order, the prin- 
ciples and objects of w^hich are benevolence and charity and the pro- 
motion of Christian life. The order was first organized in Lancaster, 
Nov. 2, 1875. ^vith the following constituent members, numbering thir- 
ty-one : 

Edward Seiple, Geo. Browai, John Hamburger, Michael Steck, 



l8o HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

Edward Binninger, Bernard Cranmer, Bernard Bardes, F. A. Buech- 
ler, Hugh Owens, Maximillian Guiana, Jerrv Anglim, Frank Oger, 
Giistave A. Hamburger, Anthony Evarst, Joseph Hamberger, Amos 
Shreller, John D. Binninger, Daniel McShane, John Bonner. Michael 
Oger, John Baumeister. Paul Evarst, Charles Ruforth, John Bletzaker, 
John McShane, Andrew Keiser. John Kooney, Cornelius Cormedv, 
William Donnelly, Anthou}- Ritter, Frank Steck. 

The civil officers are as follows : Rev. Father Schmidt, Honorary 
President : Frank Oger, President ; Anthonv Evarst, Vice President : 
Charles Baumeister, Corresponding Secretarv ; J. H. Hamburger, Re- 
cording Secretarv : John D. Binninger, Treasurer ; Jerrv Anglim, 
Messenger. 

Th'e militarv officers are Joseph Hamburger, Captain : Michael 
Oger, Lieutenant : John Baumeister, Orderly Sergeant. 

Knights of St. John, Catholic. — This association effected its 
organization on June 20, 1880. Its objects and aims are to promote 
charity, assist members in sickness and advance the cause of religion 
among its members. 

Tkmi'eranck Movement. — The first temperance movement, of 
which record has been preserved, is that wherein the citizens of the 
little log cabin village devised and carried out the plan of con- 
demning intoxicated men to dig up a stump in the street, or receive 
personal chastisement on the bare back ; and to use General Sander- 
sons own words, "The result was that after several offenders had expi- 
ated their crimes, dram drinking ceased, and for a time all became a 
sober, temperate and happy people." 

In subsequent years and up to 1840-2, frequent temperance waves 
struck the communitv. Under their intiuence various forms of temper- 
ance societies were organized, always on the moral suasion plan, but 
always of temporary and brief continuance. In all these movements a 
majority of the leading spirits were women. But there was never such 
a preponderance of the popular sentiment as to overcome the opposi- 
tion and the excitement was short lived. In some instances church 
people objected to their minister preaching temperance, or in any way 
bringing the question into the pulpit. Business men as a rule either ig- 
nored the matter, or opposed it. 

In 1842 the Washingtonian movement came up, first in the Metho- 
dist church, led by prominent men and women. They proposed to pur- 
suade men not to drink ; they proposed to stoop down into the gutter 
and lift the drunkard to his feet and take him by the hand and call him 
brother, and heal him by the law of brotherly love and regard, by caus- 
ing him to feel that he was a brother and an equal. This j:)romised to 
be a good work, but the leaders in the movement, in their zeal, drew 
drafts that they were not qualified to honor. They had not realized 
that in the social scale thev could neither raise the debased man to their 
level, nor come down to his. The scheme failed and the gap was wid- 
ened. Washingtonlauism in Lancaster liad but a brief career, last- 
ing less than one year. 

Following was a paralysis of several years, when the order of Sons 
of Temperance sprang up. Its career was between i845-;8. Two 
lodges were organized, a large number becoming members. The pro- 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. l8l 

jectors were sober men. and the order became Widely popular, and 
manv drinking men came in. The obligation was very stringent, em- 
bracing even the prohibition of cider. Its very stringency was a prime 
element in its dissolution. Internal disturbing elements arose, but as 
the institution was a secret order, these are not matters of public his- 
tory. Suffice it to sav the order dissolved in less than two years. 

Next came the Woman's Crusade, the active campaign of which 
continued about three months. In this movement the leading ladies of 
Lancaster were engaged. Their tirst appearance on the streets was 
on a ^Saturday, when the citv was crowded with people from the 
countr\'. It was in the month of Februar}', and the weather was mild 
and genial. Thev came out about fifty strong, and as they marched 
down Main street, on the north side, they halted in front of every 
drinking-place, and, after singing a hymn, all kneeled on the pave- 
ment, and remained in that position while two or three prayers were 
offered. In this movement Protestant's, Catholics, and non-professors 
all engaged. First, a committee was sent in to ask of the proprietor 
permission to enter and hold their services. In some instances they 
were invited in and treated with courtesy, but when entrance was 
denied the services were held on the pavement. During the whole 
course of the campaign they were, with two or three exceptions, treated 
respectfully by the liquor-sellers. In the exceptional cases there was a 
rudeness that came nigh proving disastrous to the shop-keepers by call- 
ing to the defence of the women even rough men, who were unfriendly 
to the crusade. 

The etiect on the thousands who witnessed the daily processions 
was magical. The finest and most wealthy ladies df the city marched 
in the processions in their finest attire, and kneeled in the snow, or on 
the wet and dirty pa^'ement. Large numbers came in from the coun- 
try to witness the strange spectacle, even from considerable distances. 
The crusaders, within a siiort time, numbered more than two hundred, 
and were organized in two divisions. They appeared every day, 
regardless of the condition of the weather, the respective divisions 
occupying different streets. Their marches were in double file, slow 
and silent, and therefore the more imposing. The effect on the traffic 
was not very apparent, and, so far as was known, not more than two 
or three establishments were closed under the influence. The object 
of the crusade was the ultimate suppression of the sale of intoxicating 
dririks within the incorporated limits of Lancaster. With the masses it 
was popular in the outstart, both from principle and novelty, but it 
was not backed up bv the presence and purses of leading men. After 
the excitement began to die away the crusade began to languish, and, 
at the end of about three months, the crusaders ceased to appear on the 
streets. Weekly prayer-meetings, however, were continued in one of 
the churches, about one vear after which the woman's crusade 
passed into history, with little hope of a resurrection. It is written as 
" the woman's crusade against whiskv. and will long be remembered 
in Lancaster and Fairtield county : and though not a success, it receixed 
the hearty approval of a large proportion of the people in town and 
country. 

In the latter part of February or early part of March, 1876, the 



I02 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

Murphy movement was opened at the city hall, under flattering cir- 
cumstances. Popular speakers were introduced from abroad, and the 
meetings were opened with wonderful zeal and enthusiasm. The large 
city hall was nightly packed to the door ; nor did the excitement show 
signs of abatement before the close of the fifth week. Clergymen of 
nearly all denominations were in nightly attendance on the platform. 
Fresh speakers from other cities were invited, and came frequently dur- 
ing the progress of the meetings. A iine organ, and a strong band of 
singers made up from the choirs of the city, added greatly to the attrac- 
tion. "''With cJiaritv for all and malice tozvard none'" enthused the 
people, and the}^ crowded to the secretar^^'s table, at every invitation, 
and signed the pledge, ^'•God helping wr." Among those signing, 
trom first to last, it was estimated that there were over three hundred 
drinking men. Many of the reformed men took the field at once, and 
made speeches in the villages and countr}^ places of the county, some 
going to other parts of the Sta'te. In all, the list of signers exceeded 
twenty-three hundred, including most af the boys at the Reform Farm, 

The Murphy excitement waned, and the ebullition of the popular 
enthusiasm, in seeking its wonted equilibrium, wenj; as far below its 
normal standard as it had been raised above during the five and more 
weeks of excitement. Inside of three months after the close of the 
nightly meetings at the city hall one hundred persons could not have 
been drummed into the hall to hear any man make a temperance 
speech. Even the clergy, and others who had taken leading parts, 
had too much to occupy their attention even to come to the hall. Some 
of them did not want to hear any thing more of temperance. Ol the 
three hundred and more drinking men who had signed the Murphy 
pledge, but few kept it to the end of the year. 

But notwithstanding these incomprehensible reactionary movements, 
there has^ at all times, been a large and thoroughly respectable temper- 
ance element among Lancaster's population, an honest and reliable 
temperance element, outspoken, and ready to act at any time and in 
any way that meets their views. All temperance movements of Lan- 
caster have been, in some way, based on moral suasion. Any measure 
looking towards legal prohibition, or political temperance, has had few 
advocates. 

The Catholic Church has its own temperance measures, which, for 
the most part, have been imperioush' entbrced. as far as possible. 
They are not exclusively of the moral suasion kind, but in part author- 
itative. By this combination of motive the Catholic Church has proba- 
bly accomplished more among its own people than all other temperance 
measures ever started in Lancaster. The first active measures started 
in that Church, in Lancaster, was under the pastorate of the Rev. 
Father Young, in 1842, and was maintained for some time. The obli- 
gation was known as the Father Matthew pledge : and, while to sign it 
was the voluntary act of the individual, the Church punished drunken- 
ness by methods of its own. 

Immediately after the close of the War of the Rebellion, a number 
of gentlemen, mostly professional men of the city, mutually associated 
themselves together for the purpose of a temperance league. Some of 
them were drinkers. The cit^- hall was secured, and meetings were 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 183 

held once each week throughout the entire winter. Scores of earnest 
speeches were dehvered to lull houses. No pledge was oflered, the 
reliance being on individual moral courage and manhood. The winter 
passed away, the meetings ceased, and the speeches, with their influ- 
ence, if an}^ there was, tell into the drifting sands of the ages, no more 
to be recognized by living generations. 

The Good Templars, Daughters of Rebecca, and all other secret 
orders of Lancaster, make temperance a cardinal principle. The good 
they have done, or may do, will inure to community. Perhaps it should 
be recorded that the absolute failure of all the temperance efforts of the 
people of Lancaster to accomplish the end sought is wholly due to the 
want of concert of action in one direction. 



184 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY 



CHAPTER XXVJl. 

THE city's gas-works AND WATER-WORKS, AND SOMETHIN(i ABOUT 

FIRES. 

The Lancaster Gas-light and Coke Company was formed in 1855. 
The list of names of subscribers to the capital stock of the organization 
was headed as follows : 

"Lancaster, November 2, 1855. 

•' We, the undersigned, do hereby declare our purpose to associate 
and combine together for the purpose ot forming a joint company that 
shall be known as the Lancaster Gas-light and Coke Company ; and 
do hereby subscribe to the capital stock the several sums affixed to our 
respective signatures, and agree to pay the same at such times and to 
such persons as the stockholders may appoint for that purpose : 

"Martin & Co., $1,000; B. F. "^Reinmund, $600; Daniel Siftbrd, 
$500; S. Beery, $500; J. C. Kinkead, $500; James Gates, $600 ; G. 
S. Ekert, $500 ; Work & Son, $500 ; George Kaut^man, $500 : Thomas 
Sturgeon, $500; White & Latta, $300 ^John Effinger, $200; J. C. 
Smith, $500 ; Emanuel Giesy, $200 ; John Work, $300 : John M. Giesy, 
$500 ; Daniel Giesy, $200 ; Theodore Talmage, $100 ; John T. Brazee, 
$500: John Lyons, $500; Henry Orman, $100; W. P. Creed, $500; 
Mrs. J. D. Martin, $300; John D. Matt, $100; R. T. Coverdale, $11,- 
000. Total, $21,000." 

The journal of the first meeting of the new corporation is here sub- 
joined : 

"Lancaster, November 13, 1855. 

"A meeting of the stockholders of the Lancaster Gas-light and Coke 
Company being called at the hotel of F. A. Schaeffer, Esq., this even- 
ing for the purpose of preliminar}^ organization, on motion of J. D. 
Martin, Esq., James Gates was nominated and unanimously elected 
chairman of the meeting, after which J. C. Kinkead was chosen sec- 
retary. 

"After some general remarks by Mr. Martin, and the read- 
ing of the articles of association, fixing the capital stock of the 
company at $25,000. Mr. Siftbrd oftered the following resolution : 

" Resolved, That the capital stock of this compam* be increased to 
$30,000. 

" After some discussion, the resolution was, by leave, withdrawn. 
On motion the articles of association were unanimously accepted. The 
stockholders then subscribed their names, severally, to the said docu- 
ment. 

" On motion J. C. Kinkead was appointed treasurer fro tern. 

"On motion MeSvSrs. Coverdale, Sturgeon and Kauffman were ap- 
pointed a committee to select a suitable location for the erection of the 
necessary buildings. 

" On motion the meeting adjourned." 



HIsTOKV of FAIRFIELD COILN'PY. 185 

The next meeting of the compan\- was held at the same phice a 
month later, and the Journal reads as follows : 

" Lancaster, December 14, 1855. 

'• In accordance with a notice published in the Lancaster Gazelle 
and American Democrat^ from November 14, 1855, to the present date, 
the stock holders of the Lancaster Gas-light and Coke jCompan}' meet 
at the hotel of F. A Schaffer, Esq., for the purpose of organizing the 
company bv electing a board of directors. 

•' On motion H. D. Martin was called to the chair. 

" On motion the shares of stock were lixed at one hundred dollars 
each, b}' unanimous consent. 

" On motion of D. Siftbrd. Esq., the stockholders then went into an 
election of tive directors. Pending the election, it was agreed that a 
a majority of the whole vote be necessary to elect. 

" The chair then appointed Messrs. Work and Giesy tellers, to re- 
ceive the vote, which, having been attended to by them, the following 
was the result : 

"John T. Brazee, 130 votes ; Thomas Sturgeon, 98 votes;}. D. 
Martin, 92 votes : Daniel Sifford, 78 votes ; and George Kauftman, 70 
votes. Mr. Kauffman having one \'Ote less than a majority of all the 
votes cast, he was thereupon unanimously elected by all the stockhold- 
ers present, making the board complete. 

" The chair then appointed the following named gentlemen as a 
committee to draft a contract to b"e agreed upon with Mr. R. T. Cover- 
dale, for the erection and building of the gas works, la3'ing down of 
pipes, etc., viz. : P. B. Ewing, Daniel Sifford, and John T. Brazee: 
when, no other business being before the meeting, it adjourned." 

The next record is as follows : 

"' Lancaster, December 17, 1855. 

"At a meeting of the directors of the Lancaster Gas-light and Coke 
Company, held this evening at the hotel of F. A. Schaffer, for the pur- 
pose of organizing the board, John T. Brazee being in the chair, Daniel 
Sifibrd and John D. Martin were placed in nomination as candidates 
for the presiding of the board, when, after the ballot had been taken, it 
appeared that D. Sifibrd had three and J. D. Martin two votes, where- 
upon, D. SitTord having a majorit}', he was declared duly elected. 

"The chair appointed J. D. Martin a committee to draft by-laws for 
the company. Adjourned, to meet in two weeks." 

At the following meeting J. C. Kinkead was elected permanent 
secretary, when the compau}' was full}^ organized. A contract w^as 
closed with R. T. Coverclale tbr the building of the gas works, includ- 
ing the laying of the main pipes. Mr. Coverdale at once commenced 
the W'Ork with a large fbrce of men, and on the fourth of July, 1855, tfhe 
city was first lighted with gas. The site of the gas works is on the 
west bank of the canal, opposite the foot of Cliestnut street. For a 
number of years atlter the completion of the gas works, the price of gas 
was four dollars per thousand. It soon declined to three dollars 
and seventy-five cents, and has since declined to its present rate — three 
dollars per thousand. 

The original mains were laid in Main street, from the canal to a 
point three hundred yards east of the hill ; on Broadw^ay, from the 
34 



r86 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

railroad north to Mulberry street ; on Wheeling, from Columbus to 
High street; on High, from Wheeling to Chestnut. All the hotels, 
public buildings and churches are lighted with gas, and many private 
residences. The street mains have also been greatly extended beyond 
their first limits. 

The capital stock of the compan}^ has been increased to if)50,ooo, 
chiefl3Mrom the earnings of the first investment. The stock has com- 
manded a premium most of the time since the organization of the com- 
pany, and semi-annual dividends of from eight to ten per cent, per an- 
num were declared for many years. Two or three years since, a new 
gas receiver was built by the compan}^ at a cost of four thousand 
dollars. 

Water Works. — Lancaster passed the bucket-line era many years 
ago, and attained the dignity of possessing two or three fire engines, 
worked and moved by hand. These were employed until 1867, when a 
steam fire engine was purchased, at a cost of $7,600, including hose 
and fixtures. This was used four or five 3^ears, when the city exchanged 
it for two smaller ones, paying a difference of $5,500. Up to this time, 
the water for extinguishing fires was drawn from the canal, four or five 
cisterns on Main and High streets, and from wells and cisterns. In 
1877 the city built a brick engine house on the canal, at the foot of 
Chestnut street, and placed therein an engine and pumping machiner}-. 
From this house mains were laid up Chestnut street to Columbus, north 
on Columbus to Main, east on Main td High, and south on High to the 
old cemetery lot on the hill, where the standing pipe was afterwards 
placed. Plugs tapped this main at convenient points. Other mains 
have since been laid. The stand-pipe referred to was erected b}- 
the Motherwell brothers, in Januar^^ 1879. This pipe, which is built of 
boiler iron, stands sevent3^-six feet above the ground, is eighteen feet in 
diameter, and will hold something over 2,200 barrels. The cost of the 
stationary engine and pumps, a quantity of hose, the mains and plugs, 
was $4,500; that of the standing pipe was $5,000, which includes the 
main connecting it with the engine house. In 1881 the city built an 
engine and hose house near the stand-pipe. It is built of brick, and is 
two stories high, the second floor being designed for a fireman's hall. 
Lastly, a large well was placed opposite the west end of Wheeling 
street, which is fed by springs and supposed to be inexhaustible. It is 
twelve feet in diameter, and about the same in depth. A new engine 
of 150 horse-power is planted on the canal. This places the fire de- 
partment of Lancaster at an advantage not excelled b}^ an}- town of its 
size in the state in combatting a fire. 

Fires. — The first fire worthy of mention which occurred in Lancas- 
ter, was the burning of Peter Reber's horse-power mill in 1821. The 
buildings occupied the present site of the Presbyterian Church, North 
Broadway. The fire was caused by a stroke of lightning, which also 
killed two oxen used on the tread-mill. The fire was extinguished by 
employing a bucket line between the burning building and a muddy 
pond situated near the present residence of C. F. Rainey. Tradition 
has it that a misunderstanding which came to blows arose between 
Adam Weaver and Thomas Ewing, concerning the management of the 
bucket line. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 1 87 

The' next large fire was in 1826, and entirely consumed a two-storj^ 
frame building on the northwest corner of Columbus and Chestnut 
streets, owned by John Shure. The corner now belongs to the heirs of 
Stephen Smith. 

In 1832 the plow factory and blacksmith shop of Robert O. Clas- 
pill was totally destroyed by fire. It stood on the ground now occupied 
by the English Lutheran church. 

A large hotel which occupied the site of the Talmadge House of 
to-day, and belonged to John Noble, was burned in 1833, together with 
the stables attached. Gotleib Steinman was keeping the hotel at the 
time. Very little insurance. 

St. Peter's German Lutheran church was burned in Februar}-, 1840. 
It stood on the east bank of the canal, in the northwest part of the city. 
The church records were destroyed by the fire. 

In August, 1853, a large steam flouring mill standing on the west 
bank of the canal, between Main and Chestnut streets, the property 
of Daring & Company, of Chillicothe, was totally burned, onl}" the 
books being saved. There was a large amount of wheat and flour 
on hand, which was all lost. The mill and machinery were valued 
at $15,000. The fire originated in the roof Qf the engine house, 
situated on the west side of the building. The mill was partially 
insured. 

Between 1850 and i860 the rear part of D.Talmadge's residence, 
Columbus street, together with the stables on the west side of the 
grounds, were burned. There was a heavy loss of personal property. 
Partial insurance. 

In the fall of 1856 the two-stor}^ frame dwelling of John Effinger, 
north side of Main street, was destroyed by fire at night. Little of the 
furniture saved. No insurance. 

About 1856 the Mithoft' House stables were burned, involving con- 
siderable loss. 

The Green block, with several adjoining buildings, occupying the 
northwest corner of Main street and the public square, were burned 
about 1857. The fire broke out in the middle of the night, starting in 
a small shed in the rear, where 03'sters were being cooked. This was 
the most extensive fire in the histor}^ of Lancaster. Six buildings were 
destroyed, and a large amount of merchandise, together with books and 
records. Fourteen firms were thrown out of business. The insurance 
was very light. 

Between the years i860 and 1870, the bugg}' and carriage factory of 
Giesy brothers, on Main street, near the canal, was burned, with heavy 
loss, partially insured. Several adjoining buildings were burned at the 
same time. 

In August, 1870, three stables on Center alley, belonging to Charles 
F. Sha^fter, J. D. Jackson and H. Scott were burned, causing a loss of 
about $500. Not insured. 

In September 1870 there were two extensive and disastrous fires. 
The first included the lumber yard and tlie machine shops of H. Or- 
man & Sons and the large warehouse of Reber and Kutz. The lum- 
ber yard and machine shop stood on the east bank of the canal, be- 
tween Wheeling and Mulberry streets. The warehouse was on the 



1 88 HISTORY OF FAIKFIEl.n COUNTY. 

bank of the canal near the corner of Wheeling street, and contained 
about eight thousand bushels of wheat, which was nearh' a total loss. 
The warehouse was partially insured. The loss on the lumber yard 
and machine shops was $10,000, uninsured. 

Within ten days after the above, the large barn in the rear of the 
Schaiffer Hotel took tire in the haymow and the flames spread till the 
Schaefter and Talmadge House barns with contents, the Baptist church 
which took tire from the rear, together with a row of one-stor^- wooden 
buildings fronting on Broadway and known as "Rat Den Row,'" were 
totally consumed. All the buildings being of wood, the work of de- 
struction was soon complete. Partial insurance on some of the prop- 
erty. 

The large steam tannery, known as Irvin's tannery, situated near 
the canal, in the southeast part of the city, was burned early on the 
morning of January 19, 1873. There was a heavj- stock of finished 
and unfinished leather in the building, oil, and a large number of tools 
used in the business, and a large amount of tanbark. The loss was 
$40,000. No insurance. 

The old Smith & Arnev foundry on the south side of Columbus 
street, at the south end of" Broadway was burned in the spring of 1879 
together with a number of adjacent buildings. The foundry building 
had stood for more than fifty years, and contained an engine and other 
machinery, not then in use. Loss about $5,000. Not insui-ed. 

In May, 1879 ^^"'^ dw'elling of Joseph Mergin was burned about two 
o'clock in the morning, and Mr. Mergin's eight-year-old daughter, 
Agnes, was smothered to death and her body partially burned. The 
other members of the family barely escaped with their lives. The con- 
tents of the dwelling were a total loss. No insurance. 

The large ice-house of T. Sturgeon on the bank of the reservoir 
was burned in the spring of 1880. "Loss $1,000, uninsured. 

The Bent Wood Works of Niel, Tippett & Co., situated at the rail- 
road crossing, south end of Maple street, were totally burned in Feb- 
ruary, 1881. The establishment had been located in that place less 
than a year, T^nd the buildings were new. Nothing was saved. Loss 
about $40,000, about half insured. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, 1 89 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

A RESUME OF LANCASTER BUSINESS INTERESTS. 

In 1799 James Converse brought near!}' a canal boat-load of mer- 
chandise to Hunter's settlement before mentioned, from Marietta by way 
of the Ohio and Hocking Rivers. He opened out the stock, which 
consisted of dry goods and groceries, in a log cabm at Hunter's settle- 
ment. He displayed his goods on stumps and limbs of trees before the 
door, as well as in the corners of the cabin. It is probable though not 
certain, that Converse's cabin store was on the present site of Lancas- 
ter, for he appears as a merchant of Lancaster after the organization of 
the village. The territory he supplied was necessaril}^ hn*ge, for in 
1799 there were not more than fifty tamilies in the entire county. Wil- 
liam and Christian King and Frederick A. Foster were the first to be- 
gin business as dry goods merchants after Lancaster was organized as 
a village. Mr. Foster died in 1880, having been engaged in the retail 
^^y goods trade the greater part of his life. Besides the three before 
mentioned, the following were selling goods in Lancaster in 1810: Na- 
thaniel Cushing, on what is still known as Connell's corner ; Samuel 
F. McCracken, on the Jacob Green corner: Archibald Carnahan, near 
the present site of the First National Bank, and John Creed, where 
Binninger's jewelry store is at present ; Andrew Crochet had a store 
where the Giesv Block stands, and Rudolph Pitcher also sold dry goods. 
Following these, prior to 1825, were Jacob Green, John Black, Sam- 
uel Rogers, Jesse Beecher, Elnatlian Schofield, Thomas Cushing, and 
Connell, Robert Smitii, and Ainsworth and Willock. Until thirty years 
ago the "dry goods" stores were groceries as well ; and previous to 
1830 the\' were regular junk-shops and the proprietors made no pre- 
tense of adhering to one line of goods. They kept agricultural imple- 
ments, castings, harness and saddlerv furnishings, carpenter's, cooper's 
and blacksmith's tools, patent medicines, dye stuffs and whisk}-. 

In 1824, George Kauffman from Baltimore opened the first drug 
store in a small frame building on Main street, where now stands the 
Foster block. He continued in business here till his death in 1866, 
when Davidson and Brazee succeeded him. The senior partner of this 
firm still conducts the business. About 1833 two Frenchmen, Dumont 
and Dippe, started a second drug store but soon retired from the busi- 
ness. In 1838 Joseph Bur\' and George W. Beck opened a stock of 
goods in this line on tiie northwest corner of Center alley and Main 
street. Their successors have been G. W. Beck, Slocum «& Hunter, 
Tames While, Slocum & White, and Beecher White. Other druagists 
now in business are George G. Beck. Daniel Sifiord, Gardner & Jewett 
and Edward Slocum. 

The first attempt at a special line of goods in the hardware line was 



190 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

that of Christian King, established in 1829. This stock was not in a 
room set apart especially for the purpose but was kept on one side of 
what had been a general store, the opposite side being filled, as usual, 
with a mixture of dry goods and groceries. In 1839 Philip Bope 
opened a hardware and iron store as an exclusive branch of trade. Mr. 
Bope took John C. Weaver into the business a few months after open- 
ing, and they continued together for some time as Bope & Weaver. 
Mr. Weaver afterwards sold out and Mr. Bope remained in the business 
alone until 1854. ^" ^^e meantime Mr. Weaver opened another hard- 
ware store w^hich lie first ran alone, then took in partners, and finally 
sold out to White, Efling & Latta. The establishment was afterwards 
owned by Weaver & Mithofi", and is now in the hands of Hanson & 
Martens, on the south side of Main street, at the mouth of Shawk's 
alley. On the opposite side of the street is the hardware store of Mc- 
Cracken and Winter, (formerlj^ owned by William B. McCracken) 
which had been in existence a number of years. John Connell went 
into the hardware business about the same time as Mr. Bobe, continued 
for three or four years and then retired ; and about the beginning ot 
1881, Weigle and Frich, formerly clerks in the house of Hanson & 
Martens, opened a new hardware store in the Mith'oft' block. 

About 1 84 1 the grocery business began to be recognized as a sepa- 
rate department of trade. Previously the grocery business had al- 
ways been accompanied by whisky ; but when the popular voice began 
to proclaim against the sale of alcoholic beverages, it was for man}- 
reasons desirable to place the two apart. At present there are not less 
than twenty large establishments in Lancaster which supply only such 
goods as belong to the legitimate grocery trade. 

The first book-store Lancaster ever had was started by Levi Ander- 
son about 1835, but being in advance of the times, it could not com- 
mand a sufficient trade to thrive and was soon closed. In 1839 Messrs. 
Hopkins & Lymons, of Boston, opened a stock of books in connection 
with jewelry and musical instruments. They remained in business 
only about two ^-^ears and then returned to Boston. Earl}- in the de- 
cade following 1840 W. S. Beatv set up as a dealer in books and sta- 
tionery, continuing several years. Since the opening of Beaty's store, 
the tollowing firms have been engaged in the book business : Benjamin 
Connell. Percival & Van Fossen, John L. Tuthill, John Searls. M. 
Lehman, A. Brennemen and J. C. Tuthill. Tliere are now two large 
book-stores in Lancaster. 

In 1841 two young men, Frost and Durbin, came to Lancaster from 
the east with a stock of boots and shoes, and located in Green's block. 
Before that time the local shoemakers did all the work to order except 
ladies' morocco shoes and the commonest and cheapest stogas, which 
were to be had at the dry goods store of the day. In 1881 it took six 
large retail stores to supph' Lancaster and the country adjacent with 
foot-wear. 

Carriage and Buggy Shops. — There are now establishments in 
Lancaster devoted to the manufacture of light road vehicles. The 
amount of work they turn out is largel}' in excess of what the number of 
men employed could have accomplished when the business was first open- 
ed in this county, because of the large amount of material which comes 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. t^l 

nearly, if not quite ready for putting together, such as bodies, bolts, 
wheels and springs. The first carriage shop in Lancaster was started 
about 1850. 

The Lumber Trade. — The foreign lumber trade of this county be- 
gan in 1836, with the opening of the Hocking canal. Philip Benne- 
drum was the first lumber merchant. He has been followed b}' Wil- 
liam P. Card, Vorgs Brothers, Orman Brothers. George Carter, Simeon 
Denten and Daniel Siftbrd, Jr. 

Carpentering is conducted in a much more expeditious manner now 
than formerlv, because nearly all the doors, sash, blinds, siding and 
shingles used are prepared by machinery. Since the lumber trade has 
been actively engaged in, the following have been the principal master 
builders of Lancaster : Vorgs Brothers,- Orman Brothers, Simeon 
Denter, and Mr. Hyle. 

Builders in brick and stone. — David Cowden and Mr. Stahl 
haA'e been the most extensive builders in brick, which the}^ also manu- 
factured. Messrs. Blaire and Boumeister have been largely engaged 
in putting up stone work. 

Iron Foundries. — The first iron foundry started in Lancaster was 
by Joel Smith, about 1830. John Arne}?^ became connected with the 
establishment as a partner in 1840 ; and a number of years later he 
bought the entire business. The business was afterwards suspended. 
The foundr}' was located at the south end of Broadway- . In 1879 ^^^^ 
buildings were destroyed by fire, together with considerable machinery. 
In 1840 Gilbert Devol built a foundry on the west side of the canal a 
a few rods south of the Main street crossing. A Mr. Swartz became 
associated with him as partner, and the firm continued in active busi- 
ness for thirty years. William Pursell finally bought the property, and 
changed it into a manufactorv oi agricultural implements. About 1850 
George Ritter started an iron foundry on the east bank of the canal, in 
the northwestern part of the city, and did a thriving business for some 
3'ears. At length he sold out to the Cooper brothers, who commenced 
the manufacture of wheat drills. 

Mr. William Pursell, who bought out the Devol foundr}-, together 
with his sons, continued to manufacture wheat drills and several smaller 
tarming implements until his death. The sons who inherited his busi- 
ness kept it among them until 1869, when Frederick and Samuel Whiley 
came into the firm, bringing a large capital, by reason of which the 
business was greatly enlarged and continued as the " Eagle Works,"' 
by which it is now known. The Eagle Works now employ ninet}^ 
men, and turn out grain drills, feed cutters, corn planters, corn shellers, 
horse powers and several other articles in large numbers. 

The Hocking Valley Manufacturing Company went into operation 
in 1869. They occupy the old starch factory building on the bank of 
the canal, in the southwestern part ol the city. The company employ 
about ninet}^ men in the manufacture of agricultural implements. The 
trustees of the companv are, Theodore Mithoft', G. A. Mithoft', H. A. 
Mithoff", E. B. Cartmell and Thomas Mithoff. 

Up to 1878 Messrs. Neil, Tippett and Killion, proprietors of the 
" Bent Wood Works," were doing business at Junction City, Perry 
county. In November of that year the shops burned down, with a net 



192 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COF^'TY. 

loss of $10,000. They concluded to re-establish their business, but this 
time tixed on Lancaster as a more desirable locality than the one that 
had been the seat of their operations. Jn the spring of 1879 they oc- 
cupied the large warehouse on the canal bank, at the railroad crossing, 
and the same year purchased ground and erected buildings near the 
crossing of the Hocking Valley and Muskingum Valle}- Railroads, 
These were soon ready for use, and here the}' planted their business. 
In January-, 1881, the new establishment was burned down and the 
proprietors sustained a loss of $20,000, over the insurance. They re- 
built the works in May following, and now employ about one hundred 
and twentN'-hve men, or one-third more than in the first new shops 
built by them in. this city. The works turn out the running gears for 
buggies and carriages in large quantities. 

Railroad vShops. — The Cincinnati and Muskingum Valley Rail- 
road located its shops here in 1857, on the identical spot where old 
Tarhetown stood, long before the white race entered the Hocking val- 
ley. These shops employ ninety men, and do the repairing tor this 
division of the road. Since their establishment they have built seven 
locomotives, six passenger coaches and a large number of freight cars, 
which are now in use on the road. 

Mechanics. — Mr. Matlack and William Bodenheimer were engaged 
in making spinning-wheels in Lancaster at an early day. Matlack's 
shop was at the foot ot Main street. Mr. Spogle also made spinning- 
wheels. He occupied part of the shop of Henry Miers, cabinet maker. 
The structiu"e was of logs, and stood on West Main street a little west 
of the site of the American hotel. From 1817 to 1820 William Tong 
had a shop about where Bletzaker's turniture store stands at the present 
time. He made chairs and spinning-wheels. In 1820 Jacob Grubb 
bought the business and continued it at the same stand. William Duf- 
tield, carpenter, built the first house in Lancaster, on the spot now oc- 
cupied by the new court house. Christian Weaver, carpenter, occu- 
pied the lot where Mrs. M. Z. Kreider now lives, on East Main street. 
John Fogelsang, blacksmith, had a shop where Mr. John D. Martin 
now lives. John Leonard, James Weakly and William Latimore 
worked at carpentering, and John K. Myers and Samuel Blazell at 
blacksmithing, at a very early dav. Henry Johns had a carpenter shop 
on Chestnut street, where the late Dr. Paul Carpenter lived. John 
Leonard, Inman Baker and Thomas Dawlin carried on carpentering on 
the ground occupied b}^ Bauman's hotel. Main street. Before 1820, 
Samuel Eflinger had a tin-shop where the First National Bank is. on 
Main street. Scipio Smith, colored, carried on the tinning business 
about the same time. Thomas Sturgeon, silversrpith, had a shop in 
Sturgeon's row, east side of the square, and on the north side of Main 
street. John Townsend, silversmith, had a shop on Main street near 
the canal,, before 1820. James Gates succeeded Sturgeon in business. 
As early as 1815, Jacob Embich, John Stallsmith and John Napkin, 
shoemakers, were working at their trades. Joseph Work was in the 
retail boot and shoe business in 1827, and where Mrs. John Work now 
lives, on Chestnut street, there was a tailor shop. About the same 
time John Beeman and Colonel George Seits, gunsmiths, had their shop 
on Main street, about where Dr. Shawk's office is ; and Samuel B. 



HtStORY OF f'AiRFiEI.D COUNTV. I93 

Thompson, George W. Claspill, John Gibbs and WilHam Boden- 
heimer began gunsmithing about 1826. Robert R. Claspill, plow- 
maker, came to Lancaster in 1825. Robert O. Claspill was in the same 
business on the present site of the EngHsh Lutheran church, Columbus 
street. Col. Samuel Blazer, first introduced patent scales in Lancaster 
in 1825. John Shure, baker, kept a house in Lancaster in 1812, and was 
also working at his trade. Among others who followed the latter trade 
at an earh' period were' David Ketner, Hiram Hanson, Gottleib Stein- 
man and John W. Geisy. 

Banks. — The question of a bank in Lancaster took active form in 
1815, when the business men of the place asked the Legislature for a 
charter. The act chartering the Lancaster Bank was passed the next 
session, and provided for a capital stock of $250,000. The company 
was formed and the stock subscribed, and in the summer of 1816 the 
bank was put in operation. Elnathan Schofield was elected president, 
and Michael Garaghty, cashier. Mr. Schofield resigned at the end of 
one year, when John Creed was elected to the vacancv, and retained 
the position until the bank was closed in 1842. Mr. Garaghty was the 
only cashier the bank ever had. He died in May, 1841, and his son, 
Charles F., filled the place until the bank was closed. The Lancaster 
Bank conducted a general banking business tor twenty-six years, and 
closed up all its affairs about the end of the year 1843, without causing 
the loss of a dollar. The bank was made the agent of the State in 
disbursing the moneys set aside for public works — particularly in the 
construction of the Ohio Canal — millions of dollars passed through its 
hands. The money crisis that began in 1837 I'aised the cry of " bank 
reform" all over the countr}^ and the feeling became such that it was 
decided not to attempt a renewal of the charter which now neared its 
expiration. The bank, therefore, suspended specie payment and went 
into assignment, with Hocking H. Hunter, Joseph Stukey and Fred- 
erick A. Foster as assignees. All the liabilities of the institution were 
canceled at par, and outstanding bills redeemed by exchanging for 
them the notes of other solvent banks. Jacob Green entered into an 
agreement to redeem the remnant of the bills still out for $4,000, 
which he carried out, and the amovuit then came out even. Unsigned 
bills representing a million and a half were found iw the bank. These 
were burned by George Kauffman and Frederick A. Foster, to whom 
they were turned over by the assignees. When the Lancaster Bank 
was thus closed, there were two or three vears during which Lancaster 
had no bank. This inconvenience was partially abated bv the firm of 
Boving & Grand, wholesale grocers, who sold eastern exchanges to ac- 
commodate business men. 

The Hocking V^alle}^ Branch of the State Bank ot Ohio v/as organi- 
zed in 1847, with a capital stock of $100,000. It was located in the old 
stone building on Main street, and was in part the successor of the Lan- 
caster Bank. Darius Talmadge was elected president, and Chas. 
F. Garaghty, cashier. The bank did a successful and general busi- 
ness until 1865, when the stockholders decided to accept the provisions 
of Congress, for the organization of National banks. For the purpose 
of changing the State Branch to a National bank, Darius Talmadge, J. 
R. Mumaugh and M. Effinger, assumed the stock of the State Bank, 

25 



1^4 UISTORV OK KAIRFIELI) COUNTY. 

and successlully closed up its affairs. Darius Talmaage was its presi- 
dent during its entire existence ; Charles F. Garaghty was cashier one 
year, dating from its organization ; William Slade was elected in 1848, 
served two years, and was succeeded by M. A. Daugherty, who retain- 
the place till 1855. Charles F. Garaghty was then elected the second 
time, serving till 1859; then Henry V. Weakly was elected cashier and 
remained with the bank in that capacity till 1865, when the institution 
was closed. 

Immediately following the winding up of the affairs of the State 
Branch, the Hocking Valley National Bank sprang into existence. 
Darius Talmadge was the first president, and Henr}^ V, Weakly, cashier. 
At the end of the first year Weekly was succeeded bv John W. Farrin- 
ger, who has remained cashier ever since. In 1869 Mr. Talmadge 
withdrew, and G. A. Mithoff became president. At the same time the 
capital of the bank w'as contracted from $100,000 to $80,000. Mr. 
Mithoff is still president. 

The Fairfield County Savings Bank, was a small private institution, 
with a capital stock of $25,000. It was incorporated in 1851, and its 
place of business was the corner room on the first floor of Green's block, 
(afterwards burned) northwest corner of Main street and the public 
square. It did a profitable business for five or six years, the duration 
of its charter, when it suspended. It was a popular and useful institu- 
tion, having the confidence of the business men. Jacob Green was its 
president, and continued in that capacity till his death, w.hen John C. 
Weaver succeeded and remained till the bank was closed. Charles F. 
Garaghty was its first cashier, followed by M. Worthington. 

The Exchange Bank was instituted in 1854, ^7 John D. Martin, P. 
B. Ewing and Samuel Shambaugh. Six months after the opening of 
the bank, Mr. Shambaugh died, alter which the bank w^as continued by 
the surviving partners till 1864, when it was changed to the First Na- 
tional Bank of Lancaster, Ohio, John D. Martin, president, and Chas. 
F. Garaghty, cashier. Two years after, Mr. Garaghty was succeeded 
by George W. Beck, who still holds the position. When first started 
the capital of this bank was $50,000. Subsequently William Rippy 
came in as a partner, when the capital was increased to $60,000. After 
remaining about two years Mr. Rippy withdrew, the other partners 
buying his interest. This bank enjoys an e*n viable reputation, and 
withstood all the financial troubles of the country, though at times ob- 
liged to sustain heavy runs, particularh^ in 1877. It carried a surplus 
fund of $12,000 at all times. In 1879, ^^^ closed its business, surren- 
dered its charter, and assumed the name of the Bank of Lancaster, 
under which name it is now doing business, with the confidence of the 
public. 

The Commercial Bank of Lancaster went into operation in Decem- 
ber, 1872, as a private bank, owned by A. Cochran. In June, 1873, 
S.J. Wright became a partner, buying one-half of the stock. In Feb- 
ruar}^ Mr. Wright purchased Mr. Cochran's interest and conducted the 
bank alone, until the institution was merged into the Fairfield County 
Bank, with a paid up capital of $50,000, several partners coming in 
with the new arrangement and increase of capital. The first officers 
were: Wesley J. Peters, president; S. J. Wright, cashier. Mr. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 1 95 

Wright subsequently went out, and others have since had the place. 
The present president and cashier are, respectively, Fred. Whiley and 
H. J. Reinmund. 

The bank of Garaghty and Hunter was a private institution, and 
was opened in the fall of 1867, with an nominal capital of $50,000. 
Charles F. Garaghty was president and William Noble cashier. It had 
the public confidence for four or five years, doing a general banking 
business. Suspicions of its safety were common, however, during 1873, 
in the fall of which 3'ear it went into assignment, with J. R. Mumaugh 
and William Noble, as assignees. Assets, $60,000, some of which 
were of doubtful value ; liabilities $1 m,ooo. When the assets were all 
collected and disbursed to the creditors about forty-one per cent, on the 
dollar was realized. 

Hotels : — The histor}- of Lancaster hotels begin properly with the 
Sturgeon House. Thomas Sturgeon, one of the earliest settlers, open- 
ed a tavern in 1803, as nearly as can be ascertained, which he kept open 
to the public, until his death, twenty years later. It was for some time 
the only house of public entertainment in the village, and the place 
which is now known as Lotta's corner. The next hotel which is defi- 
nitely recorded, was opened in 1809 and kept by John Shure. It 
was sittuated on the south side of West Main street, between 
Arnold's corner and the American Hotel. It was torn down in 
1881 and a brick building erected on the site. To his business as land- 
lord Mr. Shure added that of baker. It is probably that in 1810 there 
was a log tavern on the south side of Wheeling street, w^est of Mac- 
Cracken's alley. Few persons now living, have any recollection of 
such a building, and among the few there is quite a difference of opin- 
ion as to its location, some asserting that it was on the north side of the 
street. It is reasonably certain that its site was as first given. The 
"William Tell"' was first kept by Frederick Snider. It has passed 
through mau}^ hands, but its external appearance has not been changed 
materially in fifty years, and it is now known as the Betz House. The 
"Penn Manor," adjoining the Betz House on the west, is a two-story 
brick hotel, and was first opened by Mr. Wetzel, about 1855. It has 
also had several proprietors. The present Bauman House was opened 
by Christian Neibling as the American Hotel. It stands on the south 
side of Main street, nearly opposite the Betz House. The Swan Ho- 
tel was established about 1820, on the southeast corner of Main and 
Columbus streets, its first proprietor being Gottleib Steinman. It chan- 
ged hands several times and in 1861-2 Theodore Mithoft* became its 
owner. He enlarged and remodeled it, and changed its name to that 
of Mithoft' House, which it still retains. On what is now known as the 
Schafter corner, John Swoyer kept a tavern previous to 1810. Freder- 
ick A. Schafter succeeded him. and under the latter management the 
place became widely known as the Schafter House. It was closed as a • 
hotel about 1858, and the building was remodeled into a business house. 
The present Talmadge House, adjoining the Schafter block on the 
west, has long been a place of public entertainment. Its first proprietor 
was John Noble. This place was always the stopping place of the 
through stages. About 1832 Gottleib Steinman took possession as 
landlord, and in 1833 the entire block, including stables and other out- 



196 HISTORY OF FAIRF"IELD COUNTY. 

buildings, burned to the ground. It was immediately rebuilt as the 
"Phoenix Hotel" b}' which name it was known for several years. Sev- 
eral proprietors succeeded Steinman, and finally Darius Talmadge 
bought the property and rechristened it the Talmadge House. It has 
been changed and improved. The Broadway Hotel was started about 
1830, by Kimble Hall. It has changed hands several times, and is still 
open. It is situated near the railroad crossing, at the south end of 
Broadway. The Black Horse was a tavern kept by one Zimmerman at 
an early day. it iiad several proprietors, among them Emel Jeffries 
and Allen House. Tlie buildings belonging to it have since been con- 
verted to other uses. Its site was on Main street, east of the hill. 
A small tavern was kept by Mr. Winegardner, on North Columbus street 
for several years. It was closed about the year 1852. There were two 
houses of entertainment on the east side of Columbus street, between 
Main and Wheeling streets, in 1839. kept by two men named Myers. 
One of these places is still open, and known as the Farmers' Hotel. 
The other is on the corner of Wheeling and Columbus, and is used as 
a residence and a meat shop. 

The house now kept by Jacob Bauman, East Lancaster, was long 
known as Bish's Tavern, because for man\' 3'ears controlled by Martin 
Bish. A small tavern which stood near the canal and kept b}^ Ferdi- 
nand Wagner, was purchased by the Muskingum Valley Railroad 
Co., and torn down in 1852, as it stood exactly in the centre of the pro- 
posed road. The property now spoken of as the "Stanberry propert}^" 
situated on Main street, and used as a furniture store, immediately east 
of the Stone Bank, was built by Gottleib Steinman for a hotel, and kept 
by him as such for several years. Jacob Beck, father of George Beck, 
once kept a tavern on the lot now occupied by A. Beery's residence. 
John W. Giesy began tavern keeping in Lancaster between 1810 and 
1820. His house stood on the site of Philip Bauman's new block, west 
of the Hocking Valley Bank. Mr. Giesy removed to his farm, south 
of town, more than twenty years ago, when the house was closed to the 
public. Thomas Fricker kept a tavern on the ground occupied by the 
Hibernian block, on Main street. He left it and moved to the country 
about 1835. The signs of those early day caravans would afford a good 
deal of amusement to-day, if they could be represented, with their mul- 
tiplicity of devices, some of which, to a modern student, would possess 
nothing indicative of the industry of which they were the exponents. 

Inventors. — From time to time Fairfield county has furnished in- 
ventors of a high order. Many implements and machinery have been 
invented, modeled and patented, some of which have found recognition 
and gone into general use ; others, perhaps equally valuable have failed 
for want of enterprise, or fVom antagonism of opposing interests. Some 
of Fairfield's best inventions have been crowded out by others, of prob- 
ably less merit, through lack of energy and capital to bring them into 
appreciable recognition. 

John S. Sneider has been a successful inventor. In 1856 he obtain- 
ed a patent for a head block for saw mills, that was adopted and brought 
into general ust- throughout Ohio, Michigan and the Western States. 
It was a source of revenue to the inventor. 

Mr. Sneider also patented what he stvled a sell-saving broad cast 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY.. I97 

plow in 1859 ; and in 1875 a cistern filter, which has been adopted in 
Lancaster, with great satisfaction. 

In March, 1881, John Wolfe obtained a patent for a hand corn shel- 
ler, of his own invention, which he is putting up and selling. It is 
composed entirely ol iron, and is of simple construction. Mr. Wolfe is 
bv profession a siu'vevor, and by no means a practical mechanic. 

George Lutz, in the year 1854, obtained a patent for a steam boiler 
guage, that was pronounced a great discovery, and as possessing sup- 
erior advantages over anything then in use for the same purpose. What 
its ultimate fate was; is not known to the compiler. He likewise se- 
cured, in the following year, a patent for the invention of a police nip- 
pers, which went into general use. Mr. Lutz is a mechanic in iron and 
brass work. 

Anthony Zink is by trade a wagon maker. In 1870 he obtained a 
patent on a self acting wagon brake. He also invented several other 
ingenious contrivances. 

"Herman Peter, gunsmith, has a patent for a new breach loading 
gun, that loads at the breach or muzzle, at pleasure. He has besides, a 
patent on a ramrod for the same gun. He also invented in connection 
with William Kling, a patent bung and spile. There were, however, 
two other parties who contributed to this discovery. 

Jesse Bowen possesses probably the widest range of inventive ge- 
nius of anv man in the county. He is a man of over seventy years. 
A number of vears since he obtained patents on two cider presses, a 
washing machine, and double belt power. In 1876, a patent was issued 
to him for a grain and grass seed separator. But his most ingenius and 
probably most useful invention, is that of a spring bed bottom, for 
which he secured a patent right in March. 1880. 

Dr. Paul Carpenter, now deceased, invented a car coupler that was 
patented in 1858. Various tests were made of its safety and adaptation, 
and arrangements were on foot for its general adoption in the south, 
when the war broke out. It is said to be in use on some of the south- 
ern roads. 

Robert Gates is a musician of rare genius, especially in the compli- 
cated intricacies of the combinations of sound, and the transposition of 
keys. Wind instruments are his specialties. He invented an improve- 
ment on brass- horns, which he called " division of the octave by major 
thirds," an achievement, it is claimed, never reached before on that 
class of instruments. It was patented in 1872. 

A few years since, a young man, then residing in Lancaster, in- 
vented and put in model form a machine designed for cutting and 
shocking corn by horse power. It was on exhibition for some time ; 
good mechanics prophesied its success, but the inventor and model dis- 
appeared. 

Lancaster, probably, never contained a greater genius than David 
Williams. He was a mechanic in wood, and a pattern maker. But 
there was nothing he could not do, either in wood or metal. Such was 
his genius, that the belief obtained that he could make his own tools, 
and then make a watch, or sewing machine. He made a full set of ar- 
tificial teeth for a lady of Lancaster. The teeth were mounted on gold 
plates, and proved an entire success to the close of the lady's life. It 



198 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

was his first trial, and he had never had either instruction or experience. 
But beyond this he never accomphshed much. He finally lost his 
mind, and was taken to an asylum, and shortly afterwards died. 

Lancaster, as well as other parts of the county, has been distin- 
guished for its musical talent. Space will not permit the mention of 
deserving names to much extent. The Schneider family seem to have 
been born musicians, to which has been added fine culture. Charles 
Schneider, the father, is a German who has devoted his life to the cul- 
ture of music, and to teaching. Ever}- member of his family has fine 
musical talent, as well as execution. Caroline, as a pianist, has few 
equals. She has made the tour of Europe, and received the admira- 
tion of its finest talent. 

James Gates, a silversmith, perhaps, for fineness of ear and critical 
ability, deserved mention among the first in his day. 

Robert Gates, his son, is a fine critic, and writes music fluently. He 
is master of all wind instruments. 

Dr. G. Miesse, is a composer, and teaches on the piano and organ, 
as well as a fine performer and critic. 

Ezra W. Wolfe took to music naturally, and for twenty years and 
upwards, has been an organizer and teacher of bands. He was leader 
of a band of his own training through the Rebellion. 

Among the list of musicians of the city and the county are the Ger- 
mans, as a rule. Some of the finest bands have been composed largely 
of Germans. 

Professor William Goetz is a teacher and organist. Goetz's orches- 
tra furnishes the music for parties and special occasions. Lancaster 
has also one well trained band, that ordinarily, during the summer and 
fall months, gives weekly serenades. 

Lancaster has furnished a due proportion of vocalists. Among 
those who have attracted the popular attention of Lancaster's own citi- 
zens, may be mentioned William Rising, Miss Sallie Reber, Miss Essie 
Wyncoop, Mr. Halderman and a few others. 

The Lilly famil}- were natural musicians ; but there arose among 
them one musical prodigy, in the person of little Eddie, son of Thomas 
Lilly. He pla3^ed music to the astonishment of everybody before he 
knew his letters, or a note. 



PART IV. 
TOWN"SHIP HISTORIES 



TOWNSHIP HISTORIES, 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

AMANDA TOWNSHIP. 

Amanda township lies in the southwest part of Fairfield county. It 
is bounded on the north by Bloom township, on the east by Hocking, 
on the south by Clear Creek and on the west by Pickaway county. 
Its area is thirty-six square miles, comprising township thirteen, range 
twenty. 

The land is generally gently rolling. Clear Creek is the principal 
stream, traversing the township from north to south by a somewhat 
circuitous course. Walnut Creek and Turkey Run, flowing west, with 
their tributaries drain the western part of the township. "Muddy Prai- 
rie," about one-half mile in width and three in length, in the southeast 
corner of the township, was a tract of country, which, in early days, 
could be shaken perceptibly for rods around by treading heavily upon 
the ground. It was low and marshy and covered with peat. In early 
times there was great danger of miring in crossing it, but it has been 
drained by heavy tiling, and now produces excellent crops. 

Another small body of land, about sixty acres, in the southwest 
quarter of section twent}^ on account of its peculiar " shaking'' qualities 
was called " Shaking Prairie." Deer could not cross it in pioneer times, 
but it too has yielded to agricultural purposes, under an improved S3-s- 
tem of drainage. 

The soil of this township is ver}^ fertile ; it is partly clay, and partly 
a rich black loam. Fruits, vegetables and cereals of all kinds, produce 
a general yield. Except a few patches of ground along Clear Creek, 
the entire township was forested at the coming of the first settlers, with 
a mingled growth of sugar, walnut, ash, oak, cherr}', hickory and other 
varieties of timber. 

In the southern part of the township, Frederick Leathers, a Virginian, 
is regarded as the first settler. He settled in the vicinit}^ of Amanda 
and kept one of the first taverns in the county, and the first in this 
township. It was located on the old Chillicothe road, about one hun- 
dred yards east of the village. It was a large two-story log structure, 
and a famous resort in early times. A still-house was operated on the 
premises, which supplied the beverage in universal demand 
at that time. It was the aim of Leathers to make his tavern a 
central point, and for that purpose he succeeded in establishing three or 
four public roads which crossed or terminated at his place. These 
roads were afterwards changed. This tavern was sold to Isaac Griffith, 
who remained in possession for many years. It burned to the ground 
about 1858. 



:iOO HISTORY OF KAIKFIELD COUNTY. 

About the year 1800, Andrew Barr and his five sons, Thomas, Sam- 
uel, James, WilHam and John, came from Chester county, Pennsylva- 
nia, and settled in section thirty-three, about two miles west of Amanda. 
Thomas served in the war of 181 2. Andrew Barr died about 1813. 
His descendants still live in this part of the township, 

George D3'singer, from near Hagerstown, Maryland, was another 
early settler. He located on Clear Creek, about two miles north of 
Amanda, and died on the homestead at a ripe old -age. Among his 
earliest neighbors were John Hinton, Michael, Peter and Henry Ride- 
nour, Abraham Myers, George and John Nigh, Timothy and Daniel 
Collins, Philip Herron and others. 

In the vicinity of Royalton the Aliens were the first settlers. Un- 
like the other settlers hereabouts, they were Yankees. It was early in 
1800 that a colony of forty souls, consisting of Dr. Silas Allen, his four 
sons, Lemuel, Jedediah, Whiting, and Benjamin, John Searle and Ab- 
ner Burnat, and their families, left the county of Royalton, Vermont, 
destined for distant Mississippi. Traveling overland, they reached 
Lancaster, and pleased with the country, they concluded to abandon 
their original intention and settle in this covinty. 

Section three of Amanda township was selected as the site of their 
future home, and in a short time they were safel}' domiciled. Dr. Silas 
Allen died there about 1822. His two sons, Jedediah and Lemuel, re- 
mained here till the close of their lives, and in their time were among 
the most prominent men of the county. Whiting and Benjamin removed 
to Delaware, Ohio. Searle lived and died here, but Burnat emigrated 
to Meigs county. The colonists brought with them a fine carriage, for 
the use of the women, but when they reached Lancaster they could go 
no further with it. At this time there was not a tree cut between Lan- 
caster and Royalton, and the men must cut a roadway' to their new 
home. The carriage was finally brought to its final destination, but was 
never used as a pleasure vehicle. It was stowed away, and thence- 
forth until it perished from decay became a " turkey roost." The set- 
tlement was. in the vicinit}^ of an Indian encampment called Tobytown, 
and the natives frequently paid friendly visits to their new neighbors, 
usually for trading purposes. They would cross the prairie in single 
file, the squaws carrying their pappooses on their backs, lashed to a 
board, and on arriving at the cabins would stand up the boards outside 
while they went in. Mrs. Elvira Meeker, daughter of Lemuel Allen, 
is still living at Royalton, at the age of ninety years. 

Scott's History of Fairfield county contains the following from the 
pen of Thomas Cole : 

" In the spring of 1800, three men, names not remembered, came 
from near Chillicothe and broke ground on the prairie in section num- 
ber four, planted corn, and then returned home. They came back in 
due time and tended their corn twice. The next fall one of these men 
sold his share to Horatio Clark, receiving a horse in payment. The 
other two likewise disposed of their shares to parties not now remem- 
bered. In November of the same year. Wilkinson Lane, of Hunting- 
don county, Tennessee, settled on section eight, and was succeeded in 
the month of June following by Thomas Cole, who had entered the sec- 
tion. The family were never troubled by the Indians. In a few years 



MiSTOkV OF FAIkFiELD COUNTY. 20t 

Mr. Cole built a school-house on his land, hired a teacher, iVbraham 
Cole, for eight dollars a month, and then invited all who wished to send 
their children and pay a pro rata share or not, as they could or would. 
In those days school hours were trom ''sun to sun,*' or as soon as 
scholars arrived. On one occasion Broad Cole, son of Thomas Cole, 
born in 1802, and recently deceased, thought of beating the master at 
school some day, and after a few failures to do so, left home one morn- 
ing about daybreak, but on arriving at the school-house he w^is greeted 
with a good tire, and tbund the master, a Mr. Smith, banking up earth 
against the school-house, to protect it against cold. That house was 
built on the north part of section eighteen. David Swope and William 
Long were settlers on section eight in June, 1807. In 1803 Valentine 
Reber came out from Pennsylvania, and entered section ten of the 
township, and in 1805, he brought out his young wife from Berks 
county, and settled on the section. 

Frederick Ehernman, a German, was one of the earliest settlers. 
His cabin was on section nine. On section ten, John Huber from Penn- 
sylvania setded early, and lived the remainder of his life. Samuel Peters, 
Valentine Reber and John Hannaw^ay were three adjoining settlers in the 
northern part of the towmship, and each had a family of "fourteen chil- 
dren. Richard Hooker, on the southeast quarter of section eighteen, 
was among the tirst pioneers. Still others were Joseph Abrams, a 
blacksmith from Pennsylvania ; Thomas Mace, section thirty-three, 
where he kept tavern and taught school ; Henry Christy, section thirty- 
four; J. P. Hamilton, an early justice and surveyor; Francis Brothers, 
David Brians, John Crist, section thirty-four ; Jacob Gardner from 
Pennsylvania, Joseph and Edward Highlands, James, John and WilHam 
Long, section nineteen; Jnmes Morris, near Amanda; John Owens, 
section twenty-live ; Thomas Selb}-, John Torrence, and the White- 
mans. 

Royalton was the first village in the township, and one of the first in 
the county. It was laid out in 1810 ; Lemuel and Jedediah Allen were 
the proprietors ; William Hamilton the surveyor. It was laid out b}' 
the Aliens that they might have the convenience of mechanical skill 
close at home, obviating the necessity of going to Lancaster for w^ork- 
men, when their services was required. Lemuel Allen opened a 
tavern here in 1810, and the same year Jacob Rush, from Balti- 
more, brought a stock of goods to the embryonic village, and started the 
first store. 

The first school in this vicinit}^ was on Lemuel Allen's place. He 
had just built a stable and determined on dedicating it by holding a 
school there. Sending to Granville he secured the services of Miss 
Sabra Case, who received $1.25 per scholar for a term of twelve 
weeks. She had an enrollment of about twelve pupils. War- 
ren Case afterwards taught here. A school house was imme- 
diately built on the site of the present building in Rovalton, where 
public instruction has since been dispensed to the children of the villao-e. 

The little town was named Ro3'alton from the county from which the 
Aliens emigrated. It has never grown to any considerable extent. Its 
business, briefly, consists of one general store, a drug store, a furniture 

36 



202 HISTOKV OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

store, two shoe shops, and two blacksmith shops. Two physicians are 
located here. 

Amanda, located in the southeastern part of the township, is a thriving 
village, which, in 1880, had about tliree hundred and seventy-five inhab- 
itants, but now perhaps one hundred more. It w^as laid out about 1830, 
by Samuel Kessler. The tirst three houses erected were occupied by Mr. 
Spitler, a shoemaker ; Mr. Potts, a cooper, and Mr. Mouser, a black- 
smith. Joseph Reed brought the first little stock of goods to the village 
for sale, " about a wheel-barrow load," and soon atler Joseph Temple 
offered a greater assortment to the public. Henry Sunderman, how- 
ever, was the first merchant of prominence. He first sold goods here 
on commission for Martin & Rogers, then went into business for him- 
self, and carried it on extensively up to the time of his death. There 
are now three general supply stores; two hotels, a provision store, 
drug store, grist mill, one brick 3'ard, two harness shops, two black- 
smith shops, and a number of other industrial shops located here. It is 
claimed that four hundred thousand bushels of grain are annually sold 
at this point, and shipped via the Zanesville and Cincinnati Railroad, 
which passes through the place. Nearly all the grain within a radius of 
eight or nine miles is brought here, owing to the level or descending 
roads leading from all directions to Amanda. The village affords three 
practicing physicians, a neat two-story brick school house, and two 
churches. 

Central Valley Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 548, at Amanda, was insti- 
tuted Jul}^ 10, 1873. The charter members were: W. H. Dickson, B. 
Balthaser, T. J. Barr, C. H. Sunderman, T. L. Hewiston, Wm. Acton, 
W. B, Sunderman, P. Hewiston, H. D. Aldenderter, George Aldender- 
fer, David Crites, Joseph Bechtel, Andrew Laps, and Samuel Griffith, 
■Sr. The membership now niimbers seventy-eight. 

Amanda Lodge of F. and A. M., No. 509, was instituted October 28, 

1876. Names of charter members were H. G. Trout, Edward Griner, 

Levi Lawrence, J. D. Landis, B. F.Rambo, Jacob Balthaser, D. M. 

Miesse,J. A. Julien, and D.J.V.Wolf. The membership has materially 

increased. 

New Strasburg was the name of a town laid out many years ago, 

about a mile west of Amanda, but it never attained a larger size than 

six or eight houses. 

Cedar Hill is the name of a post-office in the western part ot the 

township, where a small cluster of houses may be seen. 

The Presbyterian Church at Amanda was organized in 1838, with 
William McKinley, John Wylie and Thomas Propeck as elders. 
Rev. William Jones was the first minister. He presided over the church 
eight years. During his administration a frame house of worship was 
erected. The original members numbered thirteen, but within a year 
the little flock grew to a membership of ninety. Revs. Jewett, William 
Nelson, George Carpenter, A. Taylor, William Galbreath, William 
McMillan and A. B. Price have successively been installed pastors. In 
1870 a handsome brick church, 40x56 feet, was constructed, at a cost 
of $4,000, The present membership is sixty. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 203 

The Methodists of Amanda worship in a frame church which they 
built about forty or more years ago. Their membership is abotit forty. 
The congregation is included in the Tarleton circuit. Rev. Dixon is 
the present pastor. 

Turkey Run Regular Baptist Church is one of the oldest organiza- 
tions in the township. The society was organized September 6th. 1817, 
by EldersEli Ashbrook and Jacob Thorp. The early meetings were held 
in Hooker's school house, until about 1838, when the present frame 
structure was erected. It has recently undergone extensive repairs. 
Rev. George Tusing is the present pastor. The present membership is 
about thirtv. 

There are two Evangelical Association (Albright) churches within 
the township. The Trinity church is located about two miles northwest 
of Amanda. The structure is of brick, and about 35x45 in size, erected 
in 1870, at a total expense of $2,500. Rev. Emanuel Tunner had 
charge of the church when the building was erected. The present pas- 
tor is Rev. Eli Shoemaker ; the membership about thirty. The society 
is an old one, and prior to 1870 conducted its religious services at W. 
Meisey's residence, and in his wagon-shed. Cedar Hill chapel is 
a building similar in character to the Trinity church, and was erected 
one year later. Its membership exceeds fifty somewhat. Previously 
they held meetings at the adjoining school house, and at Reigle's resi- 
dence. Among the early ministers of this church were Revs. Roch, 
Wolpert and Downey. 

Fairview chapel, a Methodist meeting-house, is located near the 
north line of section 23, and is a neat brick. The class that worships 
here is not very strong. It was organized more than thirty years ago, 
and is included within the Royalton circuit. 

The Royalton Methodist Episcopal Church dates its origin back to 
1809, when ReV. Ralph Lotspeach began to preach to the church-lov- 
ing people of this community, at the cabin of Lemuel Allen. The 
services were held only occasionally for a while, and were then conduc- 
ted for many years in the log school house of the village. About 1825 
a frame parsonage was built b}- the members on the site of the present 
church. When it became dilapidated through age, it was removed, 
and the brick meeting-house now standing was constructed. It has 
recently been repaired. The membership exceeds three hundred. Rev. 
D. J. Smith is the officiating pastor. 

This township had its litde mills, like all others in pioneer times. 
Amongst the earliest was Richard Hooker's on Turkey Run. When 
the stream was high there was sufficient water-power to grind the corn 
for the neighbors, but in dry weather they were compelled to patronize 
more distant mills. The Ridenours owned and operated a little saw 
and grist mill on Clear Creek. 

V'alentine Reber operated a distillery on section 10, where a large 
quantity of spirits were manufactured. Richard Hooker also owned a 
small one. 

The early schools were of the typical rude class of the day. They 
were almost uniformlj- small cabins, with a huge fireplace at one end, 
and chimney built of logs outside. Light was obtained by removing a 



204 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

log and replacing it with strips of greased paper. A rough slab extend- 
ing along the walls of the building formed the writing desk. There 
was no floor, commonly, and when the children were at play during 
recess a dense cloud of dust would be raised. It was a building like 
this that would be used perhaps two and one-half months in a year for 
school purposes, and the remaining nine and one-half months the sheep 
and hogs would hold undisputed sway. About the only books used 
were DilwortlTs Spelling Book, a primer and the New Testament. 
Occasionally a little arithmetic was taught, but a class rarely progressed 
as far as the " rule of three."" 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. ^©5 



CHAPTER XXX. 

BERNE TOWNSHIP. 

This townsliip was christened Berne by Samuel Carpenter, one ol' 
its earliest settlers, in honor of the Canton ot' Berne, Switzerland, the 
home ot' his ancestr\-. It is one of the largest townships of Fairfield 
coimt\'. comprising all of township iburteen, range eighteen, except 
one and one-half sections Irom the northwest corner, which belong- 
to Lancaster township, and two tiers of sections, from one to] twelve, 
inclusive, from township thirteen, range eighteen. Its entire terri- 
torv embraces over tbrty-seven square miles. 

The tovvnsliip lies in the southeastern part of the county. Hock- 
ing River enters from the northwest, and, passing through the entire 
length of the township, flows into Hocking county on the south. Its 
principal tributaries are Rush Creek and Pleasant Run. The surface 
is rough and hilly, except in the narrow valleys which skirt the streams. 
The soil on the hill-sides is largeh' argillaceous. The out-croppings 
are sandstone, and in places the soil has a gravell}' subsistence. 

The Columbus & Hocking Valley Railroad and the Hocking Canal 
cross the township along the Hocking River valley. The Cincinnati & 
Zanesville R(Kid passes east and west through the northern part of the 
township. 

The forests of Ohio were settled first along the banks of the streams, 
which coursed in solitude through their unbroken density ; and Berne 
township, carrying the waters of Fairfield's largest stream, received a 
portion of the first tide of emigration that passed through the county. 
The earliest known white character of whom any tradition is preserved 
that became a denizen of the township, was John Sisco, a southern 
" renegade hunter," dubbed bv the pioneers, " Indian John." He 
led the wild and free life of a hunter, living in a rudely constructed 
shantv or wigwam, and, as the settlers encroached on his hunting 
Jirounds, ijraduallv moved southward until he found his eternal rest- 
ing place, near Logan. 

The Carpenters are accredited with being the earliest permanent 
settlers in the township. The first land entered was that in the 
Hocking valley nearest Lancaster. Succeeding pioneers occupied 
the lands down the stream until they were all appropriated. Then 
the valleys of the tributaries were settled, and finally the hills. 

It was in 1798 that William. David, Samuel, and John Carpenter, 
with their father, emigrated from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and 
settled in sections seven and eight, in the Hocking valley, just below 
Lancaster. Below them were the Shellenberger boys, Samuel and 
Henrv. Their father, Henry, traveled here from Pennsylvania and 
entered the land. He returned to his old home and left the boys in 



2o6 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

possession here. George Eckert, another Penns3^1vanian, was next 
and below him. Abraham Ream, also from Lancaster county, Penn- 
S3dvania, entered sections 27, 28, 33, 34, and part ot 3, on Rush Creek, 
becoming the most extensive resident landholder in the township. All 
the above emigrated in 1798. Joseph Stuke}^ entered still further down 
the river. 

Indians often visited the cabins of these early settlers, generally 
begging or demanding victuals. Their requirements were always 
complied with, and a friendly state of teeling between the two races 
maintained. Unless the noble red man was frenzied b}' whisky it was 
not difficult for the whites to preserve amicable relations with him. 
The forests at this time teemed with wild game and wild beasts. Pan- 
thers and wildcats were not uncommon, and often became the trophies 
ot the huntsman's skill. Abraham Ream — his grandson, William Pan- 
nabaker, relates — raised a family of fourteen children — eight girls and 
six boj^s. The boys were daring hunters, and, like other frontiersmen, 
keenly enjoyed the sport. Absalom Ream at one time pursued a large 
panther till it sought refuge in a hollow log. He cut it out, first chop- 
ping holes in the log and tying the panthers feet together. Designing 
to keep the " varmint" a captive, he hastilv built a high enclosure for 
it, but after its release the panther drank an excessive amount of cold 
water and fell dead. 

When Abraham Ream was lying ill, his wife took their span of 
horses to the brink of Hocking River to water, and while there the 
horses manifested signs of uneasiness, and soon of terror. With true 
pioneer instinct Mrs. Ream apprehended danger, and immediately 
hastened back with the horses to the stable. Securing them, she 
reached the cabin, a rod or two distant, and barred the door after her. 
Glancing out the little aperture that served as a window she saw a large 
panther with his fore-feet resting on the low fence that surrounded the 
cabin, lashing his tail, and exhibiting other signs of anger. It was 
amid such scenes as this that the earlv settlements of Berne township 
were made. 

Among the earliest settlers on Rush Creek were Peter Stinespring, 
Henry Inesell. Henry Swartz, from Pennsylvania, and Christian and 
John Beerv. from Virginia. Most of the first settlers came from Penn- 
sylvania, chiefly from Lancaster and Berks counties. Some few emi- 
grated from Virginia. William Collins, the father of John A. Collins, 
an early 'squire and prominent citizen ; Daniel and Abraham Mo37er, 
Felta Pratz, and others, settled in the north-east part of the township. 
Walter Applegate, from Virginia, also settled very early in the north- 
east corner of the township. John Baldwin, a bachelor, who lived and 
died here, and Peter Sturgeon, from the same State: John Bibler and 
Michael Hansel, from Pennsylvania, and William Bryan, were earlv 
figures in the township's history. 

William Jackson, from Frederick county, Marjdand, in 1805 came 
to the township. He found an empty cabin on Pleasant Run, with 
twelve acres of cleared land surrounding it, and moved into it in De- 
cember, remaining tw^o years. He afterwards leased and purchased 
other lands in the township, and died here in 1850. William Crook, 
from Henry county, Virginia, in 1805. settled about two miles south- 



HlSTORV OK FAlRFtELD COUNTY. 207 

east of Lancaster. He was probably the first Justice of the township. 
He served in the war of 1812 as Major, was sheriff of the county, and 
died in this township about 1855. His six brothers, and his father, 
Ephraim, preceded him here a short time, all living in the same neigh- 
borhood. Jacob Iric, from Maryland, and George See, settled in the 
towmship about 1805. John Pennabaker came in 1806, trom Berks 
county, Pennsylvania. It is impossible to even mention the names of 
all the early settlers. During the first years of the century they entered 
very rapidly, and in 1806 there were one hundred and twelve tax-pay- 
ers in the township. 

James Pierce is remembered as one of the earliest justices. He 
kept no docket, and was very positive, and sometimes arbitrary, in his 
decisions, but would never charge any costs for his official services. 
Lawsuits were ver}^ much discountenanced in the earliest pioneer days, 
and when once instituted, the neighbors frequently urged a settlement, 
and would even make up a purse for the delinquent, rather than have 
the legal contest proceed. William A. Collins, and others, succeeded 
Pierce. 

The Shellenbergers had the first little mill in the township. It was 
an insignificant " corn-cracker," which would only chop, not grind, and 
the customers must sieve their meal at home. Soon after a mill was 
erected on the Carpenter place, where the flour might be bolted by 
hand. It was not long, however, before George Eckart and Abraham 
Ream constructed mills in which the process of bolting was performed. 
The Carpenters built the first saw-mill. Joseph Stuke}^ built one soon 
after. 

Sugar Grove is the only town of note. It is situated in the southern 
part of the township, at the junction of Hocking River and Rush Creek. 
It received its name from a heavy growth of sugar timber which had 
occupied its site. An Indian encampment had formerly stood at this 
place, and a large burying ground close by. Numerous skeletons have 
been unearthed, and many other evidences of savage occupation have 
been revealed. The village was laid out by Mrs. Elizabeth Rudolph. 
It was incorporated thirty or more years ago. Its population exceeds 
three hundred. At present it contains four dr^^-goods stores, one gen- 
eral store, one hotel, three churches, three blacksmith shops, three shoe 
shops, one wagon shop, one undertaking establishment, two physicians, 
tw^o tanneries, and one grist-mill. The mill is controlled by John D. 
Martin, of Lancaster, and has just been rebuilt. It is fed b}^ the canal, 
and finds a market for its products in the mining districts below on the 
canal. The mill was originally built by Joseph Stukey about 1843. 

The school building Is a substantial two-story brick, containing four 
rooms, three of which are now used for school purposes. The remain- 
ing room is occupied by Sugar Grove Lodge, No. 654, I. O. O. F, which 
was instituted in 1876, with eleven members. It is now prosperous, and 
contains sixty -two members. 

The first house in Sugar Grove w^as built about 1835, t»y Samuel 
White. It was a log cabin, long since removed. It stood on the lot 
opposite Dennis's hotel. The first store comprised a small stock of 
goods, brought to the place by Christian Krebs and Jefferson Meeks. 



2o8 HISTOKV or FAIRFIEJ.D COUNTY. 

It was located in the upper end of town, where the tanyard now stands. 
Berne post-office is a station on the Cincinnati and Zanesville Rail- 
road. It is situated in the north-east corner ot" the township, and con- 
tains a store, one or two shops, and two or three houses. 

If the number of churches in the township is an indication of spirit- 
ual welfare, Berne should be a religious township. Of the three at 
Sugar Grove, the German Reform church is the handsomest structure. 
It was erected in 1872, at a cost of $4,000. It is forty by sixty-two feet 
neatly furnished, and, among country churches, has few equals in 
attractive appearance. The society enrolls one hundred and thirty 
members. The old frame church, which preceded the existing edifice, 
was erected in 1841. Prior to that date services had been conducted 
by this denomination in a church which stood two miles north ot Sugar 
Grove, and which had been built by this and a Lutheran Church jointly. 
Judge Joseph Stukey and William Pennabaker were early leading 
members. 

The Evangelical Lutheran Church has had an organization in Sugar 
Grove for thirty years. The earliest services were held in the church 
two miles above the village, and afterwards in an old United Brethren 
church in Sugar Grove. The building now used tor worship was erected 
in 1873, at a cost of $2,100. Rev. Charles A. Shultz is the present pas- 
tor ; the membership, about fifty. 

The Sugar Grove Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 
185 1. Revs. Samuel Harvey and A. B. See were the first pastors. 
The class began its existence with eleven members, and met at John 
Wann's house. Services were held in the school-house and the United 
Brethren church for a year, when the present frame church was built. 
The membership includes ninety-seven souls. 

St. Joseph's Catholic church, located three miles up Rush Creek, 
was built in 1853. It is a frame structure, and its dimensions are thirty 
by sixty feet. The membership is probably one hundred. Fathers J. 
Young, Lange}^ Gildwiler, Goldsmith, and Mavrose, have successively 
and successfully administered to this flock. 

The Spannagel Lutheran church, as it is known, occupies a spot of 
ground in the southwestern part of the towmship. Services are conduc- 
ted in both the English and German languages. The frame structure 
still occupied by this congregation was erected fort3"-one years ago un- 
der the guidance of Rev. W. F. Richman. Rev. John Wagenholz had 
previously held services in an adjoining school house. Through deaths 
and emigrations, the numerical strength of this church has suffered 
greatl^^ 

The first church in the township is said to have been built b}' the 
Lutherans and German Reformers near the north line of section tbur- 
teen. It was a hewed log building and has since been replaced b}' a 
frame, which is now occupied by a strong Lutheran congregation, with 
Rev. Shultz as pastor. 

Pleasant Hill M. E. Church is a frame in the eastern part of the 
township, where an old log church formerly stood. It includes proba- 
bly forty members. 

Emery M. E. Church, about midway between Lancaster and Sugar 



HISTORY OF FAlRl^'lEI.i) COUNTY. 2O9 

Grove, was buill about twenty years ai^o and is the home ol" a prosper- 
ous society, which was orijjanized lhrouL!,h tlie elTorts ol' Mrs. |. R. 
Pierce and named iVom her lather. 

Jackson, formerly ColHn's, M. K. Church is situated about three- 
fourths of a mile north of Berne P. O. The building has been (occu- 
pied for religious services for a period of hft^• ^•ears or more but the 
congregation is strong and healthy. 

Two other churches, the Asbur3' M. E. and the Mt. Tabor Evan- 
gelical Association, are located near the north line of the township and 
have manv supporters from Berne township. 
27 



2IO IIIS'I'OKY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

BLOOM TOWNSHIP. 

This township was laid off in 1805. The early settlers were the 
Hushors, Me3'ers, Glicks, Clarks, Hoys, Courtrights, Scott, Crites, 
Messmores, Swartzes, Honinghouses, Lambs, Granels, Alspaughs, 
Williamsons, and a few others. 

Abraham Van Courtright came from Pennsylvania in 1801 . He mar- 
ried a Miss McFarlan of Greenfield township. Her brother, William 
McFarlan, came to the count3Mn 1799. Mr. Courtright settled first near 
what has long been known as the Betser church, two miles south of 
Lockville. He afterwards moved in the vicinity of Greencastle, where 
he died in 1825. His three sons, John,* Jesse D. and Abraham 
Courtright (now dead), became the heads of large families. The 
Courtright homestead was where Zephania Courtright now lives. 

Jesse D. Courtright laid out Greencastle in 1810, and had it sur- 
veyed by John Hamilton. He lived where, his daughter Mrs. Sarah 
Green now resides, and in this house kept hotel several years. This 
was the first house in the town and Mrs. Green is the oldest woman now 
living who is native-born of Bloom township. 

Samuel Weisser came from Pennsylvania in 1818, and kept the first 
blacksmith shop. He followed his trade continuously until he died, or 
for a period of forty years. He was the second Justice of the Peace, 
and held that office thirty-five years, was township treasurer many 
years, and an official member of the church fift}- years. 

The Presbj^terian church was built in 1861. Abraham, John and 
Jacob Courtright and J: A. Whitzel were among the founders of this 
society. The present elders are F. H. Courtright, G. B. Courti-ight 
and J. A. Whitzel, and the trustees Samuel Benson, Samuel Weisser, 
H. R. Roller, L. C. Friebley and William Swayer. Rev. John W. 
Woods was the first pastor. Under the ministration of Dr. A. B. Brice 
thirty-eight accessions were added to the church. 

Christian Crumley came in 1802 and settled at the head of the Hock- 
ing, one mile south of Greencastle. He lived here till he died in 1856. 
Daniel Glick and Daniel Hoy came from the same State and settled 
west of Greencastle. 

Daniel Hoy settled where Isaac Hoy now lives, and with his son, 
Isaac, founded the society of the Evangelical Association and built the 
church on that place just before the late war. Daniel Glick settled 
where Michael Hickle now lives. He came to the county at an earl}^ 
day, and when he heard of the coming of some of his relatives, met 
them at the State line, going the entire distance on foot but took sick 
and was hauled back on a sled. When the sled arrived where the 
Glick church now stands it stopped, and he remarked that the place 
would make a good burying ground. He died in this spell of sickness 



HISTORY OF FAIRF^JELD COUNTY. 211 

and was, the first buried in that yard. The first log cliurch was built 
soon after this event in 1807. The church is German Lutheran and the 
third house was erected in 1870, and is known as the "Salem Church/' 

The ground — eight acrCvS — was donated by Daniel and Philip Hoy, 
Peter Woodring and Mrs. Hoy. 

The Rock mill was built in 1799 and was the first of the kind in the 
township. The building was low down among the rocks and the grists 
were taken in at the gable window, and letdown to the hopper with ropes. 

The first still-house was at the Stump Spring and was owned by J. 
D. Courtright. 

Messrs. Loveland & Smith owned the mill and the same Loveland 
entered a large tract of land in the township and this land was after- 
wards taken up by the Alspaughs, Williamsons, Granels and others. 
The Alspaughs, now a numerous family, are descendants of John, 
Michael, Jacob and Philip, Pensylvanians, who came before the State 
was admitted. Jacob settled where Paul Alspaugh now lives ; Michael 
above Greencastle : John where Henry Meason lives, and Philip near 
Winchester. John D. Alspaugh, now an old man, lives south of Jef- 
ferson and is a grandson of Jacob Alspaugh. 

Theodore Williamson was the head of that now numerous family. 
He settled where Silas Williamson now lives. His children George 
W., Jacob, Newton and Elizabeth Holderman all became the heads of 
large prominent families in this township. 

The Otterbein church was built on Newton Williamson's place near 
the present school house and just west of the road. Mr. Theodore 
Williamson, Mr. Granel, John Bolenbaugh and others were its foun- 
ders. The new frame was erected prior to the late war. It is the Mt. 
Zion church. 

Litliopolis is the principal town of the township. It is a thriving 
place, having a population of 480, several stores, a good graded school, 
a hotel, and a good weekly paper — edited by the Kramer Brothers. 

Frederick Baugher laid out this town in 1815, and an addition was 
afterwards made b}^ Solomon Baugher. It was first called Centerville, 
but in 1836 it was chartered and called Litliopolis. Elias Perry was the 
first mayor, and Isaac Cade the first clerk. Dr. E. L. Miner, W. W. 
Hite, father of Talman Hite, (the violinist,) Isaac McPhadden, Louis 
Pluber and William Cater were the first councilmen. John F. Killils 
is the present mayor, and John F. Stallsmith is clerk. 

Dr. E. L. Miner was prominent among the early settlers of the 
town. He was born June 9. 1827, in Middletown, Vermont, graduated 
in Castletown College in 1818, removed to Royalton in 1820, and to 
Centerville in 1825, and there spent forty-five years of his professional 
life. He, with Mr. George Custer, the Brow^ns and others, sixteen in 
all, founded the Presbyterian society in 1834. Rev. Mr. Leonard was 
the first pastor in charge, and was succeeded by Rev. S. M. Wilson, 
who remained twenty N^ears. 

Dr. Miner's wife was the first to be carried into the chmxh. His 
little daughter Mary died the \ear before, and was the first to be buried 
in the cemetery. This beautiful piece of ground lay in the middle of 
Dr. Miner's farm, and was intended first as a private yard for his own 
family, but was afterwards donated by him to the town. Dr. Miner 



212 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

also established the Sabbath school, and after his death his second wife 
has carried on the good work with a zeal worthy of the cause. In 
1876 she orij^anized her mission band of young ladies and children who 
send about $30 annuall}- to India ; the proceeds, principally, of needle 
work. Mrs. Miner is a graduate of Troy, New York, and is a highh- 
educated lad}-, and was at one time the teacher of French in Dr. Wil- 
liams' Academy of this place. After this church was erected, in course 
of time the Methodists and Lutherans each built houses. 

The first tanyard was kept by Mr. Reiley, after whom Joseph Brown 
owned it for many years, ^fhe Lithopolis Lodge, No. 169, was char- 
tered September 29, 1848. William Reiley was the Worthy Master. 

The Old Betser church, German Reformed and Lutheran, was built 
on land owned b\- John Fellers. Andrew Me\ers, Judge Chane}' and 
John F'ellers were some of the lounders. 

The hewed-log building way erected in 1809, but Father Kemp 
and others preached to tliis society some two or three 3'ears before this 
building was erected. Peter Meyers helped to raise one corner of the 
house. His death occurred not long at"ter. His burial was the first in 
this grave yard. The church has always been a prosperous one, and 
has had a good membership. Peter Meyers came to this vicinity in 
1805, and settled on land now owned by Joshua Fellers. Father Ben- 
nadum was also an old settler and preached here. The laud was do- 
nated and sold in part by John Fellers in 1814 for the church. 

The new building erected in 1882, and the new cemeter}-, shows a 
llattering view of the prosperous condition of the society. 

The church remained union in its character for many years. Father 
Wise, of the Reformed Church, served the congregation over thirty 
years, while Father Stake, a Lutheran, remained in charge for twelve 
years. He was followed by Revs. John Wagenhals, Bruice and others. 
Austin Henry, a Presbyterian, has been called at this writing. 

Joshua Fellers, Jesse Brant and John C. Alspaugh are among the 
leading members now. The Fellers' Hill, upon which this church is 
situated, commands one of the most picturesque yiews to be seen in the 
county. From this point, and with the naked eye, field after field, 
crossing vale, stream, hill and wood-land, a vision of beauty opens up 
until Newark and the heights above Granville can be seen, though the 
latter place is twenty miles distant. The countrv through here is un- 
dulating, but the soil is rich and the farmers are prosperous. 

Jefierson is a small town, laid out before the war of 181 2, by George 
Hoshor, who had Hamilton to survey it and laid off sixty-four lots. It 
was on the military road from Wheeling, Virginia, to the lakes, through 
this point. John Fisher, the saddler, kept the first store. It also had 
a hotel, but the building up of canals and railroads, at other points, 
took awa}' its prestige, and now it is but a mere collection of houses. 

Dr. Talbot, born in Maryland, in 1798, came here in 1830, since 
which time he has been the leading piiysician. 

Lockville, named from the number of locks on the canal at this point, 
is a town no longer of any commercial importance, although fbrmerh, 
the Mitholfs and Hoshors carried on trade in grain (juite briskly- aftei" 
the town was first laid ofl'. It is partly in Bloom and parth' in Violet, 
and was jilatted out at the time of the oj^ening of the canal. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 2I'i 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 

Clear Creek township constitutes the extreme southwest ol^ Fairtield 
county. It is bounded on the north b}^ Amanda township, on the east 
by Madison township, on the south and west b}^ Pickawa}^ county. 
This township presents to strangers few distinctive features. The sur- 
face is undulating, growing more hilly to the northward. The soil is 
varied and well adapted to agriculture. Corn and wheat are the sta- 
]-)les. Live stt>ck is extensively raised. The native varieties of timber 
do not differ materiall}- from those of the neighboring townships, con- 
sisting chieflv ot oak, ash, beech, maple, walnut, hickory, etc. 
The township is highh' improved, the farms being small and in most 
cases ornamented bv good dwellings and barns. Clear Creek township 
formerl}^ embraced within its limits Madison township, which was in 
time struck off. leaving the township as at present constituted. The 
principal streams of this township are as follows: Salt Creek, which 
enters the township at the northwest, flows a southeaster!}' course, 
leaving the township at the south center ; Sippo Creek, which flows in 
a southerlv direction through the western sections of the township ; 
Dunkle Run, which rises in section 5, flows in an easterly direction, 
and empdes into Clear Creek. Clear Creek is a stream of some impor- 
tance, which flows through the northeastern sections of the township and 
trom which the township derives its name. There are other smaller 
streams in the township of not suflicient importance to require descrip- 
tion here. 

The flrst election in Clear Creek township was held at the house of 
Philip Shandes, April 5, 1813, at which the following oflicers were 
elected, viz.: township clerk, Joseph F. Reynolds; trustees, George 
M. Nigh, Nehemiah Coldren and Joseph Hedges; overseers of poor, 
Matthias Hedges and Nicholas Conrad ; fence-viewers, Stephen Jidien 
and Samuel Bachtle : lister, Michael Nigh ; constables, William Reyn- 
olds, William Moore, and Martin Smith ; supervisors, Harrison Moore 
and John Conrad : treasurer, John Augustus. The flrst Jusdces were 
Michael Nigh, George Dilsaver, and John Leist. Since the time of 
the flrst election there have served as township clerk the following : 
John Marks, George Valentine, William Hamilton, George S. Baker, 
and W. M. Wise, "the present incumbent. The township officers at 
the present time are as follows: Justices, Amos Levan, Daniel Pickle, 
and Alexander Kiefaber ; trustees, Allen Crites, Levi Bolender, and 
Henry W. Ciehrett : clerk, W. M. Wise ; treasurer, John Stout ; assessor, 
Cornelius Conrad : constables, Lewis Crites and George Dillsaver. 

The writer of this, while engaged in this work, has labored under 
many disad\antages, owing, in a great measure, to the utter indifler- 
ence of manv of the inhabitants, vet, as far as possible, the correct 



;^2I4 HISTORY OI'" FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

data is given. The history of Clear Creek township, as near as could 
be learned, begins perhaps with the settlement of Jacob Shiimaker, in 
1797. George Stout came to this township in 1804, and settled about 
one mile north of Stoutsville. Mr. Stout came from Bucks county, 
Pennsylvania. He was the father of seven children, all of whom are 
dead, except Jonathan, who was born in 1800, and is, at the present 
time, living in Stoutsville. George Dillsaver came to Clear Creek 
township about this time, and is credited with liaving the tirst horse- 
mill in the township, Adam Fosnaught settled in the township in 1804. 
John Leist, an early settler of Clear Creek township, was born in 1784; 
settled in Clear Creek in 1807. Mr. Liest was one of the foremost 
men of the township at this time. He was in the Legislature for a 
term of eight years, and a commissioner to adjust damages from con- 
structing canals for twenty-two 3'ears. He was at Detroit and Fort 
Meigs, served under Harrison, and voted for ten Presidents as a mem- 
ber of the old Whig party. Benjamin Stout, another old settler of the 
township, was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, came to Clear 
Creek township in 1808, and located one and one-half miles north of 
Stoutsville. He was the father of thirteen children, six of whom are 
yet living. John, David, and Simon are yet living in Clear Creek 
township. Charles Friend, a settler of 1802, is said to have built the 
iirst water-power grist-mill on Clear Creek. Peter Wolf settled in the 
township in 1808. John Moonev, an old settler of the township, came 
from Germany and located in Clear Creek about 1803. John Stepleton 
settled in Clear Creek in 1797. He married Magdalena, daughter of 
Jacob Shumaker, another settler of 1797. There were born of this 
union sixteen children, but two of whom are now living — Sophia, mar- 
ried to Anthony Haupser, and living in Allen county, Ohio, and Joseph, 
living at this time in Stoutsville. He was born in 1815, and married in 
1836 to Salome Moyer, of Perr}- county. There were born of this 
union eight children, four of whom are still living and reside in this 
township. 

Georije Baker came to this township in 18 12, in company- with his 
brother, Abraham. When the}^ came to this township they came in a 
covered wagon, and their only shelter consisted of some poles driven 
in the ground, and their only covering was the covering of the wagon, 
and some straw for beddintj was obtained of Geors^e Stout, one of the 
neighbors at this time. The present inhabitants of Clear Creek town- 
ship, surrounded by all the comforts of life, know but little of the dis- 
advantages under which the old pioneers labored. The inhabitants of 
the township did the greater part of their trading in Zanesville, Mus- 
kingum county, and when they were in need of salt, nails, etc., they 
were compelled to drive to that place, a distance of about hfty miles ; 
and in this wa}- the greater part of a week was consumed in one trip. 
George S. Baker, a son of the preceding, was born Juh^ 30, 18 19, and 
still resides on the farm settled by his father in the woods. He is one 
of the most prominent men of the township, having the good will and 
confidence of the people. He has held the ofiice ot township clerk for 
a term of thirty-ti\'e years. He also served in the Legislature for a 
term of five years. He was also a Justice of the Peace from 1851 to 
to 1854, '^'^^-^ from 1857 to 1878, making in all, as a Justice of the Peace, 



HISTOliY OF FAIKFIET.Il COUNTY. 215 

twenty-four years. Tlu' three years that Mr. Ikiker was not a Justice 
of the Peace was the time that the " Know-nothing "' party was in the 
ascendenc}', and succeeded in electing all their otlicers in this township, 
and during this interval Mr. Baker was commissioned as a notary pub- 
lic, a position which he holds at this time, having served as a notary- 
public tor a term of nine years. The writer of this feels indebted to 
Mr. Baker for many things connected with this work. Noah Valentine, 
who was born in Maryland, came to this county in 1811. He was mar- 
ried, January i. 1829, to Miss Mary Conrad, and commenced life with 
a " single dollar." He is at this time living on his tarm, two miles 
south-east of Stouts ville. Jonas Stepleton, who was born February 25, 
182,3, was the owner of the lirst wheat separator in Fairtield county, 
and in this he constructed an apparatus for hulling clover. This was 
the first machine of the kind known at that time. Among the old set- 
tlers of Clear Creek township might also be mentioned John Augustus, 
Thompson Re3molds, Henry Spangler, John Zehrung, Jonathan Dres- 
bach, Peter Wolf, and Steward Reynolds. 

This township is just six miles square, and contains nine school dis- 
tricts, each composed of a square of four sections, with a school-house 
where they corner, and each is supplied with a neat and substantial 
brick building. The cause of education receives considerable atten- 
tion in this township, the schools being well provided wath efficient 
teachers. In the early history of the township no female teachers were 
employed. 

There are in this township seven churches and eight congregations, 
viz. : United Brethren, two ; Lutheran, two ; English Lutheran, one ; 
German Reformed, one ; Evaugelical Association, one ; and Methodist 
Episcopal, one. The Lutherans built a log church near what is called 
Dutch Hollow, and it is regarded as the first. Jacob Leist was an early 
preacher (a Lutheran), and is remembered by aged men as their bo}'- 
hood's early catechiser. 

The village of Stoutsville is located to the west of the center of the 
township, on the line of the Cincinnati and Muskingum Valley Rail- 
road. It was laid out in 1854 by Benjamin Stout, one of the early 
settlers. It has two steam mills. The first, owned bv S. K. Valentine 
and J. W. Baker, has a grain elevator in connection, said to be 
one of the finest on the line of the railroad.' The second is a custom 
mill, owned by Benjamin Read. There are two dry-goods stores, 
owned by F. M. Pool and Simon Stout ; one drug store, owned by Lu- 
zerne Roberts: one general grocery store, by Eli Neft'; and two gro- 
ceries, by James Hillard and William Lathouse ; one harness shop, one 
undertaker's shop, and one sawmill. Stoutsville has a fine, large school 
building, consisting of four rooms, erected at a cost of about four thou- 
sand dollars, and the schools are under the efficient management of the 
following teachers : for the grammar department, John Grove ; tor the 
intermediate department. Miss Maggie Lowry ; and for the primary 
department. Miss Anna Pontius. Stoutsville has two churches, viz. : 
the Evangelical Association, and the church owned jointly by the Lu- 



2t6 HISTOUY ok 1<AIKFIKTJ) C'OITXTV. 

ihcran and German Reformed congregations. "^I^iie corner-stone of ilie 
last named church was hiid Octoher 31, 1855. Tlie th"st pastor of the 
German Reformed congregation was [. B. I'homjxson. He was suc- 
ceeded by J. C. Klar, D. M. xMbrightJ. W. Alspach, J. B. Gough, j. 
KHnger, and J. W. Barber, the present pastor. The original trustees 
were George Myers, on the part of the German Reformed congrega- 
tion, and Henry W. Gehrett, on the part of the Lutheran congregation. 
Mr. Gehrett resigned his place, which was filled bv George Wolt". ^Khe 
first pastor of the Lutheran congregation was the Rev. J. W. Weimer. 
The present pastor is the Rev. Hallet Fishburne. The church of the 
Evangelical Association was built in 1872, at a cost of three thousand 
two hundred dollars. The original trustees were Edw^ard Dresbach, 
Benjamin Read, Joseph Roof, x\sbury Pool, and Dr. H. L. Ferguson. 
The pastors, were as follows : S. E. Rite, wdio was succeeded b\' L. W. 
Hanky, G. W. Ellenberger, C. M. Reinhold, and W. A.. Shisler, the 
present pastor. The present trustees are Benjamin Read, Levi Bolen- 
der, G. W. Upp, John Reichelderzer and Edward Dresbach. 

Oakland is a village of small size, and w'as founded by Charles 
Sage. It is situated four miles east of Stoutsville, on the Amanda and 
Tarlton pike. Oakland has two dr3'-goods stores, owned by Bernhardt 
Kiefaber and John Lawrence ; one gi'ocery, owned by William Smith ; 
one saloon, by Noah Huffman ; one blacksmith shop, and one shoe 
shop. This village has within its limits a tine, large school-house and 
two churches — the Methodist Episcopal and United Brethren. There 
are two post-oftices in this township — Stoutsville, which receives four 
mails daily, F. M. Pool, post-master; and the ofhce at Oakland, 
known as Clear Creek post-office. The}' receive here a semi- weekly 
mail. John Lawrence is the post-master. 

There are within this towaiship two physicians, both located at 
Stoutsville, H. L. Ferguson and J. H. Axline. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 21' 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

GREENFIELD TOWNSHIP. 

The surface of this township is comparatively level. The soil is 
good, and much fruit, corn, and wheat are raised. Being contiguous 
to New Lancaster, the first settlers of the county naturally located on 
the oyer n fichh comprising this territory-. As early as in the spring of 
1798 settlements were made, and in 1799 numerous families had settled 
at the forks of the Hockhocking, in the Claypool neighborhood, then 
Yankeetown, and at the Rock mills. Of those who became promi- 
nent in early settlement ot this precinct, and before the year 1800, were, 
Isaac Meason, Captain Joseph Steward, William M'Farland, Ralph 
and Jeremiah Chm^v, Samuel Randall. Alexander Sanderson, Daniel 
Bright, Jacob Dumont. Henry Abrams, John Bailar, Adam and John 
Westenberger, a Mr. Nail, John M'Arthur, John Morgan, Jas. Brooks, 
Colonel Crooks, Drake Taylor, Isaac Rice, James Wells, and some 
others. Settlements had been made at the three above-named places 
as earh" as in the spring and tall of 1799. Captain Joseph Steward set- 
tled, in 1799, iinm^idiately south of judge John GraybilTs, on the Co- 
lumbus pike, two miles from Lancaster. His son, Levi Steward, was 
born in 1800, he being the tirst child born in the township. Ralph and 
Jeremiah Cherry, William McFarlin, and Samuel Randall, were also 
settlers of this vicinity. They entered their land on the "squatter 
claim," simph', but it was afterwards put in market and sold for tw'o 
dollars per acre. 

The Yankeetown settlement was also made in the year 1799. James 
Wells settled upon the present Hooker land in 1799. Jacob Claypool, 
the father of Isaac, bought the land in 1805. In 1799, James Brooks, 
Mr. Cook, and Drake Taylor, also squatted in this vicinity. 

The Rock-mill settlement was made about this time also. Among 
those here was Michael Rice, father of Miss Van Burton. He settled 
immediately below the Rock mill, near the present woolen lactor\-. 
This was in 1799. 

The tirst mills were established here, called the Loveland 
Mills, now Rock Mills, built by James Loveland and Hezekiah Smith, 
in 1800. The}' erected a saw mill, a grist mill, and also were the tirst 
to sell goods in the township. They purchased their stock lor trade in 
Detroit, and packed them from that point. This place was at that 
time a rendezvous tor the Indians, who came from Chillicothe every 
year, and would always go away loaded with lead. Where they ob- 
tained it has ever been a myster}-, but old residents state that they un- 
doubtedl}' found it somewhere in that locality. The trade then w^as 
good, whiskey, tobacco, muslins, etc., etc. From the Indians lur was 
taken in exchange for goods. James Reed built a saw mill soon after 
this tjme, immediately below the Loveland Mills. 

28 



■2]S HISTOKY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

Alexander Sanderson came in 1798. In 180Q, Henry Abrams came 
from Chillicolhe and settled on this land, and the well known General 
married one of Abrams' danghters. This marriage occurred in 1803, 
and was the second in the township : Thomas Dawson to Sallie Abrams 
being the hrst. In the same year Henr}' Abrams built the first hewed log 
house in the township. The first school of the towmship was taught by 
a Mr. May. The cabin school house was erected in 1802, on the ShutT 
farm. 

Greenheld was laid out in 1805. being named from its green 
helds. Colonel Crook was the tirst tax collector, and afterwards sherifli' 
of the county. The present othcers of the townsiiip are: trustees, 
Jacob Clavpool, Solomon Smith and E. M. Miller; clerk, Henry 
Holmes ; treasurer, John W. Wilson ; justices, Samuel Coffman and D. 
C. Keller; constables, B. M. Wiley and Elijah Freeman: assessors, 
A. H. Ginder and Marion Ilanna. 

Isaac Meason, father of John Meason, w'as the tirst to settle, locat- 
ing where the late Elijali Meason resided-in 1798, and Levi Stewart, now 
of Lancaster, is the oldest native born in the township. David Bright 
built the tirst still house, near where John Bright lived in an earl)- da}', 
and soon thereafter a great number sprang up. The w^olf, bear, deer, 
panther and Indians were numerous until about the year i8io,b3' which 
time they had decreased. 

One of the pioneer mothers oi the township was Mrs. Sarah Car- 
lisle. She was sister to Mrs. Margaret Ewing, mother of Thomas E., 
William and James Ewing. She came to the county in 1799. In 1802 
she married Nathaniel Wilson, of Hocking township, and then moved 
with her family where her son, B. W. Carlisle afterwards lived. In 
1807 Mr. Wilson died, and in 1813 she was married to Thomas Car- 
lisle. He came to the count}'^ in 181 1, was a Justice of the Peace many 
vears. He died in 1844. 

The tirst chvnxh of the township was built by the Lutherans, in 1813, 
although it is probable the Methodists held services prior to this time, 
in old father Meason's house, near Pleasant Summit, but the society did 
not build until the year 1840. This summit divides the waters of 
the Hocking and Walnut Creeks. Hand and Milligan w'ere the tirst 
circuit riders. The house still stands, but the society is about to move 
the location. John Williams was the tirst preaclier in the township, he 
settled in 1800. In 1816, Wallace, a Scotch Covenanter, tried to estab- 
lish a society and build a church, but he failed. In 1847 the Methodist 
societ}-, under Rev. David Swartz, founder and first local preacher, 
built a church in Havensport, but they have just lately joined themselves 
in part to the Carroll M. E. Church. The United Brethren in Christ 
built the Hopewell church, near the Rock Mill, in the beginning of the 
late war. William and Martin Coflman and William Stanberrj' were 
the founders. The society has always been small. 

The Methodists of Carroll have the largest societ}- in the town- 
ship. It was organized in 1838, under the leadership of Elijah 
Dove and Hany Messmore. The last named member was a noble man 
and soon after this died, leaving the principal work to devolve upon Mr. 
Dove, who has labored continuously since that time, when he was about 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 219 

the only male member ol the church, till now, having seen the society 
increase in numbers, to one hundred and twenty-tive. Elijah Bing and 
Jacob Adams were the first circuit preachers, and came on the circuit in 
the years 1842 and 1843. 

Among those who followed these men were Rev. James Dillruth, 
the earliest M, E. preacher in the township, James Hooper, A. B. See, 
Samuel Harvey, Richard Pitzer, Samuel Bright and Henry Dortner. 
The new church was built and dedicated in July, 1854. Rev. Connell 
preached the sermon. Rev. B. D. Storer is the present and an able 
pastor. Joseph Dove is the superintendent of the Sunday school, now 
in a flourishing condition. 

There are three villages within the limit of Greenfield ; Carroll, the 
principal town, at the junction of the Hocking Canal with the Ohio, and 
on the line of the Hocking Valley Railroad ; Havensport, one and a half 
miles northeast of Carroll ; and Dumontsville four miles north of Lan- 
caster. 

Carroll was laid out by William Tong, after the completion of the 
canal. His dwelling house was the first structure of the kind, erected 
on this ground, and a part of it is still standing, now owned by Isaac 
Graybiil. He also built the first mill. This building was a frame struc- 
ture, and is now used by Saylor & Ebright, for a ware house, but it was 
moved to its present location from the run near the depot. This town 
has always been a good grain market, and the trade in cereals has been 
an advantage to the town. Mr. Saylor is the oldest living representa- 
tion born in the town. He was with Mr. William' Breck, who opened a 
ware house as early as 1832, many years, but has carried on since 1862 
with Mr. N. S. Ebright. The firm handles about 60,000 bushels of wheat 
and corn annually. Mr. Tong was a contractor on the canal. He 
built the State dam, but before he fairly got the town laid off, he died. 
William Breck started the first store. He also opened the first ho- 
tel. This property is now the Ashbell House. After the completion of 
the canal, there was ftiuch travel by boat, and it was not uncommon for 
the landlord to make beds on the floor to accommodate his guests. 
There are at present three hotels, several stores, a good grist mill, a 
good two-story school house, a church, three physicians and a Masonic 
lodge in the town. 

This lodge, the Napthalia, was established in 1855. Dr. A. T. Al- 
dred and Mr. Henry Saylor, of Carroll, were among its charter mem- 
bers. Dr. Aldred is its present Worthy Master. 

Havensport was platted by Isaac Havens about the time of the com- 
pletion of the canal, or in 1831, and was a boat station: it was at one 
time a flourishing little town. Mr. George Zimmerman built the first 
hotel, which he kept for a long time ; there was also a warehouse and 
store kept by Judge Martin, an M. E. church, built in 1847, and gen- 
erally a physician in the town. Dr. Aldred practiced his profession in 
the village"^ some twelve years. The town has gone down and there is 
but a mere collection of a few houses. The little town of Dumontsville. 
owes its existence to Jacob Dumont, a Frenchman. 

The Greenfield Academy, at one time an important institution, was 
built bv Jacob Clavpool for school and church purposes, about the year 



220 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

1830. Dr. Williams, a ripe scholar and a well known writer and author, 
taught the school about ten years, aud many of the leading men of the 
county were chiefly educated there. 

The buildings are still standing, and are about five miles out from 
Lancaster, on the Claypool farm, but the noted educator and sell-educat- 
ed man is gone. He was not brilliant, but a thorough classical scholar, 
a fine grammarian and an unequaled lexicographer, in his day, but 
greater in nothing than his simplicit^'. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 22 1 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

HOCKING TOWNSHIP. 

Hocking lownshij) was the home of the tirst settlers in this region of 
the country, and in part onh', contains some of the fair fields, after 
which the county w'as named. The northwestern portion of this town- 
ship is somewhat undulating, but rich in soil, and produces large crops 
of all kinds of grain. The whole of the southeastern portion is made 
up of valleys and hills. The soil is sandy and shallow ; on the ridges of 
the hills tiolhing can grow except ferns, mountain laurel, pine trees 
and a few hard\' shrubs. Pasture is very poor and the timber, mainly 
chestnut, oak and pine, attains to a considerable size. The old red 
sandstone predominates, and generally leaf mould and vegetable de- 
posits are found mixed with clay and iron. 

In the extreme southeastern corner of this township, is the State 
Farm, consisting of 1210 acres of ground, or nearly two sections of land 
which meet at opposite corners. At this junction are the buildings of 
the institution. The buildings consist of the Main building, the Ohio. 
Hocking, Muskingum, Cuyahoga, Scioto, Huron, Miami, Erie, Maumee, 
and Union family buildings, shoe, brush, blacksmith, tailor, paint, car- 
penter, bake shops, carriage, meat, ware, engine, gas, ice, corn and 
green houses, water tower, hospital, mending room, knitting room, 
chamber of reflection, laundry, two horse barns, a piggery, cow barn, 
and out buildings. 

The land upon this site was formerly owned by a Mr. Reber, near 
the spring of which is where he had his dwelling-house. He had four 
large buildings where the main buildings are now, and the farm w'as 
principally used lor raising tobacco. Mr. Henry Meyers owned this 
land, and it was he who sold it to the State, receiving as compensation 
about $15. per acre. 

In 1857-58, Charles Remelin, of Cincinnati, prevailed upon the State 
Legislature to establish a Reform School for unruly boys, and at his 
suggestion the first log structures were erected, and on January 30, 
1858, the first ten boys were received into the institution from Cincin- 
nati, himself being appointed as its first superintendent. Since then, 
there have been 3,586 bo3S received, there being 538 now remaining. 
The estimated worth of these buildings in 1876 was $200,000., and the 
cost to the State for each boy was $118.00. Geo. E. Howe suc- 
ceeded Mr. Remelin, and remained in charge many years. Mr. Charles 
Douglass is the present snjjerintendent. 

Just north of the State Reform Farm is a natural curiosity wortlu' of 
the many visits made to see it — it is a large rock, in area comprising an 
acre of ground, and is situated upon the summit of the Old Stump Hill. 
This hill is near the old Lancaster and State Farm road, and just south 



22 2 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

of and adjoining Mr. U hi' s farm — is probably 150 feet in height. The 
rock upon this hill is from forty to seventy-five feet in height, and some 
years since was named " Christmas Rock." This rock at one time, 
probably at the time of the great earthquake at the crucifixion of 
Christ, was cleft from end to end^ from top to bottom, laterally and 
lengthwise, into fissures, there being at least a baker's dozen of them.- 
These fissures are in some cases but a foot or so in width, others being 
four or five feet, but in all cases rise perpendicularly from forty to 
sixty or seventy feet in height ; from end to end, some extend in length 
300 feet. Standing above these fissures one has a picturesque view 
of the valleys and hills looking towards Lancaster, this city being 
six miles off, and visible to the eve at this point. 

The pioneers of this township were the first settlers of this county. 
Of these early settlers may be mentioned Joseph Hunter, the Greens. 
Shaefers, Spurgeons,Woodrings, Reeces. Wilsons, Converse «ind others. 
Some of these were early on the ground, and were generally from some 
eastern State, coming to Pittsburgh in wagons, thence unloading their 
effects into a tlat-boat, would float down to the mouth of the Hocking 
River, and from there would take dugouts or canoes and make their way 
to the new settlement or to New^ Lancaster, .as it was then known. 
Prominent among these pioneers was the first settler, Joseph Hunter, 
a man of dauntless courage, and of sterling worth, and father of Hock- 
ing H. Hunter, one of Ohio's leading lawyers: he came with his fam- 
ily from Kentucky, and settled on Zane's Trace, about one hundred and 
fitty yards northwest of the present turnpike road crossings, which place 
became Hunter's settlement; this was in April, 1798, and at that time 
Captain Hunter was the only white man known to be in the county. 
He felled trees and erected himself a cabin and lived until in the year 
1846, when he died ; his widow, Dorothy Hunter, died several years 
thereafter. Some two weeks after the settlement of Captain Joseph 
Hunter, Isaac Shaefer and a few^ others came down the Ohio and up the 
Hocking River and stopped a few days with Captain Hunter, looking 
up a location, but not being suited, went to Sugar Grove, and soon after 
to where the old Deffenbach Mill is, and then built the original mill 
that afterwards went by that name. Mr. Shaefer came from Lancaster 
county, Pennsylvania ; there were in this company, who came with Mr. 
Shaefer, Mr. Abraham Ream and tamily from Reamstown, Pennsyl- 
vania ; after settling in this covuity, lie established what was subse- 
quently known as the Re<^/fi's Mi'll. 

/^n 1799 Isaac Shaefer married Julia A. Ream, and in 1800 there was 
/born unto them Delilah Shaefer, the first white child in the county, it 
our informant is correct. This honor has generally been given to Hock- 
ing H. Hunter, the lawyer, who first saw the light of day August ist, 
1801. There were besides Delilah, Joab. Isaac, John, Rachel, and 
Sarah Shaefer, children of this pioneer couple, who lived and died in 
this county, with but one or two exceptions. Mr. Ream's daughters 
were married to John Pannebaker, Abraham Shaefer, Isaac Shaefer, 
Joseph Stukey, Lewis Hershberger. and Henry Aneshensel, all of 
whom w^ere likewise well known in the count}' in an earl}' day. 

The Green family were pronunent as being among the first in the 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY 



223 




224 HISTORY OF FAIRF"IEI.I> COUNTY. 

township also. William Green came in 1798 also, but soon after hia 
arrival sickened and died. His was the first death, and his body was 
buried in a hickory bark coffin on the west bank of Fetter's Run, a few 
rods north of the old Zanesville road, east of Lancaster. The elder 
John Green settled just south of Vap Burton's, and on land near. He 
was married fo Mrs. Bilderback, who, witli her former husband, had 
been taken prisoners at Wheeling, Virginia, while salting their cattle, 
one Sunday morning, and carried to Chillicothe, where her husband. 
Mr. Bilderback, was scalped, and where she made her escape. Tlie 
Coateses were at the Crossings in 1799, '^"^^ Samuel Coates, Jr., as 
early as 1800, became postmaster for the new settlement, as once a week 
the mail was carried, b}- the Zane Trace, from Wheeling to Maysville. 
James Converse was the first store-keeper. He lived near where Robert 
Peters now resides. In 1801 his house was used for an assembly room, 
where the settlers had met to make provisions for a defense against a 
supposed attack the Indians were about to make, bnt the conference 
ended in a tight and a brawl among themselves. 

Near the foot of the Baker Hill is where Hunter built his mill, on 
Hunter's Run. When Green come he followed this run up until he 
came to the knob, nov.' the Beck property ; here he killed a bear and 
a deer, and afterwards located on that spot. It is claimed by some that 
Allen Green, his son, was the first white child born in the comity. 

Maurice Reece emigrated from Penns}ivf'nia in 1799 and settled 
just north of Spurgeon's Knob, at which place James Hunter taught 
school as early as 1801. Andrew Himter, son of John Hunter, em- 
igrated from Virginia with Maurice and Jesse Reece in 1800 and set- 
tled where Andrew Hunter now lives. 

The above mentioned settlers were among the ver}- hrst who came 
to the county. The township, after 1800, received many additions, and 
emigration rapidly set in, so that clearings, cabin raisings, etc., became 
the order of the day, and the settlement naturally extended its limits, 
land being taken up along the Muddy Prairie and Arnev Runs, the same 
as on that of Hunter's. 

Every early settlement, as soon as practicable, erected mills. Those 
first in use were Hunter's, Ream's, and Shellenberger's ; later still, one 
was built on Muddy Prairie, and one oil mill on Arney's Run. This 
latter mill was located where the engine-house for the State Farm is 
now, and was owned b}^ one Daniel Arne}', who, in order to obtain 
sufficient amount of water for grinding purposes, would be required to 
save it for days and weeks at times. There was a mill just below 
this oil mill, in Madison township, that complained of this matter, and 
the disagreement finally led to a law suit that ended in compelling Mr. 
Arne}- to let the water oft' at least within certain periods of time, and in 
breaking him up. 

Hamburg is the only town or village in the township. It is in the 
southern portion, on the old Chillicothe road, and was formerly, during 
the days when the only mode of travel was by stage, an important point 
on the old Zane's Trace, but it has lost the grandeur of its former pres- 
tige, and is now but a mere collection of a few^ houses, a store, a school 



HISTORY OF FAIRFtELb COUNTY. 225 

imd a church or so. It was probably laid out by William Medill, soon af- 
ter the War of 1812, and the first house built by him is now owned by 
Mr. John Hyde, and is still standing ; it was used quite awhile for a 
hotel. During- the palm}- days of Harrison's time, this General was 
said to have frequently stopped there in company with other noted per- 
sonages of his time. 

Mr. Henry Siver, the present infirmary director, started the first 
store in this place, in 185 1 . A tan yard was kept b}^ Mr. John Kniester. 
He lived in one part ot the building, and worked in the other. 

The Lutherans established a society in this town, and built a church 
as earl}- as 1850. They also built again in 1882. Soon at'ter the erec- 
tion of the Lutheran church, the Methodist society also erected a build- 
ing. The membership of the church is now very small. 

About one mile west of Hamburg, where Jacob Kerns, Jr., now lives, 
was the Cross Keys Hotel, kept tor mauA- vears by Jacob Kerns, Sr., 
who came to the county as earlv as 1812. Mr. Jacob Kerns also erect- 
ed a log school house on his place, soon alter his arrival, for the accom- 
modation of the early settlers. Just west of Jacob Kerns place, and on 
the land now owned bv H. W. Kerns, is a Methodist Church building, 
erected in 1875. This society worshiped in an early day, in a brick 
house on the old Sawyer farm, just below that point. 

On the Lancaster and Circleville turnpike, in the western part of 
the township, is the Mt. Zion Church, erected as early as 1835. The 
Brethren Church, one and a half miles southeast of Mt. Zion Church, 
was established about the same time. The Lutherans also built a 
church on Mr. Beck's propertv. This building was erected just before 
the late war. 
20 



226 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. 

Liberty lies between Violet and Walnut, in the northern tier of 
towjiships. It was so named at the request of the first settlers who 
were from Switzerland. Thev had emigrated from a land where their 
liberties had been much restricted, and the}^ desired to perpetuate the 
change to freedom, hence the name of Libert}-. The surface of the 
township is generally flat, being slightly undulating near the villages of 
Basil and Baltimore. When first settled, it was densely timbered with 
maple, beech, elm, hickor}- and other varieties of hard wood, but the 
large amounts destro^'ed in clearing the land, and used for fuel, build- 
ing and fencing, has denuded the forests to such an extent, that but lit- 
tle timber of value remains. Walnut Creek, the principal stream of 
water, passes across the southern part of the township in a rheandering 
course. Poplar Creek, its principal tributar}-, rises in the northwestern 
part of the township. Little Paw Paw Creek heads in the northeastern 
part of Walnut, and flows in a southed}- direction into the Walnut. 
The Ohio Canal crosses the southwestern part of Liberty. 

A portion of the Refugee tract of land is located in the northern 
part of the township. 

Various bands of Delaware, Wyandotte and other tribes of Indians, 
wandered about this and other townships, for several years after the 
first white settlements commenced. It was a common occurrence for 
the men and boys of both races to engage in wrestling, jumping and 
foot races. The site of the present village of Basil is said to have had 
several of the meeting places, where the whites and Indians would fre- 
quentlv engage in these amusements. 

The Indians had cleared tracts of land and planted some corn, which 
with their game enabled them to obtain quite a comfortable subsistence. 
They also made considerable quantities of maple sugar during the 
spring season. They frequently exchanged their skins and furs with 
the whites, for flour, salt, lead, powder and other commodities. 

They were particularly desirous of exchanging their peltr}- for whis- 
ky, of which they were very fond. During the war of 1812 the settlers 
were often alarmed by reports of hostile Indians coming into the town- 
ship. 

There was a fort at the house of Jiidge Burtons, in Pleasant town- 
ship, to which the women and children were taken, when an alarm was 
given. The fighting men of the settlements would rendezvous at 
tancaster, until after the scare had subsided. 

The first settlers of Liberty township were emigrants from Switzer- 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 227 

land and Pennsylvania. It cannot now be ascertained who was the ven' 
first settler of the township. 

Christisn Gundy and t-amily came from Lancaster county, Pennsyl- 
vania, in 1809. settling in the southern part of Libert}', on Walnut 
Creek. He erected a small log cabin, having a blanket for a door. 
His descendants still reside here. David Brumback came to Liberty 
about 1B03, locating in the southeastern part of the township. x\mong 
the early Swiss settlers were Nicholas Bader, Joseph Alt and Jacob 
Showlev, who settled in Libertv, prior to 1806. Thev transferred their 
household goods from Pittsburg in flat boats, down the Ohio River, to 
the mouth of the Hocking, at which place they put them into canoes 
and rowed them to the Falls of Hocking, near the present village of 
Logan, and from there conveyed them through a dense wilderness, to 
their future homes in Liberty. 

Francis Bibler came from Virginia in 1805. He located in the 
southwestern part of the township. He erected a cabin, which stood 
near the residence of John Chapman, of Basil. For several weeks 
after first settling here, the family subsisted entirely on wild game, not 
having any bread in the house. The nearest flouring mill was at Chilli- 
cothe, to which place the settlers would go for their flour and meal. 
Rev. Henry Leonard, who was born in 181 2, and still resides in the 
township, furnishes the following list of families, who resided in Liberty 
township prior to the war of 1811, viz.: the Eversoles, Cooks, 
Campbells, Zirkles, Hiesers, Alts, Heistands, Apt, Finkbone, Kem- 
erer, Paft', Bolenbaughs, Rouch, Newell, Blauser, Browns, Shriners, 
Knepper, Moreheads, dingers, Wrights, Tusing, Growilers, Mc- 
Calla, Switzer, Amspach, Heyle, Farmers, Leonards, Sann, Rouch, 
Zirkles, Sagers, Robert Wilson, Nicholas Bader, Christian Gundy and 
several other families. Many of the descendants of these first settlers 
are still residing here. The first cabins of the pioneers have long since 
disappeared, and have been superseded by substantial brick and frame 
structures. 

Prior to the construction of the Ohio Canal, prices for all 
kinds of produce were very low. At one time Mr, Bibler, of Liberty, 
went to Lancaster to sell some wheat. One of the merchants said to 
him, '*! cannot use the wheat now for any purpose, but if 3'ou wish to 
bring it and empt}- it in the street, I will give you twelve and one-half 
cents a bushel for it." x\nother of the old settlers drove a lot of hogs 
to Zanesville, with the expectation of receiving $1.50 per hundred for 
them. Mr. Buckingham, one of the earh'^ merchants of the cit}-, re- 
fused to give him that price for his porkers, which so displeased the old 
settler, that he refused to sell them at all, and left them in the streets of 
the town, to take care of themselves. In a few weeks they all returned 
to the old place. 

Ginseng grew in large quantities in the vyoods, and the settlers de- 
pended upon the sale of this root to pay their taxes, as it brought a fair' 
price. 

Jacob Showley built the first gristmill in Liberty. It was in opera- 
tion by horse power. 

One of the first roads in the township was the Black Lick. The 



228 HISTORY OP^ FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

Refugee road, in the northern part of the township, was another of the 
first roads laid out. 

The Baptists were probably the religious pioneers of Liberty. The 
members held their meetings in private houses, until the erection of a 
church at I3altimore, in 1832. Rev. Martin Kauffman was one of the 
first ministers of this denomination to preach in the township. Rev. 
]ohn Hite and Lewis Madden were early Baptist ministers. 

The Mt. Zion Reformed church is situated about two miles north- 
west of Basil. The societv was organized in 1844. Among the early 
influential, working members of the society were Samuel Wilkins, 
Peter Weaver and Enoch Beighler. From a membership of ten or 
twelve in 1844. the church has increased to about one hvmdred and 
forty-five, in 18S2. The same pastors that have had ministerial charge 
of the Basil Church, have ofliciated for this society. 

A Sunday school has existed in connection with this church, since 
about the time of its organization. The present superintendent is David 
W. Wilkins. Two of the earlv ministers of the Reformed Church, 
were the Rev. George Weise of Lancaster and Rev. Henry K. Zerbe. 

Rev. Frederick Shower, a minister of the Evangelical or Albi'ight 
Church, frequently preached in this township, fn 1830 a small church 
was erected on Pt)plar Creek. 

There are two villages in this township — Baltimore and Basil. 
Baltimore, the older and larger village, is situated in the southeast 
part of the township. It was laid out in 1824, b}'^ Mr. Henry Hilde- 
brand. He first named it New Market, in honor of his native village, 
New Market, Virginia. Subsequently it was changed to Baltimore. 

It has at this date (July, 1882) a population of about six hundred, 
and is graduallv increasing. For several years after the completion of 
the Ohio Canal, Baltimore was a place of considerable importance. 
Large quantities of wheat, corn and other produce were purchased by 
the business men of the village, and shipped via the canal to eastern 
markets. Wing and Atwood built the first grain warehouse. 

Amos Sweazy built another warehouse a short time afterwards. 
Wing, RuflTner & Coulson in 1835 built the first grist mill in the village. 

These warehouses and mills were located on the banks of the canal, 
and for many years the owners transacted a very flourishing business, 
but when the railroads became general, the business of the place sought 
localities favored by the railroad and the town was at a stand still for 
several years. The building of the Ohio Central Railroad and its loca- 
tion through the village has given an impetus to business, and it is 
slowly but surely increasing. At this time the \illage contains one ho- 
tel, two dry goods stores, two groceries, one general merchandise 
store, two warehouses, two flour mills, one planing mill, one under- 
. taking establishment, one drug store, one harness shop, etc. 

At an early dale in its history, the village sustained a flourishing 
newspaper, called the Baltimore Times. It originated about 1832 and 
existed for some three or four years. A. L). Rawliiigs was the publish- 
er. Among the early physicians were Drs. S. S. Gohegan, William 
Quinn and Ilelmick." Miss Julietta Lampson and Lockwood McMul- 



HISTORY OP' FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 229 

len were of the first school teachers in the village. A serious accident 
occurred in 1835, ^^'liich resulted in the death of three individuals. 
Services were being held in the Baptist church, a brick structure, when 
the gable end of the church, next to which the pulpit was located, sud- 
denly fell in, killing the three referred to and wounding several others. 
The minister officiating made a narrow escape from death. 

In 1861 a tire occurred which destroyed the hotel and drug store, 
and three barns. 

The Methodist ICpiscopal Church of Baltimore was organized about 
1829. Among the first members of this class were Lyman Terrell, 
Amos T. Swaz^^ William Taylor and wives, the Reeses and others. 
Revs. Zachariah Connell, Levi White and Samuel Hamilton were of 
the first Methodist ministers, who officiated for this society. A short 
time after the organization, a small brick building was built bv the 
members, in which they held their meetings until about 1838, when the 
present frame clnu"ch was constructed. The church is in a flourishing 
condition at this time and sustains a Sunday-school, which enjo^'s a 
good degree of prosperity. There is a cemeterv in connection with 
this church which was laid out about the time the church was organized. 

The Baltimore Baptist Church was organized about 1832, at which 
date a neat substantial brick church was built. John Abram, Jacob 
Bibler, Joseph Bibler, Joseph Stouder and their wives were among the 
earlv members. For several years prior to the organization of the 
Baltimore church, the members held their meetings at various houses 
in the township. These meetings were frequently addressed by Elders 
John Hite, Martin Kauftman, Louis Madden and others. Rev. Louis 
Madden was the first pastor of this church and remained such many 
years. There has been no regular pastor for some 3^ears, and the 
membership is small at this date, 1882. Thei'e was a society of Pres- 
byterians in the village several years since. A brick edifice was erect- 
ed, which was subsequently sold to the village for a school house. The 
church never attained to much prosperity. 

There is a flourishing union school in the town. Professor J. J. 
Wagner with three assistants constituted the corps of teachers, em- 
ployed during the last term. The school building, which is construct- 
ed of brick was built about 1857. 

Baltimore Lodge, No. 202, L O. O. F., was instituted June nth 
1852. The charter members were: Casper Fiddler, A. L. Simmons, 
H. L. Nicely, William Potter, J. Bartholomew, William J. Smart, J. 
Schlosser, James Pugh, Job McNamee, Thomas M. Watson, Jacob 
'Ketner, John H. Weakly, Frederick Grafl\ William Paul and Elijah 
Warner. Whole number of members in July 1882. ninetv-two. 

Liberty Encampment, No. 169, L O. O. F., of Baltimore, was 
organized July 14th 1873. '^^^^^ charter members were: Jonas Mes- 
serly, J. J. Ha^sberger, A. L. Gearhart, Daniel Langle, V. H. Gin- 
der, J. W. Whitelev. Samuel Rader, Daniel Olinger, W. P. Litdejohn, 
Josephus Norris, F. G. Littlejohn, W. H. Oliver, John Javoi, T. L 
Arnold, Peter Roshon, J. W. Chapman, R. S. Broch, S. S. Weist, 
Frederick Born, William Cook. The lodge does not hold any regu- 
lar meetings at this date. 

Baltimore Lodue of Free ami Accepted Masons was instituted Oc- 



230 HISTORY OF F- AIRFIELD COUNTY. 

tober 22, 1873. Harrison Applegate,- William O. Myers, W. W. 
Liicke}', J. H. Schaertzer, D. H. Sands, J. R. Brandt, William Cook, 
John Sanns, Samuel Fenstermacher, E. K. Grube, G. W. Watson, 
Thomas Smurr, James W. Buchanan, Daniel Albright, Lewis Shearer, 
were the charter members. There are now about sixty-tive members 
at this date, July, 1882. The lodge erected a brick building in 1873, 
in which they hold their sessions. 

The I. O. O. F. Lodge also erected a neat and commodious brick 
hall in 1879 '^^ ^ ^^^' ^^ sixteen hundred dollars. 

The Ohio Central Railroad passes through the village. A neat 
frame passenger depot was erected by the company for the accommo- 
dation of the many persons, who take the trains at this point. Large 
quantities of wheat and other cereals are purchased at this place and 
shipped to eastern markets by way of this railroad. 

The Ohio Canal transacts but a small amount ot business since the 
advent of the railroad. Not more than one or two boats a week pass 
through Baltimore during the season. At one time, during the palm- 
iest days of the canal, several hundred boats, passing each way, would 
go through the town during the summer and fall. Immense quantities 
of produce were shipped by canal boats to northern and eastern points. 

Basil is situated three-fourths of a mile west of Baltimore. It is a 
a neat and flourishing village of some three hundred inhabitants. It 
was laid out in 1825, by Jacob Goss. Jonathan Flattery surveyed the 
lots when the village was laid out. Henry D. Bolle was the first mer- 
chant in Basil. He kept his store in a log cabin. His first stock of 
goods was stored on a shelf twelve feet long and one foot wide. Sub- 
sequently he put up shelving and a rough counter. After selling goods 
for two years, he sold his stock to a Mr. Leonard, who, commencing 
with a capital of one hundred and fifty dollars, in a few years, built up 
quite an extensive trade. 

Henry Yanna erected the first hotel. He carried on, also, a butcher 
shop and sold large quantities of meat to the contractors on the canal. 
He had for his sign, an ox painted on a board, which served the double 
purpose of a sign for his tavern and butcher shop. Peter Daring kept 
the second tavern in the village. At that date hotel business was prof- 
itable and these two hotels did a good business. The construction of 
the canal caused an influx of- strangers, such as has never been 
equaled since. 

There are in the village two drug stores, two dry goods stores, one 
general merchandise store, two carriage shops, two hotels, one butcher 
shop, one tin shop, one hardware store, one ibundry, one flouring mill, 
four physicians, etc. A school-house was built in 1881. Professor 
Frank Schisler, with two assistants, have charge of the schools. 

The village is on the line of both the Ohio Canal and the Ohio 
Central Railroad. The citizens have erected a neat brick passenger 
depot, the first depot, a frame structure erected by the railroad company, 
having burned a short time after its completion. The company refus- 
ing to build another depot, the citizens succeeded in securing means 
for the building of a more substantial structure than the first one.. 



HISTORY OV FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 23 1 

The village has the benefit of two mails a day via the Ohio Central 
Railway. John W. Chapman is the postmaster. 

With one or two exceptions, the first inhabitants of Basil are dead. 
Even all the original log and frame structures have disappeared. No 
traces of the first citizens remaiw. Many of the early inhabitants of 
Basil and Baltimore, and surrounding country, are laid away, awaiting 
the final summons, in the beautiful cemeter}^ that lies between the two 
villages. 

Basil Lodge, No. in, Knights of P^'thias, was instituted October 
23, 1877. ^^'^^ charter members were Samuel R. McCleary, T. J. 
Arnold, G. H. Godden, R. R. Carter, Adam Roley, Emanuel Kinsch, 
Lvman Norris, John Shoub, B. F. Harner, Noah Snider, Frank Cook, 
Isaac Grube, Benjamin Emch, Julius Shetzley, William Greer, David 
Kumler, W. H. Poff, William D. Caslow, and B. F. Roley. The 
order erected a hall in 1879. Present membership, about sixty. 

There is but one church in Basil — the Trinity Reformed. It was 
organized in 1844. The first male members of Trinity Church were 
Henry Leonard, Joseph Alt, Jacob Giesy, Peter Roshon, John Urben, 
John Doomy, Joseph Carminy, Peter Caley, Nicholas G. Messerley, 
John Leonard, George W. Tussing, Heniy Switzer, and John Goss. 
The first pastor of Trinity Church was Rev. Henry K. Zerbe, who 
served the congregation from the time of its organization until July or 
August of the following 3'ear, when he died. The Rev. Jesse Schlosser 
was the second pastor, who continued in that relation until about 1853. 
He was succeeded by Rev. John Pence, who served the charge about 
one year and six months, when he resigned his pastorate. After his 
resignation the charge was without a regular pastor for eighteen months. 
During this time the congregations of Trinity and Mt. Zion Reformed 
churches were occasionally supplied with preaching by ministers of the 
Reformed and other branches of the church of Christ. The Rev. John 
Ruhl was the next pastor, and his pastorate continued about four 3^ears. 
The Rev. John Vogt, D.D., commenced his services as pastor about 
i860, and served as such until January, 1863, when he was succeeded 
by Rev. Adam C. Kendig, who served the class about one year, when 
death severed the relation as pastor and people. The present pastor. 
Rev. G. H. Leonard, assumed the pastorate of Trinity Church January 
15, 1865. He has continued to serve the congregation regularly since 
that date. At the beginning of the present pastorate the number of 
members in the Trinity congregation was about eighty-five, and the 
present membership is nearly three hundred. Trinity Church was 
completed in 1847. There is a properous Sunday-school in connection 
with this church, having George W. Kumler as superintendent. 



2^2 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 

MADISON TOWNSHIl'. 

Madison township was established in 1812. The tirst tamilies in the 
township were the Shaeffers. Isaac Shaefler. x\bram Shaefter, Mar- 
tin Landis, Sr., and Abram Ream, came trom Lancaster county. 
Penns3'lvania, in the spring of 1798, coming trom Pittsburg in fiat- 
boats, ascending the Hocking River in dug-outs, and landing at 
"■Hunters Crosshigs'' a week or so after Hocking H. Hunter's father 
and family arrived. They came merely to sp}' out the country, and 
soon returned home, but came again, probably, in the fall of that same 
year, Isaac Shaeffer settled near the Defenbaugh mill, which he built 
in 1804. x\ndrew Shaetier settled where Mr. Koehler lives now ; Mar- 
tin Landis where his son, Martin Landis. now lives. The arrival of 
these men, being the first of the township and county, it is needless to 
add that all was a wilderness. Their little round cabins were of the 
simplest, rudest make, and such only as one or two men could, of 
themselves, in a few days erect. 

Isaac Shaefi:er married Julia Ream, and Andrew Shaefter, his 
brother, married Barbara Ream, her sister, both daughters of Abram 
Ream, the pioneer and builder of the old Ream mill. Martin Landis 
married Barbara Shellenberger, and had brought his tamil}- , consisting 
of wife, his child, David, and his mother-in-law, Mrs. Shellenberger, 
with him. These men all entered large tracts of land and industriously 
improved the country, building mills, school-houses, shops, etc. A Mr. 
Pickle was the first blacksmith in the township. The shop was built 
on Mr. Landis's farm. Soon after this shop was built a Mr. James 
Whitecotton, from North Carolina, built a blacksmith shop near Clear- 
port, just opposite where Mr. Van Wey now lives. 

The first school-house in the township was built on Mr. Landis's 
farm, also near his present house. This building burned down, and 
another was built on the same ground. Mr. Cole, an old gentleman, 
was the first teacher in the township. Mr. Andrew Shaefter, Valentine 
and William Wolf, built a school-house, soon after this, on the Shaefter 
farm, in which a Mr. Phillips taught a long time. This house was used 
also for an election house. The Landis school-house was used by the 
Mennonites for a church, where a Rev. Mr. Welde, the first minister of 
the township, often preached. The first mills were built by Messrs. 
Landis, Friend, and Shaefter, about the same time. The Friend mill 
was the uppermost one, and built in the edge of the township. The 
Landis mill was on his place ; the wheel was a flutter. The most im- 
portant, and propably the first, was the Shaefter, afterwards known as 
the Defenbaugh mill. This was built in 1804, and in 1807 was sold to 
Adam Defenbaugh, who kept it until 1827. It was afterwards owned 



HISTORY OF P'AIRFIELD COLfNTY. 233 

by Augustus 'Boden, John Crooks, and Daniel Stoneburner, brother-in- 
laws ; Dr. George Boestler, of Lancaster, and his brother, Daniel ; 
Joseph Dum, of Amanda ; Daniel Detenbaugh, Samnel' Campbell, 
and Isaac Marshall. Mr. Marshall tore it down in 1873, and started 
the store now at that place. The Peter Hays mill was where the widow 
Boulsb}^ now lives. It was sold about 1830 to James Goben and Jesse 
Bright. Samuel and Ephraim Loman had it a tew years. Mr. Slife 
and Waldon had it afterwards. Just below this, at Written Rock, was 
the old Ring and Rice mill. That also did a good business. Augustus 
Boden had a distillery also at the Defenbaugh mill, and just above this 
point is the Terry mill, built by Frederick Welscheimer, who was killed 
in Amanda afterwards by being thrown from a horse, in front of Mous- 
er's tavern. His widow ran it some years after his death, and it was 
then sold to Amos Rice, who had it in 1838. Young, John Lyon, and 
James Terry afterwards owned it. Sebastian Carpenter built a grist- 
mill on Muddy Prairie, and it was afterwards owned by Christian King, 
John Ly singer, Eliot Griffith, Isaac Wolf, and is now owned by the 
Guysie heirs. 

The upper mill on Muddy Prairie was built by Isaac Shaeffer, the 
saw-mill as early as 1815, and the grist-mill as late as 1830. It was 
owned at'terwards by Joab, his son, and now by S. V. Wolf and a Mr. 
Shaefter. William Guy also had a mill on Clear Creek, near Mr. 
Landis, also a distillery, in an early day, but both went down in a few 
years. Ezra Wolf built one at the head of Kuntz's Run. John George 
Mack, who came trom Pennsylvania in 181 2, built a mill on Oil Run in 
1836. He died in 1853. Samuel Watson also had a mill below the 
Terry mill. This was swept away by a freshet, and was never rebuilt. 

The powder-mill was built by Sebastian Carpenter in a very early 
day on the race near Dr. Rutters, and where the road makes a turn 
towards Clearport. A Mr. Jacob Bixler also had a powder-mill where 
John Abbott's house is now. 

Emanual Carpenter, the father of Sebastian, coming to Clearport as 
earl}^ as 1800, bought a large tract of land, part of which is now owned 
by John Abbott. His son, Sebastian, carried on the powder-mill for 
many years, and manufactured a good quality of rifle powder. He 
made his charcoal of sumach wood ; his saltpeter was obtained in quan- 
tities under the rocks in the hills, but the sulphur from the east. A 
large mortar was tilled with these ingredients and mixed b}- pestals run 
with water-power. The powder was grained b}^ taking a quantit}^ on a 
board and combed down with an ordinary brush. A little water would 
be sprinkled on the mass occasionally to prevent the friction from ignit- 
ing it. It was dried in ovens under which hot air was made to pass. 

Still-houses were numerous in this township. As the early settlers 
could not flatboat their produce to market down Clear Creek, they had 
to make their corn into "lake water" and drink it. For the manufac- 
turing of this article almost every section or so of land had a still-house. 
The first one in this region was an old-fashioned copper still, brought 
out by Samuel Shaeffer (brother to Isaac and Andrew), who came in 
1802, and settled where Jacob G. Shaefter now lives. He would man- 
ufacture about eighteen gallons of whisk}^ a week. Silas Philips had 

80 



234 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

one on property now owned by John Marshall, Sr., opposite Van 
Wey's ; Frederick Welscheimer, one on the farm now owned by Wil- 
liam Johnson ; and Johnny Dindora, the famous one on the road from 
Hamburg to Hopewell. One was operated by James Watson, oppo- 
site 'Squire Abbott's house ; one by William Guy, on George Reigle's 
place ; one by Andrew Pearce, on John Landis's property, and another 
hard by. 

There were also shops, carding machines, spinning-bowl factories, 
sickle factories, etc. A Mr. Akers, Hrst a blacksmith, manufactured 
sickles afterwards. He had his shop at the Defenbaugh mill as early 
as the year 1824. His grindstone was turned by water-power. On 
Kuntz's Run, a stream that empties into Clear Creek at this mill, a 
little above the wolf den, where the water poured over a rock, a Mr. 
Graham had a spinning-bowl shop. The lathe was turned by water, 
and the stream was strong enough to whiz it constantly. He would, 
however, turn out but a wagon load at a time, then peddle. This hol- 
low was, from this circumstance, called " Spinning-bowl Hollow." At 
its confluence with Clear Creek, Augustus Boden had a still-house. 
There was also a woolen factory in the neighborhood. 

Among those who were first in Madison township after the Shaeffers 
arrived were Emanuel Carpenter and family, Valentine and William 
Wolf and families, the Martins, Hedges, Macks, Abbotts, Van Weys, 
Tooles, and many others. These early settlers would go to Orin Ab- 
bott lor goods and groceries at the Defenbaugh mill, where he kept the 
first store in the township, and many of them would attend church in 
the old school-house, on Martin Landis's place, where the Mennonites 
held tbrth. A regular place for worship was not built until in the year 
1826, when the St. John's (Lutheran) church was erected on the Sweyer 
farm. Rev. Steck being the first pastor, then John Wagenhall, who 
served fourteen 3'ears. Its membership at one time increased to two 
hundred. The building was torn down in the fall of 1877 and a new 
edifice was erected in Hocking township in that year. Rev. W. H. 
Brown was the first pastor here. The officers are George Kerns, Jacob 
Simon, elders ; H. W. Kerns and John Oberdorfer, deacons ; Ezra 
Valentine, Isaac Kerns, Frank Kerns, trustees ; J. Doner, secretary 
and treasurer. Rev. J. Beck is pastor. 

The second church was built by the Methodists in the year 1834, ^"^ 
called Hopewell. Many of the old settlers will remember the debat- 
ing society and religious service carried on in the school house at this 
point long before the church was built. The second building, the one 
now standing, was erected in 1844. John DeLong, John Carpenter 
and others were the principal men. Revs. Bruce and Hand were the 
first preachers ; Rev. Dickson is pastor now. 

The third church was the German Reformed, built in 1842, called 
Mt. Carmel. Rev. Henry Dilliard was the first pastor. 

The fovu-th church was Mt. Zion, built by the United Brethren, in 
the south-west portion of the township ; Rev. Little was the first pastor. 
Moses Shaefter built the church. 

The fifth church was built by the Lutherans in the north-east por- 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 235 

tion of the township, on hinds donated by Frederick A. Martin, and 
was built in 1852. 

Pine Grove church was built in 1858, by the United Brethren. 
It stands in Rich Hollow. 

Clearport is a ^ood business point in the edge of the hills and on 
Clear Creek within easy distance of one of the most fertile valleys in 
the State. It was established in 1853. Orin Abbott was in charge of 
the store and with Isaac Shaefter and others succeeded in getting a 
mail. Mr. Abbott had the first store, and afterwards his sons, John 
and Lafa3^ette Abbott, now Lafa3^ette Abbott alone. The store is one 
well tilled with a general assortment of goods, that would do credit to 
any place. Drs. Rutter and Huftner attend the sick. Dr. Porter was 
formerly a physician of this place. 



236 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 

PLEASx\NT TOWNSHIP. 

Pleasant township was so called, because of the extent of the fertile 
land found within its borders. The surface of the township is generally 
even or slight!}- rolling, and the land is all tillable. Pleasant Run, the 
principal stream, rises in tlie western part of the township and flows 
east and south, passing int(j Berne township. Ewing's Run heads 
near the center of this townsliip, and tiows southwardly into Berne. 
These streams have small tributaries, which furnish considerable water 
power. 

Notwithstanding the large amount of timber that has been con- 
sumed, and used for various purposes, this township is still well tim- 
bered with sugar, walnut, oak, hickory, elm and other varieties of hard 
wood. 

At its first settlement, squads of Delaware and W3'andotte Indians 
frequently camped in various parts of Pleasant township, remaining for 
several weeks at a time. While they were camped here, they were 
principally engaged in hunting the wild game, which was found in 
great abundance. They lived peaceably with the settlers, and fre- 
quently visited the log cabins of the whites, for the purpose of exchang- 
ing venison and other game for corn meal, bread, etc. An incident 
occurred at an early date in the history of this township, which came 
near severing the friendship existing between the aboriginals and white 
settlers. David Ewing, in company with several other settlers, were 
engaged in a hunting expedition. The}- noticed in the bushes w^hat 
they supposed to be a bear. Mr. Ewing fired at the object, which 
proved to be an Indian squaw. Being severely wounded by the shot, 
the squaw cried piteously, w-hen the hunters discovered their mistake, 
and dreading the vengeance of the Indians, in case they were appre- 
hended, they fled with all possible haste to their homes. The Indians 
were soon on the track of the hunters, and followed them to a Mr. 
Arnold's cabin, which they entered. Mrs. Arnold was seated with a 
3'oung child in her arms. As soon as the Indians reached the cabin, 
one of their number raised his rifle to shoot Mrs. Arnold, but another 
of the band rushed forward and pushed the gun aside, just in time to 
save her life. She pleaded earnestl}^ tor her life, protesting that her 
husband had not been out hunting that day. In a short time Mr. 
Arnold with some of his neighbors came, who finally succeeded in sat- 
isfying the savages that Mr. Arnold was innocent, when they departed 
from his cabin. 

Pleasant township was settled at an earl\- date. As early as 1798, 
settlements were found in the township. It cannot be ascertained who 
was the first settler. William Green was one of the verv first to settle 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 237 

in the township. He died in 1799, a few weeks after his removal to 
Fairtield county, and was buried in a coffin made from the bark of a 
hickory tree, as no other kind could be procured. The lirst settlers of 
Pleasant township came from Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. 
Several German families settled in the township at an early date. 

Among the first settlers who came to Pleasant township prior to 1808 
were James Qiiinn, William Neeley, John Good, George Hill, Jacob 
Hite, David and Joseph Barr, Thomas Armstrong, Adam Albright, 
Samuel Hammell, Jacob Berry, Ludwick Brown, Jacob Bibler, John 
and Luke I^lack, Alexander Frazer, Jacob Mussulman, William Far- 
mer, David and Adam Geiger, Samuel Mills, Robert Torrence, 
Thomas Ross, Adam McCime, Peter Macklin, John and Jacob Miller, 
John McNaughten, William Martin, Sanmel Durbin, William Mc- 
Daniel, Jacob Lamb, John and Matthew Ewing, Christian Hoover, 
James Ilendryx, Christian Cagy, Benjamin Cornell, Benjamin and 
John Feeman, Robert Clove, John Fink, A. Graham, Henry Linch, 
Robert Matear, Asa Murphy, William York, Thomas Watson, Gas- 
per and Jacob Walters, Solomon Lee, William Beard, Samuel Kratzer, 
Philip Kemerer, Francis Twig, John Shepler, Robert Sturgeon, Peter 
Roof, Jesse Smith, John Shisler, Frederick Siple and John Ham.pson. 

The Ewings were of the very first to settle in Pleasant township. 
David, Thomas and Matthew Ewing located lands near the stream 
now known as Ewing's Run, in 1800. They were a orominent family 
in the early histor}^ of this township. David Ewing was Captain and 
Thomas Ewing First Lieutenant of a company of riflemen in the War of 
1812. Some of their descendants are still residing in the township. 

Benjamin and John Feeman came in 1801, and settled in the Ewing 
neighborhood. James Duncan, Peter Lamb, George and Nicholas 
^adibaugh, John and George Smethers and John Burton, settled in 
Pleasant, about the same time as the Feemans, and all settled in 
the same neighborhood. Peter Sites came from Virginia in 1809, and 
settled on section 29. He lived long enough to enjo}^ the fruits of his 
arduous labors. He died at the advanced age of eighty-five years. 
George Arnold emigrated from Pennsylvania in 1801. He located 
land in the western part of the township, along Fetter's Run. He 
built the first grist mill ni Pleasant township. This mill was a log 
building, situated on Fetter's Run. It was a great benefit to the set- 
tlers, for prior to the building of this mill, they had to go to Zanesville 
and Chillicothe for their meal and flour. 

Abraham Bope came from Virginia in 1803. He settled in the 
north-eastern part of the township. His neighbors were Jacob Weaver, 
Henry Ketner, Casper Walters, John Feeman and others. The coun- 
try was still almost a wilderness, and the settlers endured man}' priva- 
tions. A short time after Mr. Bope settled in the township, he was 
returning one night from a neighbor's when he found himself pursued 
by wolves. He fired his rifle among them, but failed to frighten them 
away. After vainly endeavoring to scare them, he ascended a tree, 
and remained in its branches all night. When daylight appeared, the 
wolves fled and he was released from his unpleasant situation. He was 
a noted hunter and many wild animals of the forest succumbed to his 
trusty rifle. 



238 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

Of later settlers was Jacob Moyer, who came from York county, 
Pennsylvania, in 1815. He first settled in Rush Creek township. He 
resided some j^ears in Rush Creek when he removed to Pleasant town- 
ship, where he has Qver since resided. Balser Rutter emigrated from 
Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1815. Daniel Keller came from 
Pennsylvania, in 1808, settling near the center of the township. 

The first road in Pleasant township was the one leading from 
Wheeling to Mavsville, known as Zane's Trace. It crossed the 
southern part of the township. About 1838 it was changed to a turn- 
pike, and is now known as the Zanesville and Maysville turnpike. A 
few years subsequent to the completion of Zane's Trace, the old 
Newark and Lancaster road was laid out, which was subsequently 
changed to a turnpike. 

The Ohio Central Railroad runs across the northeast corner of this 
township. The first grist mill in the township was erected by John 
Hampson, about 1808. It was situated near the present vilfage of 
Pleasantville, and was operated by horse power. Its capacity was but 
a few bushels a day, but was considered a great institution by the early 
settlers of Pleasant township. 

Another of the first grist mills, was erected by a Mr. Arnold. It 
was situated on Arnold's Run, near where the County Infirmary stands. 
It was a raccoon burr mill, having a capacity of ten or twelve bushels 
per day. It was operated by water power, and when the stream dried 
up, the settlers had to go to Chillicothe or Zanesville to have their grist 
ground. Thomas Ewing built the first distillery in the township, about 
1808. The first saw mill was built by Mr. Arnold. He operated it in 
connection with his grist mill. Both the grist and the saw mills have 
long since disappeared. 

The Eagle wagon manufactory is situated about four miles east of 
Lancaster, on the Zanesville and Maysville Pike, and was built in 
1854 and '5, by George Nichols, who has ever since that time been the 
proprietor of the same. An immense number of wagons and vehicles 
have been manufactured at these works, both for the citizens of Fair- 
field and other counties. Since the, introduction of imported wagons 
and buggies into the county, the business of the establishment has ma- 
terially decreased. One of the first school houses erected in Pleasant 
township, was in the southwestern part of the township, on the farm 
now owned by Mr. Radibaugh. It was a small, unhewed, log structure. 
Among the first school teachers in this township, were Roswell Mills 
and Isaac Sinniff, who taught in a small log school house, situated in 
the eastern part of the township. A Mr. Newman was also anoth- 
er of the early teachers. Pierce Kennedy was one of the first teachers 
in the southern part of Pleasant. He taught in a school house which 
stood near the old Seceder, now United Presbyterian, church. The 
humble log buildings, in which were educated many of the fathers and 
mothers of old Fairfield, have been replaced by more substantial and 
commodious brick and frame structures. 

The religious interests of Pleasant township have been well provid- 
ed for. The Pleasant Run Baptist Church, was probably the first regu- 



HISTORY OF P^AIRFIP^LD COUNTY. 239 

]ar church organization in this tow>Tship, having been organized as early 
as 1806, by Rev. Lewis Sites, Sr., who was also the first pastor of this 
society, continuing in that relation for several years. A short time af- 
ter its organization, a log structure was erected in which the society held 
its meetings for many years. Some years since a neat frame edifice 
was built, in which the congregation now worship. This church was a 
prosperous one from its commencement. The first members, as appear 
from the records of 1809, still preserved, were William Hopwood, 
Abraham Hite, Magdalen Rufther, Elizabeth Warner, Adam Geiger, 
Conrod Hite, Aaron Powell, Sister Powell, Martin Coftman, Ann Coff- 
man, Magdalen Wise, Ann Miller, Elizabeth Histand. Frank Bibler, 
Mary Bibler, Andrew Hite, Ann, Samuel, John and Ann Hite, Chris- 
tian Hover, Susan Musselman, Barbary Hite, Samuel and Elizabeth 
Comer, Sister Hannah, Sister Bibler, Christian and Mary Cagy, John 
Hite, Sister Cussman, Jacob Bibler, Jacob Bibler, Jr., Katy Bibler, 
David, John and Barbar}- Bibler, Lewis and Ann Sites, Christiana 
Woolf, Emanuel Ruflher, Ann Spitler, Jacob Spitler, Timothy and 
Phebe Collins, Barbary Beaver, Magdalen Taylor, Joseph Stider, John 
Moorhead, Christian Coftman, Mary Coftman, Smith Goodens, Aaron 
Ashbrook, Eli and Katy Ashbrook, Neeley Bibler, Magdalene Spitler, 
Magdalena Hite, George White, Jacob and Susan Spitler, Jacob Pvlus- 
selman, Peter Spitler, John Hite, Betsy Bibler, Mady Hopwood, Abra- 
ham Hite, John Bibler, Abraham Bibler, Sister Keller, Cissa Miller, 
Joseph Hite, James Davis, Thomas Warner, Susanna Spitler, Martin 
Histand, Sissy Studer, Jacob Studer, Sister Brumlang, Mary, Jacob and 
Barbary Bibler. The Pleasant Run Baptist Church was in 1809 one 
of the most prosperous, both numerically and financially, of any of the 
country Baptist Churches in Ohio. It is situated in the northeast part 
of Pleasant township, the society having continued its place of worship 
in the same locality of its first organization, down to the present time. 
Not one of the many members living in 1809 are alive at this date, 
1882. Rev. D. G. Barker, who ofticiated as pastor of this church for 
several years past, died in January, 1882, and the society is without a 
pastor at this date, 1882. About one hundred members are in full con- 
nection at this time. 

The Pleasant United Presbyterian Church was organized as 
early as 1807 or '8, by Rev. Abraham Craig, of Kentucky. The 
church is located in the southwest corner of Pleasant township. For 
several years after its organization, the meetings were held in a tent 
during the warm season, and it is now often referred to as the "tent 
church," from this fact. David Martin, Charles McClung, David 
Williams and Robert Brown and wives were of the the first members. 
Rev. Abraham Craig, who organized the church, was the first pastor 
and remained such for man}^ years. His successors, as far as known, 
were Rev. Benjamin Waddle and Rev. E. Collinhead, who was pastor 
twent3^-one years. Rev. Buchanan and Rev. R. Boyd, who is 
the present pastor. The society first organized as a Seceder 
church, but several years since, when the Seceder and other branches of 
the Presbyterian Church were merged into the United Presbyterian 
Church, the congregation accepted the union, and went over as a body 
to the United Presbyterians. Some twenty years ago a frame church 



240 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



edifice was built, in which the present membership of about forty now 
worship. 

The Pleasant Hill United Brethren church is located about four 
miles northeast of Lancaster. This church was organized about 1837. 
and a frame church building was erected in 1838 at a cost of one 
thousand dollars. This house was occupied as a place of worship un- 
til 1863, when the present church was erected at a cost of about two 
thousand dollars. The principle original members were Jacob Macklin, 
Sewald Macklin, Frederick Harmon, Sr. Henry Hockman, Sr., and 
several others who were emigrants from Pennsylvania and Virginia. 
For many 3^ears prior to the organization of this church, meetings were 
held in the neighborhood, at the houses of the Macklins and others, 
which were productive of much good to the community. There are 
about sixty members at present in full communion with this church. 

The first Sunday school was organized in 1848. The average at- 
tendance at this date, 1882, is sixt}^. John E. Miller is the present su- 
perintendent. 

The German Reformed Church of Pleasant township was organized 
about 1847, as a German Reformed Church, and remained as such un- 
til 1853, when the membership of the church petitioned to be transfer- 
red to the Presbyterian Church, which was accordingly done. It re- 
mained a Presbyterian Church until 1878, when the members re-organ- 
ized as a German Reformed Church. Among the members at the first 
organization were Michael Jones, David Rook, John Hasson, James 
H. Crane, Daniel Beery, Benjamin Shoemaker, Andrew Freizner and 
their wives. The first minister who organized the church as German 
Reformed was Rev. Jesse Slusser, who was also the first pastor of the 
church after its transfer to the Presbyterians. The pastors who suc- 
ceeded Rev. Jesse Slusser as Presb3'terians, were Revs. Elijah 
Koontz, Thomas J. Downe}^ C. C. Hall, W. Galbraith, Samuel D. 
Smith. The present membership is fifteen. Rev. I. R. Skinner is pastor 
at this date, 1882. 

There are several families of the Omish Mennonite Church in Pleas- 
ant township, but as yet no edifice has been erected by them. They 
hold their meetings in the dwellings of the members of the order. 

The distinguishing feature of this church are baptism by pouring. 
Any member has the right to preach or expound the scriptures. No 
member is permitted to take an oath, or ofier any resistance when as- 
sailed. They provide for all the poor within the church, and do not 
permit au}^ member to become a public charge, and no member will go 
to war, believing war to be contrary to the teachings of Christ. They 
also wear the Cjiaker costume, and are sober, frugal and indus- 
trious citizens. The Omish Mennonite Church originated in Pleasant 
township about 1834. Among the ministers, who have preached the 
doctrines of this church here, were Revs. David Zook, Jonathan 
Zook, Jacob Hartzler, Gingrich, David Hartzler, Joseph Yoder and 
Solomon Stutzman. 

The Fairfield County Infirmary is situated in this township, about 
two miles north of the city of Lancaster. In 1828, the first building 
was erected of brick. Its dimensions were Ibrty-five feet in length by 
tbrty-three feet in width. In 1870 an addition was made to the main 



HISTORY OK PWIRFIELD COUN'I'V. 24 1 

building, so that the dimensions of the inlirmary building was increas- 
ed to one hundred and eighty feet in length by forty-five feet in width. 
The cost of the improvements made in iSjo was twenty-eight thousand 
dollars. There are one hundred and seventy acres of land connected 
with the intirmary, all cleared with tlie (exception of about fifteen acres. 
In connection with the mam l:)uilding for the inmates, there is a super- 
intendent's dwelling, thirty-six b}- forty-five feet in size, also construct- 
ed of brick. There are one hundred and thirty-three inmates at the 
present date, February. 1882. Mr. Henr}' Sieber, the present superin- 
tendent, has officiated in that capacity for the past sixteen years. 

Pleasant\'ille is situated in the northeastern part of Pleasant town- 
ship, on the line of the Ohio Central Raih-oad, and is a flourishing vil- 
lage of about tive hundred inhabitants. Since the advent of the rail- 
road it has rapidly increased in population, and is steadily growing. 
It was laid out in 1828 by John IBoston, who built the first house, a 
dwelling, in the village. John Tennant opened the first store about 
1832. He afterwards sold his stock of goods to Frederick Lamb. G. 
R. Hartman was also one of the early merchants. The first hotel was 
kept by John Spitler. A post-office was established about 1840. 

Pleasantville has about doubled its population since the completion 
of the Ohio Central Railroad in 1880. Prior to that date, but little busi- 
ness was transacted in the village. At this time the village contains 
two churches, two dry goods stores, kept by William Steward and 
David C. Sutphen ; four groceries, kept respectively by W. L. Buch- 
anan, Joseph Hite, George Buchanan and T. H. Henry ; one flour mill 
operated by David Pence and Company, one drug store by Mills and 
Son, one blacksmith shop, one wagon maker, one hotel, one harness 
shop, one planing mill, one carriage shop, one hardware store, 
two shoe shops, two barber shops, one marble factory, one undertaking 
establishment, two butcher shops, etc. 

Fairfield Lodge, No. 163, I. O. O. F. of Pleasantville, was insti- 
tuted October /, 1850. The charter members were: Thomas O.Wil- 
son, William Buchanan, William Cupp, Jacob Bope, Thomas x\n- 
drews, Benjamin Walters, John T. Irick, Solomon Weaver, Job Mc- 
Namee, Adam Shaw, Thomas A. Bratton, Martin Kagay, N. C. Miller, 
Samuel Cupp, Jas. Brown ana Thos. Kidwell. At this date, February, 
1882, there are about one hundred members belonging to this lodge. 

The Pleasantville academy was built in i860. The academy has 
two large brick buildings, each about forty-five b}^ seventy feet in di- 
mensions. In one of these, the north building, are situated the chapel, 
recitation rooms, cabinet and society rooms. In the south building are 
rooms for students, reading-room and boarding hall. x\boutthe buildings 
is a beautiful campus, furnishing ample and pleasant recreation grounds 
for the students. The first board of trustees were David Huber, James 
Hampson, Jonas Hite, Noah McNaughton and John M. Ashbrook, 

The present directors are Jesse Brooks, James McNaughton, W. 
B. Hoover, Noah A. Ashbrook, James Hampson. George Fleming 
was the first Professor. The present teachers are Superintendent Rev, 
E. H. Scott, assisted by Mrs. E. H. Scott and W. H. Dye. There are 
three courses of study in this institution, for each of which certificates 
of graduation are given, as follows : Classical course, which includes 

31 



242 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

all the Greek, Latin, and two other studies each term, throughout the 
course. Scientilic course, which includes all the Latin and other 
branches, in connection with the natural sciences and mathematics, 
sufficient to make tour studies each throughout the course ; English 
course, wiiich requires all the English branches. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Pleasantville was organized, as 
near as can be ascertained, about 1830, by Rev. Jacob Hooper. Mrs. 
Hanson, Mordecai Bull and wife, Mrs. Sain, Mrs. Friend, Joseph 
Friend and wife, Mrs. Irick, Mrs. Caran, James Stevenson, Jane Gei- 
ger, Sarah Turner were of the early members of the society. Rev. 
Jacob Hooper, who resided near Pleasantville, preached at this church 
several years, wdien he removed to the west and died a short time after- 
wards. About 1840 the edifice, in which the church now worship, was 
erected. The present membership of the church is about thirty. 

There is a Sunda3'-school in connection with this church, having 
Charles Mills as superintendent, and Nelson Patterson, assistant 
superintendent. The same ministers that preached to the Rushville 
and Salem Churches, noticed in the historv of Richland township, pro- 
claimed the Gospel unto this society until the division of the circuit in 
1874. Since 1874 the ministers have been Revs. J. H. Beery, B. F. 
Thomas, Pastal, Haigler, and Sayres, the present pastor. 

The Pleasantville Methodist Protestant Church was organized about 
1858, by Rev. J. H. Hamilton. The same year the present commodi- 
ous church building was erected. The first members of this flourishing 
church were Samuel. Magdalena, Lemon, Jacob, Almedia, Mary, 
Catharine, Mary A., and Elizabeth Culp, Elizabeth Hall, Martha Gar- 
ner, Elizabeth Garner, Mary Keller, Ellen Lamb, Martha Keller, 
Sophia Caldwell, and Emanuel Keller. Prior to this time Rev. E. S. 
Hoagland effected an organization as early as 1840 or '41, which soci- 
ety in a few years became extinct. But a small number of the first 
members of the present organization remain, having died or removed 
to the west. Benjamin F. Flowers, the oldest member in point of 
j^ears now living, has been a member of some Christian church since 
1815, W'hen he, at that time a resident of Virginia, made a profession 
of religion. He was a soldier in the last war with Great Britain. Rev. 
J. H. Hamilton was the first pastor of this church. His successors in 
the pastoral relation were Revs. Peter Arnold, Brown, Jeremiah Bidde- 
son, Amos Biddeson, William Tipton, W. L. Baldwin, E. S. Hoag- 
land, Carey, William Hastings, George W. Hissey, Samuel Lancaster, 
L M. Woodward, C. J. Sears, N. T. Browm, L H. Freese, L W. South- 
ard, F. A. Brown, V. H. Brown, John Baker, J. M. La'ngley, F. W. 
Link, J. W. Thompson, D. G. Shirer, and T. H. Scott, the present 
incumbent. This church is in a prosperous condition, having at this 
time a membership of about eighty individuals. There is a flourishing 
Sunday-school in connection with this church. Professor W. H. Dye 
is superintendent. 

Colfax is a small village of some twenty-five or thirty inhabitants, 
situated on the Zanesville and Ma3^sville pike, about four miles west of 
West Rushville. It contains a store and seven or eight dwelling-houses. 
It also has a post-office and a daily mail, the mail route being from 
Rushville to Lancaster. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 243 



CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 

Richland township was so named because of the fertility of its land. 
In 181 7 two sections were detached from the eastern part of this town- 
ship and annexed to Perry count^^ As now constituted it has an area 
of six miles in length and four miles in width. The surface of the 
country is broken and hilh' in the eastern, and level in the western por- 
tions of the township. The land is about all tillable and ver}' produc- 
tive, yielding large crops of wheat, corn, and other cereals. Rush 
Creek is the principal stream, and crosses the eastern pai"t from north 
to south, emptying into Big Rush Creek near the village of Bremen. 
There are man}' tine springs, which afford abundant water for all neces- 
sary uses. Richland township, when first settled, was heavily timbered 
with beech, sugar, hickory, oak, and elm, and although much of this 
timber has been con-sumed in the clearing of the land for fuel and build- 
ing purposes, considerable forests of beech, sugar, and oak remain, 
more especially in the eastern part of the township. 

At its first settlement, and for man}' years afterwards, deer, wild 
turkeys, and other wild game, were very numerous, but at this time but 
little wild game of any kind remains. 

For several years after the first settlement of Richland there was an 
Indian encampment near the present village of West Rushville. They 
had constructed at this place a rude log Ibrt, aroimd which they built 
their habitations. They were of a peaceable and friendly disposition, 
and rarely ever molested the early settlers. They would frequently 
visit the homes of the pioneers, bringing venison and bear meat, which 
they exchanged for corn-meal and homin}^ 

The first settlers of Richland township were Virginians, Maryland- 
ers, and- Pennsylvanians, the Marylanders predominating, Edward 
Murph}^ was probabl}' the first settler. He came from Maryland to 
this township in 1798, spending the winter of 1798-9 here. He returned 
to Maryland in the spring of 1799, '"^^^ permanently removed to Rich- 
land in 1800, locating land on section seventeen. He raised a family 
of two sons apd three daughters, only one now living, Theodore, who 
was born in this to\^■nship in 181 1, and who still resides on the farm 
where he was born. Mr. Murph}- has never been out of the State nor 
enjoyed a ride in the cars. Judge William McClung was another of 
the first settlers, and a prominent citizen of this township. He came to 
Richland in 1803. He was of unblemished reputation. He was a 
Justice of the Peace, a member of the Legislature, serving two terms, 
and an Associate Judge under the old Constitution, During the War of 
1812 he served as a soldier, being a member of General Sanderson's 
regiment, and was included in Hull's surrender at Detroit. He was 
many years an active and beloved member of the Presbyterian Church 



244 HISTORY OF FAIRFIEI.D COUNTY. 

of West Rushville. He died September 8, 1876, in his eighty-fourth 
year. His widow, Mrs. Jane McChin;^, died at West Rushville in 
December, 181 1 . 

The Ruffners were earlv settlers. Emanuel Ruffner emigrated from 
Virginia in 1805, settling in the western part of this township. He was 
a Revolutionary soldier. His son-in-law, a Mr. Friend, residing in 
Richhmd, has in his possession a continental bank-note, calling for two 
hundred and liftv dollars, redeemable at the Virginia treasury, on or 
before December 30, 1792. This note, it is said, was a portion of the 
money he recei\'ed for hi.s miliiarS' services. He died in 1848, aged 
ninety-one years. 

The WinegardiK'is ha\ e h'ug been resident iiere. Herbert Wine- 
gardner came from Shenandoah counl\ , Virginia, in 1806. He pur- 
chased land near the village of Rushville. But one of the family, a 
son of Herbert, li\'es in t!ie township. He is the largest landholder in 
the county. 

In connection with Mi-. Winegardner's history it would be proper to 
mention a noted robberv, which occurred some years since. Wine- 
gardner had a large sum ot money secreted in his residence. This was 
known to a step-son of his, not residing in the neighborhood. The 
3'oung man, in company with two other persons, gained access to the 
house, one night, and robbed Winegardner of some twenty thousand 
dollars. The step-son was arrested, tried, and convicted of the rob- 
bery, and is now serving his term in the Penitentiary. The other two 
robbers escaped. A portion of the money was recovered. 

Phillip Sain, in company with several families of the Turners, 
Plummers, Ijams, and Koutz's, came from Maryland about 1802. They 
located Government lands in the eastern part of the township. A por- 
tion of the colony settled in Perry and Muskingum counties. Among 
other early settlers who came into Richland township prior to 1806 
were George Miller, Joseph Custard, Samuel Carpenter. Frederick 
Bashore, Ephraim Anderson. Peter Black, John Bond, Samuel Ray, 
John and Peter Drum, Charles McClung, Edward Young, Robert, 
Isaac and Ebenezer Laremore, David Hardy, Adam Householder, 
Richard and Martin Polen, Thomas, John, James and William McCor- 
mick, William Holt, Christian King, Heniy Beery, WilHam McGin- 
ness, David Neeley, John Head. John Kerr, Daniel and Isaac Kemper, 
James Rowland, Thomas Davis, John Cook, William Wiseman, Jere- 
miah Conway, John Godfrey, and John Kiger. 

The culture of tobacco was the principal occupation of the first set- 
tlers of Richland township, Joseph Ijams. of West Rushville, and 
William Coulson. of East Rushville, being the principal dealers and 
purchasers of tobacco at that time. 

The first road opened in the township was the one known as Zanes 
Trace, leading from Wheeling to Limestone, now Maysville, Kentucky. 
This was the first public highway opened in Ohio, and was completed 
in 1797. It passed through the present villages of East and West Rush- 
ville. About 1840 this road was made a turnpike, and is now known 
as the Zanesville and Maysville turnpike. There was an immense 
travel along this road for many years after its completion. Edward 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 245 

Murphy kept a hotel near this road, a short distance from West Rush- 
ville. Among the many distinguished guests, who partook of the 
bounties of this hotel at various times, were General Andrew Jackson 
and Hon. Henry Clay, who stopped at his hotel while en route to 
Washincnon City. The old hotel, now a rather dilapidated structure, 
is still standing, and is occupied bv a grandson of the original proprietor. 
The Ohio Central Railroad, the only one passing through the town- 
ship, was completed in 1880. It runs^ across the township from north 
to south, passing midway between the two villages of East and West 
Rushville. 

The fu-st grist-mill in this township was built about 1808 by Moses 
Plummer. It was constructed of unhewed logs, and stood near the 
bridge across Rush Creek, between the two Rushvilles. There was a 
saw-mill in connection with the grist-mill, erected a few years after the 
building of this mill, by Wilson and Hamill, which was the first saw- 
mill in Richland. All traces of these two mills have long since disap- 
peared, r T- 1 J TV/T U 

The first marriage in the township was that of Edward Murphy to 
his cousin, Sarah Murphy, in 1802. The first child born in Richland 
was Mary Turner. 

The educational interests of Richland's youth early occupied the 
attention of the settlers. At first the schools were held in the log cabins 
of the pioneers. In a few years rude log school-houses were erected, 
which, in turn, were replaced by the more substantial frame and brick 
structures of the present time. Among the early school-teachers were 
John C. Whitridge, who taught school in a log building on section 28. 

The religious sentiments of the people were early developed. The 
Methodists were early in the field. There was a Methodist camp meet- 
ing established in the Stevenson settlement as early as 1806 or 7, and 
is claimed to be the first camp meeting in Ohio. It was continued 
annually for several years. Revs. James B. Finley, Charles Waddle, 
lames Ouinn, Jacob Young and Asa Shinn, were attendants and par- 
ticipants in these meetings. The first church erected in this township 
was about 18 10, by the Methodists. It was located on section 28, and 
was a small log building. Among the early members of this church 
were, Philip and Barbara Sain, William Harper and wife, Wilham 
Johnson, John Sunderland and wife and Isaac Ijams. Revs. Charles 
Waddle, James A. Shinn and James B. Finley, were of the early min- 
isters. The organization was merged into the East Rushville Metho- 
dist Episcopal church about 1830. 

The Pleasant Hill Methodist Protestant Church was organized about 
183 1, by Rev. William B. Evans. The meetings were first held in the 
Baker school house, about the year 1842, when the present frame edi- 
fice was erected. Henry Eyeman, Jesse Stevenson, Mathias Himes, 
James Miller, Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Sands and Rebecca Miller, were of 
the first principal members. The following have been the ministers 
having charge as pastors of this organization: William B. Evans, 
George Evans, John Clark, F. L. Flowers, Joel Dalby, D. \ . Oster- 
man J. Wilson. William Reeves, T. Fairchild, William Munhall, D. 



246 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

Kinney, Thomas Potter, Israel Thrap, Samuel Catlin, William Mar- 
shall, William Avey, J. H. Hamilton, T. Arnold, A. Brown, Ezekiel 
Hoagland, Jeremiah Biddeson, A. Biddeson, William Tipton, William 
Baldwin, Samuel Cory, J. Case, William Hasting!^, J. M. Woodward, 
C. J. Sears, N. T. Brown, J. H. Freece, J. W. Southard, J. W. Thomp- 
son, D. G. Shires and T. H. Scott, the present incumbent. The pres- 
ent membership is about sixty. A Sunday school was organized about 
1844, which has about forty scholars. Lewis Eyeman is superintendent. 

The Christian Union Church was organized by Rev. A. S. Biddeson, 
September 15, 1867, with a membership ot' eighteen persons, as follows : 
John Cloud, W. J. Dick, N. Grubb, Nelson Cloud, John F. Berry, A. 
M. Van Tassell, M. E. Dick, Ellen Van Tassell, Mary Baker, Mary 
Van Tassell, Diana Cloud, Susan Hanson, Nancy Cloud, Ellen Hock- 
ingberry, Jane Grubb, Henry Woollard, Sr., Samuel and Sarah E. 
Beny. The tirst officers were : chief elder. A. M. Van Tassell ; 
iinancial elder, John Cloud: recording elder, W. J. Dick. The 
church was erected in 1868, at a cost of about seventeen hundred dol- 
lars. The pastors of this church have been Rev. Philip G. Underwood, 
assisted by Rev. R. W. Graham ; Joshua B. Clover, and Henry G. 
Duckworth. Tliere are about one hundred and tifty members belong- 
ing to the organization at this time. There is a flourishing Sunday- 
school in connection with the church, organized about 1868. 

There are two villages in Richland township — East Rushville and 
West Rushville. They are one mile apart, and on opposite sides of 
Rush Creek, the stream being midway between the towns. East Rush- 
ville was laid out by Joseph Turner, about 1808. It was first called 
Clinton, but was subsequently changed to East Rushville. It was on 
the line of Zane's Trace, and in early times the village enioyed a large 
degree of prosperitv, owing to the large numbers of travelers and em- 
igrants passing along this route. 

The first store was kept by Patrick Owens. McLaughlin was 
another of the early merchants. Mrs. Mar}' Bopses kept the first hotel 
and John Markwuth the second one. At an early date there were four 
hotels in the village, all receiving a good patronage. 

Drs. Nathaniel Waite and Ide were of the first physicians. Caleb 
Copeland was the first blacksmith. 

Large quantities of tobacco were purchased by the early merchants 
and shipped to Eastern markets. 

East Rushville has at this time a population of about two hundred. 
The village contains two dry goods stores, one drug store, three grocer- 
ies, one hotel, one harness shop, two blacksmith shops, one undertaking 
establishment, two physicians, etc. 

Rushville Lodge, No. 211, of Free and Accepted Masons, was 
instituted at East Rushville, in October, 1852. The charter members 
were William Coulson, Daniel Baker, David Wilson, John P. Hodge, 
N. P. Teele, Nathaniel B. Coulson, William Van Sant, James Cut- 
shall. The present membership is forty-seven. 

There is but ofte church organization and edifice in East Rushville, 
the Methodist Episcopal. It is a continuation of the first churcli 
organized by the Methodists in Richland township, about 1811, hereto- 
fore stated, and which was transferred to East Rushville about 1831. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COtJNTY. ^47 

A short time after the transfer a substantial frame church building was 
erected. The following persons have had ministerial charge of this 
church since its transfer: 1831, Samuel Hamilton, J. Hooper; 1832, J. 
Carper, J. Young; 1833, J. Carper, J. Armstrong and S. H. Holland; 
1834, J- Armstrong; 1835, James T. Donahoe, E. D. Roe; 1836, 
James T. Donahoe, M. A. Milligan ; 1837, C. W. Swain, W. T. Hand ; 
1838, James B. Gurley, F. H.Jennings; 1839, M. P. Kellogg, W. M. 
D. Ryan; 1840, M. P. Kellogg, A. S. Murphy; 1841, Jacob Young, 

B. A. Cassott; 1843, John Fitch; 1844-5, W."' R. Davis; 1846-7, J. 
W. Stone; 1848, John Fitch; 1849, ^- Webster, John Fitch; 1850, 
Levi Cunningham, G. G. West; 1851, Levi Cunningham, J. T. 
Langman ; 1852, Levi Cunningham, W. S. Benner ; 1853, Samuel 
Harve}', Samuel Tippett ; 1854, Samuel Harvey, R. Doughty: 1855, 
R. Doughty, R. Pitzer: 1856-7, S. C. Ricker,' T. G. Ross: 1858-9, 
A. Fleming, N. Speck; 1860-1, D. Mann, J. C. Gregg; 1862-3, W. 

C. Holida, H. Gortner ; 1864-5, U. L. Jones, B. Ellisi 1866-7, R- B. 
Bennett, J. Y. Rusk; 1868, J. Barringer, R. B. Bennett; 1869, J. 
Barringer, G. L. Seits ; 1870, G. L. Seits, J. T. Finch; 187 1, J. H. 
Baker, J. H. Beery; 1872, F. F. Lewis, J. H. Beery; 1873, F. F. 
Lewis, R. H. Griffith; 1874, F. F. Lewis; 1865-7, F. S. Thurston; 
1878-9, Samuel Rankins ; 1880, W. H. Sayre ; 1881, J. M. Adams. 
The ministers having pastoral charge of the East Rushville Church, 
also preached to all the congregations embraced in the Rushville 
circuit. 

West Rushville was laid out by John Gams about 1815, and is a 
pleasant and ordinary village of about one hundred and seventy-five 
inhabitants. At an early period of its history, the town enjoyed a 
large measure of prosperity on account of the tobacco trade, and the 
travel, but of late years, a comparatively small amount of business has 
been transacted here, as compared with early times. William Kilgore 
was the first merchant in the town. Dr. Nathaniel Wait was the first 
physician. A postoffice was established about 1840, George Young 
being the first postmaster. The village at this date, 1881, has two dry 
goods stores, one hotel, one school house, and two churches, Presby- 
terian and Methodist. 

Philo Lodge, No. 392, L O. O. F., was organized, July 12, 1867. 
W. B. Strickly, Joseph McFee, H. L. Whitehead, J. M. Strickler, 
Charles McClung, James Henderson, Michael Keelm, C. C. B. Dun- 
can, and Jacob Lamb were the charter members. The membership in 
1 88 1 was about sixt}'. 

The Rush Creek Presbj-terian Church of West Rushville was 
organized by Rev. John Wright, of Lancaster, in 1806. The first 
church was a log building situated about two and one half miles south 
of town, on the Thompson farm. A brick church was erected in West 
Rushville, and the society removed to that place in 1830. Among the 
early members were William Trimble, Judge William McClung and 
William Larimore. About 1852 the church was struck by lightning 
and destroyed. The present frame edifice was built about 1854. Rev. 
John Wright was the first pastor, and continued in that relation until 
1832, when he was succeeded by Rev. James Anderson, who remained 



248 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

pastor until 1S53. The pastors since 1853 have been, 1854-7, Rev. J. 
Milligan ; 1858-61, Rev. J. M. Drake; 1861-3, vacant; 1863-5, Re^. 
H. R. Pierce; 1866-70, Rev. C. C. B. Duncan; 1871-3, Rev. John L. 
Gourley; 1874-7, Rev. S. D. Smith; 1878-81, Rev. R. A. Watson, 
who is the present incumbent. There is at this date, December, 1881, 
one hundred and tbrty-one members in tnll connection with the 
cliurch. A flovn^ishino- Sunday scliool has been sustained tor many 
years. John Kennedy is tlie present superintendent. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church of West Rushville, is an outgrowth 
of the camp-meetings held in the Stevenson settlement, and was 
organized about 1832. The ministers since and including 1854 have 
been, 1854, C. C. Lvbrand, H. Gortner ; 1855, C. C. Lybrand : 18^6-7, 
W.C. Filler; 1858-9, R. Pitzer ; 1860-1, T. H. Hall; 1862, W. Z. 
Ross; 1863, W. M. Mullenix; 1864, J. Stewart; 1865, T. R. Tavlor ; 
1866-7, H. L. Whitehead; 1868-9, J. H. Acton; 1870, H. H. Ferris; 
1871-3, T. H. Brodrick; 1874-6, W. T. Jones; 1877-8, Samuel 
Rankins ; 1879-80, W. H, Sayre ; 1881, J. M. Adams. A commo- 
dious frame church was erected about 1855, ^^^ which the society hold 
its meetings. There is a good Sabbath school connected with the 
church. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUI'.TY. 249 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

RUSH CREEK TOWNSHIJ*. 

Rush Creek lies in the southeastern part, and is the most eastern 
portion ot" Fairheld county. It is bounded on tlie north by Richland 
township of Fairfield, and Reading township of Perry county : on the 
south by Marion townsliip of Hocking county ; on the east by Jack- 
son township of Perry county : and on the west by Pleasant and Berne 
townships. It is six miles square, and contains thirty-six square miles 
or 23,040 acres of land. It became a township in 1804. and was sur- 
veyed by Elnathan Schofield, an early citizen of Lancaster, who also 
surveyed this part of the county. It was originally two miles longer 
than it now is, latitudinal, but in 1840 it was made two miles shorter 
north and south, than it now is, b}^ the creation of what was known as 
Auburn township, whose existence was of short duration, for in 185 1, 
Hocking county encroaching upon the borders of Fairfield, Auburn 
was divided equally between Rush Creek township of Fairfield and 
Marion township of Hocking, which made Rush Creek a complete 
township for the first time. It is probable that it was originalh" Ibrmed 
from Pleasant, Berne and Richland townships. 

The surface for the first part is undulating, the most rugged portion 
being found in the nf)rtheastern part. The valleys along Rush Creek 
and Raccoon Creek are broad, considering the size of the streams, and 
all the land is quite fertile, and all arable but a small portion. 

The valleys, environed bv the hills, and the monotony of the hill 
land, broken by the valleys, presents a beautiful landscape. Dotted 
throughout by farm dwellings and barns, school houses and churches, 
the scene is truly home-like and comforting, and the traveler is con- 
strained that the bard of civilization and culture has not neglected its 
influence here. 

The principal streams are Big Rush Creek, Little Rush Creek and 
Raccoon Creek. Big Rush Creek comes in from the northeast, and 
flows southwest, joining Little Rush Creek a little east of the center of 
the township. Little Riish Creek flows tVom a short distance west of 
the central northern part, through the township, passing out two 
miles farther east than where it enters at the north ; it almost equally 
divides the township into two parts. Raccoon Creek has two branches, 
one flowing from the northwest, flowing directly south to about one 
mile west and a little south of the central part of the township, where 
it is joined by the branch from the central west and Berne township, 
from whence they flow in a southeastern direction and empty into Rush 
Creek two miles south of the centre of the township. 

From the northeast, three small streams flow south into Big Rush 
Creek. From the northwest flows a small stream in a direction south- 

82 



250 HISTORY OF FA1RFIEL.D COUNTY, 

west, and is joined by another flowing directly south, near the western 
border of the township, and passes out into Berne township. 

Tiiere is a small stream in the southeast corner, and one in the 
soutliwest corner of the township. 

The people are of a mixture of blood, and came from Pennsyl- 
vania, Virginia, a few from Ireland and Scotland, and some from Mary- 
land. The first settlements in this part of the county were in the north- 
west, and along Rush Creek, none of which were before 1798. 

From the first settlement until 1804, when this township was made, 
there came forty-three voters, besides women and children. 

The following is a list of the voters in 1804. (The election was held 
in Samuel Hammel's house, who lived on Rush Creek) : 

Voters — Edward Murphy, John Hiles, John Murphy, Abram 
Beery, James S. Callam, John Ashbaugh, Henr^^ Sellers, James 
Wilson, Jacob Beery, Joseph Miller, Philip Comer, Edward Young, 
Samuel Nelson, James Shaw, John Patton, Maxwell Galaher, Peter 
McHie, Joseph Shafer, Theobald Myers, Benjamin Cox, Jesse Roles, 
Andrew Ashbaugh, Samuel Brown, James Larimer, Samuel Mills, 
Robert Larimer, William McGinnis, Isaiah Driller, John Koyman, 
Joseph Love, Andrew ^'Jite, Robert Nelson, Jacob Fox, Frederick 
Ashbaugh, Lewis Sites'^ William Trimble, John Wills, David Martin, 
Jacob Kafman, Hugh Wills, Henry Steman, William Martin, Ebe- 
ne2;er Larrimer. The judges of the election were David Martin, 
Lewis Sites, and John Wills ; clerks — William Trimble and Hugh 
Wills. 

At this election Emanuel Carpenter, Henr}- Abrams,' and Isaac Lar- 
rimer were voted for for county commissioners, each receiving fort}' 
votes cast in this tow'nship, and the opposing candidates only three 
votes each. At the last election, held in October, 1882, there was three 
hundred and twenty-two votes polled. A full vote would poll four hun- 
dred and twenty-eight. 

It seems that John Ashbaugh was the first settler. He came from 
Redstone, Penns3dvania, down the Ohio River to the mouth of the 
Hock-hocking on a flat-boat, and came up the latter in a canoe to 
Rush Creek, and settled — having brought his family with him — on 
Raccoon Creek, about 1798 or 1799. To him was born the first child 
in what is now Rush Creek township — his son David, born January ist, 
1800. Edward Young came from Pennsjdvania by the same means of 
travel, probably in 1801. He was married to Rachel Miller in 1802, 
and this was the first wedding in this vicinity. 

Some early settlers came horse-back, bringing their families in this 
way. Some poled their flat-boats up the Hock-hocking. Among the 
first settlers one of the Larrimers was the first Justice of the Peace. In 
1804 Charles McClung was elected to that offlce. William McClung 
was a prominent citizen, and was elected at one time to the State Leg- 
islature. He was a soldier in the War of/f8i2. 

The first schools were kept up by suV- criptions and taught in kitch- 
ens. One was kept in George Beery Vidtchen, and taught by Christo- 
pher Welty. Another soon after was taught by Joseph Osborn, in Jos- 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 25 1 

ephLeib's kitchen. The first school houses were five-cornered log cabin 
buildings, one corner being used for a fire-place. For windows, a log 
would be left open and greased paper used for lights. The seats were 
small trees six or eight inches in diameter split in the middle, making 
two pieces ; into these were driven pins the length to make the seats the 
right height. For writing desks thev drove pins into the walls and 
puncheons upon them. The supply of wood for fuel was kept up by 
the scholars, cutting it during recess and noon. 

The first school houses were probably built in the northwestern part 
of the township and along the Rush Creek. The first teachers who 
taught in these houses were George Bright, Thomas Paydon, Peter 
McMullen, Mr Brison, and others. Mc Mullen seems to have been 
the most noted. A teacher then was a man of muscular power, rather 
than one of mental culture. Some possessed both, but no one could lack 
the former. A course of education was, to learn to "read, write, and 
cipher to the single rule of three." If they ever reached "Tare and 
tret" in mathematics, they were considered adepts. 

Of course the public school system was adopted as soon as possible 
when the county did the same. The school houses now are mostly of 
brick and eleven in number. In Bremen, two rooms are taught, there- 
by giving a grade to education, which was established in 1872. 

The Presbyterians were the first to hold religious services in the set- 
tlements, in private houses and barns. They built the first church in 
1807 in the north-western part of the township ; it was a hewed log. 
They now have two houses of worship in the township, one in Bre- 
men and one in section 25, known as Bethel church. The latter was 
built in 1828 and at that time the society was organized in that vicinity. 
Rev. John Wright of Lancaster was the first minister in the township, 
and Francis Cartlett, at Bethel. 

The Methodist Episcopal class held meetings in houses and barns 
as early as 1802, and built Wesley chapel north of Bremen about 1806 
or 1808. They now have a church in Bremen, built in 1854 ^^^ dedi- 
cated in June, with C. C. Lybrand as pastor. Zebulon Holiday, E. S. 
Gardner and E. W. Evans were the building committee. In 1854 there 
were about thirty members ; now there are about fifty. 

The German Baptist church is situated in section 28 and was first 
organized about 1805. They held meetings in dwellings until 1856, 
when they built a church on the east side of John Meracle's farm. The 
first members were Abram Beerv, John Beery, Casper HofTert, George 
Hendricks, George Bright and Jacob Hunsaker. The first minister 
was Isaac Beery, ''who preached four times a year. They now have 
preaching every other Sunday. In all these churches, they have one 
hundred and thirt3'-two members. 

The Sacred Heart Roman Catholic church, in section 34, was 
built in 1835. The church organization was effected about 1852 by 
Father Laughy. The first priest who lived here was Father Broomer. 
In 1875 the present incumbent. Father Myrose, took charge. Some of 
its first members were Blasius Schmeltzer, John Schmeltzer, Jordan 
Schmeltzer, Absalom Schmeltzer, Anthony Schmeltzer and others. 
There are now about eighty communicants. The church was built with 



252 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

all the other buildings b}' Blasius Schmellzer. who donated them and 
eighty acres of land to the church. 

The Mt. Zwingle Reform church is in, section 29. It was built in 
1839 ^^^ stood until 1876, when it was supplanted by a neat frame 
house that IS still standing. The first preacher was Rev. Wise. This 
class worshiped about sixty years ago in Berne township. 

The Olive liranch U. B. church is in section 39 and was built in 
1851. The class was lirst organized about 1859 with a preacher. Rev. 
Cease, assisted by Rev. Brock, in charge with twenty members. Now 
there are only about tvvehe or fourteen. There hax'e been as many as 
eighty members. 

The Mt. Zi(;n. iirelluvn in Christ, church was built in 1858 in sec- 
tion 18. The class was ort^nized about 181^/ by some ministers from 
Penns3dvania, and Joseph and Abram Beery of Virginia. Previous to 
1858 they worshiped in dwelling houses and barns. Although the 
house was built, the}- had no deed for the land upon which it stood until 
1863. when Daniel Huddle made a deed for one-half acre for church 
and cemeterx' purposes. During the time they had no deed, the society 
became of two denominations, the other being the Evangelical Asso- 
ciation and as they both worshiped here, he made the deed to them con- 
jointh'. 

The Union United Brethren church was built in 1826 in section 10. 
At the time it was built there were only two members, Benjamin Fry 
and Amos Parker. The first minister was probably a man by the name 
of Leaman. There are now about twenty members, and the old church 
house is still used. 

The Pleasant Hill Mennonite church was built in section 26 about 
T835, across the road from where it now stands. It was without a 
deed for a lot until 1862, when they obtained a* deed for one-half acre 
of land for church and cemetery purposes. The first organization was 
before 181 7 and met in dwellings and barns until they built the present 
church. 

Peter Steman was the first elder. Joseph Good, Henry Funk, Hen- 
ry Breneman, Nicholas Steman and others were the first members. 
Henry Steman and John Good were the first ministers. 

The Jerusalem Reformed German church was built in 1835 ^" ^^^ 
line between sections 13 and 14, under the supervision of Rev. T. H. 
Winters. The first class was organized in 1825, and met in Mrs. Mary 
Moyer's house and a school house until they built. 

The first house was supplanted by the present one in 1868 by the 
members, with no pastor. The first minister was Rev. George Weise, 
succeeded by T. H. Winters, Henrv Williams, Jesse Steine, D. H. 
' Phillips and others. The present pastor is J. R. Skinner. The first 
class was of eleven members, viz : J<^l^?y 'ind Catherine Ashbaugh, 
Mary Moyer, George and Anna Keller, Catherine Musser, Mar}' E. 
Ashbaugh and Jacob Moyer, Of this class only Jacob Moyer is now 
living. 

In 1810 Samuel Hammel built the lirst water grist-mill on Rush 
Creek. Soon after that date, Joseph Leib built a saw and grist mill 
also on Rush Creek and nearer Bremen. It was latelv owned by a 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTV. 253 

Mr. Shaw. Casper Hoffert built a grist mill in an earl}' day on Rac- 
coon Creek, west of Bremen, which has entirel}' disappeared. There 
is now a fine ftour mill in Bremen owned by a Mr. Hall. There is a 
sawmill about two and a half miles south of Bremen on Rush Creek. 

Bremen is the \'illage of Rush Creek township, and has a popula- 
tion of about two hundred souls. It was platted by George Beery in 
1834 i^ipon the southeast corner of section i6, or the school lands, and 
is in the centre of the township. 

Since that time it has had two or three additions ; John Beer^' laid 
out ten acres in 1872 just south of the original plat. There is a post- 
office, two stores of general merchandise, one hardware store, one 
drug-store, one saloon, one flour mill, a blacksmith shop and two 
hotels. 

There is in the south edge of the township a ver}' small place call- 
ed Geneva, where there is one store and a blacksmith shop. 

Through the township, pass two rail roads. The Columbus and 
Muskingum Valley division of the Pittsburg, Cincinnati and St. Louis 
Railway enters it about two miles south from the northeast corner, pas- 
ses through Bremen from where it has almost a direct western route 
through the western part of the township. This road was built in 1855 
and extends to Cincinnati, Ohio. The Ohio Central comes in over the 
Cincinnati & Muskingum Valley road to Bremen, from where it extends 
almost directly north up. Little Rush Creek. It extends north to To- 
ledo, Ohio, and was built in 1879. 



524 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XL. 

VIOLET TOWNSHIP. 

Violet township is in the northwestern part ot" Fairfield county ; is 
bounded on the north by Licking county, on the east by Liberty 
township, on the south by Bloom township, and on the west by 
Franklin county. The township was set off and incorporated in 1808, 
and from the variety and abundance of its wild flowers it took the 
name of Violet. Its surface is slightl}- undulating, slopes southward, 
and is drained by Black Lick, Sycamore and Walnut Creeks. There 
are many swamps on the low lands, and the valley of Sycamore Creek 
frequently suffers from inundation. 

From the beginning, a majority of the inhabitants have been Ger- 
man — that class of Germans who pride themselves on being good and 
reliable citizens. The flrst man to take up his residence here was an 
old Revolutionary soldier by the name of George Kirke, who entered 
the eighty acres on which the village of Pickerington now stands, on 
which he built himself a very ordinary log hut, which served as a 
stopping place — could hardly be called a dwelling — in which he sought 
shelter from wild beasts and storms, but in a few years a purchaser 
came in the person of Abraham Pickering, who bought the tenth sec- 
tion of land including Kirke's claim, and in 1815, laid off a few lots, 
giving them the name ot Pickerington. The early settlers were 
Edward Ricketts, Henry Stemen, Westenburger Hustand, Dr. Talbert, 
H. Donaldson, A. Donaldson, Abraham Pickering and Mordacai 
Fishbaugh, all of whom settled in or before 1806. The township at 
that time was a dense forest of beech, hickory, sugar, white and blue 
ash, and red and white elm. 

In selecting farms, it was customary for several to join together, get 
the range and section from corner trees, pick out a section and for one 
of them to hasten to the land oflice to secure it b}'- making an entry 
and pa3'ing the one-fourth part (fifty cents per acre) down. There 
was then a busy time among them helping each other to build log 
cabins. Some brought their families with them, while others came 
alone, preferring to build the cabin first. Indians were few and 
friendly, and soon left for lands further west — while here, the children 
of whites and Indians played together, amusing themselves by 
wrestling and running foot races. Wild animals, such as the W'olf, deer, f 
bear and wild-cat, were numerous and gave the settlers some trouble. 
Fresh pork seemed to be a dish lor w^hich the bears had a special liking, 
and many were the times when bear meat paid the forfeit, and graced 
the table of the humble cabin. Wolves were the most annoying, 
frequently running a chicken into the very door of the house, in day- 
light, and at night forming a dismal chorus, so peculiar to themselves. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUN'TY. 255 

In 1815, a bounty of five dollars per scalp was offered ; this made them 
an object of pursuit and soon thinned them out. 

The northern twelve sections of this township belonged to the 
Refugee lands and was noted in early times, for its numerous flocks of 
wild tui'keys and pigeons. Turkey was an ordinary dish for the farmer, 
and during the fall and winter months, many of them were dressed and 
sent to market. Shooting pigeons formed the farmer-boys' holiday 
pleasure and frequently his day's work, to keep them from destroying 
the crops. The}^ lit in such numbers on trees as to break the branches. 

Pickerington, the oldest town, now has about three hundred 
inhabitants. 

When first laid out, lots were given to any one who would build on 
them. For a few years it seemed to do well, then came to a stand still 
with indications of finall}' dying out. The Hocking Valley Railroad, 
passing through the southern part of the township, seemed to 
invigorate it to some extent, but it was not long till it began 
to decline again, which decline coutinued until the Ohio 
Central Railroad passed through its limits, when' it awakened to new 
life. It now contains many fine residences, two churches, a substantial, 
modern style school building, an elevator, a flouring mill, two dry 
goods stores, five groceries, one drug store, one hardware store,, two 
hotels, a tin shop, two blacksmith shops, a harness shop and a 
lumber yard. During the first few years William Mcintosh and Abra- 
ham Pickering, of this place, were extensively engaged in buying hogs 
for eastern markets. The rich fruits of the forest formed such an 
abundance of food, that rearing them was very little trouble, and many 
of the farmers gave it considerable attention. The price paid was 
$1.20 per hundred weight, and when a sufficient number had been 
secured, they were driven to market to Baltimore, Maryland ; the trip 
taking about three months. They continued in this until the Ohio 
Canal was opened, when hogs were slaughtered and the pork shipped. 

A lodge of Independent Order of Odd Fellows was instituted here the 
22nd dav of November, 1881. The charter members were Samuel 
Fishbaugh, D. I. Petty, E. D. Kramer, W. G. Mercer, G. I. Stewart, 
G. W. Waggy, John Aiilt, James Dickinson, Phillip Pickering, G. W. 
Eversole, John H. Shoemaker, James F. Sain, J. M. Sharpe, John L. 
Vanarsdalen and D. C. Ebright. The membership at this time is 
forty-four. Probably the first dry goods store was kept b}^ James Mul- 
len, on the south-west corner of the public square. James 0"Kane 
owned the next one and after a few years sold out to Drumm & Lee, 
who several years after were succeeded by the McArther Brothers. 
Up to this time there were no groceries, as the dry good stores kept a 
general assortment of family supplies. The first hotel was kept by 
Colonel John Ricketts. Stephen Whitesel built the first blacksmith 
shop and was followed by James Cannon. 

The town now enjoys a good trade with the surrounding farmers, and 
will, no doubt, in time grow into a well developed thriving, inland town. 

Waterloo is a small village on the Ohio Canal and Hocking Valley 
Railroad, with fewer than one hundred inhabitants. It was laid out in 



256 MIS'IORY OK KAIKFIKLD COUNTY. 

1828 by Squire John Donaldson, on land that he had entered. Wm. 
Stevenson owned the first dry goods store, which he kept in one room 
of the old warehouse on the Ohio Canal. A small hotel was kept by 
Nathan Bray. The village at this date (1882) contained only one 
store, a saloon, and a shoemaking shop. Its first inb.abitants were 
Levi Moore, David Painter, Thomas Morton, and George Hoshor. 

Lockville, a small hamlet, is on the Ohio Canal, partly in this and 
partly in Bloom township. There are several locks in the canal at this 
place from which the village derived its name. Francis Cunningham 
laid out the town and built the first store in which he kept a saloon of 
some notoriet}' — it being the resort of passengers while the boats were 
passing the locks. John Tenant and Brother succeeded Cunningham, 
and in a few years were followed by the Mithoff Brothers, In 1845 — 50 
the Mithoff Brothers erected the largest distillery in the county. Three 
hundred bushels of corn was consumed each day, making a daily yield 
of 1.200 gallons of whiskey. They remained in business about fourteen 
vears. Since their leaving the growth of tiie village is slow, but can 
hardlv expect, at this date to increase. 

The first church in this township, a Methodist Episcopal, was built 
at Pickerington, in 1833. Meetings were held at private residences for 
several years, and then in a school house till a church was built. It 
was organized by Alexander Cummings and Sedosia Bacon, in 181 1 ; 
the original members being Abram Ebright, Isaac Ranier, Philip Ford, 
John Taylor, Sr., John Alguire and their wives. The present member- 
ship is aljout one hundred and fifty. The first Sabbath school was or- 
ganized in 1833, consisting of sevent3'-five members, withN. P. Bethel, 
as superintendent. Since the beginning, seventy-one 3^ears ago, one 
hundred and twenty-nine regular ministers were stationed here, not in- 
cluding Presiding Elders. The church (brick) cost $1100, and was 
built by James Searls. The trustees a*, the time of building, were 
Abram Ebright, chairman ; Isaac Ranier, secretary ; Philip Ford, John 
Milnor, John Taylor, Sr., William Thompson, Thomas McArthur, 
James Pickering and Andrew Doughert}^ Sr. 

The next church in the township, was "Job's Church," built by the 
Lutherans and German Reformed, in 1833, to be used in common be- 
tween themselves, holding services alternately, ever}- week. In 1849 
the old building was torn down and a new one put in its place. 

Next came the United Brethren of the eastern part of the township, 
who erected a church on section 13. The original members were 
Simon Meppor, Jacob Garhart, John Ritter and vSamuel McDonald 
with their families. 

After several years, a trouble arose in the church and a majorit}- of 
the old members left it and joined the Evangelical Church, erecting a 
building on the opposite side of the road from their old church. 

Following the above United Brethren Church, was the United Breth- 
ren Church of Pickerington. This church has a large membership, 
and this year will erect a modern style building, on the site of the old 
one. 

The next is a United Brethren church, built on section 24, by Pete 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUN'l'Y, 257 

Houser, Jacob Hoiiser, Jacob Good and their famiHcs. It is now ]iros- 
peroiis and has a good membership. 

Andrew Middleton and others were successful in their efforts to 
establish a United Brethren Church in the northwestern part of the town- 
ship, and on section 20, where now stands an excellent little 
church. 

The first mill in Violet township, was owned by Mr. Badger. It 
was run by horse power and the grain when ground had to be bolted b}' 
hand. The next was a water grist mill, on Walnut Creek, built b}^ 
George Hoshor. Michael Loucke then built a saw and grist mill on the 
same creek. Mr. Lee built a saw mill, and Billingsly Allen, a grist 
mill in the northern part of the township ; the latter is still in opera- 
tion. In 1881 the Strickler Brothers built a large flouring mill in Picker- 
ington, which is still in operation. 

The first school in the township was taught at Pickerington by 
Isaac Reneir, a man of extra ability for that day. Clemuel Ricketts 
taught the next in section 22. The next was taught near Waterloo by 
Joseph Glinton. Since then, schools have gradually sprung into exis- 
tence until each district has a good school building, well supplied with 
the necessary furniture. 

The township is prosperous and healthful, showing well what a vig- 
orous appliance ot mind and muscle, well directed, can do in fourscore 

years of time. 
33 



25H HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XLT. 

WALNUT TOWNSHIP. 

Walnut township was organized in 1807. It is in the northeastern 
part of the comity, bounded by Licking counts' on 'the north, Richland 
township and Perry county on the east. Pleasant township on the south 
and Liberty township on the west. It was probably so named became 
of the abundance of walnut timber that grew in its forests, when first 
settled. It is still well timbered with sugar, beech, walnut, hickory and 
mulberr}'. 

The general surface of the township is level or slightly undulating. 
It is generally conceded to be the most fertile of the townships which 
compose the rich covmty of Fairiield. The soil annually produces 
large crops of wheat, barley, corn, oats, potatoes, etc. When first 
cleared, tobacco raising was extensively engaged in by the farmers, 
but of late years but very little has been produced. The northern part 
of the township being contiguous to the large body of water, known as 
the Licking Reservoir, it is also considered the best fruit growing sec- 
tion of the county. 

The principal streams are Big and Little Walnut Creeks. Little 
Walnut Creek rises in the eastern part of this township and, running 
east and south, empties into the Big Walnut. The Big Walnut crosses 
the south-west corner of the tow-nship. These streams have several 
small tributaries not named, which in connection with the canal and 
reservoir causes it also to be the best watered township of Fairfield. 
The celebrated Refugee tract of land crosses the entire northern part ot 
Walnut, the tract in this township being about six miles in length and 
two miles in width. 

The Ohio Canal, commenced in 1825, and completed in 1833, enters 
this township near the center of the boundar}'^ line which separates it 
from Licking county, and running in a southeasterly direction about 
a mile and thence in a southwesterly course to Middleport, runs 
parallel with the Ohio Central Railroad until near the center of the 
township, from whence it runs southwest into Liberty tow^nship. 

The Licking Reservoir, a very large body of water, which was cre- 
ated as a feeder to the Ohio Canal about 1833, is situated in Licking, 
Fairfield and Perry counties. That portion of the reservoir situated 
in Fairfield county, is entirely within the limits of Walnut township. 
The reservoir is a favorite resort for pleasure and fishing parties from 
Columbus, Lancaster, Newark, Zanesville, and many other cities and 
towns in Ohio. During the spring, summer and fall of each year, barely 
a day passes without parties visiting there, who are engaged in fishing, 
boating or duck hunting. Abundant hotel accommodations are to be 
had at various places along the reservoir. 



HISTORY OF FAIRPIELD COUNTY. 259 

Walnut township, because of its low, wet and swampy land when in 
a primative state, was settled much slower than any other of the town- 
ships of Fairfield count}^. William Murphy, who came from Virginia 
in 1800, was about the first white settler. He located lands in the 
northern portion of the township, near the site of Millersport. Murphy 
was a celebrated hunter. He killed one panther, sixty-three wolves, 
and large numbers of deer, wild turke3s, coons, foxes and smaller game. 
He also traded with the Indians, exchanging flour, meal and various 
articles for skins of wild animals. He packed his skins and furs to Vir- 
ginia, where he sold them, realizing sufficient money in a few years 
to become quite wealthy. His descendants still reside near Millers- 
port. 

Thomas and Isaac Cherr}- were also earh' settlers, coming to the 
township in 1810. Their neighbors at that date were William Murplw, 
William Pugh, Henry Eversole, William Bowman, Andrew Crager, 
William Hane and Samuel Crawford. Thomas Cherry was also noted 
as a successful hunter, and as wild game was still numerous at the time 
ol his settlement in Walnut township, he was much of his time engaged 
in hunting and trapping. As late a period as 1810 the people subsisted 
largely on the flesh of the deer and wild turkey, which with their corn 
bread and sassafras and spice wood tea, made very palatable living. 
Prior to 1806, but a few emigrants had come to Walnut. Of this num- 
ber were the Murph^^s, the Crawfords, the Hendrixes, Watsons and 
Lyles. Between the years 1806 and 1814 the following persons had 
settled in various parts of the township, nearly all of whom emigrated 
from Virginia and Maryland, viz. : James Holmes, Andrew Krager, 
William Harvey, Samuel Wiseman, Abraham Harshbarger, William 
Milligan, Thomas Cherry, Isaac Cherry, Eli Whittaker, Edward Berry, 
William Irwin, David Runk, John Miller, Thomas Ross, David Dil- 
linger, George Heis, Nicholas Ketner, Samuel Mills, Jonas Reinhart, 
Daniel Hall, John Shipler, Adam Geiger, Samuel Trovinger, Solomon 
Barks, Edward Peal, John Decker, Jesse Pugh, Adam McNamee, and 
several others. 

There is no record of any election held prior to 1820. At the elec- 
tion held on the 3d day of April, 1820, at the house of David Lyle, the 
following officials were chosen : trustees, Jesse Pugh, David Lvle and 
Jacob Culp ; supervisors, Edward Berry, Samuel Crawford, Abraham 
Baughman and Nathan Harris ; clerk, David Lyle ; lister, John Mil- 
ler ; constables, John Miller and Isaac Cherr3' ; treasurer, John Gold- 
thwait ; fence viewers, Andrew Jervis, William Carey ; overseers of the 
poor, by appointment, Thomas Watson and Thomas Cherry. 

The first grist mill in Walnut township was erected by George H. 
Houser. It was situated on Big Walnut Creek. This mill was built 
probably before the war of 181 2 commenced. The second grist mill 
was built by John Good, a short time after. Solomon Barks built the 
third grist mill, probably a short time after the close of the war. It was 
situated on Little Walnut Creek. All of these mills have long since 
disappeared, and have been superseded by more substantial structures. 

At an early da}^, two still-houses were erected on section 15, one by 
William Irvin and the other by Thomas Ross. Eli Holmes also built 



26o ■ HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

one on section 4, about the same time. These distilleries manufac- 
tured lari^e quantities of whisk}', which was transported by the settlers 
across the Allegheny Mountains and exchanged for goods. The busi- 
ness of distilling whisk}^ was at that time considered respectable and 
even members of evangelical Christian churches often engaged in it. 
It has since fallen into disrepute, and the last distillery disappeared 
some fift}' year ago. 

The iirst road in Walnut township was laid out about 1810. Prior 
to that time for several years it had been a "blazed road" or trace, 
throuoii the almost unbroken wilderness. 

This road led from Franklinton to Zanesville. At an early date, 
a road leading from Newark to Lancaster was located, which was a 
great thorouglifare for travelers. That portion of the road between 
New Salem and Lancaster, was converted into a free turnpike in 1870. 
James Holmes probabl}- erected the first, and William Murphy the 
second log cabin in the township. They were of unhewed logs, hav- 
ing the old-fashioned lire place, and the chimney being on the outside 
of the building. It is said that William Hauer built the first hewed log 
house in 1807, and Eli Holmes, the first brick in 1812. 

Thomas Warner also built one of the first log cabins in the town- 
ship. Between the years 1800 and 1807, several unhewed log houses 
were erected, by the Wisemans, Crawfords, Berrys and others. 

John Goldthwait started the first nurser}^ in Walnut township about 
the year 1812. It w^as situated about two miles west of New Salem. 
Goldthwait was a Yankee, and politically a radical Federalist. The 
Ibllowing anecdote is related of him. Soon after his orchard com- 
menced bearing fruit, two lawyers from Lancaster, who were strong 
Democrats, came out to his nursery to sample his fruits. He showed 
them his Golden Pippins, Rhode Island Greenings, Russets and his 
Federal apples. The lawyers said to him: "You' have shown us your 
Federal apples now show us your Democratic ones." He said: "Come 
dowm this way." He then pointed out a scrubby tree, which had a few 
inferior apples on. "That," said he, "is the Democratic apple." 

The Ohio Central Railroad, the only one in Walnut, crosses the 
township from north to south. It was completed in 1880. 

For several vears after the first settlement of Walnut township, 
there were no organization of school districts in the township. The 
pioneers built log cabin school houses, to accomodate neighborhoods. 
The teachers were hired bv articles of agreement which were drawn 
up by the teacher, in which the terms were stated. This paper was 
circulated throughout the neighborhood, and the heads of families put 
down their names for so many scholars, at a certain rate per scholar. 
James Allen and Jesse Smith were among the first school teachers of 
Walnut township. They taught in different neighborhoods for mau}^ 
years. John Griffith and John Granthum were also early teachers. One 
of the Iirst school houses erected in the lownship was situated near the 
site of Millersport, in the Murphy and Holmes settlement. It was built 
about 1815. 

The religious interests of the early settlers were not neglected. Soon 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 26 1 

alter the advent of the first pioneers, Rev. James Qiiinn, a noted and 
zealous minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, made his appear- 
ance in Walnut, as well as several other Df the townships of Fairfield 
county. He frequently held meetings at the cabin of William Murphy. 
At a very earl}- date in the history of this township, the Methodists 
erected a small log church on the {i\ym of Job McNamee. Among the 
early members of this church were the Murphys, and others. Revs. 
Charles Waddle, Abner Goff and James Gilruth were also early Me- 
thodist ministers, who proclaimed the glad tidings of salvation to the 
pioneers here. 

The Baptists also entered the field of missionary work here at an 
early date. Elders John Hite and Eli Ashbrook were the first of the 
township. It is probable that the first church structure in Walnut 
township w^as built by the Baptists, under the auspices of Elder George 
Uebolt about 1814. It was a rude log building, situated near the first 
Methodist church referred to. Of the earl}- members of the Baptist 
Church were Thomas and Isaac Cherry, the Hites, Debolts, Ash- 
brooks and others. These rude log structures have long since disap- 
peared and not a trace remains to mark the spot where they once 
stood. 

About 1827, and soon after the Ibrmation of the Methodist Protes- 
tant Church, ministers of the denomination came into the township and 
preached at various places. They were instrumental in causing many 
of the members of the Methodist Episcopal Church to vs'ithdraw their 
membership from that church and join the Protestants. Ministers of 
other evangelical denominations occasionally held meetings, but were 
not successful in organizing churches of their creed. 

There are three villages in Walnut township, viz. : New Salem, 
Millersport, and Hadley Junction ; also, about one-third of the village 
of Pleasantville is in the township. 

New Salem was laid out b}^ Abram Hashbarger about 1832. It is 
located in the southeast part of the township, and is a pleasant village 
of about three hundred inhabitants. The first house in the village was 
built bv John Pride, and w^as occupied by Abram T. Sweazy for a 
store. This structure was on the corner w^here Linville's store now 
stands. 

John Pennell built the second house, and Benoni Hoagland, the 
third one. The first hotel was built on the Ortmau corner, and John 
Spitler was the proprietor. This hotel enjoyed a very good patronage 
during the good old da3's ot the stage coach, and hotel keeping in New 
Salem was a more profitable business in those early days than now^ 

The first physicians in the village were Drs. Brock and Loomis. 
David Smith was the first blacksmith and Richard Dean the first wagon 
maker. The first post office was established about 1839, '^"^ David 
Sweazy was the first postmaster. This mail route was from Lancaster 
to Jacktown, in Licking count}-, and the mail was conveyed b}- the 
stage coach. The first school taught in the village was b}' Christopher 
Trovinger. He held his school in a small tailor shop, which stood on 
the site of the present hotel building. John Fix, now residing in New 
Salem, attended this school. 



262 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

The Methodist Episcopal church of New Salem was erected 
in the year 1838. It is a substantial frame edifice, and cost about 
thirt3'-five hundred dollars. Prior to 1838, and about the year 
1820, the societ}^ now known as the New Salem Church was organized, 
and meetings were held in the houses of Thomas Watson and others of 
the early members. About 1822 a log church was built, in which the 
society- worshiped until the completion of the present frame edifice. 
John Wiseman, James Miller, James Allen, Thomas Watson, Tillman 
Lewis, George Stinchcomb, Samuel Wiseman, Elizabeth Hill, and 
Jacob Hooper and wife, were of the early members. Rev. James Qiiinn, 
Abner Gough, Charles Thorn and Charles Waddle, noted pioneer Meth- 
odist ministers, were among the first who preached to this class. 
About 1840, during the pasturate of Rev. Martin Kellogg a renuirkable 
revival of religion occurred and about one hundred were added to the 
membership of this church. In the winter of 1850 another great revival 
was had, and near one hundred conversions reported. Rev. Levi 
Cunningham was pastor during this revival. The present membership 
is 120 and Rev. F. S. Thurston is pastor at the present time. A Sun- 
day-school in connection with the church was organized about 1830. 
Samuel Wiseman is present superintendent of the school, which is in a 
very flourishing condition. There is a cemetery also in connection with 
the church laid out about 1822, which is the last resting place of hundreds 
of the earh' and later residents of Walnut and Thorn townships. A Mrs. 
Smith was the first buried in this cemeter}^ ; date of interment notknown. 
The cemetery is verv neatly kept, and the grounds beautifully decorated 
with evergreen, shrubs and flowers. 

The Reformed Clunxh of New Salem, known as Grace Reformed 
Church, was organized by Rev. C. W. Hoyman, on the i8th day of 
October, 1863, '^t the Woollard school house, two miles south of New 
Salem. The society worshiped in this school house until the 3d day ot 
January, 1867, when the present frame edifice in New Salem was ded- 
icated. The first members of this organization were John and Catharine 
Long, Rebecca Peters, E. Baker, Jesse Cromer, O. P. Avey and wife. 
John Long was the first elder, and O. P, Avey, the first deacon. Rev. 
C. W. Ho3'man, the first pastor, continued in that relation until 1878, 
when he was succeeded bv Rev. F. C. Yast, the present incumbent. A 
Sunday-school was organized in 1866. John C. Allen is superintendent 
at this time. The present membership of the church is about fortv-five. 

The Methodist Protestant Church of New Salem was instituted in 
1832, b}' Rev. William B. Evans. About the time of its organization, a 
log church building was erected on the site of the present church. The 
society held their meetings in this church until 1856, when the present 
church edifice was built at a cost of about sixteen hundred dollars. 
Among the first members of this society were James Miller and wdfe, 
William Hill and wife, William Shaw and wife, Jonathan Hill and 
wife. Revs. Sanford, Clark and Flowers were of the first pastors. 
About 1833, a great revival was had, which added materially to the 
membership of the church. There are about fifty members at present 
who belong to this charge. A cemetery in connection with the church 
was laid out about 1834. Mrs. Shoup was the first person interred in 
the cemeterv. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 263 

The village of New Salem at the present time contains one dry goods 
store, one drug store, one grocery, one harness shop, one carriage 
maniifactury, one millinery shop, one shoe shop, one blacksmith shop, 
two butcher shops, two physicians, one undertaking establishment, one 
Masonic hall, and one brick school house, the school being under the 
superintendence of Prof. William Henry. 

Salem Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons was instituted in 1842. 
The charter members were M. D. Brock, S. Baker, W. C. Galleher, 
Caleb Coplen, Joseph Linville, J. Baker and J. H. Baker. The present 
membership is about one hundred. 

Millersport is situated in the northern part of the township on the 
Ohio canal, and near the Licking Reservoir. It is also on the line of 
the Ohio Central Railroad. It has a population of about two hundred 
souls, and for several vears after the completion of the canal was a place 
of considerable business. 

The town was laid out by Mathias Miller about 1825. Soon after 
the completion of the canal three grain warehouses were erected by the 
Millers and others, and large amounts of wdieat, corn, oats, pork and 
other commodities were purchased by the owners of the warehouses 
and shipped to eastern markets. These old warehouses are still stand- 
ing, but in a somewhat dilapidated condition. Old residents of the 
neighborhood remember the advent of the Red Rover, the first boat 
that passed through Millersport after the completion of the "big ditch." 
The banks of the canal were lined wnth hundreds of people, from the 
surrounding neighborhoods, and much joy and satisfaction were mani- 
fested at the success of the enterprise. A Mr. McGrew was proprietor 
of the first hotel in Millersport. A widow lady named Henderson also 
kept a hotel several years while the canal was being constructed. Drs. 
Strayer and Holmes were the first physicians who located in the village. 
While the canal was being constructed, an epidemic of a malarial type 
broke out among the laborers and large numbers were prostrated and 
many died. The physicians of Millersport and contiguous towns were 
kept busy in caring for the numerous patients under their care. Ed- 
ward Metcalf was the first blacksmith. About 1825 another village 
named Monticello was started and for some ten or twelve years much 
business was transacted within its limits. It was situated about one- 
half mile south-w^est of Millersport, near the canal. Now hardly a ves- 
tige of it remains to mark its former location. The site of the once 
flourishing village is occupied by fields of grain. The town at this time 
has two dr}^ goods stores, three groceries, one restaurant, one harness 
shop, two blacksmith shops, tw^o shoe shops, one saw mill, one hotel, 
one tile manufactory, situated near the village, the three grain ware- 
houses heretofore referred to, one brick school house, and one church. 
The Millersport Methodist Episcopal Church was organized, and the 
present frame church edifice erected in 1839. Among the first members 
were George Bishop, James Nelson and Mrs. Wilson. The church was 
organized by Rev. Martin Kellogg. Among the early pastors of this 
society were Revs. Gilruth, James Hooper, Daniel Carper and 
Richard Pitcher. The present membership of this church is about 
fifty persons in full connection. 



264 HISTORY OF TvMKFIKl.l) COUNTV. 

One and three-fourth miles north of Millersport is Lakeside, a fa- 
mous resort for tishing and pleasure parties. It is situated on the res- 
ervoir and having but two hotels, the principal buildings in the place, 
has not a sufficient population to be considered a village. 

Hadley Junction was laid out in 1881 by George W. Bush. It is at 
the junction of the Toledo and Columbus Division of the Ohio Central 
Railroad. It was first called Bush Cit}' in honor of the proprietor, but 
subsequently changed to Hadley Junction by the officials of the railroad. 
Frank Stokes erected the first dwelling house. J. C. Mechlin and 
Co. were the first merchants, and L. FI., Taylor kept the first hotel. 
These gentlemen still continue in their respective business. James Bu- 
chanan was the first shoemaker. The first postoffice was established in 
1881 and J. C. Mechlin appointed postmaster, still holding the oflice. 
There are but fourteen dwelling houses in the village at this date (June 
1881), but several more will soon be built. The village still contains 
less than one hundred inhabitants, but bids fair to exceed that number 
in a few years. A neat brick school house has been erected for the ac- 
commodation of the scholars of the village. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 26 = 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 



FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 

Abbott, Lafayette, merchant at Clearport ; is a son of Orin Ab- 
bott, who was born in Vermont in 1800, and in 18 18 came with his father, 
Erastus Abbott to this county. Orin Abbott attended store for a season 
at the Rock Mill for Loveland & Smith, and during the time, he 
traded a bolt of muslin for a load of wheat. He also ran a distillery on 
the Newkirk farm, where he manufactured peach brandy ; also ran a 
distillery at the old Peter Hay farm, below the Defanbaugh mill ; also 
where he married Rosannah Hay. He was a Justice of the Peace fif- 
teen 3'ears. He kept the first store in Madison township, by Hay's 
mill, and afterward removed to Clearport, where he carried on business 
many years, and where he died January 21, 1862, at the age of sixty- 
three years ; his wife died September 7, 1852. They had two sons and 
three daughters. John carried on the store for a time with his father, 
and for a while alone ; but when the property was divided, he took 
the fai'm, and Lafayette, the store. John was born October i, 1828, and 
Lafayette, September 24, 1830. During the late war, he enlisted in the 
Seventy-third Ohio, and was on the Sherman raid to the sea; was 
wounded in the arm while putting a capon his gun, July 20, 1864, ^^ ^^^ 
close of the engagement at Peach Tree Creek, Hood's first fight. The 
arm was bent so that the ball, a minie, struck below the elbow three 
inches, and came out about the same distance above that joint. The arm 
was amputated on the field, and afterward gangrene setting in, necessi- 
tated a second amputation, more painful than the first. He was mustered 
out at Camp Dennison, in November of 1865, the second amputation 
being on the 22d of June of that yeixv. He was married to Miss Ly- 
singer, daughter of John Lysinger, an old and favorably known settler 
of the township. Mr. Abbott was assistant revenue assessor for several 
3^ears, and has now one of the best stores in the country, a large stock 
of goods and a large trade. 

AcHEY, Jonathan, carpenter and joiner. Liberty township. He 
was born in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, August 15, 1822. He is 
the only son of George and Elizabeth (Spangler) Achey. He received 
a common school education, and removed with his parents to Ohio in 
1838, remaining in Franklin county one year, then settling in Etna 
township, Licking county, where he spent the remainder of his days. 
He reared a family of seven children, five now living. He was a tinner 
by trade. His death occurred about 1870. Jonathan completed his ed- 
ucation at the age of seventeen, and commenced an apprenticeship at 
the cabinet trade, tor one year ; he then learned the carpenter and joiner 

34 



266 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

trade. After acquiring the business, about 1844, he began building and 
contracting, which he has since conducted successful!}', erecting many 
of the finest buildings in Baltimore and vicinit}'. In 1847, Mr. Achey 
married Miss E. M. Gafford, daughter of Joseph Gafford. Mrs. Achey 
was born in Baltimore, October 19, 1829. They are the parents of 
twelve children, of whom but five are living, viz. : Parthenia E,, wife 
of S. B. Collins, of Illinois ; William Henry, a carpenter by trade ; 
Sadie J., Carrie Honora, Nina May. The}" occupy a central and com- 
modious residence in Baltimore, which he built in 1872. He has been 
a member of the Board of Education and town council man}' years. 
He is a member of the Reform Church, Mrs. Achey, of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. He has been a member of the I. O. O. F. since 
18^2. 

Aldred, a. T., M. D., of Carroll, was born in Newcastle county, 
Delaware, February 6, 1819. He received his education in that State 
and came to Ohio in 1844, and has practiced his profession in Greenfield 
township ever since. In 1845 he removed to Havensport, where he re- 
mained twelve years, retmming to Carroll in 1857, where he now lives, 
having been actively and lucratively engaged in the practice of medi- 
cine thirty-eight years. In 1855 he was married to Miss Emeliza Craw^- 
ford, who died in 1861. He was again married December 20, 1870, to 
his present wife, Miss Hessie Ebright, of Carroll. Dr. Aldred has not 
only been active in the duties of his profession, but also in public aflTairs 
pertaining to his adopted town — the school, the church and the Masonic 
lodge ; of the last he was a charter member when established in 
1855 : has been in official positions ever since, being at present its Wor- 
thy Master. 

Alfred, Hon. G.W., attorney at law; oflice in Tallmadge Block, 
Main street, Lancaster, Ohio. Judge Alfred w^as born February 22, 
1837, ^^^ the city of Cleveland, Ohio ; son of James and Elmira (Chase) 
Alfred, of English ancestors. James Alfred came to this county, bring- 
ing his family with him, in 1840, and located about two miles east of this 
city, and engaged in agriculture, which he followed until his death, Feb- 
ruary, 1878, in the eightieth year of his age. The widow yet lives on 
the old homestead. Young Alfred attended the public schools of his 
township, and the union schools of this city, until nineteen years of age, 
when he began teaching in Illinois, and taught two terms, when he re- 
turned and entered the Ohio University at Athens. After leaving the 
University, he resumed teaching and the study of law with the firm of 
Martin & Schleich, and was admitted to practice, September 7, 1861 ; 
and soon thereafter formed a partnership with ex-Governor Dill, with 
whom he remained one and a half years. In the fall of 1863, 1^^ moved 
to Mercer county, and formed a partnership 'vvith Hon. T. J. Godfrey, 
with whom he remained until April, 1865 ; then moved to Hocking, 
county and formed a partnership with Hon. Flavius Case. In the fall 
of 1866, he was elected Probate Judge of Hocking county, and re-elect- 
ed in the fall of 1869, serving two terms, closing February 9, 1873 ; af- 
ter which he resumed the practice of the law and the management of a 
farm. In July, 1881, the Judge returned to this city and continued the 
practice of his profession. Judge Alfred was married October 23, 1862, 
to Miss Mary L., daughter of Samuel, Sr., and Sarah (Shull) Hooker, 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 267 

of Hooker's Station, this county. They are the parents of two children : 
Charles M., in his seventeenth year, and Frank H,, in his fifteenth 
year. 

Allis. George W., carriage-maker and blacksmith, post office 
Baltimore, Liberty township ; born July 6, 1845 ; son of Nelson and 
Sarah (Bennadum) Allis ; married to Catharine Sullivan by whom he 
had a family of four children, viz. : George, born August 10, 
1866, and died August 10, 1866; Albert T., born July 4, 1868; Sarah 
J., born April 11, 1870 ; Hattie, born February 6, 1872, and died April 
9, 1874. ^^^ '^^'^f^ ^^^^ November 11, 1872. Was married to Mary Bahla , 
June 20, 1873 ; had two children, Catharine E., born February 14, 1875 ; 
Lucinda, born April 31, 1878, Was in Compan3rG., Seventeenth Ohio 
Regiment, under Captain Thatcher : was with Sherman on his m^rch 
to the sea. 

Alt, Emanuel, farmer, Libert}- township. He was born in Liberty 
township, Fairfield county, April 13, 1830. His parents were Martin 
and Mary (Giesy) Alt. His grandfather emigrated from Switzerland 
to America, coming to Ohio in 1805, where he settled on the farm now. 
owned by his grandson, Joseph. With the assistance of his sons he. 
began the work of improving his farm, consisting of six hundred acres, 
at that time a dense forest. Here on this farm Joseph Alt spent the re- 
mainder of his days, his death occurring in 1829. His son, Martin, 
inherited the farm. He married Mary, daughter of Jacob Geisy, one 
of the pioneers of Liberty township. They reared a famil}^ of five 
daughters and two sons, all of whom are living, and residents of Lib- 
erty township. Martin Alt was a member of the United Brethren 
Church many years. He was noted for his strict integrit}-. He died 
November 24, 1874, loved and respected by all who knew him. Eman- 
uel Alt, in addition to farming, conducts a saw mill, doing a large 
am-ount of work during the year. Mr. Alt has given a great deal of 
attention to the construction and improvement ol the roads in his town- 
ship, particularl}' ti;e Baltimore pike. He has been twice married ; 
first to Maria Tschopp, by whom he had four children. Marietta, the 
wife of David l^ianger, a resident of Liberty township ; Ida C, wife of 
John Snyder f Daniel W., and Charles ; the last-named is still with his 
father. ^Mrs. Alt died November 18, 1864. Mr. Alt married October 
12, 1 87 1, Mrs. Rebecca Benadan, daughter of Peter Zellers, of Leba- 
non county, Pennsylvania, Mrs. Alt being at that time the mother of 
three children by her former marriage, viz. : Ida E., the wife of Henry 
Hausber, of Millersport ; Francis A., the wife of James Bope, of Pleas- 
ant township ; and Charles C, now at home with his parents. Mr. Alt 
owns two hundred and sevent}^ acres of land. The family are members 
of the Reformed Church. 

Alt, Daniel Webster, farmer. Liberty township. He was born 
May 30, 1858, in this township. He is the oldest son of Emanuel and 
Maria (Tschop) Alt. He received a common school education and 
remained at home until his marriage, October 7, 1880, to Miss Gela, 
daughter of Philip Macklin, a well-known resident of Liberty town- 
ship. Mrs. Alt was born November 12, 1861, in Libert}- township. 
They are the parents of one son, Charlie Pearl, born September 16, 
1881. After his marriage he located on a portion of the home farm and 



268 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



farms one hundred and twenty acres of Emanuel Alt's place, formerly 
the Isaac Stover farm. Mr. and Mrs. Alt are members of the Reformed 
Church. 

Alt, Jacob, farmer, Liberty township, youngest son of Martin and 
Mary (Giesy) Alt, was born in Liberty township, October 19, 1844; 
passed his boyhood on the farm and in the countr}' school-house. Was 
married March 4, 1870 to Miss Eva Arnold. To ihem two children 
were born : Willie, the only survivor, is at home. Mrs. Alt died in 
April, 1878. He was again married March 24, 1881, to Miss Mary 
Betz, daughter of John Betz, a well known and highly respected citi- 
zen of Pleasant township. Their union has been blessed with a daugh- 
ter, born November 5, 1882. Mr. Alt continues to reside on the home 
farm, having purchased one hundred and tbrty-nine acres. Upon the 
death of his father, his mother resided with him. She has attained her 
seventy-third year, and is still enjoying good health. She and her 
daughter, Mrs. Alt, are members of the Reformed Church. Mr. Alt 
is a member of the United Brethren Church. 

Andregg, John, farmer, and township trustee. He was born in 
Etna township, Licking county, Ohio, April 24, 1842. His parents were 
John v., and Barbara C. Andregg. John V. was a native of Swit- 
zerland, emigrating to America in 1838, locating in Etna township. 
Licking county, where he engaged in shoemaking until the spring of 
1844, when he moved with his tamily to Fairheld count}', and settled in 
Liberty township, upon the farm now owned b}-- his heirs, and where 
his widow still resides. He was the father of seven children, all of 
whom are living. He died in 1865, fi'oiri injuries received from the kick 
of a horse. John, the subject of this sketch, received a common school 
education, and assisted his father on the farm until August, 1861, when 
he enlisted in Company D, Ninetieth Regiment, O. V. L, taking part 
with his regiment in the numerous battles in which it was engaged. At 
Stone River he was wounded, taken prisoner, but afterward exchanged, 
and soon after discharged for phj-sical disabilit}^ April 14, 1863. Re- 
turning to civil life, he came to the home of his parents and engaged in 
farming. Mr. Andregg has been married three times, his first mar- 
riage occurring December 13, 1866, marrying Miss Sophia Machlin, 
who died July 9, 1867. August 9, 1870, he was again married to Miss 
Eliza Bright, who died November 15th, following. October 10, 1872, 
he was united in marriage to Miss Samantha C., daughter of Peter 
Macklin, a sketch of whose life appears on another page of this work. 
Mr. and Mrs. Andregg are the parents of three children, viz. : Ida L., 
born July 15, 1875 5 Harley A., born May 30, 1877 ; Josie May, born 
December 4, 1879. After the death of his father he conducted the home 
farm until 1870, when he purchased the farm of ninety acres where he' 
now resides, it being tinely improved with modern st3'le of buildings. 
He has held the office of township trustee for two terms. His wife is 
ameml^er of the Reformed Church, and iie is united to the Evangeli- 
cal Association. 

Bader Family, The. Nicholas Bader, a native of canton Basle, 
Switzerland, came to Fairheld county in 1804, by the way of the Hock- 
ing River. He spent the following winter in a settlement, in what is 
now Hocking township, and in the spring of 1805 came to Liberty, 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 269 

where he became a permanent settler, on the farm now owned by Sam- 
uel Solidav, and his grandson, Frederick Bader. Nicholas Bader was 
among the early pioneers of the county. He cleared a large farm upon 
which he spent the remainder of his days, his death occurring July 4, 
1830. His burial place is on the farm, which, during his lifetime, was 
changed from a wilderness to cultivated fields. His oldest son, Samuel, 
lived on the home place imtil his later years, when he became a resi- 
dent of Basil. During his life he was a prominent and influential 
citizen, filling the position of township trustee some eighteen j^ears. 
He died March lo, 1872, leaving a family of six sons and five daughters, 
all now living. 

Bader, Solomon, born in in Liberty township, May 22, 1823. 
After acquiring an education in the rude log school house of that da}', 
he was brought up a farmer, until becoming of age, when he devoted 
himself to the carpenter and joiner trade, subsequently conducting the 
business of builder and contractor successfully six years. He was 
married February 10, 1848, to Miss Susanah, daughter of Jacob Soli- 
day, a well-known resident of Walnut township. They are the parents 
of one son and four daughters, Jesse, who resides on a portion of the 
home place ; Anna Elizabeth, who is the wife of Frank Roley, of 
Basil ; Mary Victorine, the wife of Theophilus Weaver, of Liberty 
township ; Martha Ellen, and Emma Jane, who are still at home. Mr. 
Bader purchased, soon after his marriage, a portion of the three hun- 
dred and twenty-six acres, which he now owns, and which he settled 
upon and improved in a beautiful manner, with convenient and commo- 
dious buildings. He was township treasurer ten years, prior to 1877. 
Himself and family are members of the German Reformed Church. 
He is also a member of the Masonic order. During the past twenty 
years Mr. Bader has, in addition to his extensive farming, been dealing 
largely in buying and shipping grain, in which business he is still en- 
gaged. He has also devoted considerable attention to settling up 
estates, and other positions of trust. 

Baker, Milton, carpenter, Rushville ; was born in Walnut town- 
ship, Fairfield count's, Ohio, November 28, 1815, and moved witli his 
father to the village of Rushville in 181 7. He was married April 10, 
1843, to Hannah Thompson, Rev. James Anderson, Presbyterian 
minister of West Rushville, performing the ceremony. Their chil- 
dren are Mary, Edward, Sarah, Laura, William, Oscar, Jennie. Mr. 
Baker is Justice of the Peace of Richland township and Mayor of 
Rushville. 

Baker, W. M., carpenter, undertaker and embalmer, Stoutsville ; 
was born September 14, 1850; married June 4, 1874, to Miss Sarah 
Crites. Of this union one child was born, Pearl M., April 9, 1875. 
The subject of this sketch is at present engaged in undertaking, in the 
village of Stoutsville. He keeps constantly a full line of caskets, bu- 
rial cases, etc. He is supplied with a fine hearse and is prepared at all 
times to perform all offices of respect to the dead. 

Baker, J. W., grain and flour merchant, Stoutsville; was born 
December 6, 1854 : "married J^^^^ 18, 1876, to Mary E. Nef}\ There 
were born of this union three children : Ollic Agnes, born Jul}' 7, 
1877 ; George Wade, born June 23, 1879; Estella Dora, born Novem- 



270 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

ber 27, 1880. The subject of this sketch is at present living in the 
village of Stoutsville. He is one of the proprietors of the steam mill 
and grain elevator. 

Baker, A. L., Rushville, formerly of the firm of Kennedy and 
Baker, dealers in books, wall paper, etc., Main street. New Lexington, 
Ohio. Mr. Baker was born July 19, 1S57, in Thorn township; son of 
Andrew S. and Eliza (Spenny) Baker. At eighteen years of age 
young Baker left the farm and entered the Fairfield Union Academy ; 
he attended that institution until he was twenty-two, when ae 
was appointed Deputy Sheriff of Perry county, and served two years. 
The firm, previously mentioned, was formed in 1880, and did a suc- 
cessful business. He sold his interest in the book store earl}^ in 1881^ 
removing thence to Rushville, Fairfield county, where he now lives. 

Barker, Rev. D. G., deceased; born in Perry county, this State, 
in 1832; son of John and Nancy (Goodin) Barker; grandson of John 

and Mary (Chamberlain) Barker ; grandson of Samuel and 

(Skinner) Goodin. Mr. Barker obtained his early education in the 
public schools of his county. At the age of twenty years he com- 
menced teaching, following that profession some twent}^ years. About 
the year 1862 he was ordained as a minister of the Baptist Church and 
commenced preaching. Mr. Barker has had his charge psincipally in 
Perry, Hocking and Fairfield counties. He was married in 1853 to 
Miss Martha J. Dollison, daughter of James and Mahala Dollison. 
They have six children: Newton L.. Sarah F., Thomas H., Charles 
E., Adilla F., George H. Newton is married and lives in this county. 
At the time of his death Mr. B. was in the ministry in the Baptist 
Church. 

Barr, Thomas, of Amanda township, ex-commissioner of Fairfield 
county ; was born Februar)- 12, 1812, and at this time is the oldest native 
born resident of Amanda township. His father, Thomas Barr, Sr., 
was a native of Chester county, Pennsylvania, a soldier in the War 
of 181 2, and lived to the advanced age of ninety-two years, lacking 
four days. Came here about 1801 and settled in Dutch Hollow, on the 
farm n6w owned by Joel Meyers, where he was born. Thomas Barr 
began life without means, and his first hundred dollars, saved from his 
own hard earnings, was the most difficult to make. Since that time 
judicious, energetic, and honest management has earned for him sev- 
eral large valuable farms, in both Fairfield and Pickawa}^ counties. 
He has lately built a fine residence on a small farm near Amanda, and 
retired from active business. Mr. Barr is a man who has always taken 
pride in doing everything well, and in ever}^ honorable enterprise in 
being foremost in well-doing. This spirit of true citizenship has 
earned for him reward, of which he may be proud. He has filled 
many and various positions in life and dip his work well. When but 
eighteen years of age, was chosen Lieutenant of the Light Infantry 
Company, and two years afterwards its Captain, which position he held 
five years. He served his school district forty years ot ouf llorty-one 
years of time, as one of its directors. Under his supervision he made 
it one of the best in the county. He was eighteen years township 
treasurer, and held the position of County Commissioner six years. 
He has always been a marksman of unequalled abilities inthe use of 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 27 1 

open sights, and no rests in shooting long distances ; has frequently 
won the prizes, where several center shots had been made by the com- 
petitor. The score made in his last shooting was in 1855, when out of 
practice several years. In this year, in a contest between Pickaway 
and Fairtield counties, for an ox, Mr. Barr made the following score, 
at forty rods oft-hand, and with open sights : Seven shots measured 
five-eighths of an inch from the center ; eight shots, one and one-fourth 
nches;,nine shots, one and five-eighths inches. Measurements made 
by Isaac Bechtel and Andrew Ucker. These nine shots won the ox, 
although one of Mr. William Barr's competitors made five center shots. 

Barr, T. J., of Amanda township, was born in 1848. Received 
his education at the Fairfield Union Academy, and at the Miami Com- 
mercial College, Dayton, Ohio. When eighteen 3'ears old he began 
teaching, and since that time has done ten 3'ears satisfactory work in 
the school room. In 1875, was elected clerk of his township and re- 
elected in 1881. In 1881 he was also elected director of his school 
district. In 1880 he was united in matrimou}- to Miss Nora B. Strode, 
and resides at the old Barr homestead. 

Bauman, Charles, butcher, Lancaster, Ohio; was born in Baden, 
Germany, June 9, 1848 ; his parents, Charles H. and Elizabeth (Betz) 
Bauman, emigrated with their family to America in 1855, coming di- 
rect to Lancaster, where Charles attended the public schools, receiving 
a moderate education. He remained at home until of age, learning the 
butcher trade, at which he was employed by various parties in Lancas- 
ter and Columbus until 1880. He then commenced business for himself 
in Lancaster, where he is quite successful. He was united in marriage 
to Miss Louisa Graf, December 15, 1876; four children have been born 
to them, three of whom are living, viz. : Emma Louisa, born in 1878 : 
Albert, born August i, 1879, and Charles Frederick, born December 
23, 1881. Mr. Bauman and wife are members of the Lutheran Church ; 
he is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 

Beck, Mrs. E. A., Lancaster, Ohio; the onl^- daughter of Joseph 
and Elizabeth (Silhelm) Reimmund ; was born in Lehigh county, Penn- 
S3'lvania, October 20, 1824. Joseph Reimmund was a native "of Ba- 
vannia,German3r,and was born February 2, 1798 ; emigrated to America 
in 1818, and settled at Coopersburgh, Lehigh county, Penns3'lvania, and 
engaged in the mercantile pursuits until coming to Lancaster, Fairfield 
county, Ohio, in 1840, where he at once commenced an extensive and 
successful mercantile business, which continued until about 1852, when 
he died. His widow, Mrs. Elizabeth Reimmund, is still living, now 
eight3' years of age, vigorous in mind and bod3'. Their onlv surviving 
child, Mrs. E. A. Beck, after receiving a liberal education at Moro\'ian 
Seminar3' at Lebanon, Penns3'lvania ; came with her parents to Lan- 
caster, Ohio, where, in 1842, she was united in marriage to Jacob F. 
Beck. Mr. Beck was born in Wurtemberg, German3', Jul3^4, 1817, and 
came to Lancaster with his parents in 1818, where his father, George 
Beck, was an earh' settler and prominent citizen. Jacob F. Beck was 
brought up to a mercantile vocation, at the time of his marriage he was 
of the firm of M3'ers & Beck, subsequent^' a member of the firm of 
Reinmund, Son&: Beck, continuing to conduct a successful business until 
his death, which took place April 27, 1857. Mr. Beck was an exem- 



272 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

plary member of the English Lutheran Church, and an active worker 
in the Sunday-school, in which he had been a teacher tor over twenty 
years. To Mr. and Mrs. Beck were born ten children, of whom eight 
are now living, five sons and three daughters. 

Becker, E., brewer, of Lancaster, Ohio; born in Hanover, Gee- 
many, October 8, 1822. He was liberalh' educated in his native coun- 
try. When fifteen years of age he commenced a mercantile experience 
with one house which continued for nine years. With his parents he 
left German}' for America, in November, 1846, arriving in this country 
in Januar}'. 1847. His father died soon after reaching New York City, 
and the follo\ying spring his mother and family came to Ohio, settling 
in Fairfield count}^ The subject of this sketch entered the employ of a 
merchant, at Lockville, with whom he remained one year. In 1848, he 
engaged as clerk with F. J. Boving, who was then conducting an ex- 
tensive grocery trade in Lancaster. In 1850, Mr. Becker purchased the 
business, which in connection with a rectifying establishment, he suc- 
cessfully conducted until disposing of the same in 1856, following which 
for some three years, he was a resident of Wisconsin, returning to Lock- 
ville in 1859. ^^ then became a member of the firm of Mithofi'& Bro., 
in the distilling and mercantile business, discontinuing the former in 
1866, and the mercantile branch, some three years later. In j868, he 
commenced the brewery business under the firm name of Becker, Oches 
& Company, a firm which continued until 1877, when it became E. 
Becker & Company. From small beginnings the firm has grown to an 
extensive concern, employing some twenty hands and has a capacity of 
ten thousand barrels of beer per annum. Mr. Becker was married in 
1853, to Sophia Drossel : to them have been born five children, three 
now living, viz. : Agnes D., Harr}- E. and Oscar. Mr. Becker is a 
prosperous and influential citizen. 

Belt, Mrs. Angeline, Walnut township ; she was born in Balti- 
more county, Maryland, March 6, 1804; the youngest child of Aquilla 
and Rebecca Parrish. She came to Ohio in 1815, and was married in 
September, 1829, to Benjamin Belt, who came to Ohio about 1820. 
They raised a tamih' of four children, all living. Mr. Belt died in No- 
vember, 1863. Mrs. Belt came across the mountain in a wagon, a 
journey requiring two or three weeks. She is an intelligent old lady, 
and has been a member of the United Brethren Church for fifty-seven 
years. 

Beery, Abraham M., was born in Rockingham ct)unty, Virginia, 
April 25, 1836; in 1855, removed to Fairfield count}^ Ohio. Com- 
menced as clerk in the ciry goods store of Mrs. E. x\. Beck, in 1858; 
was in her emplo}^ nine years, except six months in 1862, during which 
time he served in the Sixty-first Regiment, O. V. I., as Commissary 
Sergeant. Was present at the battle of Cedar Mountain and Bull Run 
No. 2 ; was discharged at Germantown on the 5th day of October,' 1862, 
on account of physical disability. In 1867. commenced business (dry 
goods) under the firm name of Beery, Brown & Company, remained 
with the above firm for six years ; sold his interest to P. Rising, and re- 
mained with him and his successor until Februar}' 1,1882; formed a 
partnership, with S. H. Beck, W. W. Obaugh and B. F, Reinmund, un- 
der the firm name of Beery, Beck, Obaugh & Company, merchant 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTV* 273 

tailors. Mr. Beery was married to Miss Low Bury, June i6, 1867. 
They are the parents of three sons and one daughter. 

Berry, Henry, farmer, Wahiut township ; he was born in Wahiut 
township, Marcli 5, 1810 ; the second son of Edward and Catharine 
(Eakle) Berry. Edward Berry, a native of Maryland, came to Ohio 
with his wife and one son about 1807, settling the following year on the 
place now owned b}' his son, Henry. His first building consisted of a 
log cabin, afterward replaced by a neat hewed log house, about 1825, 
which is still a portion of the farm residence. He being a pioneer ne- 
cessitated the clearing off of the place. He raised a family of twelve 
children, four survive: Henr}^ Edward, a well-known resident of 
Walnut township ; Catharine, wife of Dr. J. D. Nourse, of Lancaster; 
Eliza Jane, wife of Henry Jewett, of Reynoldsburgh, Ohio. He was a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for twenty-five years. A 
prosperous and successful farmer. He died about June, 1850 ; his wid- 
ow survived him three 3'ears. Henry Berry was educated in the com- 
mon schools, and engaged in farming, and clearing a new place. In 
1845, he married Miss Mar}-, daughter of David Rank, an early settler 
in Walnut township ; she was born in Fairfield county, March 2, 1822. 
After marriage Mr. Berr}^ engaged in farming and stock raising. Mr. 
and Mrs. Berry are the parents of three children : Theodore E., on the 
home place ; Honora C, wife of L. G. Smith, of New Salem ; Sarah 
E., wife of F. C. Linville, of Salem. Mr. Berry was township treasurer 
one term. The famil}^ are members of the Methodist Protestant Church ; 
he is a member of the Grange. Tlieodore E. married about 1865 to 
Samantha, daughter of D.F. Linville, of New Salem ; they are the par- 
ents of three sons and one daughter. Theodore E. owns one hundred 
and thirty acres of land. He is a pleasant, genial gentleman, and a 
substantial citizen. David Rank settled in Walnut township, on the 
farm now owned by James Belt. About 1808, he cleared one-fourth 
section of land and lived there until 1861. He raised a family of ten 
children, eight now living. David Rank died in New Salem about 1867. 

Berry, Edward, farmer, Walnut township ; the son of Edward and 
Catharine Berry ; was born in Walnut township. May 15, 1814. He 
enjoyed a common school education, and engaged in farming at home 
until his marriage, November, 1839, ^^ Miss Elizabeth, daughter of 
Joseph and MarN^ Yontz. He resided on the home place one year after 
marriage, and another place in the same township three years. In the 
spring of 1844, he settled on the place where he now resides, it was then 
partially improved ; they are now the parents of eight children, seven 
living : Almeda J., wife of Hiram Sperry, of Walnut township ; Emmett 
C. a resident of Whitley county, Indiana ; Ar\-bell Samantha, wite of Geo. 
Koontz, of Pleasantville ; Elizabeth Clementine, wile of Henry W. 
Geiger, of Walnut township; Henry C, assisting on the home farm; 
Homer C. and Lomera T. at home. The family are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a successful and prosperous cit- 
izen. 

Berry, Elijah, tarmer. Walnut township ; was born in Walnut 

township, July 27, i82i,the onh' son of Elijah and Nancv (Mock) 

Berry. Elijah Berry, Sr., was born in Virginia. When he married, 

he came to Ohio with his wife and two children, in 1806 or 1808. He 
35 



274 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

served in the war of 1812. From Walnut township, he settled on the 
place now owned by Frank Foster. He resided there some ten or 
twelve 3^ears, then removed to Richland township. He resided in Sen- 
eca county four years, and then returned to Fairfield county, in 1837, 
settling on the place now owned by his son. He cleared the farm, and 
raised a family of nine children — four sons and two daughters are living. 
He died about 1850, his widow surviving him some five or six years. 
Elijah, after acquiring a fair education, turned his attention to farming. 
He married, in February, 1841, Miss Almira Culp, daughter of Jacob 
and Mar}^ Culp. The}- settled in Walnut township. To their marriage 
have been born seven children, of whom four are living: Louisa, wife 
of Samuel M. B. Miller, a resident of Walnut township ; Margaret, 
widow of David Trovinger, a resident of Walnut township ; Marion, a 
resident of Thorn township, Perry count}^ ; Rebecca Jane, married, 
and is now a resident of Delaware, Ohio. Mrs. Berry died about 
185 1. Mr. Beny resided in Richland and Pleasant townships some six 
3'^ears, subsequently removing to the home place in Walnut township. 
After the death of his father, he took charge of the home place. He 
married again in 1852, to Victorine Manson. They have been mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church for a number of years. The}^ 
occupy a residence built by his father about 1837, which they have 
modernized somewhat. 

BiBLER, Samuel, farmer, Walnut township ;. was born in Libert}^ 
township, Fairfield county, February 11, 1811, the oldest son of John 
and Eleanor (Wilson) Bibler. John Bibler was born in Rockingham 
county, Virginia, April 16, 1782. He came to Ohio in 1803 or 1804. 
He married in Liberty township in 1807, and settled on the farm in that 
township, where he spent the remainder of his days. The place is now 
owned by his son, Jonas Bibler, who was a pioneer, and purchased 
eighty acres, making himself a home. He raised a family of five sons 
and three daughters, three sons and two daughters now living. He was 
a successful farmer ; a member of the Baptist Church for forty-six years. 
He died Februar^^ 11, 1854. Samuel received a fine education, and un- 
til his marriage remained at home on the farm. He married Miss Eliza 
Humes, in 1835. She was born in Orange county, Virginia, in 1807. 
In the spring of 1836, he settled on the place in Walnut township, where 
he now lives. He now owns one hundred and four acres, which he has 
improved and since resided upon. Mr. and Mrs. Bibler are the parents 
of four children, viz. : Sarah, now the wife of John Miller, residing on 
the home place ; John died in 1855, in his twelfth year ; Abraham, born 
October 10, 1840, was educated in the common schools, is a farmer by 
occupation. He was drafted in the Rebellion, but sent a substitute. He 
was married October 10, 1861, to Miss Barbara J. Warner. They are 
the parents of four sons and four daughters. Jane, the wife of John 
Sands, died November 28, 1864. Mrs. Bibler died November 2, 1880. 
Mr. Bibler never cared for ofiice ; was an industrious, energetic man, 
beloved by all who knew him, and a self-made man. 

Bibler, Lewis, farnier, Liberty township ; was born December 25, 
1834, t^^^ youngest son of Jacob and Susannah (Herely) Bibler. Jacob 
Bibler was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, about 1789, and came 
with his father, Francis Bibler, to Ohio in 1805. They settled on a farm 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 275 

on the site of Basil, and cleared a large tract adjoining it. Jacob loca- 
ted on the place now owned by his son Lewis, about 1820. He here 
erected one of the first frame houses in this vicinity. Of his seven child- 
ren, only two survive — Jacob A., a resident of Jay county, Indiana, and 
Lewis, the subject of this sketch. Jacob was a successful farmer and 
stock raiser ; he was a life-long member of the Baptist Church, and died 
June 9, 1877. His wife died March 11, 1863. Lewis was reared on 
the farm. He was married October 23, 1862, to Martha J., daughter 
of Asa and Rebecca Shreve, early settlers of Liberty township. Mrs. 
Bibler was born here July 2, 1840. Fom^ of their five children survive, 
Lizzie J., Jacob A., Charles Wesley and Henrietta. Mrs. B. is a mem- 
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

BiGOMEY, Joseph, farmer ; was born in Licking county, Ohio, 
August 19, 1845, a son of Francis W. and Henrietta (Fritz) Bigomey. 
Francis W. Bigomey was a native of Pennsylvania. He came to Ohio 
in 1838, and located in Licking county, where he resided for a number 
of years. He then removed to Fairfield county, where he resided until 
185 1, at which time he purchased the farm known as the Fritz farm. 
Here Tie spent the remainder of his life. He reared a family of ten 
children, nine of whom are living. In 1855 he was elected to a seat in 
the Legislature, and again in 1857. He died in 1877, respected and re- 
gretted by all who knew him. His widow still survives him, being in 
good health. She still resides on the old home farm. Joseph acquired 
a good education in his 3'outh, and took great interest in his vocation, 
that of farming. In 1867 he was united in marriage to Miss Hannah 
Caroline, daughter of John Bury, a prominent citizen of Liberty town- 
ship. After his marriage, Mr. Bigomey resided on the Bur}'- home farm 
for one year, when he purchased the farm, where he now lives. It con- 
tains one hundred acres, to which he has added many a valuable im- 
provement, among them an elegant residence. Mr. and Mrs. Bigomey 
are the parents of five children : John Francis, Joseph Plenry, Hiram 
Franklin, Warren Ellsworth, and Winfield Scott. The family are 
members of the Reform Church. 

BiNiNGER, Edward H., merchant, Lancaster; was born in Lancas- 
ter January 4, 1861, the youngest son of Wolfgang and Magdalena 
(Binder) Bininger. Edward H. acquired a fair education in the Catho- 
lic Parochial school of Lancaster, after which he entered the employ of a 
baker, at Newport, Kentucky, where he remained six months. Re- 
turning to Lancaster, he engaged as a clerk with Jacob Keller, contin- 
uing with his successor, F. Myers. Upon the death of the latter, in 
1874, ^h^ business was purchased by Mr. Bininger, and under his man- 
agement has grown extensively. In 1876, he added to the grocery 
trade a stock of Qvieensware, and later, a dry goods and notion depart- 
ment, and is now doing a trade that aggregates some thirty thousand 
dollars per annum. He is centrally located, on Columbus street. Be- 
sides owning his business block, he also owns a farm of one hundred 
acres, in Berne township. He was united in marriage, in 1876, to Miss 
Clara McManamy. They are the parents of one son, James W., born 
December 15, 1877. 

Bishop, John W., farmer, P. O., Etna; a native of Virginia; born 
March 4, 1817, oldest son of Samuel and Nancy Bishop. His oppor- 



276 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

tunities for an education were limited. When he could be spared to 
attend school, he had a walk of three miles to reach the nearest one, 
nearly the entire walk extending over a mountain. In 1828 he came 
with his parents to Ohio, settling in Guernsey county. He lived at the 
home of his grandfather, John Summer, until the death of the latter, in 
1837. He then owned and conducted a tlireshing machine, working in 
various counties, coming (o Fairlield county in 1840, where he still con- 
tinued the same busines-s. January 12, 1843, he was united in marriage 
to Miss Eleanor Buskirk, wlio was born in Liberty towijsliip, September 
24, 1822, her father, John Buskirk, being one of the pioneers of the 
township, settling there in 1802. After marriage, Mr. Bishop settled on 
the Buskirk home farm, where he lived until 1849, when he purchased 
the farm where he still resides. It contains two hundred and ten acres, 
much of the land having been cleared up b}' Mr. Bishop during his resi- 
dence there. The farm is considered one of the best, and contains all 
the comforts and conveniences needed to make an attractive and pleas- 
ant home. He is politically a Republican ; also, a member of the Re- 
form Church. To them have been born nine children, seven of whom 
are living, viz.: Sarah Caroline, wife of Jacob Weaver; Samuel, 
residing on a portion of the home farm ; E. Livina, is the wife of 
Samuel Wilkin, of Licking county ; Daniel, at home ; Lucinda, wife of 
B. Moreland, also of Licking county ; Emeline and Willie are still at 
home. 

BoPE, Philip, commercial traveler, Lancaster, the son of Abraham 
and Mary Sybilla (Miller) Bope, who were among the pioneers of the 
Hocking Valley. Philip was born in Pleasant township March i, 1810. 
His father was a native of Rockingham count}', Virginia, born about 
1763, and was active in the closing scenes of the Revolution, being 
present at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. In 1809 he came 
with his wife and six children to Ohio, purchasing a half section of land 
in Pleasant township, where he passed the remainder of his life. He 
was a celebrated hunter in his day, and had some narrow escapes from 
wild animals during the early settlement of this countr}^ His family 
consisted of seven children, of whom but three survive. He died in 
1826. Philip, the youngest child, attended school in the rude log school 
house of that dajs his early younth being passed on the farm. In 1826 
he commenced an apprenticeship at the carpenter and cabinet making- 
trade, which, after acquiring, he followed for a brief period. He re- 
moved to Lancaster in 1829, entering the employ of Levering &Cassatt, 
as clerk. In 1832, he removed to Winchester, Adams county, where 
he did a successful mercantile business for seven years. Returning to 
Lancaster in 1839, ^^^ opened the first hardware store there, which he 
conducted till 1854, subsequently engaging in the dr}- goods trade, in 
connection with Dr. Edson B. Olds, in which he was engaged until 
he entered the armv in the capacity of sutler, in 1862. He was ap- 
]")ointed Go\errimeni Inspector in 1864. Since the close of the war he 
has been engaged as commercial traveler for various mercantile houses, 
at present traveling for the firm of 1^'rench, Ilanna & Company, exten- 
sive woolen manufacturers, of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Mr. Bope was 
married August 23, 1831, to Eliza, daughter of Adam Weaver, a prom- 
inent citizen of Farifield county, who had been a Lieutenant in the wav 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 277 

of 181 2, Sheriff' for one or more terms, and Justice of the Peace for many 
3^ears. Mr. Bope was born in Lancaster June ii, 1815. Twelve child- 
ren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bope, eight of whom are living, viz. : 
James A., an attorney ; Philip U., Sarah E., wife of A. R. Belden, of 
Findlay, Ohio : Thomas Corwin, Charles A., a merchant, of Mt. Ver- 
non, Ohio; Clara A., now Mrs. W. H. Wolfe, of Lancaster; Ella L., 
and Harry P., of Pittsburoh. Mr. Bope and family are members of the 
Episcopal Church. He also belongs to the Masonic Order, and is one 
of the oldest living members of the L O. O. F. in the State of Ohio. 

Borland, Charles W., County Surveyor, Lancaster. Pie was 
born in Lancaster, April 10, 1840 ; is a son of Charles and Cynthia 
(Hart) Borland. Until he attained the age of sixteen he attended the 
common schools, when he entered the Commercial College at Colum- 
bus. He was connected with the original survey of the Columbus and 
Hocking Valley Railroad ; also with preliminary survey and construc- 
tion of the Alliance and Lake Erie Railroad for three years. Januar}^ 
I, 1876, he was appointed Surveyor of Fairfield county to fill a vacancy. 
Upon the expiration of the term he was elected to the same position, an 
office that he still holds. Mr. Borland, in April, 1861, enlisted in 
Company A, First O. V. L, under Captain Joseph Stafford. With the 
regiment he participated in the first battle of Bull Run. At the expira- 
tion of his term of service here-enlisted in the Eighteenth United States 
Infantry, and was afterwards transferred to the Eighty-ninth O. V. I., 
where he was Aid-de-Camp to General Plugh Ewing, until prostrated 
with sickness. He was finally obliged to resign his commission in the 
fall of 1864, after spending some time in a convalescent camp. Mr. 
Borland was married in 1872, to Miss Cora, daughter of James and 
Mary Elder, of New Lexington, to whom were born six children, four 
of whom are now living: Sallie G. ; Herman; Hart J., and Mar}- 
Anna. 

Born, Frederick, (retired), post office, Baltimore, Liberty town- 
ship ; was born in Berne, Switzerland, March 21, 1813. His parents 
were John and Elizabeth Born. Fredrick received a fair education in 
the public schools, and when fourteen years of age commenced an ap- 
prenticeship of two years at the carpenter trade. He then worked as 
journeyman until coming to America in 1834. Removing to Ohio in 
1835, he spent the first year in Cleveland and Canton. In the fall of 
1836 he came to Fairfield county, settling in Liberty township, where 
he worked at his Irade until purchasing a farm. In connection with 
farming he conducted a saw-mill until the spring of 1877, when he re- 
moved to Baltimore, where he has since resided. In 1837 ^^^ was mar- 
ried to Miss Elizabeth Rickley . To them were born four children : Eliza- 
beth, who married John Walker, she died March, 1880 ; Frederick, 
Jr., a member of the Seventh O. V. I., who served during the war, and 
died on his way home in 1865 ; Caroline, wife of Levi White, of Indi- 
ana : Mary, wife of Joseph Walker, of Columbus; Mrs. Elizabeth 
Born died in 1853, and he was married May 17, 1854, ^o Miss Susan- 
nah Ruby, daughter of Jacob Ruby, a well-known resident of Liberty 
township. To tliem have been born four children : Sarah A. : John 
Wesley ; Emma Matilda, and George M., all yet at home. The family 
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Chnrch. Mr. Born is a mem- 



278 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is an esteemed citi- 
zen of his township. 

BoviNG, John Francis, of Lancaster, was born in Bremen, Ger- 
many, January 13, 1805 ; his parents were Peter and Ann Boving. 
After receiving a fair education in his native city, he was in the employ 
of a mercantile house until coming to America in 1827. He first lo- 
cated in Baltimore, Mar^dand, where he remained some three years. 
In 1830 he came to Royalton, Ohio ; there he engaged in mercantile 
business, conducting the same successfully some years. In 1832 he 
married Catharine Scott, who was born in Fairfield county in 1812. Mr. 
Boving purchased a farm in Amanda township in 1834, where he re- 
sided for five vears. Removing to Lancaster in 1839, he became a mem- 
ber of the firm of Boving & Greene, an extensive wholesale grocery 
house. A specialty of their firm was the buying and shipping of large 
quantities of tobacco, at that time a production of importance in Fair- 
field county. Mr. Boving continued in this trade until 1848, following 
which he led a retired lifie for twelve years. In i860 he began a suc- 
cessful hardware business, which continued six years. In 1865 he turned 
his attention to the cultivation of fruit and the management of a vine- 
yard, in which he has been quite successful. He has, in later years, 
interested himself in building associations, having been the founder of 
three, two of which are in a flourishing condition. For two terms he 
was a member of the city council. He is a consistent member of the 
Presbyterian church, and a prosperous and esteemed citizen. Mr. and 
Mrs. Boving are the parents of three children, of whom but one sur- 
vives, viz. : Louisa. 

Boyd, Rev., J. R., minister, was born in Guernsey county, Ohio ; 
the oldest son of William and Nancy (Bainford) Boyd; the former a 
native of Ireland, emigrating to America in 1820, settling in Guernsey 
county, where he died in 1863. Rev. J. R. Boyd was reared on a 
farm. In his nineteenth year he entered Muskingum College, at New 
Concord, where he remained three years, subsequently attending 
Franklin College at New Athens, Ohio, for one year, graduating from 
that institution in 1859. ^^ ^*^^" entered the Theological Seminary of 
the United Presbyterian Church, at Allegheny, Pennsylvania, remain- 
ing four years, during which time, in the spring of 1862, he was licensed 
to preach, and ofhciated in various churches in the vicinity of the semi- 
nary. In 1863 he was settled at Norwich, Muskingum county, Ohio, 
for a period of four years, and at Wilmington for two years. In 1869 
Mr. Boyd changed his connection from the United Presbyterian to the 
Presbyterian Church. He was then placed in charge of the church at Lib- 
erty, Indiana, where he remained until the spring of 1872, when he re- 
moved to Lancaster, whe''e he has since labored successfully. The mem- 
bership of the church has more than doubled during that time. Mr. Boyd 
was married in 1861 to Miss Martha J. McGonagle. Two sons and 
one daughter have been born to them: William W., now student at 
Marietta College; James C, and Aggie W. 

Brandon, John, farmer. Walnut township. He was born in Adams 
county, Pennsylvania, June 5, 1810; the son of Elezor and Jane (Mc- 
Cormick) Brandon. Elezor Brandon was a native of Adams county, 
Pennsylvania, and came with his wife and four children to Ohio in 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 279 

1821, settling in Perry county in 1822, and remaining there about ten 
years. He raised a family of five-children ; John and Robert are residents 
of Peru, Indiana. Mr. Brandon, Sr., died November 6, 1835. Jo^^^ 
Brandon came to Ohio with his parents in 1821 ; he was educated in the 
common schools of Perry county ; he took charge of the home farm, 
and took care of his parents. In 1835 ^^^ married Miss Mary Haver, 
who died February 28, 1844. Mr. Brandon was married the second 
time, December 31, 1844, to Mar}^ daughter of Judge Gideon Martin, 
a former well-known resident of Greenfield township. Mrs. Brandon 
was born in Greenfield township, Februar}- 16, 1819. They are the 
parents of fovu* children, three living: Almeda, wife of William H. 
Watson, of Walnut township; G. M., who resides with his parents, 
assisting in the management of the home place ; Ola, now Mrs. Dr. H. 
C Brison, of Millersport. After his first marriage Mr. Brandon lived 
in Perrv county one year. In 1837 he settled on the place where he 
has since resided, then but partially cleared. The family occupied a 
log house until building a new residence in 1861 . He purchased eighty- 
four acres and now owns one hundred and sixty acres, which is consid- 
ered one of the finest farms in the township. He never desired public 
office ; a successful tarmer and stock raiser, a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, also of the Masonic Order. Mr. Brandon is a genial, 
hospitable gentleman, esteemed and respected. 

Brasee, Mrs. Mary Jane, born in Lancaster, Ohio, August 28, 1808 ; 
the eldest daughter of Judge Elnathan Scofield. Judge Scofield was a 
native of New York. He came with Colonel Zane, the founder of 
Zanesville, to Ohio, at an early day engaged in mercantile pursuits in 
Lancaster, and subsequently rose to distinction, taking an active part in 
military affairs in the War of 181 2. He occupied the position of Post 
Master at Lancaster for many years, and was afterward member of the 
Legislature. In later years he was a distinguished jurist. His eldest 
daughter, the subject of this sketch, was educated at a private seminary 
at Lancaster, and was united in marriage, November 17, 1829, to John 
T. Brasee. To this marriage were born seven children, of whom four 
survive. Mrs. Brasee is a genial and intellectual lady. 

Bright, Samuel R., farmer, Walnut township; the son of David 
and Leah (Arnold) Bright. He was born in Greenfield township, Oc- 
tober 7, 1837. David Bright was born in Greenfield township, Decem- 
ber 9, 1812 ; the son of David, Sr., who settled on the place in Green- 
field township, still the home of his son, David. David, Sr., entered a 
section of land there. His death occurred about 1824. The six hun- 
dred and fortv acres are still owned b}' his sons, John and David. Da- 
vid, Sr., engaged extensively in distilling, leaving the clearing of the 
place and farming to his sons, David and John. In the War of 181 2, 
he sent a substitute. David, Jr., was married and lived on a part of the 
Uome place ; he raised a family of five sons and two daughters, all liv- 
ing, and residents of Fairfield county, with but one exception. Mr. 
Bright has been towonship treasurer some eighteen years ; also township 
trustee ; infirmary director for three years. He is a member of the Eng- 
lish Lutheran Church. He is still living, vigorous in mind and body. 
In late years an ardent Republican. Samuel R., after receiving a com- 
mon school education in Greenfield township, took charge of the home 



2^0 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

place in that township. February 25. 1858, he married Miss Rebecca, 
daughter of Samuel Fisher, a farmer and well known resident of Green- 
field township. Mrs. Bright was born in Greenfield township, January 
II, 1837. ^^ ^^""S spring of 1858, they moved to Walnut township, and 
purchased what is known as the Anthony Morton farm. He occupied 
the Morton house until building his present residence in 187 1, and is 
still using the log barn built by Mr. Morton in 1828. Mr. Bright owns 
one hundred and sixty acres. Mr. Spangler owns the rest of the Mor- 
ton place, originally three hundred and thirty-six acres. Mr. Bright is 
a successful and prosperous farmer and stock raiser. They are the par- 
ents of eleven children, of whom seven are living, viz. : Samantha E., 
Ida, A., Minnie M., Homer G., Stellethe B., Genevieve M., and Eula- 
lie. The family are members of the M. E. church. He is a substan- 
tial citizen, and has an estimable wife. 

Bright, John, farmer, was born in Libert}'^ township, Fairfield coun- 
ty, Ohio, December 8, 1832 ; the youngest son of John and Elizabeth 
Bright. John, Jr., after receiving an ordinary common school educa- 
tion, spent his youth in farming pursuits, varied somewhat by assisting 
in the flour and saw mill, so long conducted by his father. Upon the 
death of the latter in 1853, he became owner of the home farm, a well 
improved and productive place, consisting of over two hundred acres, 
upon which is a handsome and commodious family residence, and farm 
buildings of a superior character. Mr. Bright is a successful farmer 
and prominent citizen. He is a member of the Evangelical Association 
Church, also of the Republican party. In 1864 he served some four 
months in the One Hundred and Sixtieth O. V. I. July 24, 1853, he 
was married to Mrs. Harriet Studer. To them were born two daugh- 
ters : Sula, now tlie wife of John Cams of Greenfield township, and 
Laura, now Mrs. O. J. Weist, residing on a place adjoining her parents 
home. 

Brock, Dr. M. D., physician, Columbus, Ohio. He was born in 
Belmont county, March 12, 1814 ; the son of Jesse and Mary (Adams) 
Brock. He was educated in the common schools until nineteen years 
of age. He entered the office of Dr. Alexander, in Flushing, where 
he remained one year. He then remained for two ^^ears in the office of 
Dr. Stone of Perry county. In 1836, he began the practice of his pro- 
fession in New Salem. He continued his practice here twenty-four 
years. In 1846, he graduated from Hudson Medical College. His 
practice at New Salem was very extensive and lucrative, extending 
over the surrounding county. He has assisted at the birth of one tiiou- 
sand two hundred and fifty children, without the loss of a child. While 
in New Salem, he organized the first Masonic lodge in that place, and 
was its worshipful master for twent}^ years. In i860 he moved to Reynolds- 
burg, Franklin county, where he practiced sixteen years, doing a large 
practice. In 1876 he returned to Columbus and purchased property. 
Here he still resides and is doing an extensive practice. He has assist- 
ed, since coming here, in the birth of one thousand nine hundred and 
fourteen children. Mr. Brock was married in 1836, to Miss Catharine, 
daughter of John and Catharine Castle. They are the parents of four 
daughters and one son ; the latter died in infancy ; also one daughter ; 
three are still living : Emily V., wife of A. C. Doney, resident of Frank- 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 28 1 

lin county, Ohio ; Clemintiiie, wife of J. C. Watson of Columbus; Vi- 
ola, wife of J. C. Grubbs, of Lancaster. Dr. Brock has been a mem- 
ber of the M. E. church since 1836. 

Brown, H. A., M. D., of Carroll, was born in Perry county, March 
15, 1854; became a medical student of Dr. Kinsman of Columbus, and 
subsequently graduated in the Starling Medical College, taking his de- 
gree of M. D. in the year 1875. Dr. Brown first practiced his profes- 
sion in Sugar Grove, his native town : but after a stay here of nine 
months, removed to Carroll, where he is at present engaged in a good 
practice. In December, 1875, he became united in matrimon}^ to Miss 
Emma E. D. Ackers, daughter of the late Ephraim Ackers, oldest Au- 
ditor of the count}'. His father, Robert H. Brown, M. D., w^as born 
in Perr}^ county, in 1820; and although of a long lived people, died in 
the vigor and prime of life, in the year i860. He had a large, lucrative 
practice, and was overworked ; he was also a man of some political 
prominence, and frequentlv stumped the county with such men as Dr. 
Edison B. Olds. 

Brumfiei.d, Mrs. Rachel P., of Lancaster, was born in Man- 
chester, Maryland, August 25, 1803, and is a daughter of Samuel and 
Mary Peters. She came with her parents to Ohio, in 181 2. They set- 
tled in the vicinity ol Rushville, Fairfield county, remaining there about 
five years, when they removed to Clear Creek Tp. She remained with her 
parents until her marriage, January 26, 1824, to William Brumfield, w^ho 
was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, in March, 1792. He came 
to Ohio in 1817. Mr. and Mrs. Brumfield were the parents of ten chil- 
dren, eight now living. Two sons and two daughters are married ; four 
are still at home. Mr. Brumfield purchased the Joseph Hunter place, 
upon which he spent the remainder of his da3's. He was a successful 
farmer, an exemplary citizen, and an honest man ; he died August 29, 
1873. Mrs. Brumfield lived on the famih' homestead until 1877, when 
she purchased a handsome dwelling on Chestnut street, Lancaster, 
where she has since resided. She has been a member of the M. E. 
Church many years, and is a vigorous and intellectual lad}^ bearing 
lightl}^ the seventy-nine winters that have passed over her head. 

Bury, John, farmer. Liberty township ; was born in Philadelphia, 
March nth, 1811. Onl}- son of John S. and Mar}^ Ann (Glosser) Bury, 
who came to America from Switzerland in 1806, settling in Philadelphia, 
where they lived for twelve years. In 1818, wath their family of two 
children, they moved to Ohio, locating in Pleasant township for one 
year. In the spring of 18 19 they settled on the farm now owned by 
John, Jr. The improvements were limited, consisting of a small log 
house and one acre of ground cleared. Mr. Bur}- went to work in 
earnest, chopping down trees and clearing away under brush. Upon 
this clearing corn was raised, it being the principal food of the pioneer. 
Mr. Bur)' built a large, fine log house in 1829, and built the first frame 
barn in the township. He was very successful in all his efforts, and 
lived to enjoy the results of his industry and energ};', raising his two 
children to man and womanhood. Mar}^ his daughter, married Se- 
bastian Goss ; she died in 1837. Mr. Bury was an honored member 
of the Reformed Church. He died in 1861. After the death of his 

father, John took charge of the farm, having obtained a fair education. 
35 



282 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

In 1833 he married Miss Hannah Zerkle, raising a family of nine chil- 
dren, of whom six survive, viz. : Catharine, a widow; Elizabeth, now 
the wife of Jacob Wildershatt, of Baltimore, O. ; Julia Ann, the wife of 
John Loose, of Seneca county, O. ; Joseph H., a well known resident 
of Liberty township, residing on the farm formerly owned by his grand- 
father ; Hannah Caroline, the wife of Joseph Bigony, also of Liberty 
township ; and Jacob Benjamin, who is the owner of one hundred 
and twenty acres, and has charge of the home place. Before disposing 
of the farms to his sons, Mr. Bury owned four hundred and ten acres, 
and still owns over two hundred acres, also the fine residence, making 
a very pleasant home. In politics he is a Democrat, and has filled some 
of the minor otfices in his township — that of township trustee for a period 
of nine years. He has been a member of the Reform Church for fifty- 
five years. Being a genial and hospitable gentleman, he was held in 
the highest esteem b}^ his friends and neighbors. Mrs. Bury died 
March 8th, 1864. 

Bury, Joseph H., was born in Liberty township, Fairfield county, 
November 3d, 1834 5 ^^^ ^^ Jo^^i^ ^^"d Hannah Bury. Joseph attended 
the public schools and acquired a good education. He remained at 
home until his marriage to Miss Samantha J. Winter, April i8th, 1875. 
They are the parents of four children, three of whom — Jennetta A., 
Nellie H. and Ida Ellen — are living. 

Bush, Mrs. Phcebe, Lancaster, Ohio, was born in Fairfield county, 
November 27th, 1834 ; daughter of Andrew and Rachel Foust. Andrew 
Foust has filled various public positions in Fairfield count}^ for some 
twenty years. He was Justice of the Peace, a member of the General 
Assembl}^ for one or two terms, also represented his district in the 
State Senate. Himself and famil}^ are residents of Pickaway county. 
His daughter Phoebe, after receiving a fair common school education, 
was united in marriage September 23, 185 1, to George Mayes, a native 
of Pickaway county, who was born in 1828. To them have been born 
two sons and two daughters, of whom the following survive : Franklin 
E., a resident of Lancaster; Mary Emma, wife of Theodore Mithoff, 
Jr., of Columbus; Georgie Ella, wife of Rev. Scott F. Hershey, of 
Lancaster. Mr. Mayes died November nth, 1862. Mrs. Ma^'es was 
again married December nth, 1866, to William Bush, who w^as born in 
Fairfield count}?^ about 1827. Mr. Bush was a tailor by trade, and at 
the time of his marriage was in the employ of Philip Rising, with whom 
he remained some nine years. He was then elected Sherift' of that 
county in 1873, and two years later he was re-elected. He was an ac- 
tive and infiuential citizen, and prior to his election as Sherifl:' had filled 
the position of Coroner of the county for one or more terms. He was 
a consistent member of the M. E. Church, also the I. O. O. F. and 
Kights of Honor. He died July i8th, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Bush were 
the parents of four children, three daughters and one son: Clara, Sarah 
Mabel, Charles W. and Ada Dilley. 

Bush, William P., farmer, Walnut township. He was born in 
Walnut township April 19, 1847, the oldest son of Samuel Graybill 
and Matilda (McNamee) Bush. He received a common school ed- 
ucation, also attended a select school, taught by Joseph Freeman ; he 
then attended the Union Academy, at Pleasantville, receiving a liberal 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 283 . 

education, fitting himself for teaching. His youth was passed in assist- 
ing his father in buying and shipping Hve slock, jointly with farming, 
until his marriage, March 30, 1869, to Miss Sarah, daughter of Joseph 
and Elizabeth Hite. To them have been born six children, of whom 
three daughters and two sons are living. After marriage he condvicted 
the home farm two years. In 187 1 he removed to Douglass county, 
Illinois, and lived there one yeav. returning to Fairtield county, where 
he resided in Pleasant township two years, engaging in farming. In 
the spring of 1875 he returned to Walnut township and engaged in 
farming, on the home place, till his wife's death, in January, 1878. 
He was married the second time to Miss Almeda J. Copstine, October 
2, 1878, who was born in Spencerville, Allen county, Ohio. Mr. and 
Mrs. Bush are the parents of one son and one daughter, Herbert C, 
born January loth, 1880, and Blanch Lucretia, September 7, 1882. 
After marriage he continued to reside on the home farm. In 1880 he 
purchased a portion of the Sv/ope farm, including the home farm, 
owning in all one hundred and hfty-three acres. 

Bush, George W., farmer. Walnut township. He was born in 
Walnut township, June 21, 1848; the son of Samuel Graybill and Ma- 
tilda (McNamee) Bush. S. G. Bush was born in Greenfield township, 
April II, 1826. His father, William, was a pioneer of the county. He 
engaged largel}^ in mercantile business. George W. married Miss 
Josephine, daughter of Jacob Soliday, April 26, 1871. Mrs. Bush was 
born in Walnut township July 30, 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Bush are the 
parents of six children, Mollie M., Clara V., Emma May, Bessie, Ida 
J. and a son born October 8, 1882, to whom a name is not yet given. 
Samuel G. Bush, early in life, engaged largely in buying and shipping 
live stock. He settled on the farm, formerly the McNamee homestead. 
He married Matilda, daughter of J. McNamee, who was born October 
6, 1823. He continued to farm in connection with buying and shipping 
live stock. He owned a farm of four hundred and fifty acres : his heirs 
own four hundred and twenty-five acres in Walnut township. He also 
engaged in making brick, and conducted two steam saw mills. Subse- 
quent to 1843 he filled the posidon of Justice of the Peace for sixteen 
years. He also conducted a general store on the home place for some 
fifteen years, doing an extensive business, employing some four or five 
salesmen. He was an active Democratic politician, a man of ability, 
popular and esteemed. His success in life was due to his own energy 
and industry. He died April 8, 1878, aged fifty-seven years and 
eleven months. He had been trustee of the township in which he 
lived. His widow is still living. He reared a family of five children, 
one died young and one at eighteen years of age. William P., a well 
known farmer of Walnut township resides on the home place. George 
W. was educated in the common schools, also attended one term at 
Fairfield Union Academy, at Pleasantville. He also engaged in farm- 
ing and buying and shipping live stock ; also engaged in the manufac- 
ture of brick. He is also township trustee : always taking an interest 
in education, having been school director. The youngest living child 
of S. G. Bush, Clara, is the wife of D. H. Showalter, a well-known 
resident of Walnut township. 

BuTTERFiELD, Captain C. H., Lancaster. He was born Septem- 



284 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

ber 27, 1837. H^ enlisted in the First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and, 
from Columbus, went to Harrisburgh, Lancaster and Philadelphia. 
The First and Second regiments were the first two, of Western regi- 
ments, to pass through Baltimore after the Eastern troops were mobbed. 
They went into camp at Washington, under command of Colonel Alex. 
McCook. They were sent to Alexandria, where Colonel Ellsworth was 
murdered, and, mider General Schenck, were in the first battle of Vi- 
enna. At the end of six months the reijiment went back to Washino;- 
ton. It was in the battle of Bull Run, where Captain Butterfield was 
in command of the left wing of skirmishers. Discovering a Rebel in 
the brush, he captured him, took his Henr\' rifle, and turned him o\'er 
to Colonel McCook's father, who took him to Washington, being about 
the first Rebel prisoner brought to that city. Captain Butterfield was 
in the " Black Horse Cavalry Charge." Returning home, he raised 
sixty- five men for a company in the Ninetieth Ohio Volunteer Infantr\'. 
They were, however, made a part of the One Hundred and Fourteenth, 
and went into camp at Marietta. They were in both the Vicksburgh 
campaigns. On account of sickness Captain Butterfield was, not long 
after, discharged, and returned home. 

Campbell, Harvey, farmer, post ofliice, Basil, Ohio ; was born in 
Rockingham county, Virginia, September 15, 1810; the son of Andrew 
and Catharine (B3'rel) Campbell. Andrew Campbell came to Ohio in 
181 1, settling in Liberty township, on the farm now owned by his son, 
Harvev, containing three hundred and thirt^^-five acres. In 1815, Mr. 
Campbell built a hewed log house, which is still in use, forming a part 
of the family residence. He died in 1823, being in the prime of life, 
only forty-six years old. Harvey received a fair education, and con- 
tinued to reside on the farm. In 1835, he was married to Miss Mary 
Cowan ; they raised a family of three children, viz. : Catharine, Jacob 
and Andrew H. The last named still resides at home, having been 
united in marriage in i860, to Miss Emily Feely ; Catharine is the wife 
of A. T. Mason, a well-known citizen of Basil ; Jacob F. is a resident 
of Liberty township. Mrs. Campbell died in 1875. The famil}^ are 
members of the Baptist Church. Jacob was a member of the Seven- 
teenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served three years. Andrew H. 
was in the one hundred days service. 

Carlisle, Hon. Basil W.. Lancaster, Oliio. He was born in Green- 
field township, October i, 1807. He is a son of Thomas and Sarah (Ed- 
wards) Carlisle. His father was a native of Jefierson county, Virginia, 
and came with liis father, Benedict Carlisle, (a soldier of the Revolu- 
tionarN' War) to Ohio in 1810. The family settled in Amanda town- 
ship. In 1813, Thomas married Sarah, the widow of James Wilson, 
and daughter of Jolin and Margaret Edwards, of Ross county. The}' 
reared a familv of eight children, of whom five are now living, one son 
and four daughters. Thomas Carlisle was commissioner of F^airfield 
countv two terms, also Justice of the Peace for about eighteen years. 
He died in Greenfield lowuship in .September 1844. Basil W. attended 
the common school, and (or a number of terms attended the Greenfield 
Academy. At the time of his father's death, in 1844, ^^"^ purchased the 
interest of the heirs in the family homestead, which he still owns and 
conducts, and upon which he resided until removing to Lancaster, in 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 285 

1881. In 1845, Mr. Carlisle married Miss Elizabeth Jane, daughter of 
Judge William McClung. She was born in Rush Creek township in" 
1821. Mr. and Mrs. Carlisle are the parents of eight children, six sons 
and two daughters: Charles J., Thomas O., William McClung and 
Frank Perrv are residents of Iowa, where the}' are engaged in the hard- 
ware business, under the firm name of Carlisle Bros. : Mattie J. is the 
wife of George W. (jravbill, a well-known resident of Lancaster; Basil 
W^. Jr., is engaged in mercantile business at Logan, Ohio ; Laura, Ella 
and William Fhigg are still at home. Mr. Carlisle has filled all the 
township offices, and early in life took an active interest in the Militar^^ 
affairs, holding the position of Brigadier Major. In 1857, he was one 
of the Representatives from Fairfield county, in the General Assembly 
and was re-elected in 1859, '^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ Representative from his county. 
In the memorable session of 1861, when War measures were introduced 
and discussed, Major Carlisle did much and important work toward 
shaping legislation at that eventful period. For some sixteen years, un- 
til resigning the position in August, 1877, he was Superintendant of a 
portion of the Ohio, and all of the Hocking Canal. In 1877, he was 
elected State Senator from the Ninth District, and re-elected in 1879: 
he has also been Director, Vice-President and President of the Fairheld 
County Agricultural Society, during which time he was elected a mem- 
ber of the State Board of Agriculture, serving eight years. In 1879, ^^^ 
was elected President of the Board, which position he filled with honor 
to himself. Mr. Carlisle is a man of clear insight, having a well trained 
mind, and natural business capacity, and is an intelligent observer and 
practical student. He has been a member of the Masonic Order for 
many years. Himself and family are consistent members of the Pres- 
byterian Church. The Major and family occupy an elegctnt residence 
on Broadway, in Lancaster, where, in possession of an ample com- 
petency, he bids fair to enjoy life for many years to come. 

Carpenter, Henry W\, merchant and plwsician, Lancaster ; son 
of Paul and Mar^^ (Cannon) Carpenter. He was born at Lancaster, 
September i, 1835. ^^'- Paul Carpenter was for more than fiftv years 
a medical practitioner in Lancaster. He was born in Lancaster, Penn- 
sylvania, in 1810, and graduated at the Medical College of Ohio. In 1828 
he came to Lancaster, Ohio, and after remaining there three vears began 
to practice his profession. He died in October, 1880. Henr}^ W., re- 
ceived a liberal education under the tutorship of Dr. Williams, in Lan- 
caster, following which he was a student at Allegheny College, at Mead- 
ville, Pennsylvania, completing his education at the Ohio Wesleyan Uni- 
versity, graduating from there in 1856. He then read medicine in his 
father's office for some 3-ears, and entered the Medical College of Ohio, at 
Cincinnati, graduating from that institution in 1859. ^^ ^^'^^ then en- 
gaged in practice until 1862, when he was appointed First Assistant Sur- 
geon to the Ninetieth O. V. I. ; subsequently he was detailed to take the 
medical supervision of General Palmer's division of the Second Army 
Corps. He was afterward Medical Purveyor to the same corps. At 
the battle of Stone River he was in charge of the hospital, where he 
was repeatedly captured, but escaped in each case with all his supplies. 
In May, 1863, ^^^ accepted the position of Acting Assisting Surgeon in 
the U. S. A., and was in active service at Nashville, Lookout Moun- 



V 



286 HIOGKAPHICAI. SKETCHES. 

tain, and was in charge of the hospital at Jeffersonville, Indiana. After- 
wards he was connected with the Thirteenth Ohio Cavahy. as Assist- 
ant Surgeon, filHng the same position with the One Hundred and Eighty- 
seventh O. V. I., for one year. While with that regiment at Macon, 
he was detailed to accompany Miss Barton on her mission to identify 
the bodies and place head-boards at the graves of Union soldiers at 
Andersonville, Georgia. Mr. Carpenter continued in the service until 
1866. Returning to civil life, he has since been engaged in successful 
mercantile pursuits, also filling the position of U. S. Assessor for one 
year. He is an influential member of the Masonic Order, and Knights 
of Honor, as well as the Grand Army of the Republic. He was mar- 
ried in i860 to Miss Kate Clark. 

Carter, George, grocer, Lancaster ; son of Daniel and Ann 
(Snyder) TCarter ; was born in Stark county, Ohio. He was the recipi- 
ent of an ordinary common school education. At the age of seventeen 
he commenced an apprenticeship at the carpenter trade, an occupation 
which he follovv^ed before and after coming to Lancaster in 183 1. In 
connection with his trade he commenced a successful business in coal 
and lumber. For ten or eleven years he was in the hat and cap trade 
with success. In 1879 ^^ engaged in his present occupation on Broad- 
way, doing an extensive business in groceries, coal and lime. Mr. Car- 
ter was married March 31, 1881, to Rosanna, daughter of John and 
Mary Smith, who were early settlers of Fairfield county. The father 
of Mrs. Carter was a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and 
came to Ohio in 18 10, settling one and a half miles west of Lancaster, 
where he passed the remainder of his days. He raised a family of 
eight children. He died about 1825. To Mr. and Mrs. Carter were 
born ten children, eight of whom are living, viz. : Emily, wife of George 
Wilhelm, of Portsmouth, Ohio; Henry, a coal dealer, of Lancaster ; 
Jennie, now Mrs. L, E. Magee, of Lawrence county, Ohio; Ella, still 
at home: Charles L., of Columbus: John, assisting his father in the 
management of the business ; Alice, a school teacher ; and Rose, the 
wife of Frank Anderson, of Lawrence county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. 
Carter have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 

1837. 

Cherry, Andrew, farmer, Violet township ; post office, Winches- 
ter, Franklin county ; son of John and Eva (Lukkart) Cherry ; was born 
in Huntington county, Pennsylvania, May 13, 1820; was married April 
18, 1839, ^^ Sarah Miller, b}' whom he had eleven children, viz. : John, 
born January 21, 1840 ; died January 21, 1872; George, born January 
3:, 1842; Margaret, born September 15, 1844; Susan, born April 14, 
1846; Catharine, born February 13, 1848 ; Jacob, born January 17, 
1853; died June 27, 1853; Anna, born October, 11, 1849: Mary, born 
May 14, 1851 ; Harriet, born October 14, 1854; Noah, born June 15, 
1857 ; Alfred, born October 10, i860. John enlisted in the Thirteenth, 
Ohio Regiment ; was four years in the service ; came home, and was 
killed near Hanover, while acting as brakeman on the Pan Handle Road. 
Sarah (Miller) Cherry died March 7, 1878. On December 16, 1880, 
Andrew was married to Rachel King, daughter of Rev. Henry King. 
Mr. Cherry has been a member of the Lutheran Church since 1839. 

Chrysty, Perry L., miller; son of Samuel and Elizabeth Chrys- 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 287 

ty, natives of Virginia, and of Irish and German descent. Perry was 
born in Virginia, April 15, 182 1. When but fourteen years of age, he 
began an apprenticeship of seven years, at the miller trade. After his 
completion of this, he worked as journe3'man in Virginia, until 1847, 
when he came to Ohio and entered the employ of Adam C. Ford, with 
whom he remained two years. In 1854, ^'^^'' Chrysty purchased the 
mill, and has had charge of the same since that time; he also owns 
ninety-one acres of land, which he has fully improved. He was mar- 
ried December 12, 1848, to Miss Sarah M. Ford, who was born in Lib- 
erty township, in 183 1. They are the parents of three children : Har- 
vey S., assisting in the management of the business ; James F., a resi- 
dent of Licking county ; and Clara J., who is still at home. Mr. Chr\'s- 
t}'- is a member of the Retbrmed Church, and also a member of the I. 
O. O, F. Mrs, Chr3^sty is a member of the United Brethren Church, 

Clarke, John D., farmer ; son of William J. and Francis E. (Wain) 
Clarke ; born in September, of 1836, in Clinton county, Ohio ; tollowed 
fruit growing and farming. Came to this county in 1858. Was mar- 
ried in 1863, to Hellen, daughter of James Herman. i\re the parents 
of four children, viz. : George R., Mary, Charlotte, and Lucy. Mr. 
Clarke had three brothers in the arm3^ Thomas enlisted in Company 
A, Seventeenth O. V. I. Pius J. and Charles F., served until the 
close of the war. Thomas died in Georgia of small pox. His father 
was a native of Virginia. 

Click, Mrs. Angeline, she is the daughter of Graves and Sarah 
(Rook) Ward; she was born January 12, 1823, in Fairfield county, and 
was married in June, 1841, to Jonathan Click, who was born in Virginia, 
about 1810. He came with his ftithef7 John Click, to Ohio. Thev set- 
tled on the place now owned b}^ B. W; Click. John Click was a pio- 
neer, and spent his days on the place he cleared. Jonathan Click was 
a successful farmer and stock raiser. He raised a famil}- of nine chil- 
dren, of whom but three survive: B. W. C, Lafa3^ette M., and Flor- 
ence Ida, residing with her mother. Jonathan Click owned at his death 
over four hundred acres of land. He was an extensive buyer and ship- 
per of live stock. Before the construction of railroads, he drove stock 
over the mountains. For 3'ears he was associated with John Gill in this 
business. He died November 20, 1876. His son, B. W., was raised 
on the farm, and acquired a fair education in the common schools in 
Walnut township. He enlisted in the First Ohio Cavalrv, and took part 
at Moulton, Alabama, where his brother John, a member of the same 
regiment, was killed. He also was in the battles of Kenesaw Moun- 
tain, Atlanta and Jonesboro. He was in Wilson's Raid through Ala- 
bama and Georgia. He was one of the number who captured Jeff Da- 
vis, and shared a portion of the reward. He served until the close of 
the war, and was mustered out at Camp Chase in 1865. He returned 
to civil life, and in 1867, entered Granville College, remaining there four 
years. He then entered Ohio Wesley an Universit}- at Delaware, one 
year. He was married August 15, 1871, to Eveline McMahon, daugh- 
ter of John F. McMahon, a well known resident of Perry countv. Mr. 
and Mrs. Click are the parents of six children. In 1872" he located on 
his present place, a part of the home place in 1877 o^" 7^ ; where he built 



288 jiiogkaphicAl sketches. 

a handsome residence. Four of Jonathan Click's s(jns were in the army 
during the war. 

Clover, David T., Prosecuting Attorney, Lancaster. He was 
born in Berne township, December 30, 1846; is a son of George and 
Maria (Hause) Clover. His grandfather, John Clover, was a pioneer 
of Berne township. David availed himself of such educational advan- 
tages as the common schools afforded, until eighteen years of age, 
when he attended the high school in Lancaster one term ; also a select 
school, taught bv Dr. Williams, several terms, following which he taught 
school in Greentield township one winter. He, soon after, attended a 
term, at the Normal School at Canal Winchester, where he filled the po- 
sition of subordinate teacher ; not long after he was elected principal 
of the graded school there, during which time, for the purpose of fur- 
ther perfecting himself for the profession of teaching, he attended a 
session of the Normal School at Lebanon. Resigning his position as 
principal at Canal Winchester, he took a classical course at Lebanon ; 
then occupied a position as principal in a school at Columbiana, Ohio. 
Subsequently he was appointed to the superintendency of the schools of 
Waverly, Pike county, Ohio, occupving this position until his resigna- 
tion to enter the law office of General Newton Schleich, with whom he 
remained until January, 1872. He then accepted the superintendency 
of schools at London, Ohio ; tilling a similar position in Gallon, Ohio, 
remaining two years. June 25, 1874, ^^*^ married Miss Flora L. Mintor. 
They are the parents of three sons, two now living — Alphonso M. and 
David T., Jr. In 1875, Mr. Clover resigned his position at Gallon, and 
returnin*^ to Lancaster, again resumed the study of law. He was ad- 
mitted to the bar in September, 1875, '^^^^ ^^'^^ since been in active prac- 
tice. He is a member of the Masonic order, also of Knights of Pythias. 
In the fall of 1882, he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Fairfield 
county. 

CoNNELL, Colonel John M., deceased. He was born November 
7, 1828, in Lancaster; son of Benjamin and Mariali (McNeil) Connell. 
His paternal ancestry is Irish, his maternal Scotch-Irish. Young Con- 
nell, having chosen the law as a profession, on completing his reading, 
went to Fort Wayne, Indiana, and was admitted to practice there, in 
June 18^0. In 185 1 he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of the eighth 
Judicial District of Indiana. In 1855 returned to this State and located, 
for a short time at Wooster, at'ter which he returned to his nati\'e city. 
In 1857 he was appointed chief clerk in the office of the Comptroller, 
at Washin""ton, District of Columbia. On his return he resumed the 
practice of the law, which he followed until Ma}- 13, 1861, when en- 
listed and was elected Colonel of the Seventeenth Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantr\^ At the close of the three months' service the Colonel reorgan- 
ized the regiment and re-enlisted, in September, of same year, and 
remained in the field until November, 1863, when he resigned to take 
a seat in the State Senate, to which he had been elected by his con- 
stituents of the Ninth Senatorial District. The Colonel was married 
September 27, 1853, to Miss Jennie, daughter of Rev. William Cox 
and Margaret (daughter of General Reson Beall. of Wooster, Ohio.) 
The Colonel was the father of eight children, viz. : William, Frank, 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 289 

Medill, John, McNeill, Ellen, Jane and Margaret. In 1866 he was 
appointed United States Internal Revenue Assessor, which he held un- 
til 1869, since which time he followed his profession until his death, 
April 17, 1882. 

Cook, William, cabinet maker, Baltimore ; was born in Fairfield 
county, December 4, 1830 ; the youngest son of William and Margaret 
P. Cook. William Cook, Senior, came to Ohio in 1802, settling in 
Liberty towmship. He raised a family of ten children, six of whom 
are living. He was an active member of the United Brethren Church, 
and died in 1857. William, Junior, received a common school educa- 
tion, and when nineteen years of age learned the cabinet Trade with G, 
G. Goss, in Baltimore. He then worked as journeyman for four years. 
In 1S54 ^^^ purchased the business of G. G. Goss, which he has since 
greath' increased. His success is largely due to his business tact and 
force of character, as he is a self made man, and a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. He is also a member of the Masonic 
Order, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. lu 1861 he en- 
listed in Company K, Seventeenth Ohio Volunteer Infantr}^ and 
attained the rank of Lieutenant, but ill health compelled him to resign, 
after a service of three months. In 1850 he was united in marriage 
to Miss Huldah Rader, daughter of Henry Rader, of Liberty town- 
ship. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are the parents of seven children, of whom 
one son, Percy, survives. 

Cool, Peter B., farmer. Walnut township. He was born in New- 
ark, Licking count3^ October 30, 1827 ; the oldest son of Isaac and 
Ann (Haver) Cool. Isaac was born in Pennsylvania, in 1795. He 
came to Ohio before 1820. He was a hatter by trade. He married a 
daughter of William Haver, of Walnut township. He resided iii New- 
ark uniil 1833, when he removed to Columbus, where he died about 

1848. His widow died in 1880, in her eighty-ninth year. Peter B. 
attended the common schools, and the Central College one year. He 
was brought up in the mercantile business. He was married July 3, 

1849. One daughter, Katie M., now the wife of Mr. Moore, a resi- 
dent of Columbus, was born to this marriage. Mr. Cool was again 
married in February, 1873, to Mrs. Holmes, daughter of Moses Thomp- 
son, of Walnut township. Mrs. Cool was the widow of Reason 
Holmes, who was born in Walnut township. He was a farmer and 
stock raiser, He owned, at his death, two hundred and thirty-eight 
acres; he died April 29, 1868. When married to Mr. Cool, Mrs. 
Holmes was the mother of three children, Thompson K., clerk in Mil- 
lersport ; William H., and Edgar R. Mr. Cool, after this marriage, 
located on the site of his present home, occupying the former Peter 
Haver residence, built at an early day. This place consists of one 
hundred and fifty-five acres. He is a successful farmer and stock 
raiser. Mr. Cool v/as township clerk one term. The family are mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the In- 
dependent Order of Odd Fellows. In September, 1861, Mr. Cool 
enlisted in Company F, First Ohio Cavalry. He was connected with 
the Quartermaster Department as a non-commissioned oflicer a short 
time, then promoted to Second Lieutenant. At Corinth, Mississippi, 
he was promoted to First Lieutenant. He was acting Quartermaster 

36 



290 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

until the close oi the War. He was mustered out at Columbus, Sep- 
tember 27, 1865. 

CowDEN, James A., brick mason, Lancaster; son of David and 
Mary Jane (Toutch) Cowden ; was born April 14, 1857, in Lancaster, 
Ohio. He attended school at Lancaster until his thirteenth 3^ear, at 
which time he began an apprenticeship with his father, at the trade of 
brick mason. Until twenty years of age he remained at home. He 
then came to Baltimore and engaged in his trade for two years. He 
then purchased property and began a business for himself, which is 
still in a flourishing condition, and furnishes employment for eighteen 
men, turning out seven thousand brick per day, for which he finds a 
ready market ; his business increasing daily. He was married Sep- 
tember 18, 1878, to Miss Emil}', daughter of Absalom Arnold. To 
them have been born three children, onW one of whom survives, Car- 
rie C, born July 24, 1879. Mrs. Cowden is a member of the United 
Brethren Church ; he, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 

Cox, Thomas B., Jr., retired, Lancaster. His parents, Thomas 
B., Senior, and Elizabeth (Vanpelt) Cox, were pioneers of Fairfield 
count}^. Thomas B., Junior, was born in Bloom township, March 4, 
1826. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in 1797. 
He came with his father's family to Ohio in 181 1. The family settled 
due west of Mount Pleasant, where they built a brick house, about 
1815, still in a state of good preservation. He was a prominent and 
active business man in his dav, and a successful merchant man^^ years, 
and a large property holder. He reared a family of three sons and 
one daughter, all of whom are living. He was a member of the Pres- 
b3^terian Church at the time of his death, January 9, 187 1. His widow 
survivecl him some four years. Thomas B., Junior, remained with his 
parents, engaged in farming, until 1852, when he engaged in the whole- 
sale and retail grocery trade, at Somerset, Perry county, which he 
continued with success some ten years. Returning to Lancaster he 
took charge of his father's estate, and upon the death of the latter, was 
appointed administrator. Mr. Cox served as chairman of the Demo- 
cratic Executive Committee, of Perry connty, six or seven years. He 
was also elected member of the Legislature from the same county in 
1857. He is an active Democrat in politics ; takes a warm interest in 
educational matters and is at present a member of the school board of 
Lancaster. He was married November 28, 1865, to Miss Cecelia R. 
Dittoe, of Somei^set, Ohio. They are the parents of six daughters and 
one son. 

Crawford, George C, Lancaster. He was born in Rushville, 
Ohio, February 20, 1814. His parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Black) 
Crawford, were earl}^ settlers. Jacob Crawford, a native of Virginia, 
came to Zanesville, Ohio, in 1804. In 1807 he removed to Fairfield 
county, settling at Rushville, where he followed the occupation of mill- 
wright, building a number of mills. He also owned a share of the 
flouring and carding mills at Rushville. He died in Licking county, 
Ohio, in 1858. His family consisted of nine children, five are living, 
three sons and two daughters. George C. acquired a common school 
education and entered the employ of William Coulson, then a mer- 
chant at Rushville, remaining in his employ twenty-one years. In 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



291 



1846 he was of the firm of Crawford, Geiger & Company, for a brief 
period, and subsequendy he was employed in the County Clerk's office 
at Somerset. He then resided at Baltimore, Ohio, for one year. Here, 
in 1843, he married Ruth H., daughter of George Orvings. Mrs. 
Crawford was born in Fairfield county in 182 1. To them were born 
three children — Edmund C, George O., and Estella. About 1848 Mr. 
Crawford removed to Lancaster, where he was employed in the dry 
goods house of James McCracken for two years. He was then a resi- 
dent of Findlay, Ohio, for some time, returning to Lancaster in 1854. 
In the fall of 1862 he became an employe of Reber, Uhlrick & Com- 
pany, with whom he still continues. Mr. Crawford has been a member 
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for many years, and a pros- 
perous and esteemed citizen. 

Crouse, Levi, farmer, Walnut township ; was born in Baldmore 
count}^, Maryland, October 25, 1818, the youngest son of Jacob and Eliz- 
abeth (Warner) Crouse. John Crouse was born in Maryland, in 1782. 
He came to Ohio with his wife and four children, in October, 1823, and 
settled on the place now owned b}- Levi Crouse, it then being a dense 
forest. He bought one hundred and sixteen acres, and there he spent 
the remainder of his days. He raised a family of two sons and two 
daughters, Levi now being the sole survavor. Mr. Crouse was a suc- 
cessiul farmer; in politics, a Democrat. He died in 1859; ^^^ widow, 
in 1872. Levi Crouse was educated in the common schools, and en- 
gaged in farming. He was married in 1840, to Catharine Bibler, to 
whom were born two sons, Peter and Jacob, and two daughters, Mrs. 
Allbright and Mrs. Avery. Mrs. Crouse died January 16, 1853, and he 
was married the second time, in the fall of the same year, to Harriet, 
daughter of Jonathan and Sarah Ann Norris, well-known residents of 
Liberty township. Mrs. Crouse was 'born in Allegheny county, Penn- 
sylvania, November 14, 1824. Mr. and Mrs. Crouse are the parents of 
nine children, six daughters and one son living : Mahala, now the wife 
of Amos Bope, of Van Wert, Ohio ; Melinda, at home ; Minerva was 
the wife of Hamilton Berry. She died in 1878, in her twenty-third 
year. She left two daughters, Lotta and Dollie, both of whom were 
brought up by their grandmother. Mazy, wife of Adam Hanes, a resi- 
dent of Pleasant township ; Mattie, a music teacher, at home ; Millie 
J., John M. and Maggie, at home; Menta Bell died in 1878, in her 
twelfth year. Mr. Crouse has a nicely improved place, with modern 
improvements. The family are members of the United Brethren 
Church. Mr. Crouse and wife have raised from childhood, Jesse Wal- 
ters, now in his fourteenth vear. 

Crumley, Daniel, farmer, Lithopolis, Ohio ; was born December 
II, 1807, in Bloom township, Fairfield conntv, Ohio; son of Christian 
and Sarah (Kiser) Crumley, who were born in Union county, Pennsyl- 
vania, and came to this township along with its ver}- earliest settlers. 
Daniel Crumley was married to Miss Jane Betcer, who was born July 
5, 1811, daughter of Peter and Rachel (Ray) Betcer. Their family 
consisted of fourteen children, of whom five only are still living. Mr. 
Crumley served as Justice of the Peace twelve years in Bloom township, 
and has filled the office of trustee at various times. Mr. Crumley has 
been intrusted with the settlement of twentv-five different estates in this 



292 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

and Pickawa}' counties, which speaks well for him as a man. He has 
alwa3's run the farm, and at times been engaged in buying stock, and 
for fair dealing and honesty, he has but few equals in the county. 

Crumley, Daniel, farmer, Hocking township, post office, Lancas- 
ter ; a native of this township ; born December 22, 1839, '-*^^ ^^^ farm he 
now owns; son of Conrad Crumley and Mary M. (Fellers) Crumle}^ 
both natives of Pennsylvania. Conrad Crumley emigrated to this 
county in 1805, and Mrs. Crumley's family in 1810, and both families 
settled in Bloom township. Conrad moved into this township in 1838, 
and resided there until he died, March 8, 1879. He left a fine property 
of about seven hundred acres, which his children now own. Daniel 
was. married December 24, 1868, to Miss Rebecca Strade. The Strade 
family was one of the most prominent and leading families in the 
county, having emigrated from Virginia in an early day. Daniel has a 
family of five children: Blanche L., Cloise, Hamilton, Ralph, and 
Lionel. Daniel enlisted August 24, 1863, in the One Hundred and 
Twenty-ninth O. V. L Re-enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventy- 
eighth, O. V. L, and remained in the service until the close of the war. 

Custer, George, of Bloom township, emigrated from Washington 
county, Pennsylvania, in 1830. He was born August 16, 1810, and was 
married to Miss Sarah Courtright, Jamuuy 13, 1831. At this wedding 
eighteen were present, all of whom are dead, save Mr. Custer. After 
the nuptials, the new couple settled on the farm, at first owned by Love- 
land ; afterward by Morehart, then by his father-in-law. After the death 
of his wife, he married the second time to Miss Elizabeth Jane Leech. 
She was born May 6, 1825, in Virginia, and is the daughter of John 
Leech, who emigrated with his family first to Madison township and 
then to Bloom township, where he died. Mr. Custer was a charter 
member of the Lithopolis Lodge in 1848, and has been officially con- 
nected with that body more or less since that time. In 1832, with six- 
teen others, joined the Presbyterian society, and afterwards assisted in 
establishing the church and society in Lithopolis, where he has been an 
official member fifty ^^ears. He is the only one of that number now 
living, and the onl}^ man living in the township who voted in the year 
i83i,and is the last man living of the original eight who came here 
in 1831, and wlio drove hogs to old Baltimore. He has nine chil- 
dren and twenty-six grand children. His children are all members of 
church, save one, and all married, save the 3^oungest. He built his res- 
idence in 1856. 

Decker, John N., farmer. Walnut township; was born in Walnut 
township, January 22, 1826, the oldest son of Abraham and Elizabeth 
(Artz) Decker. "Abraham Decker, born in Shenandoah county, Vir- 
ginia, in 1800, came with his father, John Decker, to Ohio, in 1804. 
The family settled in Walnut township in the spring of 1805. John 
Decker bought one hundred acres and cleared them. Here he spent his 
days. Hedied in 1837; his widow^ in 1861 or 1862. His son, 
Abraham, Decker, continued to live on the place during the greater 
part of his life. He was the father of six children, of whom two sons 
and three daughters are living. In 1877, he became a resident of Lan- 
caster. He owned one hundred and sixty acres. He was, at one time, 
a resident of Baltimore. He filled, at various times, the office of town- 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 293 

ship treasurer; also, that of Coimt}^ Commissioner, in 1848. He was a 
successful farmer and stock raiser. He had some knowledge also of the 
cabinet maker's trade. He was in his day a great sportsman and 
hunter. He died June 5, 1880. John N. "Decker, after receiving a 
good education, turned his attention to farming, residing on the home 
place until 1S57. Januar}^ 13, 1852, he was married to Miss Harriet, 
daughter of Henr}' Miller. She was born in Walnut township, March 
20, 1833. They are the parents of seven children, six of whom are liv- 
ing. In 1858, Mr. Decker purchased the farm where he still resides, 
and in 1871, erected a handsome residence. He owns eighty-six acres. 
They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. At the time 
John N.'s grandparents settled in this township, it was largely inhabited 
by Indians. They had camps on his place, and he enjoyed "shooting at 
marks with them. They left this part of the setdement for Sandusky on 
forty ponies. 

DeGrummond, George W., foreman of blacksmiths in railroad 
shops, Lancaster ; was born in Detroit, Michigan, May 8, 1828. After 
acquiring a fair education at Reading, Pennsylvania, where the family 
had removed in 1835, he learned the blacksmith trade, serving as an ap- 
prentice for four years, in Philadelphia, following which he worked as 
a' journeman in Cincinnati, New Orleans and other cities. He'was a 
resident of Portsmouth, Ohio, for nine years. A portion of this time he 
was engaged in the blacksmith trade. In 1861, he removed to Rich- 
mond, Indiana, there following his trade until the spring of 1863, when 
he assisted in recruiting a company for the One Hundred and Twenty- 
fourth, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, being elected second Lieutenant, 
and afterwards, first Lieutenant. With that regiment he took part in 
numerous battles, including Resacca, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, 
Franklin and Nashville. During one or more of these engagements, 
he commanded the compan}-. This regiment was afterwards trans- 
ferred to North Carolina, where Captain DeGrummond was detailed to 
the Qiiartermaster Department, filling the position of A. A. Q^M, serv- 
ing until the close of the war. He was mustered out as Captain, at 
Greensboro, North Carolina. ■ Returntng to civil life. Captain DeGrum- 
mond took up his residence in Richmond, Indiana, where he remained 
until 1869, when he removed to Lancaster, entering the employ of the 
Cincinnati and Muskingum Valley Railroad, as foreman in their black- 
smith shop, a position he still occupies. He is an active member of the 
Masonic order ; also, of the Knights of Honor, and Grand Army of the 
Republic. He has been twice married, first in 1852, to Angeline 
Justus, who died in 1867. To them were born six children, of whom 
three are living, viz. : Alice, now engaged in the milliner}^ business, 
at Wapakoneta, Ohio ; Lizzie", the widow of William O. Bope, resident 
of Lancaster ; and Harry C, train dispatcher on the M. I. M. & S. 
Railroad, with headquarters at Texarkana, Arkansas. In 1869, ^^^'• 
DeGrummond was united in matrimony to Mrs. Eliza Loveland. They 
are the parents of two sons and one daughter, viz. : William H., 
Charles H. and Juliana. 

De Muth, Jacob W., proprietor of liver}^ and boarding stable. North 
High street, Lancaster, Ohio; was born August27, 1845, in Cir- 
cleville, Pickaway, county, Ohio, son of John and Elizabeth (Fans- 



294 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

naught) De Miith ; was a school boy until he was fifteen or six- 
teen years of age. He then enlisted in Company E, Forty-third 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served three years, and then re-en- 
listed in the same company and regiment, and served until the 
close of the war. He was first connected with the Army of the 
Tennessee, participating in the following battles : New Madrid, Is- 
land No. lO, Hamburg, Farmington, Corinth, luka, Oxford, Holly 
Springs, Bolivar, Bethel, Tuscumbia, Memphis, Prospect Station, 
Decatur, Resacca, Kingston, Altoona, Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, 
Dallas, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Gordon Junction, Savanah, Three 
Rivers and Washington. He served under Pope, Rosecrans, Grant 
and Sherman. When a boy, enlisted as private, and was promoted to 
the rank of Orderl}^ Sergeant. On his return from the army he en- 
tered Eastman's Business College, Chicago, Illinois ; received a diplo- 
ma and was immediately emplo^'ed as book-keeper by James Field & 
Company for six months, after which he visited the principal cities of 
the west and south. Was married February 26, 1868, to Miss Rachel 
L., daughter of Christian and Rachel (Fetters) Rudolph, of this city. 
They are tiie parents of two children, viz.: Harrv C. and John E. 
Immediately after marriage he established a retail boot and shoe store, 
which he kept for two years, after which he traveled for a wholesale 
boot and shoe house for one year, then went to Chicago and clerked in 
a store for a time, after which he traveled about six months. In 1873 
he established his present business in this city, and keeps a first class 
stable of the best horses and finest carriages and barouches and turn 
outs in the cit}-. 

Dennis. James S., miller, Bremen, Ohio ; was born June g, 1858, 
in Sugar Grove, Fairfield county, Ohio ; son of E. G. and Catharine 
(Beery) Dennis. Mr. Dennis was raised in his native village, where 
his father has kept hotel for twenty-one years past, and where James S., 
attended school until he was sixteen years of age ; at that time he went 
as an apprentice to the miller trade, with his brother, Will F. Dennis, 
with whom he served three years. He then went to Lancaster, Ohio, 
and engaged as a miller with Keller, Kinkead & Co., where he remained 
one year. He next was employed by Mrs. E. Millikan, at Washiijgton 
Court House, Ohio, where he took charge of a mill for two years. From 
there he came to Bremen, Ohio, September 29, 1882, where he remains 
up to this time. Mr. Dennis was married April 5, 1882, to Miss Clara 
Delle, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (White) Allen. His grandfather, 
Dennis was^of German parentage, and formerly of Lancaster county, 
Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in teaming over the mountains ; 
and in 1823, he came to Ohio, settling in Sugar Grove where he fol- 
lowed blacksmithing up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1863. 
The wife of grandfather Dennis, was also of German parentage. They 
were married in Pennsylvania. Mrs. Dennis died in 1865, in Illinois, 
where she was living with her daughters. Hence, it comes that, E. G. 
Dennis, the father of the subject of this sketch, is of full German de- 
scent. He was born in Pennsylvania, and was nine years old when his 
father brought him to Ohio ; here he learned the millwright trade, which 
he followed until 1801, at which time he opened a hotel in Sugar Grove, 
where he still remains. The wife of E. G. Dennis. Mrs. Catharine 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 2g^ 

(Beery) Dennis, also came of German parentage, and was born in Fair- 
field county, near Sugar Grove, and was raised a farmer's daughter. 
Their marriage resulted in their becoming the parents of nine children, 
viz. : John, David died in the late war, Arthusa, Anna, Melinda, de- 
ceased ; Vandaling. deceased; William, Franklin and James S., the 
subject of this sketch. 

Derolph, James, farmer. Walnut township. The son of Isaac and 
Mary (Love) Derolph ; born in Fa3'ette county, Pennsylvania, February 
26, 1829. Isaac came with his parents to Ohio in 1835 5 ^^^^ family 
settled in Madison township. Perry couiit3\ where Isaac purchased a 
farm, about 1854. ^^ afterward moved to Hopewell township, in the 
same county. Here he purchased a farm and remained during life. 
He raised a family of four sons and three daughters — six now living. 
He was by trade a blacksmith, also engaged in farming. He was a 
member of the Presbyterian Church for many years. He died in Sep- 
tember, 1856. James was educated in the common schools, and in con- 
nection with his brother, conducted the home farm until the spring ot 
1868. In 1855 Mr. Derolph married Mahala Poorman. They are the 
parents of three daughters,: x'Vlmeda. with her parents ; Mary Emma, 
wife of Henry M. Hite, residing in Walnut township ; Elizabeth, wife 
of Franklin M. Boyer, resident of Perry count}^ In 1861, Mrs. Derolph 
died, and January 17, 1867, he married Miss Sarah J., daughter of Da- 
vid Church, a former well known resident of Peny county ; she was 
born in Somerset, Perry county, September 10, 1834. Mr. Derolph 
came to Fairfield county in 1868, and parchased the former Richard Buf- 
fington home, then consisting of one hundred and ten acres. He now 
owns one hundred and fifty acres, and in 1878, built a handsome resi- 
dence. They are the parents of four sons and one daughter : Otto 
William, James Arthur, and Thomas Albert, Isaac Harold and Bertha 
Jane. They are members of the Reform Church. 

Detwiler, John, farmer; was born in Switzerland, April 16, 1810; 
son of John and Elizabeth Detwiler. He w^as educated in Switzerland, 
and learned the trade of wood carver. He emigrated to America with 
his uncle in 1838, coming direct to Pleasant township, Fairfield count}^, 
where he learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. In 183 1, Mr. Det- 
wiler was united in marriage to Miss Henderlek, who was born in Bal- 
timore, Maryland, in 1806. Her father, Jacob Henderlek, was one of 
the early pioneers of Liberty township. After his marriage he moved 
to Libert}^ and settled upon a farm of eighty acres, belonging to his 
wife. He has since added to his farm, until he now has two hundred 
and fitty-three acres, finely cultivated and adorned with a handsome 
and modern residence. They had a famil}- of nine children, of whom 
three are living. Three died in infancy, and three after reaching ma- 
turity. Maria, the wife of Daniel Stout, died in 1857 ; Susannah, wife 
of David Eversole, died in 1879; Barbara was wife of Henrj- Boj-er, 
and died in 1875 5 Jacob is a well known resident of Liberty town- 
ship ; Henry resides with his father. He was married to Rebecca 
LeFever, in 1868 ; Sarah is the wife of William Coftets, living on 
the home farm. Mrs. Detwiler died January 15, 1873. The family 
are members of the German Reformed Church. Mr. Detwiler, as soon 
as a home could be provided for her, sent to Switzerland for his aged 



296 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

mother, and brought her to his home, where she spent the remciinder of 
her life. She died in 1865. 

DoLSON, Thomas H., Attorne}' at Law, Lancaster, Ohio ; was born 
November 22, 185 1, in Morgan county, Ohio ; son of E. B. and Hulda 
(Stevenson) Dolson. Mr. Dolson was raised on a farm, Bud after re- 
ceiving a collegiate education, entered the law office of Hon. C. D. 
Martin, of this city, commencing the study of law under his instructions. 
He was admitted to the practice of law by the Supreme Court of Ohio, 
December 11, 1873, and has been in active practice ever since. Soon 
after being admitted to the bar, he was elected to the office of Prose- 
cuting Attorney for Fairfield count}-, Ohio, which position he held two 
terms, of two years each, and now holds the same b}^ appointment, fill- 
ing a vacancy caused by the death of his predecessor. He is a close 
student and a hard worker, which insures his reaching a prominent po- 
sition in the legal profession. Mr. Dolson was married October 17, 
1876, to Miss Lida, daughter of B. F. and L C. (Arnold) Reinmund. 
They are the parents of three children, viz. : Hulda Stevenson, Ben- 
jamin Reinmund, and Daisy. 

Dove, Elijah, of Bloom township, was born where he now resides, 
in the year 18 1 1, and where his father entered land in an earl}^ day. 
Mr. Dove received but a limited common school education in his 
early life ; he has however been a constant reader and hard student, de- 
voting his time principally during these latter years to religious subjects 
and to his church. He was virtually the founder of the M. E. Church 
in Carroll, over forty years ago, and has been not only an official mem- 
ber since that time, but one of its warmest supporters ; and has seen the 
societv grow in numbers, from ten or twelve to that of a hundred and 
twenty-five. He was married in 1835, to Miss Mary Small, in every 
sense a godly woman and a true helpmeet in societ}"-, church and family. 
She died September i, 1877, leaving behind her a family of fifteen 
children, thirteen of whom are living, and are members ol church. 
John^W. Dove, the oldest son, was a captain of a company in l^e late 
war. Joseph, the youngest son, is at home, and is the present superin- 
tendent of the Methodist Episcopal Sabbath school at Carroll. 

DuNW^AY, Jx\MES H., farmer, Walnut township. He was born in Rap- 
pahannock county, Virginia, March 2, 1821 ; the eldest son of William 
and Jane (Hopkins) Dunwa}^ William Dunway was born in Rappahan- 
nock county, Virginia. He served in the War of 181 2 : he was a farmer in 
Virginia; came to Ohio in 1837 ^^"^^l settled in Perry county one 
year. In the spring of 1839 ^^^ moved to the place now owned by Hen- 
ry Huber, remaining there two or three years. He raised a family of 
thirteen children ; two sons and three daughters survive. James H., 
was educated in the common schools in Virginia and Ohio. He was at 
home on the farm with his father until he was twent3'-seven. Mr. Dun- 
way was married January 2, 1848, to Miss Margaret, daughter of Eli- 
jah Berry, a well-known resident of Walnut township. She was born 
in Walnut township, August 17, 1825. After marriage Mr. Dunway 
lived on the Peter Hoover place three 3^ears, then on the Herbert Gran- 
ger farm for fourteen years. In l864 or 1866 he purchased the place 
where he has since lived, from David Cullen. At that time it contained 
one hundred and six acres ; he now owns one hundred and sixteen. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTV. 



297 



The farm when purchased by Mr. Dun way was partially improved. 
The family occupied an old log house until building his present resi- 
dence in 187 1. They are the parents of two children, one died in in- 
fancy September 19, 1848; Newton, born June 9, 1853, a farmer by 
occupation ; he married Mar}' Ellen, daughter of Andrew Shell. They 
are Uie parents of one son and two daughters, James Wilber and Mar- 
garet. ^ Mrs. Jane Dunway died May 25, 1881, in her fifty-sixth year; 
an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years. 
Mr. Dunway is a successful farmer and stock raiser. 

Dyarman, James A., post office, Pleasantville. Born in Holmes 
county, this State in 185 1 ; came to this county in 1865. Son of Joseph 
and Sarah E. (Hull) Dyarman. Married August 12, 1872, to Miss 
Mary Levering, daughter of John and Marv Levering. They have 
three children : Charles L. ; Edna ; Mary E.'Mr. Dyarman is engaged 
at present in the manufacture of wagons and buggies. 

EvERSOLE, John, farmer. Walnut township. "He was born in Wal- 
nut township, January 20, 1835 ^^}Son of Henry and Sophrona (Heis) 
Eversole. Henry Eversole was born in Rockingham county, Virginia. 
He married in 1833, a daughter of George Heis, a pioneer that settled 
on a place now owned by Mr. Eversole and Kinsey Belt. He entered 
one-fourth section of land, cleared it, and here spent his days. In his 
later years he was a Baptist. His only child was the mother of John 
Eversole. His death took place about 1S54. Henr}^ Eversole came to 
Walnut township in 1833, locating on the place now"^ owned by his son. 
It was then but slightly improved. He raised a family of nine children, 
of whom all but one are living ; that one was killed by lightning in 
1878. Henr}^ Eversole ran a threshing machine for many3^ears in con- 
nection w^ith farming. At his death he owned one hundred and eighty 
acres. He died August 20, 1850, aged forty-two years ; his widow 
died in 1876. John Eversole received a good education, and turned his 
attention to farming, at home, until his marriage, November i, i860, to 
Elizabeth, daughter of D. Miller, a resident of Walnut township. She 
was born in this township, November 28, 1835. Mr. Eversole has 
always devoted his time to farming and stock raising. They are mem- 
bers of the U. B. Church. The home place contains ninety acres. 
They occupy a handsome residence, built in i860. He was an ardent 
Union man during the war. 

Eversole, Isaac W., farmer and stock raiser. He is the eldest 
son of David and Catharine (Heistand) Eversole, and was born in Lib- 
erty township, June 22, 1852. David Eversole was born in Fairfield 
county; his father, Abraham Eversole, was one of the pioneers of the 
county. In 1850 David settled on the farm still ow^ned by his heirs. 
The farm contained three hundred and three acres, all of' which was 
well improved. He was extensively engaged in buying and shipping 
catde, being ver}- successful in all his business transactions. His suc- 
cess in life was due to his perseverance, industr}-, and integritv. He 
died in June, 1879, having reared a family of six sons and three 
daughters. Isaac W., the subject of this sketch, received a liberal edu- 
cation in his youth, having the advantages of the Academy at Rev- 
noldsburg, and also Oberlin College one term. He takes a gVeat inter- 
est in his farm, particularly raising the finer breeds of imported stoclc; 



87 



298 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

in which he is very successful. He owns and operates a large saw mill, 
which is doing a large amount of business. Mr. Eversole has been 
twice married; first to Miss Lizzie Snider, March 28, 1875. She died 
December 19, 1879, ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ again united in marriage to Miss 
Samantha J. Tussing, December 28, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Eversole are 
members of the Evang-elical Association, Mr. Eversole is a member 
of the Knights of Pythias. ^ 

Eversole, Adam Henry, farmer. Liberty township. He was in^r- 
ried in Liberty township February 22, 1858; son of David and 
Catharine H. Eversole. He secured a good education, and chose 
farming for his vocation in life, remaining at home until his 
marriage, December 27, 1881, to Miss Phelina, daughter of 
Edward Ritter, a well-known resident of Violet township. After 
his marriage Mr. Eversole purchased the farm vipon which he is at 
present residing. It contains one hundred and twenty-five acres, to 
which he has added many fine improvements. He has also acted as 
administrator for the estate of both his father and mother, and that of 
Mrs. Naomi LeFever. Mr. and Mrs. Eversole are members of the 
Evangelical Association Church. 

Eversole, A. R., attorne}^ Lancaster. He was born in this city 
in 1850. He read law under the direction of Col. John M. Connell, 
and was admittted to practice by the Ohio Supreme Court in 1876. He 
at once opened an office in Lancaster, and began a successful and busy 
practice of his profession. His office is now in the Schaffer Block. At 
the letst session of the General Assembly Mr. Eversole was an applicant 
for the position of State Librarian, but other political counsels pre- 
vailed. Pending the nomination, the Dispatch, of Columbus, under 
date of December 17, 1880, made the following comments on Mr. Ever- 
sole's ability: " We are informed that the friends of Mr. A. R. Ever- 
sole, of Lancaster, will press his claims on Governor Foster for the 
position of State Librarian. Mr. Eversole, it will be remembered, was 
Republican candidate for Prosecuting Attorney last fall in his own 
county, and such was his personal popularity, and general recognized 
fitness for the position, that even in that ' Democratic Berks," he ran 
about two hundred votes ahead of the remainder of the ticket. He is 
a lawyer of recognized ability, a gentleman of personal worth, and in 
every way qualified to fill the place of State Librarian ; besides, his 
services in behalf of the Republican party are deserving of some fit 
recognition. 

Evans, Thomas Worthington, tanner ; was born in Logan, Ohio, 
September 22, 1816. He acquired a fair education at the common 
schools, and at an academy in Lancaster. He served an apprenticeship 
to William D. Thorn, at the trade of tanner and currier, remaining in 
his employ some time. Afterwards he worked as journeyman at Upper 
Sandusky. He then moved to Tarleton, Pickaway county, where, in 
1834, ^^ engaged in the tannery business on his own account, doing an 
extensive and prosperous business ior thirty-five years. About 1876 he 
removed to Lancaster, becoming a member of the firm of Martin, 
Ewing & Company, and continuing business until the loss of their tan- 
nery by fire, when Mr. Evans retired from business life. In 1835 ^^ 
was married to Susan Karshner, who was born in Ross county, Ohio, 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 299 

in 1816. To Mr. and Mrs. Evans were born six children, four now 
living, viz. : Elizabeth E., at home; William W. and Joseph K., com- 
posing the firm of Evans Brothers, tanners, of Lancaster; and Samuel 
J., residing at Columbus. The family are members of the M. E. 
Church. Mr. Evans is one of the oldest living tanners in Ohio. 

Eyeman, Henry B., was born in Richland township, Fairfield 
count3% Ohio, on the 5th da}^ of March, 1819, and has ever since resided 
here. He was married February 14, 1841, to Miss Mary Ann Baker, 
daughter of Christian and Magdalena I3aker, who was born July 11, 
1823. Their children were Daniel, born Januar}'- 3, 1843 ; Samantha 
Jane, born October 10, 1845; Mary Magdalena, born April 27, 1848; 
Christian Baker, born January 19, 1857 ; Franklin Pierce, born Octo- 
ber 5, 1853; Henry Clinton, born April 13, 1856; Lewis Erwin, born 
October 12, 1859; Homer Edmund, born August 28, 1863. Mary Ann 
Eyeman died December 21, 1873. He was married second time to 
Miss Maggie A. Baker, January 10, 1875. Mr. Eyeman is serving 
his thirteenth year as Justice of the Peace of Richland township. 

Eyeman, William, farmer, post ofiice Rushville. Was born in 
Fairfield county, Ohio, January 13, 1821. He was married to Sarah 
Lenville, January 18, 1843. Their children are, Joseph H., born No- 
vember 9, 1843; Isophena D., born September 25, 1845; Mary E., 
born April 19, 1847 ; Henry A., born December 27, 1849; William L., 
born March 2, 1851; Edward C, born April 26, 1853; Samuel L., 
born June 7, 1856; Anna L., born April 25, 1859; Charles, born July 
27. 1861. Joseph N., was married to Catharine Kerr in December, 
1866 ; Isophena married to William Griggs in August, 1867 ; William 
L., maried to Virginia Friend, September, 1874 ? Edward C, married to 
Emma C. Stevenson, May 28, 1878; Samuel L., married to Emma 
Rowles, August 18, 1881 ; Henry A., died September 15, 1849; Mary 
E., died November 6, 1853. 

Faller, James, farmer. Walnut township. He was born in Thorn 
township. Perry county, Ohio, August 25, 1846. Is the son of Joseph 
and Catharine (Crosson) Faller. Joseph Faller, a native of Germany, 
came to America early in this centur}^ He sold clocks for many 
years and finally settled on the place where he now lives, in Thorn 
township. Perry county, about 1830. He raised a family of eleven 
children, three daughters and five sons survive. He is still living and 
in good health. James Faller read and studied in early years, thus im- 
proving his early education, He was at home on the farm until twenty- 
five years old. He was married February 16, 1871, to Miss Clara, 
daughter of John Eshenrode, a farmer, resident of Reading township, 
Perry county. She was born in Somerset, Perr};' county, March 29, 
1853. Mr. Faller lived on the home place one year, then for three 
years he conducted a farm owned by his father in the same township. 
In the fall of 1875 he purchased the place in Walnut township, where 
he still lives. He is a successful farmer and grape grower. He 
is the father of seven children, five are living: Ida Catharine, Mary 
Alice, James Edward, Henry Harrison, Presse Emanuel. Mrs. Fal- 
ler is a member of the Reformed Church. They are genial, estimable 
people. 

Fahrer, Charles C, carriage and wagon maker, Lancaster, was 



300 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

born in Baden, Germany, January 14, 1827, son of John H., and Mag- 
dalena (Zimmerman) Fahrer. Charles came with his parents to Ameri- 
ca in 183 1, locating at Lancaster, where his father engaged in the manu- 
facture of wagons with good success the remainder of his life. He 
reared a family of three sons. He was a consistent member of the 
German Lutheran Church, and at his death in 1876, he was respected 
and regretted by a large circle of friends. Charles C. was educated 
in the public schools of Lancaster, and learned his trade of carriage 
and wagon making, at which he worked until he began business for 
himself. He makes a specialty of repairing. Mr. Fahrer has been 
twice married — May 26, 1853, to Miss Ellen Carter, to whom were 
born tour children, two sons and two daughters. In 1862 Mrs. Fahrer 
died, and in 1863 he married Miss Barbara Britch. Four children were 
born to them, three sons and one daughter. The family are members 
of the Lutheran Church. Since 185 1 he has been a member of the 
LO.O. F. 

Fairchild, William, farmer, was born in Liberty township, De- 
cember 17, 1820. Is a son of Peter and Ann (Smith) Fairchild. Pe- 
ter Fairchild came to Ohio at an early day, setding in 1806 on the 
farm where his son William now lives, the land at that time being a 
dense forest. He cleared one hundred and sixty acres, and spent the 
remainder of his life upon this farm. He reared a family of six sons 
and five daughters, all of whom are living, and residents of Fairfield 
county. Mr. Fairchild died in 1825. His widow survived him until 187 1, 
when she died in her eighty-eighth year. William, the subject of this 
sketch, enjoyed the advantage of a good education. After leaving 
public school he entered Greenfield Academy, also Westerville College. 
He then taught school until he took charge of the home place. . He pur- 
chased one hundred and fifty acres adjoining, where he built a hand- 
some residence, said to be the finest in the township. Mr. Fairchild 
was married December 3, 1879, to Miss Eliza Burnes. They have one 
son. Grant, born March 3, t88i. 

. Fellers, Joshua, farmer, Bloom township, was born in Pennsyl- 
vania, and came with his father, John Fellers, to Oiiio in 181 3, settling 
on the farm where he now lives. He has been, the same as his father, 
an official member of long standing and a warm supporter of the Bet- 
zer Church, which he helped to establish. There were but three child- 
ren of this family. His brother. Frederick Fellers, was never married, 
but made his home with him until he died some years since. His sister 
married Mr. Conrad Crumley, the late well-known cidzen of the coun- 
ty. Mr. Fellers married Barbara Runkles, daughter of John Runkles, 
one of the early settlers of the county. They raised a large family, 
all of whom have grown up and become useful citizens of the county 
and State. 

Fisher Adam, farmer, Walnut township ; post office, Pleasantville. 

Flick, Thomas, Violet township : post office, Pickerington ; farmer ; 
son of John and Barbara (Kiblinger) Flick, who, in 1802, came from 
Rockingham county, Virginia, to Pleasant township ; born November 
12, 1812. Was m'arried to Bashbee Bowers November i, 1842, b}^ 
whom he had ten children. Abraham, Isaac, Mary A., Jacob, Eliza- 
beth, Sarah A. Sarah A., died December 7, 1856 ; Thomas J., Lydia, 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 3OI 

Lucinda. Lucinda, died July n, i860; and Emma. Mr. Flick had 
one son, Isaac, in the army three 3'ears and two months. He is a mem- 
ber of the Evangelical Church. 

Frampton, Edward A., M. D., physician and surgeon, Bremen, 
Ohio. Was born September 23, 1838, in Muskingum county-, Ohio ; 
son of Isaac K. and Eunice C. (Benson) Fiampton. He was raised on 
a farm, which business received his attention imtil he was nineteen 
years of ^igc, when he began teaching school, and taught three terms 
in Vinton county, Ohio. He then entered the ministr}^ of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, as a supply, employed by the Presiding Elder, 
where he continued one year, having previously been licensed as a 
local preacher. After that he took a certificate of membership from 
the Methodist Episcopal church and joined the United Brethren church, 
and traveled the Rushville circuit one year for that church. During the 
time he traveled for the United Brethren church, he was married. May 29, 
1862, to Miss Frances M., daughter of Doctor Peter F. and Mary Ann 
(Christ) Turner, of Rushville, Ohio. They are the parents of one 
child, viz. : Xemia. At the close of the conference year he was ap- 
pointed to Chancy Mission, in Athens county, Ohio, but withdrew from 
the ministry, in which he had proved an efficient and ready speaker, 
and resumed the study of medicine. He had privately studied medi- 
cine during the two years he was in the ministr}^ He resumed his 
study under Doctor Turner, his father-in-law, continuing about eigh- 
teen months, when he commenced his practice near Junction City, 
Perry county, Ohio, and after eighteen months he came to Bremen, 
where he remained until 1870, at which time he went to Zanesville, 
Ohio, and entered into partnership with Doctor Turner, in the practice 
of his profession, remaining seven months and removed to Lancaster, 
Ohio, and after thirteen months' practice in that place they dissolved 
partnership. Doctor Frampton desiring to return to his own property in 
Bremen. Commencing practice before the law required diplomatic 
physicians, he, at'terwards being examined, received a diploma from a 
medical college in Pennsylvania, in 1869, and the same ^^ear was made 
a member of the State Medical Association of Penns3''lvania. Since 
his return to Bremen he has been in active practice, and in 1878 he 
took into partnership in his practice Doctor Strayer, which partnership 
continues up to this date. Doctor Frampton has been quite successful 
in his practice and is recognized by his community as one of the best 
of physicians. In 1872 he established a line of standard medicine., of 
which he is proprietor. These medicines are sold throughout the coun- 
try by agents. 

Friedly, John, farmer. He is the onl}^ son of John S. and Ann 
W. Friedl}^ and was born in Switzerland, Ma}' 2, 1827. Pie came 
with his parents to America in 1831. They came direct to Ohio and 
Hved in various places in Walnut and Liberty townships, until 1853, 
when his father purchased the farm formerly owned by David Rife, 
where he settled and reared his family, one son and two daughters, 
Elizabeth, wife of Conrad Steiger, of Green township; Sophia, who 
died in August, 1854, '"^^^^ John, Jr., who had only limited advantages , 
for obtaining an education. He began farming at an early age, which 
he has alwa3'S followed. He owns one hundred and ten acres which is 



302 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

well improved ; the buildings are of modern construction and contain 
every convenience. The family residence being unusually pleasant 
and commodious, making the farm one of the most desirable in the 
township. Mr. Friedly is a member of the Reformed Church. He 
has held the oflice of township trustee three years. He was united in 
marriage to Miss Mary Thompson, June 23, 1853. The}^ are the par- 
ents of ten children, all at home, whh the exception of the eldest 
daughter, Mary Elizabeth, now the wife of John Waters, of Walnut 
township. 

Fritter, Kinnis, attorney at law, Lancaster, Ohio ; born in Staf- 
ford county, Virg;inia, October 10, 1832. Came to Fairheld county, 
Ohio, in August, 1845. Studied law with Medill & Connell, Lancaster, 
Ohio ; admitted February, 1859, ^V Supreme Court at Columbus, Ohio. 
Has practiced in Lancaster, Ohio, since. Was elected Mayor of 
Lancaster, Ohio, in April, 1859, '^^^ served in that office four years, 
being re-elected in April, 1861. Was pay agent of Ohio under Sol- 
diers' Allotment system ; Assistant Assessor of Internal Revenue from 
July, 1862, until April, 1864, when appointed deputy collector for Fair- 
held county, of Internal Revenue, and served as such until October, 
1866. W^as Lieutenant of Company K, One hundred and Fourteenth 
Regiment Ohio Volunteers, for a short time. Was member of Board 
of Education, Lancaster, Ohio, for six years, from 1876 to 1882. Was 
member of City Council of Cit}^ of Lancaster, Ohio, for a short time, 
1872. President of Lancaster Free Library and Reading Rooms As- 
sociation since its organization in June, 1878. 

Gafford, Thomas J., farmer. Walnut township. He was born in 
Baltimore, Ohio, March 24, 1844 ' ^^^ ^^^ ^^ Joseph and Parthena 
Gafford. Joseph was born in Mar3dand in 1803. He came to Ohio with 
his relatives in 1813. He located in Lancaster and learned the trade 
of shoemaker. About 1824 he removed to Baltimore, Maryland, and 
kept grocery, also kept hotel, known as the Gafford House, for some 
thirty years. He was an owner of canal boats in an early day. He 
raised a family of seven children, three sons and one daughter survive. 
He continued hotel keeping until his death, in 1861. His widow still 
survives him and is a resident of Baltimore, and wifeof John Lamb, who 
was educated in the common schools. T. J. 's youth was passed in assist- 
ing his father in various occupations, unnl September i, 1861, when he 
enlisted in Company K Seventeenth O. V. I., taking part in all bat- 
tles in which his regiment was engaged, including Wild Cat, Kentucky, 
to Savannah, Georgia. He served over four years, until the close of 
the War, taking part in the reviev/ at Washington, and was mustered 
out at Louisville, Kentucky, receiving his discharge at Camp Chase, 
Columbus, Ohio, July, 1865. He was wounded in a raid, and disabled 
for some time. Returning to civil life he entered Duff's Commercial 
College, at Pittsburgh, for two terms, when he engaged in buying and 
shipping produce, at Keokuk, Iowa, where, with his brother, S. B. 
Gafford, he had removed in 1866. He returned to Ohio in 1869, and 
in March, 1870, was married to Miss Mary J., daughter of John and 
Mary (McNamee) Lamb. Mrs. Gafford was born in Walnut towhship, 
March 30, 1849. They are the parents of two children, one still sur- 
vives, Mary May, born May 15, 1876. After marriage, in the spring 



HISTORY OF FAIRP'IELD COUNTY. 303 

of 1770, he settled on the Lamb place, since which time he purchased 
the same from W. M. Hutton, in 1878. It consists of one hundred and 
forty acres. They occupy the residence built by John Lamb in 1840. 
He is a prosperous citizen, industrious and energetic. 

Gaiser, Christain, of the firm of Gaiser & Meyer, carriage and 
buggy manufacturers. South Broadway, Lancaster, Ohio. Mr. Gaiser 
was born October 13, 1849, ^^ Prussia; son of George and Elizabeth 
Gaiser. At the age of fourteen he went to his trade and worked at it 
until he was seventeen ; then came to America, landing in New York 
City, and went from there to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he rem^ained 
about two years ; then worked in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and other 
States. He located in this city in 1872, and worked for Sears & Ma- 
hony six years, when the}^ sold out to the new firm of Bowser, Gaiser & 
Company, which continued until the fall of 1880, when the present firm 
was lormed, which is now doing a first-class business in new work and 
repairing. Mr. Gaiser was married April 30, 1878, to Miss Catharine 
Klunk. They are the parents of one child, Catharine. 

Geiger, Herbert, farmer, Walnut township. He was born in 
Walnut township, September 25, 1810; the son of David and Catharine 
(Wenegardner) Geiger. David Geiger was born in Virginia. He came 
with his father, Adam Geiger, to Ohio, in 1802 or '3. The family lo- 
cated on Pleasant Run, Pleasant township. After some two years, came 
to Walnut township, and entered a section of land near Pleasantville, 
where Adam Geiger spent the remainder of his days. David also lived 
here during his life. He raised a family of five children, of whom three 
sons and one daughter are living. He was a farmer and stock raiser, 
and kept hotel for many 3^ears ; in religious belief, a Baptist. He died 
about 1825. Herbert G., after his mother's death, was raised on the 
farm of his grandfather, Winegardner, in Richland township. He was 
educated in the common schools. He remained on the place, and assist- 
ed his grandfather in farming and distiller}^, until 1847. At the age of 
twenty-five, he learned the tanner and currier trade, when, in 1847, he 
purchased the tannery business of an uncle in Rushville, which he con- 
ducted successfully for eight years. In 1847, Mr. Geiger married Sarah, 
daughter of William and Catharine Lamb, early settlers in Walnut 
township. Mrs. Geiger was born in Walnut township, December 28, 
182 1. After discontinuing the business of tanning, he purchased a farm 
in Rush Creek township, conducting the same, still continuing to reside 
in Rushville, until his removal to Walnut township, in i860, on the place 
which he still owns, it being entered by his grandfather, Winegard- 
ner, when he came to Ohio. The familv residence was built about 
1869. Mr. Geiger now owns two hundred and forty-five acres. He 
lived there until removing to his present residence in Salem in 1873, 
where he is living a retired lite. The}^ are the parents of two children : 
Henry W., residing on the home place in Walnut township ; and Cath- 
arine A., residing with her parents. The family are members of the 
Reform Church. He is a member of the Masonic order, also an active 
member of the Grangers. 

GiESY, Jacob, farmer. Liberty township. He was born m this town- 
ship, March 8th, 1813. He is the only son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Soli- 
day) Giesy. Jacob Giesy, Sr., was born in Switzerland in 1783 ; emi- 



304 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

grating to America in 1804; and in the spring of 1805, moved to Fair- 
field county ; he being one of the early pioneers of the county. He 
settled in the midst of a wilderness, and lived to see it transformed into 
a flourishing and well developed country. His children consist of one 
son and eight daughters ; six now living, all residents of this county. 
Mr. Giesy was a wheelwright by trade ; and in 1820, built on Paw-Paw 
Creek, one of the hrst mills in the county, which is still standing. He 
died in 1841, leaving a large circle of friends and acquaintances. He 
had been a successful farmer, and possessed the esteem of his neigh- 
bors. His wife died in 1861. Jacob Giesy, Jr., remained on his father's 
farm during 3-outh, j-eceiving such educational advantages then attain- 
able ; and when old enough, took charge of his father's farm and saw- 
mill. In 1843, he married Mary Fultz. They are the parents of eleven 
children, five of whom are now living. Of these, Elizabeth C, is 
the wife of Henry Schafl:ner, of Liberty township; Sarah A., wife of 
John Yager; George, a resident in the same township; Jesse A., and 
Charles are at home. Mrs. Giesy died in 1868. Mr. Giesy's second 
wife, Mrs. Louisa Giesy, was born May 21, 1831. Mr. Giesy has been 
very successful in business, and has accumulated a handsome compe- 
tency. In addition to the home farm of one hundred and sixty acres, 
he owns another place of two hundred and sixty-two acres, fulh^ im- 
proved. 

GoDDEN, George H., carriage manufacturer, Libert}^ township. 
He is the only child of Robert and Louisa (Burnett) Godden. He was 
born at Newark, New Jersey, August 13, 1837. With his parents he 
came to Ohio, in 1839. The family settled at Circleville, where he was 
educated in the common schools. When eighteen, he became an ap- 
prentice, for three years, to a carriage manufacturer in that place, Wil- 
liam Bonder. After acquiring the trade, he worked as journeyman, 
until the summer of 1861, when he enlisted in Compau}- B, Seventeenth 
Regiment, O. V. I., and with that regiment participated in all their en- 
gagements, from Stone River to the surrender of Joe Johnston, near 
Raleigh, North Carolina ; at Resacca, Georgia, he was wounded in the 
foot and removed to the hospital, remaining there two months. He 
served until the war closed, taking part in the review at Washington, 
and with the regiment was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky-, and 
discharged at Camp Chase, Columbus. Returning to civil life, he lo- 
cated in Basil, Ohio. In the spring of 1866, he purchased the manu- 
facturing business of John Bowser, and has since conducted the same, do- 
ino- an extensive business, employing five hands. In i860 he was married 
to Mrs. Sarah A. Switzer. They are the parents of two sons and two 
daughters : Emma L.. Robert Henr}-, Liliie A., and Charles Freeman. 
The" famil}^ are members of the Reformed Church. Mr, Godden is a 
member of the Knights of Pythias. 

Gravett, John, florist and gardner, Lancaster. He was born in 
Sussex, England, September 12, 1826. At the age of fourteen he was 
apprenticed to a Scotch florist, and after acquiring a full knowledge of 
the business, he went to London, about 1847, where he entered the em- 
ploy of a leading florist. At this place he was married to Ann Mallars, 
who was born in London, England, in 1825. In 1850 they came to 
America, setding in Lancaster, where Mr. Gravett entered the employ 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY* 305 

of the late Darius Talmadge, with whom he continued for three years, 
subsequently engaging in market gardening on his own account. In 
In 1855, ^^^ purchased a portion of the place, which he still owns. 
Some years later adding largely to it, and engaged in the nursery and 
floral business, which he conducted on an extensive scale. To Mr. and 
Mrs. Gravett have been born ten children, viz. : Ella, wife of Wiley 
W. Brown ; John A., a graduate of VVooster College, now in charge of 
the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad office at Salt Lake City ; Annie 
and Jennie, residents of Colorado Springs, Colorado ; the former a clerk 
in the railroad office, the latter engaged in the millinery business. The 
remaining members of the family are still at home. Feeling the defi- 
ciency of an education, Mr. Gravett has been attending to the edlication 
of his own children, and takes great interest in educational matters. 
He was elected member of the school board of special district of East 
Lancaster, before it was included in the city limits, filling that position 
for nine years. In 1874, ^^^ ^'^^ elected to the school board from the 
fifth ward ; during two years he was president of the board, and for the 
past three years has been secretary ; for six years he was director of the 
Fairfield County Agricultural Societ}^ 

Graybill, Isaac, of Carroll, was born in 1827, on the farm now 
owned by Robert J. Peters. In 1848, he was married to Miss Maria L. 
Martin, daughter of the late and well known Judge Martin ; and who 
was Justice of the Peace for twenty-five years, and for a long period ot 
time, one of the Associate Judges of the county. Mr. Graybill's grand- 
father, Samuel Graybill, came from Pennsylvania to this county in 1809, 
and settled two miles west of Lancaster, on the Columbus pike, and 
where he kept hotel many years. He became the head of a large family, 
the descendants of whom are now well and favorably known through- 
out the county. His son, Jacob Graybill, died in 1861, seventy-four 
years old. He was the father of Isaac. Mrs. Graybill's father came 
prior to the war of 181 2. His wife was Miss Francis Taylor, of New 
Jersey ; and they made the overland trip in a little one-horse wagon, and 
settled on thirty-five acres of ground, one mile east of Carroll, where 
they lived and died. The house is still standing. Mr. Isaac Graybill 
is a farmer in prosperous circumstances. He resides in a handsome 
residence. 

Groves, David, farmer. Walnut township. He was born in Lick- 
ing county, June 18, 182 1. He was the oldest son of Joseph and Mary 
(Stover) Groves. They were early settlers of Licking count}^ Thev 
raised to maturity, David and Samuel, now residents of Kansas. David 
was educated in the common schools. When he was but ten 3^ears old, 
he was thrown on his own resources bv the death of his father. He was 
raised in the family of Thomas McNaghten, in Walnut township, till 
of age. He and his brother owned a place at Hebron, Licking county. 
He was there two years ; while there, he was married in 1845, to Mar- 
garet Jane Patton. To them were born one son, James P. In 1847. 
Mrs. Groves died ; and in September 2, 185 1, he married Miss Teretha, 
daughter of Jacob Kagay, an early settler on the place now owned b}^ 
Levi W. Meredith, who was a pioneer, a member of the Baptist church, 
and raised a famil}^ of five children ; three are living. He died about 
1870. After marriage, Mr. Groves located on his present home, and 

89 



3o6 Biographical sketches. 

in 1865, built his present residence. He owns one hundred and eleven 
acres. They are the parents of eight children, six now living : John 
S., Lewis M., Mary A., Theodore E., Laura E. and Barbara J. For 
some years he engaged in the tannery business. The family are mem- 
bers of the Baptist church. Jacob Kagay, the father of the second Mrs. 
Groves, was a soldier in the war of 1812 ; a native of Shenandoah 
county, Virginia ; born about 1788, and came with the Bibler family to 
Ohio, about 1803. 

GusEMAN, Daniel, deceased. Daniel Guseman was a native 
of Virginia, and came to this count}^ with his father when five 
years old. He located at Lancaster, and worked at blacksmithing 
there. He died in 1879. Mrs. Guseman's parents were natives 
of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Guseman became the parents of 
the following-named children: Oliver H., Theodore, Johnson, Sarah, 
Abraham, Jackson, Mary, Thomas, Alexander, George and Fanny. 
Three reside in Pickaway county, and one in this township. Thomas 
is a blacksmith, and lives at home with his mother. Jackson and 
Abraham enlisted August, 1862, in Ninetieth O. V. L, and Jackson 
in 1864, in the One Hundred and Fiftj^-iifth O. V. L, and remained till 
the close of the war. Abraham lost his health in the war. 

HoFFERT, Elias, farmer, Rush creek township, post office Bremen, 
Ohio ; born August 17, 181 8, in this township, and about one mile from 
where he now lives ; son of Solomon and Margaret (Hendricks) HotTert. 
Mr. Hoftert was raised a farmer, and has given his attention to agri- 
cultural pursuits up to this time, in which he has been successful, hav- 
ing accumulated an abundance lor his declining years, and came into 
possession in 1857 of the farm that he now makes his home upon b3^ 
arduous industry and economy, upon which is a good two-stor}- frame 
farm dwelling that denotes the thrift and enterprise of the owner. Mr. 
Hoftert was married in the year 1841 to Miss Hannah, daughter of 
Philip and Christina (Souters) Stoneburner. The}^ are the parents of 
fifteen children, viz. : Philip, Emanuel, Susannah, William, Daniel, 
deceased, Noah, Mary, Joseph, deceased, Elizabeth, deceased, Sarah, 
Nancy, Matilda, deceased, Maggie, Elias J., and Ellen. Mr. Hoftert's 
grandfather, Casper Hoftert, was of German descent, and emigrated 
first to Virginia, where he was married to a Miss Stahley, and in 1801 
he came to Ohio and settled on Raccoon Creek, at what has since been 
known as Cheesetown, but afterward moved farther up the creek, where 
he owned land, and where he died in November, 1825, and was buried 
upon his own land. His wife. Miss Stahley, was also of German parent- 
age, and lived until the winter of 1840, and died upon the homestead 
of her son Solomon, and was buried beside her husband. Solomon 
Hoftert, son of Casper Hoftert, and father of the subject of this sketch, 
was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, June 16, 1786, and came to 
Ohio with his father, and some time afterward entered land where 
Philemon Hoftert now lives. Upon that farm he lived to the time of his 
death in 1876, being in his ninety-first ^^ear. Solomon's wife. Miss 
Rebecca (Hendricks) Hoftert, was of German parentage, and was born 
in February, 1789, in Morrison's Cove, Pennsylvania; came to Ohio at 
an early day with her father, who probably entered land on Jonathan's 
Creek, Perry county, where he built one of the first flouring mills upon 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 307 

that creek, and where he lived out his allotted time. Mrs. Hoffert de- 
parted this life in 1861, in her seventy-second year. Solomon and 
Rebecca (Hendricks) Hoftert's children were ten in number, viz, : 
Elizabeth, Catharine, Samuel, EHas, Mary, Adam, Solomon, x\bsalom, 
Philemon and Christina. 

Hager, Jesse, grocer, Violet township, postoffice Pickering; was 
born in Etna township, Licking county, February 26, 1840; was mar- 
ried to Adaline Kraner, October 30, 1865 ; worked at shoemaking nine 
years ; was for several years clerk in E. D. Kraner's dry goods store, 
and in 1880 set up business for himself. Mr. Plager has served three 
years in this township as justice of the peace. 

Hansbarger, Abraham, merchant. Liberty township, post office 
Baltimore ; born December 4, 1848 ; son of Joel and Elizabeth (Loose) 
Hansbargar ; was married to Nettie Kring, March i, 1877: had one 
child, Nettie, born December 10, 1877, and died March 13, 1878; wife 
died December 24, 1877. Mr. Hansbarger is the senior member of the 
firm of Hansbargar Brothers, dealers in dry ooods, house furnishing 
goods, and grain. They handle one hundred thousand bushels of grain 
annually, and outside of this, their monthly sales amount to four thou- 
sand dollars. 

Hansbargar, Charles F., merchant, Liberty township, post office 
Baltimore; born May 4, 1854; ^°^ ^^ J^^^ "^^^^^ Elizabeth (Loose) 
Hansbargar ; married to Nellie C. Albain, December 19, 1877 ; had one 
child, Effie, born April 4, 1879, ^^^^ *^^^*^ J^b' ^5' ^879. Mr. Hans- 
bargar is the junior member of the firm of Hansbargar Brothers, deal- 
ers in dr}^ goods, house furnishing goods, and grain. 

Harper, Mrs. Emma, Lancaster. She was born in Chillicothe, 
Ohio, March 2, 1799, and came with her parents, Henry and Ruth 
(Tanehill) Abrams, to Fairfield county, in 1801. The family located 
three miles from Lancaster, where her father, Henry Abrams, resided 
during his lifetime. He was a prominent citizen in the early years of 
the present century. A member of the convention which framed the 
Constitution of the State, he also filled a judicial position fourteen years. 
He was the father of twenty children, of whom Mrs. Harper is the only 
survivor. Henry Abrams died in 1822. Emma was married to John 
L. Harper in 1820, who was a native of Philadelphia, born in 1792. 
Previous to his marriage he had been a seafaring man, having com- 
manded one or more vessels engaged in coasting trade. After coming 
to Ohio he was in the employ of Governor Worthington for a time, as 
assistant surveyor. After his marriage he made a voyage around the 
world, being absent some five years. ]Mr. and Mrs. Harper were the 
parents of two daughters, Sarah, a school teacher and artist by profes- 
sion, now^ living with her mother; Orpha, died in her twentieth ^^ear, 
in 1844. John L. Harper died in Illinois many years ago. Mrs. Har- 
per is a vigorous and genial old lad}^ For many years she conducted 
a millinery and dressmaking business, owning the property on Broad- 
way where she resides. She has been a resident of Lancaster fifty- 
eight 3'ears. 

Haver, William P. ; was born in Walnut township, Fairfield 
county, Ohio, February 14, 1838 ; son of George and Catharine (Whit- 
aker) Haver. Mr. Haver was brought up on a farm, and is a success- 



308 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

ful farmer and stock raiser ; located upon his present homestead in 
1861. He owns two hundred acres of land, lives upon a farm formerly 
bought by his father from Andrew Kroger, who had built, more than 
iift}' years ago, a brick house upon the farm, and is now the residence 
of Mr. Haver. He also owns a part of the farm that was entered by 
his grandfather. Mr. Haver was married Ma}- 30, 1865, to Miss 
Sirena, daughter of Moses Thompson, a well-known resident of Wal- 
nut township. They are the parents of six children, of whom four are 
now living, viz. : George W., Annie C, William P. and Clarence T. 
Mr. Haver is a member of the I. O. O. F. Mrs. Haver is a mem- 
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. George W. Haver, the father 
of William P., was a native of Pennsylvania, who came with his father, 
William Haver, to Ohio in an early day. William Haver entered one 
hundred and seventy-seven acres of land in Walnut township, where 
he lived up to 1833, when he died, being the first fatal case of cholera 
that occurred in the township. Upon this farm George W. lived and 
brought up a family of three children, viz. : Elizabeth, now the wife of 
David Winegarner, a resident of Newark, Ohio : William P., the sub- 
ject of this sketch, and Eli D. George W. was a successful farmer and 
stock raiser, and owned, at the time of his death, January 26, 1861, 
three hundred and fifty-two acres of land. He was, during his life, a 
liberal contributor to all worthy objects that demanded his notice. 

Helmick, Eberle F., farmer; w^as born in Baltimore, Fairfield 
county, Ohio, July 6, 1836; son of Dr. Luke and Sophia (Siter) Hel- 
mick. Dr. Luke Helmick was a native of Ohio and was born in 1804. 
Earl}^ in life he studied medicine, and in July, 1827 he passed a credit- 
able examination and was admitted to practice medicine by the medical 
society of the Fitteenth District of Ohio. His first practice, after grad- 
uating, was in Pleasant township, Fairfield county, where he remained 
until his marriage to Miss Sophia Siter. He then located in Baltimore, 
where he practiced successfully for many years, and his counsel was 
sought in many of the adjoining counties. He was devoted to his pro- 
fession and to the community in which he lived. All recognized in him 
a personal friend and counselor. Dr. Helmick was a man of strong 
religious convictions and a member of the Baptist church many years. 
He was a member of the Masonic order. His death took place April 
I, 1872. His widow survived him until 1880. E. F. Helmick was ed- 
ucated in the schools in Baltimore, and was also a student at Wester- 
ville. He engaged in mercantile life for some years and also conduct- 
ed his father's farm in Liberty township. In 1857 he purchased the 
farm where they now reside, consisting of one hundred and twenty- 
nine acres of land fully improved. Mr. Helmick has been twice mar- 
ried ; in 1857 to Miss Sarah Warner, who died the following year and 
in 1858 to Miss Catharine Manger, by whom he has one son, Elza 
Preston, born September 15, 1861. They also reared, from the time he 
was ten years of age, W. H. Wright, who is an exemplary 3'oung man, 
and for whom they entertain paternal feelings. The family are mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Helmick is a member of 
the Masonic order. 

Henderson, A. C, retired, Walnut township. He was born in 
Thorn township, Perry county, Ohio, September 2, 1843 ; the eldest 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



309 



son of Hineman and Maria (Clum) Henderson. Hineman Henderson 
was born in Thorn township. Perry county, about 1817, on the place 
first settled by his lather, James Henderson, as early as 1803 or 1804. It 
is still the family home, and consists of two hundred and five acres. 
Hineman reared a famil}- of four sons and four daughters. For man}^ 
years he was an extensive buyer and shipper of live stock. He is a promi- 
nent member of the Metliodist Episcopal church. He is still living, vigor- 
ous in mind and body. A. C. Henderson was educated in the common 
schools in Thorn township. His early life was spent on the home farm. 
He also engaged with his father and Reason Frank in the stock busi- 
ness. He was married October 10, 1866, to SamanthaJ., daughter of 
'Squire H. B. Eyeman, a resident of Richland township. A. C. Hen- 
derson continued to reside on the home place until the spring of 1875, 
when he came to Walnut township, where he purchased the John 
Kagay farm. In 1881 he built an elegant residence. A year previous 
he built a fine barn. His place is indeed a desirable one. They are 
the parents of two sons and one daughter, Murry Albert, born June 27, 
1869; Etta May. born September 3, 1875, ^"^ Homer Carl, who was 
born October 7, 1878. The family are members of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. He is a member of the Masonic order. 

Hensel, Samuel A., farmer. Liberty township. He was born in 
this township February 28, 1823. He is the youngest son of Jacob 
and Anna (Young) Hensel. His parents were natives of Switzerland, 
and emigrated to America in 1806. About ten years they resided in 
the States of Pennsylvania and Mar3dand. They came to Ohio in 1816, 
setding in Liberty township, on the farm now owned b}^ his son, Jacob 
Hensel. He entered and cleared a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, 
and raised a familj'^ of nine children, seven of whom are living. He 
died in 1855, mourned by a large circle of friends. Samuel A. Hensel 
remained at home until twenty-seven 3'ears of age and engaged in 
farming. He married, in 1850, Margaret Haley, daughter of George 
Haley, one of the pioneers in Liberty township, where Mrs. Hensel 
was born July 15, 1828. While engaged in clearing his new home, Mr. 
Hensel rented a farm in the township. In 1853 he built a log house on 
his place and moved there. The family still reside on this place. He 
owns one hundred and forty-three acres. For three years he has been 
township trustee. They are the parents of seven children, six are liv- 
ing ; Jacob A., residing in Cleveland, Ohio; Barbara A., the wife of 
Edwin Fritz, of Libert}' township ; Anna A., the wife of John H. 
Rouch, of the same township ; Henr}^ A. resides on a portion of the 
home place ; George F. and Maria A. are still at home. 

Hershey, Rev. Scott T., pastor of Grace Reformed church, Lan- 
caster, Ohio, was born at Colburn, Indiana, in 1852. He attended a 
collegiate school in Western Indiana, and afterward entered Heidel- 
berg College, at Tiffin, Ohio. Here he became popular as a speaker 
and graduated with honors in 1875. The following 3'ear he graduated 
from the Theological Seminary and entered the Reformed ministry. 
After spending nearly six years at Denver, Indiana, he came to Lan- 
caster in fall of 188 1. Mr. Hershey is an extensive writer for news- 
papers, and has in press now a book on " Infidelity a Failure." Though 
a young man, he has made a fine reputation as a lecturer. 



3IO BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Hewetson, Peter, physician, Amanda township. Is the second 
son of Dr. Joseph Hewetson, and was born on the 26th day of October, 
1832, in Wigton, Gallowayshire, Scotland. His father graduated at 
the Edinburgh University about the year 1826, and was engaged in the 
practice of medicine in Scotland till 1833, when he came wdth his wife 
and family, then consisting of his two eldest sons, John and Peter, to 
America. Being afflicted with inflammatory rheumatism, and desiring 
an avocation more regular and with less exposure, he chose that of 
agriculture. On arriving in the States, he first stopped at Pittsburg, 
Pennsylvania, for a short time, and in 1835 came to Belmont, county, 
Ohio, where he engaged in wool growing. An accident occurring to one 
of his neighbors, his arm being lacerated in a threshing machine, and no 
surgeon near. Dr. Hewetson sent for his instruments and performed a 
successful amputation, the first knowledge had by his townsmen that he 
was a physician and surgeon. Bv this circumstance he was rather 
forced into the practice of his profession in this country. He had a 
family of eight children, viz. : John, Peter, Walter, Mary, deceased, 
Dr. Alexander H., Mary Isabelle, Joseph, killed in the battle of Pitts- 
burgh Landing, Dr. Thomas L., died August 1874, '"-^^ Amanda, Ohio. 
Dr. Joseph Hewetson died in Belmont county, Ohio, January 1855. 
Three of his sons who survive him are worthy representatives of him 
and his profession. Dr. Peter Hewetson attended the Literary College 
at Washington, Pennsylvania, after which he studied medicine with his 
father, completing his studies with Dr. Henry West, of St. Clairsville, 
Ohio. He attended lectures in New York and Cincinnati. After prac- 
ticing medicine a short time in Belmont county, he came, October, 
1858, to Amanda, Fairfield county, Ohio, and practiced his profession 
in company with Dr. S. H. Porter. October, 1867, he married Miss 
Effie A., daughter of Samuel Dum, Esq., of Amanda. They have 
four children: Minnie Elizabeth, Mary Belle, Joseph E., and William 
Larimer. In the war of the Rebellion the Doctor was in the Forty- 
third Ohio Regiment, first as First Lieutenant, then Captain, and served 
about a year as acting Surgeon. He resides in the village of Amanda, 
and is one of the representative men and leading physicians of Fair- 
field county. 

Hewetson, Dr., John, Amanda, Fairfield county, is the eldest son 
of Dr. Joseph Hewetson, and was born in Wigton, Gallowayshire, 
Scotland, on the 3d day of January, 1831. He came to America with 
his parents in 1833. He studied the profession of his father. Was en- 
gaged in the practice of medicene at Qiiaker City, Guernsey county, 
Ohio, till 1874, when he removed to Amanda, Fairfield county, where 
he has practiced his profession since. 

HiTE, John C, son of Samuel and Catharine Hite, was born near 
Pleasantville, Pleasant township, Fairfield county, Ohio, on the 25th 
day of November, 1827. He was raised a farmer, and in connec- 
tion with that industr3^ in the fall of 1846, at the age of nineteen, he 
began teaching school in Pleasantville. In this village he taught four 
terms with remarkable success. He was regarded as being one of the 
most successful teachers in his county. He was an ardent friend to edu- 
cation, and was one of the projectors of the Fairfield Union Academy, 
now known as the Pleasantville Collegiate Institute, at Pleasantville. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY." 3 II 

He remained a farmer until October, 1868, when lie came to Lancaster, 
Ohio, and purchased the bookstore of Tuthill & Rigle}-. He continued 
in the book business until the fall of 1870, when he was induced by a 
number of his leading political friends to purchase a one-half interest 
of the Ohio Eagle, which he did, and continued one of its editors until 
November 10, 1873, when he entered upon his duties as County Audi- 
tor, having been previously elected to that office. This position he 
filled four years with great satisfaction to the tax payers of both politi- 
cal parties. On the 5th of April, 1879, ^^ ^^^ elected Superintendent 
of the Ohio Reform School, which position he held until June, 1879, 
when he resigned and returned to Lancaster, and took charge of the 
Fairfield County Democrat^ as editor and publisher. This paper he 
enlarged from a seven column folio to a six column quarto. This 
change was made August 5, 1879, fi'O"^ which date the paper has been 
known as The Saturday yoiirnal. Up to the time of the writing of 
this sketch, he is still editor and publisher of this paper. Politicall}^ 
he is a Democrat, religiousl}^ a Missionary Baptist, in which church he 
has taken great interest, especially in the Sunda}^ School work. He 
has served in the capacity of Sunday School Superintendent in the Lan- 
caster Baptist church for eleven years. He was married to Miss Marj^ 
Miller, of Pleasant township, Fairfield county, September 23, 1852. 

HiTE, Levi, attorney-at-law, of the firm of Hite & Dolson, office 
in Mumaugh's building. Main street, Lancaster, Ohio. Attorney Hite 
was born February 11, 1848, in this count}^ son of Jonas and Ruth 
(Stevenson) Hite, ot Germitn ancestry-. Young Hite was educated in 
the public schools and in the Fairfield Union Academ}^ In January, 
1872, he registered as a law student in the office of Hon. Charles D. 
Martin, of this city, with whom he read until September of the same 
year, when he entered the law department of Yale College, where he 
graduated in June, 1875, "^"^^ ^'^'^ admitted to the bar in the District 
Court of Vinton county, September 7, 1875, ^-nd immediately formed 
the above firm. Attorney Hite was married September 9, 1879, ^^^ Miss 
Lizzie, daughter of^Cyrus and Catharine (Swifzer) Courtright. They 
are the parents of one child. Bertha. 

Hite, Jonas, Walnut township, farmer ; was born Jime 9, 1820, 
second son of Joseph and Frances (Berry) Hite. Joseph Hite was born 
in Virginia about 1780; came with his father, Abraham Hite, to Ohio, 
about 1807, settling in Walnut township on the farm now owned by John 
A. Hite. He was a farmer, and lived upon that farm up to the time ol 
his death. He raised afamily of ten children, of whom six are now liv- 
ing, three sons and three daughters. Jonas was educated in the com- 
mon schools to a limited extent. He was brought up a farmer, and 
remained at home until he was married, September 24, 1844, to Miss 
Lovina, daughter of Henry Huffman, who is a well-known farmer of 
Walnut township. Mrs. Hite was born in Maryland, April 27, 1822. 
They are the parents of ten children, eight of whom are living, viz. : 
Henry H., a carpenter of Hadley Junction; Lewis S., ^p^armer of 
Walnut township ; Mary Catharine, wife of Lewis Snj^der, of Walnut 
township; Amos, a farmer of Perry county, Ohio ; AlmedaJ., wife of 
George L. Snyder, ^who lives on the homestead ; Clarence C, wife of 
Henry Miller, Jr., of Walnut township ; Belle V. Stella, at home ; and 



312 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Flora, now a pupil of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum, at Columbus, Ohio. 
After his marriage, Mr. Hite lived in various places in Walnut town- 
ship, until 1848, when he settled upon the then almost unimproved farm 
that he has since made his home, at first purchasing forty-one acres of 
land, to which he has added until there is now one hundred and eleven 
acres. He also owns twenty-two acres of the old homestead, that 
lies near Thurston. He has improved, at different times, his home res- 
idence. He has served as township trustee ; four years in the army, 
and was instrumental in raising the quota of soldiers required in Wal- 
nut township during the late war. Mr. and Mrs. Hite are members, in 
good standing, in the Baptist Church. Mr. Hite's father, Joseph Hite, 
settled in Rushcreek township about 181 7, on what is known as the 
Swope farm, and upon which the village of Thurston now stands. Up- 
on that farm he lived until 1862, at which time he moved to Huntington 
county, Indiana, where he died in the fall of the same year. His farm 
in Ohio contained two hundred acres of land. He was a prominent 
member of the Baptist Church. 

Hite, Abraham H., farme'-, Walnut township ; was born in Waluut 
township April 13, 1828, the son of Samuel S. and Anna (Hite) Hite. 
S. S. Hite was born about 1790, in Virginia. He came with his 
father, Abraham Hite, to Ohio in 1805 or 1806. He lived on the 
home place, now owned by John A. Hite. He raised a family of 
seven children, three sons and one daughter survive. S. S. Hite was 
a prosperous farmer and a strong supporter of religion. He died about 
r87i ; his wile about 1865. A. H. Hite after completing his education 
in the common schools, turned his attention to farming at home, until his 
marriage, December 23, 1855, to Ann, daughter of Henry and Catha- 
rine Hempy, who were early settlers in Greenfield township. Mrs. Hite 
was born in Greenfield township, September 30, 1831. In the spring of 
1856, he settled where he still resides, and has improved much b}^ build- 
ings. It consists of one hundred and twenty-four acres. He also owns 
eighty acres elsewhere. He is a successful stock raiser and farmer. 
They are the parents of nine children, of whom six are livtng : Samuel 
S., a resident of Walnut township, living on a place owned by his father ; 
Henry M., living in Walnut township ; Levi and Eli were born Novem- 
ber 19, 1861 ; they reside with their parents ; Catherine Elizabeth, born 
May 19, 1866 ; Abraham, born October 14, 1868. Mr. Hite was one of 
the soldiers in 18 12, under Captain Peter Lamb. He is a prosperous 
and esteemed citizen. 

Hite, John A., farmer, Walnut township, was born May 17th, 
1838. He is a son of Samuel S. and Anna (Hite) Hite. Samuel S. 
Hite was born in the State of Virginia, September 18, 1790 ; came to 
Ohio with his father, Abraham, in 1806, who settled in Walnut town- 
ship, upon the farm now owned by J. A. Hite, where he entered one 
huudred and sixty acres of land, and lived up to the time of his death. 
Samuel S. continued to live upon the homestead after his father's death 
and raised a family of seven children, four of whom are living — three 
sons and one daughter. He was a successful farmer and stock raiser, 
and owned at the time of his ^death five hundred and sixty-six acres of 
land. He died March 7, 187 1. John A. Hite was educated in the com- 
mon schools of his native township, was brought up on a farm, and 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 313 

lived at home until he was married, October 17, 1865, to Miss Charity 
W., daughter of John Geiger, who was a resident of Walnut township. 
Mrs. Hite was born in this township May 28, 1845. They are the 
parents of nine children, of whom seven are still living — two sons and 
five dauirhters. After his marriage he remained upon the homestead, 
and now lives in a fine brick farm residence, built in 1840. He owns 
two hiuidred and forty acres of land, and is one of the most extensive 
farmers and stock raisers of his township. 

Hite, Joseph, farmer ; post office, Pleasantville ; was born in 
Pleasant township, October 24, i8\i, and has always resided in this 
township. October 26, 1836, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Lamb, 
who VA as born in Fairfield county March i, 1818. Their children were 
William L., boiU September 14, 1837; Katharine, born October 18, 
1840; Joseph Lemuel, born October 25, 1842; James K. Polk, born 
Septem.ber 20, 1844; Sarah B., born April 2, 1849; Henry, born Oc- 
tober 22, 185 1 ; Elizabeth Ann, born March 3, 1853 ; Maria El]ie,born 
March 3, 1853 ; Mary Magdalena, born January 18, 1857 ; William L., 
died September 24, 1840; H^enry, died October 22, 1851 ; Katharine, 
died September 20, 1856; Mar}^ Magdalena, died September 25, 1877 ; 
Sarah B., died January 8, 1878; Maria Ellie, died October 5, 1878. 

Hite, J. H., merchant, Pleasantville, born in this county in 1832; 
son of Samuel and Catharine (Hockman) Hite. Mr. Hite was raised 
on a farm, and at an early age commenced business for himself. He 
first engaged in buying and shipping horses. About the 3'ear 1858 he 
engaged in the grocery business and has followed that ever since. Mr. 
Hite was married, in 1837, ^^ Miss Eliza J. Geiger, daughter of Daniel 
and Jane Geiger. They have two living children, Plenny E. and 
Daisie L.. and one deceased. 

Hite, James K. Poi>k, farmer, post office, Pleasantville, was born 
in Fairfield county, Ohio, in September, 1844. He was married Au- 
gust 26, 1866, to Miss Minerva Jane Miller, who was born December 8, 
1849. Their children are Alice, born October, 24, 1867 ; Sarah, born Au- 
gust 24, 1869; Metta, born August 6, 1871 ; Samuel Joseph, born No- 
vdmber 14, 1873 ; Emma E., born November 23, 1875 '- Jtickson, born 
November 23, 1877; Leota May, born April 8, 1880 ; infant, born 
March 12, 1882. 

Holt, Isaac W., farmer, Walnut township; a native of Perry 
county, Ohio, born October 7, 1834, ^^^ ^^'''^ ^^ William and Mary 
(McMullen) Holt. William Holt was born in Essex countv, Mary- 
land, November 14, 1783. He came to Ohio in 1805, settling in Perry 
county. Thorn township, on the place now owned by Jacob Franks. 
He was a pioneer, his land being covered with woods. This he cleared 
away and made improvements, and on this farm he spent his days. He 
raised a family of four children, two now living ; Elizabeth, wife of 
Jacob Foster, a resident of Missouri, and Isaac W. William Holt 
served in the war of 181 2. He was an active member of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church. His death took place Januar}- 31, 1842. Isaac 
W. resided on the home farm until eighteen years old, when he learned 
the carpenter and joiner trade, and engaged in this- occupation. In 
1858 he married Sarah, daughter of Jessie Taylor, a resident of Wal- 
nut township. Mrs. Holt was born in that township January 31, 1833. 

40 



314 siogrAphical sketches. 

The young couple continued to live on the home place, in Thorn town- 
ship. In 1862 he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Twenty- 
sixth, O. V. I., and was on detached dut}' with that regiment at Mar- 
tinsburg, Virginia. With a portion of his company he v/as taken prisoner 
and was kept at Libby and at Belle Island. Paroled on account of physi- 
cal disability incurred while in prison. He was then transferred to the 
veteran reserve corps at Washington and served until the close of the 
war. He received his discharge July 25, 1865. In the fall of 1865 he 
disposed of his place in Thorn township and purchased property in 
Walnut township, where he now resides. In 1872 he built himself a 
fine residence. Mr. and Mrs. Holt are the parents of three children, 
two are living; Ada J. and V/illiam Worden. They are members of 
the Reform Church. For ten years he has been an officer in the church, 
as deacon or elder. He is a prosperous tarmer and owns one hundred 
and twenty-seven acres of land. 

HosHOR, Oliver, farmer, Lockville, Ohio ; born in 1836 in Violet 
township, this county : son of George and Mar}^ Hoshor, who were 
among the earh^ pioneers of this county. Flis father was born on Pain 
Creek, near Chillicothe, September 2, 1799. His mother came from 
Bucks county, Pennsylvania, in 181 7. Mr. Hoshor was married to 
Mary Litzenbarger, who w^as born Februar}^ 23, 1800, in Bucks county, 
Pennsylvania ; daughter of George and Margaret (Straus) Litzenbar- 
ger. This union was blessed with eight children, viz. : Urias. Wil- 
liam, Oliver, John, Lucinda, Mary J. and Barbara. Mr. Hoshor, afte^ 
marrying, remained fifteen years in Violet township, and then came to 
Bloom, where he resided until his death in 1879. Oliver Hoshor is a 
single man, living at home and managing the farm. 

Huber, William H., farmer. Walnut township. He was born in 
Pleasant township, March 16, 1841 ; the eldest son of David and Han- 
nah (Lamb) Huber. David Huber was born in Pleasant township in 
1819, the son of Jacob Huber, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylva- 
nia, who came to Ohio in 1818, and settled on the place now owned by 
his daughter, Mrs. J. E. Beatty. He cleared the place and lived there 
during his life time ; his son David lived and died on the same place. 
Mr. Huber raised a family of three children, William H., J. T. and 
Mrs. J. E. Beatty, residents of Pleasant township. He was partially 
interested in fine stock, and owned a herd of short horn cattle as early 
as 1848. He also was interested in growing fine Merino wool. He 
was the owner of eight hundred acres of land. He took an active in- 
terest in railroads and schools. At his death he was director of the 
Fairfield County Academy. His death took place June, 1876. His 
widow, now in her sixty-fourth 3'ear, still survives him. William H. 
acquired a good education, and in 1862 enlisted in the One hundred and 
Twenty-sixth, O. V. I. He served with his regiment until discharged 
for ph3'sical disability. He returned to civil life and completed his edu- 
cation at Iron City Commercial College. He then assisted on the home 
place until 1872. He was then married to Miss S. C, daughter of 
Jacob V. Crawford, a resident of Berne township. Mrs. Huber was 
born in Berne township, July 22, 1847. After marriage Mr. Huber set- 
tled on his present home, in Walnut township, owning two hundred 
acres. It is a fine place, with modern improvements. They are the 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 315 

parents of one son and one daughter, Harry Ray and Minerva Dehl. 
Mr. Huber is a member of the Masonic order, Knight's Templar and 
I. O. O. F., also an active member of the Fairfield Agricultural Asso- 
ciation, He is a successful breeder of short horn cattle and Poland 
China hogs. He is a substantial citizen, and also owns sixt3'-three acres 
in Berne township. 

Hunter, Hocking H., deceased. He was born in Lancaster, Au- 
gust 23, 1 801 ; the son of Captain Joseph and Doretha (Berkshire) 
Hunter. Joseph Hunter was a native of Virginia, his wife of Mary- 
land. He was an officer in the Revolution, and soon after the war he 
settled in Kentuck}^ and in 1798 emigrated to Ohio. His son Hocking 
H. was the first white child born in the county. He received a liberal 
education in the Lancaster school, completing the same under Professor 
Whittles}' at the Lancaster academy. He read law in the office of 
Judge William L-vin. He was admitted to the bar in 1824. In 1827 
he was appointed Prosecuting Attorney of Fairfield county, filling this 
position nine 3'ears. In later 3^ears he was elected Judge of the Su- 
preme Court of Ohio, on the Union ticket, resigning his office before 
taking his seat on the bench. Mr. Hunter was a man of extraordina- 
ry ability. During the war he promoted in many ways the 
Union cause. To the poor and needy he was an able assistant. Few 
have higher claims to a greatful remembrance. He was married to 
Miss Ann Matlock, November 30, 1823, who was born in Kentucky in 
1802. They were the parents of nine children, of whom three sons 
and three daughters survive. Mr. Hunter died February, 4, 1872. 
Mrs. Hunter is still living, vigorous in mind and body for one so ad- 
vanced in years. 

Jeffries, James, farmer. Walnut township ; was born in Fauquier 
county, Virginia, January 21, 1809; son of William and Hannah (Ball) 
Jeffi'ies. William Jeffi"ies was born in Virginia ; came to Ohio in 1820. 
James Jeffries was raised upon a farm, and being compelled to help sup- 
port the famil}^, his education was entire!}' neglected. With his parents 
he resided in various places in Fairfield county. In September of 1833 
he was married to Miss Mary Magdalene, daughter of George and 
Hannah Benadura, of this county. She was born August 12, 1814. In 
1833 Mr. Jeffi-ies located in Violet township, and soon after purchased a 
farm there, where he resided fifteen years. In 1854 ^^^ purchased the 
original Wilkins farm, where he has since resided, the farm being im- 
proved at the time of the purchase, upon which he built the present 
residence about i860. The home farm contains two hundred and fifty- 
three acres, and in all he owns four hundred and seventeen acres of 
land. His business has been successful, earning all he now owns. Mr. 
and Mrs. Jeffi^ies are the parents of fourteen children, ten of whom are 
living, viz.: Jerome Hamilton, a farmer of Licking county, Ohio; 
Josephine Electa, wife of William Enfield, of Newark, Ohio ; Alex. S., 
a resident of Los iVngelos, California ; Alonzo H., of Delaware county, 
Ohio; Dallas K., of Mercer county, Ohio; Sophia Melissa, wife of 
William K, Thompson, of Walnut township, this county ; Ida Isadora, 
wife of Warren Ingman, of Newark, Ohio; LeGrand Edward, of 
California ; Elnora Florence, wife of William Kramer, and Letitia, wife 



3l6 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

of George Shriner, of Pataskala, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Teffries are 
members of the United Brethren Church. 

Johnson, George O., carpenter, Baltimore, Liberty township; son 
of John S. and Isabelle (Norris) Johnson. He was born in Baltimore, 
March 6, 1852. He received his education in the common schools of 
Baltimore, and when nineteen years of age he learned the trade of car- 
penter and joiner. He then worked as a journeyman in Toledo for 
a period of two years. Since 1879 ^^'' Johnson has resided in Balti- 
more, where he is doing a flourishing business, having just completed 
an elegant residence. He is a member of the Evangelical Church ; 
also of the Masonic Order and I. O. O. F. He was united in marriage 
June 29, 1874, ^^ Miss Orris Stevens, who was born in Toledo Septem- 
ber 23, 1857. They are the parents of four children, three of whom 
are living — Frank L., Wilbur A. and Orris. 

Kanode, Samuel, farmer, post office Lancaster ; born in Ohio in 
1854; son of Benjamin and Lydia (Good) Kanode ; married in 1878 to 
Miss Laura J. Sites, daughter of Peter and Lydia (Mitchell) Sites. 
Mr. Kanode was brought up on a farm, and has continued farming ever 
since. 

Kauffman, George, was born in the Cit}^ of Baltimore, Maryland, 
in 1798. Under the regulation of a well- Ordered economy, which a 
high sense of right never fails to produce where its genuine influence is 
felt, his 3'oung mind received that direction which results in the devel- 
opment of true manhood. When quite 3^oung he decided that his life 
work should be that of a druggist. He diligently applied himself to the 
requisite studies till thoroughly fitted for his profession. Full of ambi- 
tion, energv, and enterprise, he, in 1826, came to what was then 
the far West. He located in Lancaster, Fairfield county, Ohio. The 
only road between Zanesville and Lancaster was a dim and almost 
unfrequented Indian trace. Along this, through an unbroken forest. 
Dr. Kauftman found the way to the place of his destination. As the 
only means of transportation, his goods were brought from Baltimore 
to Lancaster by wagons. He opened his drug store on the ground, 
where he continued the business till the day of his death. At first his 
means were limited, but he had abundant resources in pluck and 
energy, and the full confidence of all who knew him. By close appli- 
cation to business, and strict adherence to honorable business princi- 
ples, which were always characteristic of the man, he soon built up a 
fine trade, which, to the last, continued to enlarge. In 1833 he was 
united in marriage to Miss Henrietta P. Beecher, a niece of General 
Beecher, one of Ohio's foremost men. Dr. Kauftman was kind in his 
intercourse with all men, strictly honorable in his dealings, charita- 
ble in his judgments, beneficent in his actions, and benevolent in his 
svmpathies. He was a man of great decision, consistency, and energ}' 
of ciiaracter. As a husband, he was one of the kindest ; as a father, 
kind, forgiving, and faithful. In early manhood he united with the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he continued an honored mem- 
ber, filling, with great credit to himself, and marked usefulness to the 
church, the offices of Trustee and Steward. He was for many years, 
and at the time of his death. President of the Fairfield County Bible 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 317 

Society. In a word, Dr. Kauffman uniformly sustained the highest 
character for his virtues as a citizen, his piety as a Christian, his integ- 
rity as a man of business, and his courtesy and manliness in all the 
relations he sustained to others. He died in the autumn of 1866. 

Kauffman, Mrs. Mary A,, Lancaster, was born in Lancaster, 
December 13th, 1821 ; the youngest daughter of Timothy and Margaret 
Sturgeon. Mary A. received a good education, and June i, 1841, was 
united in marriage to William H. Kauffman, a native of Baltimore, 
Maryland, where he was born April 20, 1814. In 1830 he came to 
Ohio, and was employed b}- his uncle,. George Kauffman, who was 
a prominent druggist for some years : afterward, William H. became 
his partner, and eventually his successor, in the business, which he con- 
tinued until his health compelled him to relinquish active life. He was 
an active member of the Masonic order. He died in 1857. Mr. and 
Mrs. Kauffman were the parents of seven children ; five are living : Maria 
L., wife of George Burbery, of Logan ; Ada, Ida, Harry S. and Wil- 
liam R. ; the latter a resident of Oregon. 

Kerns, George, of Amanda, came with his father, Jacob, from 
Lancaster countv, Pennsylvana, in 181 2. Jacob settled seven miles 
southwest of Lancaster, on the Zane's trace, where Jacob Kerns, Jr., 
now lives. This was the old State road, and the route from Kentucky 
to Pittsburg and on East. The place was also used as a hotel, where 
thousands were entertained by the hospitality of this man. Jacob Kerns 
had twelve children, eleven of whom raised families of their own ; three 
boys and five girls are living at this writing. George Kerns lives in 
Amanda ; Henry four miles west of Amanda ; Jacob is living on the 
homestead. George Kerns, Sr., who came to Ohio with Jacob, settled 
near Sugar Grove, but lived only a few vears. John and Christopher 
Kerns, brothers of Jacob and George, came to Ohio a few years after- 
ward. Also, two sisters, Mrs. John Rockey and Elizabeth Murry. 
Mr. George Kerns, now a retired resident of Amanda, has' been a life- 
long and an official member of the Old Sweyers' church. His son, H. 
W., lives on the homestead property. 

Ketner, N. a., farmer. Walnut township. He was born in this 
township. May 7, 1829 ; the youngest son of George and Tobitha (Par- 
ish) Ketner. George Ketner was born in Rockingham count3^ Vir- 
ginia, in 1794. He came with his father, who had been a soldier in the 
Revolutionary war, to Ohio, in 1806. The famil}^ resided in Licking 
county, two or three years, thence removing to Walnut township, and 
settled on the N. A. Ketner place, about 1809. Nicholas Ketner lived 
until 1835. George resided on the same place during his lifetime. He 
raised a family of two sons. A. a resident on a portion of the 
home place, and N. A. Ketner. George Ketner died January, 1872. 
He was a member of the Lutheran church, and an esteemed citizen. 
His widow died May, 1876. N. A. was educated in the common 
schools, and chose farming for an occupation ; he has always resided 
on the home place. In 1857, he married Miss Susannah, daughter of 
Benjamin Belt, who settled in Walnut township about 1820. Mrs. Ket- 
ner was born in that township in 1835. They are the parents of three 
children, two living : Mary M. and Edson B. The family are members 
of the United Brethren church. Mr. Ketner owns eighty-two acres, and 



3l8 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

is a great stock raiser. The family occupy a handsome residence, built 
in 1879. ^^ ^^^^ built a commodious barn in 1882. 

KiNKEAD, Joseph C, retired, Lancaster. He was born in Alle- 
ghany county, Maryland, November 7th, 1816 ; son of James and Cath- 
arine (Busby) Kinkead. His father was a native of Philadelphia, and 
engineer and contractor on public works. He was engaged in the con- 
struction of the National road. He located in Ohio in 1824. He reared 
a family of seven children, of whom but Joseph C. and John H., the 
present Governor of the State of Nevada, survive. Joseph C. was ed- 
ucated in the common schools in Pennsylvania, where the parents re- 
moved in 1818. After the family removed to Ohio, in 1824, he com- 
pleted his education. Early in life, he obtained a position as clerk in a 
dry goods house in Zanesville, until coming to Lancaster in 1833. Here 
he entered the employ of a leading merchant, remaining several years, 
until commencing the wholesale and retail grocery trade, about 1840. 
Some two years later, he organized the firm of Kinkead & Doty, which 
existed until 1856, when Mr. Kinkead withdrew from mercantile life. 
Some years later, he purchased an interest in the Kinkead Flouring 
Mills, with which he was connected until the spring of 1882. He also 
owns and manages a farm of two hundred and fifty-three acres in Wal- 
nut township, in addition to thirt3^-four acres in the corporation of Lan- 
caster, upon a portion of which his pleasant home is situated. He has 
resided here for the past twenty-one years. Although never desiring 
public position, he was a member of the city council eight years ; also, 
Vice President and President of Fairfield County Agricultural Societ}', 
for several years. He has been a member of the L O. O. F. since 
1838 ; a staunch Republican, and a prosperous and esteemed citizen. 
Mr. Kinkead has been twice married ; first in 1850, to Miss Mary Ef- 
finger ; to them were born three children: Ellen, residing with her 
parents ; Mary, the wife of A. L. Pearce, proprietor of the Mithoft' 
House ; and Edward E., a resident of Lancaster. The first Mrs. Kin- 
kead died in 1857, and he was united in marriage in i860, to Miss Juli- 
etta M., daughter of Richard Ainsworth, a prominent and early mer- 
chant of Lancaster. They are the parents of five children, three now 
living: Catharine Emily, Lizzie F., and Joseph A. The family are 
members of the Presbyterian church. 

KisTLER, Samuel L., plwsician and surgeon; was born near Jef- 
ferson, Fairfield county, October 3, 1859; son of S. A. and Floride J. 
(Lindley) Kistler ; was educated at the Clarksburg schools, and gradu- 
ated from Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio, with class of 
'81 and '82, receiving one of the honors in token of general excellence 
in clinical cases. Mr. Kistler practiced a short time in Hocking county, 
Ohio, in 1881 ; and in 1882 moved to Pickerington. 

Knecht, Lewis, retired farmer, Lancaster. He was born in Ba- 
varia, Germany, January i, 182 1, and is a son of Nicholas and Caro- 
line (Korel) Knecht. He attended school until his fifteenth year, when 
he was apprenticed to learn the trade of shoemaking. He came with 
his parents to America, and with them located in Lancaster, where 
Lewis worked at his trade until his twenty-first year. Nicholas Knecht 
purchased a farm in Berne township, where he spent the remainder of 
his days. He raised a family of six children, of whom four are living, 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, 319 

one daughter and three sons. He died April 8, 1852. After the death 
of his father, Lewis conducted the home farm two years, and engaged 
in raising tobacco with great success. He purchased forty acres of 
land adjoining the home farm, which he afterward traded for a farm 
containing eighty acres. ■ He continued adding to his land until he now 
owns three hundred and tifty-tive acres, also the family residence in 
Lancaster. The success he has met is due to his own industry and busi- 
ness foresight. He is a self-made man in every sense of the word. 
He is a member of the Lutheran church. Mr. Knecht was married 
November 14, 1844, ^^ Sarah Patterson. Their union was blessed with 
ten children, eight of whom are living: David A., now a resident of 
Clear Creek township ; Caroline, the wile of Simeon Folgeson, of 
Pleasant township ; Susannah, married, and living in Berne township ; 
Sarah, the wife of Freeman Reese, of Missouri ; Lewis W., a resident 
of Hocking township ; Isabella, the wife of Samuel Ruff", also a resident 
of Hocking township ; John and Henry, still at home. Mr. Knecht 
has been twice married ; the second time to Miss Christina Fahrer in 
May, 1876. She was born in Germany in 1828. 

Rramer Brothers, merchants and editors of the Lithoplis Home 
News, Lithopolis, Ohio. John B. Kramer was born April 28, 1853 ; 
George P. Kramer, December 24, 1858, sons of Samuel Kramer, who 
was born in 1809, in Reading, Pennsylvania, and came to Lithopolis 
in 1835 '^"^ started a hat factory, which business he followed until mer- 
chants began shipping in eastern ware and it was no longer profitable 
to follow the business. Mr. Kramer was Postmaster at Lithopolis for 
eleven years, and was among its earliest mayors. He was married in 
1859 ^^ Nancy Bumbarger, who was born in 1819 in this county, 
daughter of George and Sarah Bumbarger. John B. Kramer was 
married June 26, 1879 ^° -^^^'^ Newton, who was born in 1859, ^^ Bloom- 
field, Pickaway county, Ohio. Kramer Brothers branched out in the 
printing business in June, 1879, ^^^ ^^ ^^ grocery business in 1882. 

Kraner, Erasmus Darwin, merchant, post office, Pickerington, 
Violet township, born, January 10, 1844, son of William and Eliza- 
beth Kraner : married December 9, 1875, ^o Ellen N. Holmes. Has 
two children, Charles H., born September 9, 1876, and James G., born 
August 23, 1879. Mr. Kraner belongs to the F. A. M., and L O. O. 
F., having held prominent offices in each. 

KuHN, George W., post office. West Rushville, Ohio ; was born in 
West Rusville, Fairfield county, Ohio, August 8, 1844, ^nd was married 
to Rachel M. Young, November 26, 1872. Rachel M. Young was born 
in Rushcreek township, Fairfield county, April 13, 1851. Their chil- 
dren were Eva M.,born December 21, 1873: May Esther, born Sep- 
tember 6, 1875 ; Maggie Orlena, born April 8, 1877 ; Charles Foster, 
born July 24, 1879; James Summerfield, born August 14, 1881. Mr. 
Kuhn was a member of Company F, Seventeenth O. V. L, serving in 
Western Virginia, and was discharged in August, 1861. He afterwards 
enlisted in Company C, Fort3'-sixth O. V. L, for three years, and 
served until the 31st day of December, 1863, when he was discharged at 
Scottsboro, Alabama, in order to enlist as a veteran. He enlisted as a 
veteran January i, 1864, '^^^ served until the close of the war, and was 
discharged July 22, 1865. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Siege 



320 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

of Corinth, Siege of Vicksburg, Black River, Jackson, Mission Ridge, 
Relief of Knoxville, Resacca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Noonday 
Creek, Kenesavv Mountain, Atlanta, July 22, 1864; Jonesboro, Cedar 
Bluffs, Turkeytown, Griswoldville, Savannah, Congaree Creek, Colum- 
bia, Bentonville and Raleigh. 

KuMLER, Henry, farmer. Liberty township ; was born in Lancas- 
ter, Pennsylvania, March 24, 1807, the only child of Henry and Ann 
Catharine Kumler. Henry Kumler, Sr., was a native of Switzerland; 
born in 1776, and emigrated to America in 1805. He first settled in 
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he remained three years, when he re- 
moved with his wife and child to Ohio, locating on the tarm now owned 
by his son, in Liberty township. He cleared his land, and endured the 
trials of pioneer life."^ He lived to see his farm well improved, and en- 
joyed the fruits of his hard labor. He was a member of the Reform 
Church. He died in [845. The son inherited the farm ot one hundred 
and forty acres, at his father's death. Mr. Kumler has been twice 
married, 'first to Miss Leah Minehart, September 2, 1838. They were 
the parents of two sons, John, a resident of the State of Indiana, and 
Noah, a well-known resident of Liberty township, Mrs. Kumler died 
March i, 1843. He was married again to Anna Maria Haley, who was 
born in Liberty township March 6, 1825. They are the parents of 
thirteen children, twelve of whom are living; Henrj^ L., living on a 
portion of the home place ; G. W., a prominent merchant in Basil ; S. 
D., a druggist, of London, Madison county ; J. A., a druggist, of Bal- 
timore, Ohio; D. B., a school teacher, and resident of Baltimore ; 
David, a resident of Licking county; Barbara M., the wife of John 
Warner, living in Walnut township ; Mary C, Lidia C, Narcessus A., 
Benjamin F., Edward M. at home. Their son, Edward, a lad thirteen 
years old, now weighs one hundred and seventy pounds. The tamily 
are members of the Reform Church. 

Kumler, Noah, farmer, Liberty township ; was born in this town- 
ship, the second son of Henry and Leah (Minehart) Kumler. In the 
fall ot 1862 he enlisted in Company K, Seventeenth O. V. 1. He took 
active part in the battles in which his regiment engaged, especially the 
battle of Murfreesboro. He served until the close of the war, and took 
part in the grand review at Washington, where he received his discharge 
in 1865. He then returned to civil life and engaged in tarming, pur- 
chasing the place where he now resides, the farm containing one hun- 
dred and twenty acres. He has added many improvements in the way 
of buildings, making it a very desirable home. Mr. Kumler was mar- 
ried April II, 1867, to Catharine C. Alt. They are the parents of tour 
children, three now living: Anna Mary, George A. and Theron H. 
Mr. Kumler has, for twelve years, acted in the capacity of school 
director. He is an active worker in the Sabbath School, and a member 
of the Retorm Church ; Mrs. Kumler of the United Brethren church. 

Lamb, John, retired. Walnut township. He was born in this town- 
ship February 26, 1812; the eldest son of Peter and Mary (Walters) 
Lamb. Peter Lamb setded in Walnut township about 1801. John 
was raised and educated in this county. In 1834 ^^^ ^'^^^ married to 
Maria, daughter of J. McNamee. In 1836, Mr. Lamb settled on the 
place now owned by T. J. Gafford, then but partially cleared. He 



HISTORY OF FAIRFlfiLD COONTY. 321 

made many improvements, and in 1840 built a handsome residence, 
where he resided until 1876. He is a successful farmer and stock 
raiser, and owns one hundred and ninety-five acres. For several 
years he was township trustee. To his first marriage were born seven 
children, four of whom are living. Peter J., a resident of Illinois; 
John L., also of Illinois; Mary J., wife of T. J. Gaftbrd, of Walnut 
township ; Susan Virginia, wife of William Bope, of Walnut township. 
Mrs. Lamb died April 26, 1861. Mr. Lamb was again married in No- 
vember, 1862, to Mrs. Parthene Gaftbrd, a daughter of Abraham and 
Parthene (Webster) Babcock. Mrs. Lamb was born in New York, 
July I, 1803. She came to Ohio in 181 2, settling at Newark, Ohio. 
Mr. Lamb moved to Baltimore about 1876, where he lives a retired life. 
Mr. Lamb was wagonmaster under General Taylor, for one year. Mrs. 
Lamb has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church over forty 
years. 

Lamb, Henry F., farmer. Walnut township. He was born in this 
township, September 25, 1832 ; the 3'oungest son of Peter and Mary 
M. (Walters) Lamb. Peter Lamb was a native of Virginia. He was 
born in 1781, and came with his parents to Ohio in 1802. They lived 
for a short time in Pleasant township. Peter Lamb purchased a half 
section of land which is now owned b}' his son, Henr}^ F. His father, 
Peter Lamb, Sr., died in Walnut township in 1804; his widow, Sep- 
tember 22, 1822, aged seventy-four years. Peter Lamb, Jr., did much 
to promote emigration to that township, giving assistance wherever 
needed. At that time the Indians were numerous, but rarely trouble- 
some. As a hunter he was famous and indulged in this pleasure to a 
great extent. At one time he was one of a part}^ who, when out on a 
bear hunt, mistook for a bear an Indian squaw% and she was shot in the 
arm b}^ David Ewing. An explanation by the hunters to the Indians 
settled the aftair satisfactorily. Mr. Lamb raised twelve children, of 
whom eight are living. He died Ma}- , 1867 ; his widow in 1879. 
Henry F. attended the Antrim University ; was also a student at Wes- 
terville. He chose farming for an occupation, and resides on the home 
place. In 1867 he married Elizabeth C. Laney. They ai*e the parents 
of three children, viz. : Honora F., E. C. and Earl L. The farm on 
which they live is finely cultivated, containing one hundred and sixty 
acres. Mr. Lamb served nearly three years in the Eightv-eighth, O. 
V. I. He was detailed as clerk in the prison office at Columbus, Ohio ; 
here he served until the close of the w^ar and was mustered out at Camp 
Chase, July 3, 1865. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. He has held 
the office of township trustee eight years. 

Lamb, William W., farmer. Walnut township. He was born in this 
township, August 29, 1834; ^^^ ^^^ ^^ William and Catharine (Cupp) 
Lamb. William Lamb was born in Virginia in 1794. He came with 
his father, Peter Lamb, to Ohio in 1803 or 1804. William Lamb w'as 
married about 1815, and settled on the farm now owned by his son, 
William W. He cleared one hundred and sixty acres and built a log 
house in which the family resided until the present brick residence was 
built, about 1824 or 1825'. He was the lather of eight daughters and 
tw^o sons, all now living. He was county commissioner one or more 
terms. In politics he was a Democrat. He engaged in packing and 

41 



322 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

shipping pork about titteen years. He was a member ot the Baptist 
church. He died in 1876; his widow in 1878. Wilham W., after ob- 
taining an education, turned his attention to farming, always residing on 
the home place. In 1866 he married Miss M. E., daughter of Richard 
Buffington, an early settler in Walnut township. Mrs. Lamb was born 
here, April 12, 1841. They are the parents of six children, four are 
living. Lineaus E., who died in infancy; Cora Bell, in 1879, in her 
twelfth year; Clarence R., Inez Myreth, Ernest A. and an infant. 
Mr. Lamb owns a line farm of one hundred and sixty-seven acres. 

Lamb, W. M., farmer, Walnut township. Mr. Lamb was born in 
Pleasant township, May 14, 1836: the second son of Frederick and 
Elizabeth (Caldwell) Lamb. Frederick was a native of Virginia ; born 
in 1796, and came to Ohio in 1802, with his father, Peter Lamb. He 
was a successful farmer and settled in Pleasant township, where he 
owned, at his death, thirteen hundred acres of land. Mr. Lamb reared 
a family of five sons and one daughter. Mr. Lamb was a member ot 
the Methodist Protestant church. He died September i, 1868, in his 
seventy-first year. W. M. Lamb received a fair education, and turned 
his attention to farming, in which he has been very successful, being 
the owner of three hundred and twelve acres. Mr. Lamb is also en- 
gaged in buying and shipping live stock. He is a member of the I. O. 
O. F., and is well known as a substantial and esteemed citizen. Mr. 
Lamb has never united with any church, though contributing largly for 
its maintenance. Mr. Lamb was married January 2, 1859, ^*-* Miss 
Louisa Fink, born in Pleasant township, April 19, 1839. They are the 
parents of eight children, seven of whom are living, viz. : Emma D., 
the wile of Jacob Schrader, a merchant of Baltimore ; Charles F., Ida 
J., Mary C, Worthington, who died in 1876, in his seventh year; 
Blanch L., William H. and Floyd Granville. Mrs. Lamb and daugh- 
ters are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. 

Laney, Mrs. Catharine, Liberty township. She was born in 
Fairfield county, February 11, 1811 ; daughter of Benjamin and 
Elonore Swartz. She was married in 1834 ^^ William Laney, who 
was born in Ohio, March 6, 181 3. For a number of years he was em- 
ployed by William Lamb, until his marriage, when he purchased a 
farm in Hocking township, residing there about four years. He 
returned to Baltimore in 1859, '^^^ purchased a family home of twenty 
acres, and engaged in brick-making. In 1861 he enlisted in Company 
G, Eighteenth O. V. I., serving over two years. He participated in 
all the battles, including Chattanooga, where he was captured and taken 
to Danville Prison ; was there six months. He died March 6, 1864. 
He was an active member of the M. E. Church. They were the 
parents of five daughters and four sons — Sarah, wife of Moses Knep- 
per, of Violet township ; John S., a resident of Dakota ; William S., a 
resident of Baltimore ; Elizabeth C, wife of Henry F. Lamb, of Wal- 
nut township ; Franklin T., enlisted in the First Ohio Cavalry, in 1861, 
and served through the war; he died at Indianapolis in July, 187 1 ; 
Joseph C, engaged in the sev^^ing machine business at Springfield, 
Ohio; Catharine C. is a dressmaker, and resides with her mother; 
Susan resides with Mrs. Lamb in Walnut township ; Elonore is the wife 
of Thomas J. Kirk, of Baltimore. After the death of her husband, 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 323 

Mrs. Laney, with the assistance of her sons, continued to conduct the 
brick business some eight years. She is a member of the M. E. 
Church and an estimable lady. 

Larimer, William R., farmer, North Berne, Fairfield county, Ohio ; 
was born June 9, 1847, in Jackson township, Perry county, Ohio; son 
of Abraham and Jane (Beck) Larimer, and grandson of Robin and 
Margaret (Ray) Larimer. His parents both died when he was but a 
small child, and so his protection lay at the hands of his friends and 
relatives. He was first placed under the guardianship of his uncle, 
George Beck, and remained in his famil}^ until he was nine years old, 
after which he was adopted into his uncle's (William Larimer) family, 
and remained a member of that family;- until he married. Mr. Larimer 
enlisted in February, 1865, in the Army of the Cumberland, and par- 
ticipated in several prominent battles. He was married to Miss Lucy 
J. Price, daughter of James and Julia A. (Meteer) Price, and grand- 
daughter of James and Nancy Price, and Robert and Esther Meteer. 
Mrs. Larimer was born in Maxville, Perry county, Ohio, March 22, 
1850. Their union has been blessed with two children, viz. : Annie L. 
and Clarence W. Mr. Larimer came to Fairfield county in 1870, and 
has lived in this and Rush creek township ever since. He is now liv- 
ing in Berne township, and is engaged in selling mowers, self-binders, 
reapers, plows, fine buggies, etc. 

Langel, Daniel, farmer, Liberty township. He was born in 
Penns3'lvania, October 16, 182 1 ; is the son of Philip and Elizabeth W. 
Langel. He improved his educational advantages, and in 1836. came 
with his parents to Ohio. Philip Langel settled in Violet township, 
where he reared a family of eight children, four now living. He died 
in 1852. David resided on the home place until his marriage, to 
Susannah Bright, daughter of John Bright, a former v/ell-known resi- 
dent of Liberty township. They raised a family of eleven children, 
ten of whom are living. Jesse B. was a member of Company K, O. 
V. L, and took part with his regiment in the battle of Mission Ridge, 
and Chattanooga. He died of measles, March 2, 1864, in his twenty- 
first year. Melinda E. is the wife of John VanArsdale, a resident of 
Liberty township ; John, also of Liberty township ; Esther, the wife of 
John Slanger, a resident of Tomkins countv, Ohio ; Enoch is a resi- 
dent of Liberty township ; David P., also of Liberty ; Oliver, of Kan- 
sas ; Isabel is the wife of Newton Smuck, of Basil ; Mary Ann, Sarah 
Alice and Daniel, at home. After his marriage Mr. Langel purchased 
a farm of two hundred and forty-five acres, of which but ten acres were 
improved. In addition to this he owns seventy-five acres in the town- 
ship where he resided until removing to his present residence, an 
elegant place between Basil and Baltimore. He is a member of the 
Evangelical Association, and the I. O. O. F. 

Leith, John, deceased. The following account of the life and 
career of John Leith is from his grandson. Judge J. W. Leith, now of 
Nevada, Wyandot count}', Ohio: John Leith was a Scotchman, and 
was one of two white men keeping an Indian trading post at the foot of 
Mount Pleasant, in the year 1763, now one hundred and nineteen years 
ago. Leith was a youth at the time, and was left by his emplo3^er in 
charge of the post, while the latter went to Pittsburg to dispose of his 



324 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Stock of furs and peltries, and bring back a fresh stock of goods and 
trinkets. During his absence the Indians confiscated his goods, cap- 
tured young Leith, and left the country. He was, verv much against 
his will, adopted into an Indian family, and remained" with the tribe 
many years. He married a white captive girl he found with tlie tribe. 
Subsequentl}', and when he had two children, he got his family away 
and made a perilous journey through the wilderness to Pittsburg, ar- 
riving there greatly exhausted from hunger and fatigue, and only an 
hour or two in advance of his savage pursuers, who would have tor- 
tured them if they had been captured, In after years, and when Fair- 
field county was filling up, Leith removed with his family and settled 
in Walnut township, where he lived to a good old age, and was buried 
in the Methodist grave yard, at New Salem. 

Leonard, Daniel, the ancester of the Leonards in Liberty town- 
ship, came from Switzerland in 1809, being then a widower with three 
children. The vo3'age occupied sixteen weeks. They all remained in 
or near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, three years ; and in 1809 moved to 
Ohio, and purchased ninety-four acres of land, on which Daniel Leon- 
ard lived and died. There were born unto Sebastian Leonard, the son 
of Daniel Leonard, three sons and one daughter, Henry, John, Sebas- 
tian, aud Barbara. The father and grandfather were both stone masons. 
Sebastian Leonard helped to build the first brick house in Lancaster, 
Ohio, part of which yet remains ; formerly known as Scoffield 
brick. It was afterwards occupied as a gunsmith shop, and the front 
was changed. Sebastian Leonard was drafted in the War of 18 12, 
the same year his son, Henry, was born. 

Leonard, Rev. George H., minister. Liberty township ; the grand- 
son of Sebastian Leonard, who was one of the pioneers of Fairfield 
county. George H. was born in Liberty township, September 
20, 1837 ' the oldest son of Henry and Ann (Kerns) Leonard. 
Henry commenced a mercantile business in Basil, as early as 1828, 
conducting it successfully about twenty-eight years, until accepting the 
position of financial agent of Heidelberg College, at Tiffin, Ohio. 
Although in his seventy-first year, he is still actively engaged in ihe 
duties of that office. He is an elder in the German Reform church ; a 
vigorous and intellectual gentleman. His eldest son, George H., re- 
ceived a liberal education, entering Heidelberg College in 1855, and 
graduating from the literary department of that institution in 1859; 
subsequently entered the theological seminary, connected with the same 
college. Mr. Leonard was ordained to the ministrv September 15, 
1861, at Danville, Ohio, serving the Highland charge near Hillsboro, 
three and a half years. In January, 1865, he was placed in charge of 
the church at Basil, where he has since continued. At that time the 
membership numbered eighty-five ; it now consists of nearly three hun- 
dred. A similar gratifying increase has taken place in another church 
a short distance in the countr^^ of which Mr. Leonard is also pastor. 

Lehman, Christian, deceased. He was born in Baden, German^-, 
August I, 1811. He received his education in Germany and learned 
the boot and shoemaker trade before coming to America in 1832. He 
located in Baltimore, where he engaged in his trade, remaining there 
eight years. In 1840 he came to Lancaster, and engaged in the same 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 325 

business. From Lancaster he removed to Des Moines, Iowa, there 
engaging in the grocery trade with success. He dealt also in real es- 
tate while there and was fortunate in all his business, accumulating a 
handsome fortune. He returned to Lancaster in 1858, where he en- 
gaged in the grocery business, which is still carried on by Mrs. Leh- 
man assisted by her son. Mr. Lehman was twice married; In 1838, 
to Miss Salome Rushia, of Baltimore, who died in 1857. To 
them were born seven children, all of whom are residents of wes- 
tern States. He was again married in April, 1858, to Miss C. Gard- 
ner. They were the parents of one son. Christian D. Mr. Lehman was 
a member of the German Lutheran church ; also a member of Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows. His death occurred June 16, i860. 
■^ Leonard, John, farmer, Liberty township. He was born in this 
township, October 3, 1814 ; is a son of Sebastian and Barbara (Goss) 
Leonard. After acquiring such an education as the schools of his 
youth afforded, he engaged with his brothers in the grocery business in 
Basil, where he remained until 1857, when he purchased the farm of 
one hundred and seventy-eight acres, upon which he still resides. It 
is now finely improved, the residence being a model of convenience. 
Mr. Leonard now owns the homestead of his father, his two farms con- 
taining four hundred and thirty acres. In 1830 he was married to Miss 
Hannah Reese, who was born in Liberty township, July 30, 1819. They 
are the parents of twelve children, five of whom died in infancy, and 
one, Sebastian, died in October, 1869, aged 29 years. Mary Ann is mar- 
ried and lives in Liberty township. Martha is the wife of Mr. Mc- 
Cleery ; Minerva, Jessie, William F., and Thomas are still at home. 
The family are members of the Reformed Church. 

LiNviLLE, David F., druggist. New Salem, Walnut township. He 
was born in Richland township. May 26, 1823, the son of Benjamin 
and Sarah (Swazzey) Linville. Benjamin Linville was born in Rock- 
ingham county, Virginia, December 17, 1791. He came to Ohio in 
1812, returned to Virginia, and came to Ohio again in 1815, and re- 
mained in Rush Creek township. He engaged in milling and distilling. 
He and his brother owned a mill and three hundred acres of land in 
Rush Creek. Fie was married in 1820. In 1825 he moved toZanesville 
and engaged in milling until the spring of 1838, when he came to Thorn 
township. Perry county. He purchased a farm and engaged in farm- 
ing, and stock raising, assisted by his younger son. In 1862 he disposed of 
his farm and removed toReynoldsburg, Franklin county, where he lived 
until 1866, when he moved to New Salem, where he lived until the death 
of his wife in April, 1872, since which time he has lived with his son 
Daniel F. He raised a family of five children, three sons and one daugh- 
ter are now living. His youngest son, Francis W. M., was a member 
of the Seventeenth O. V. I., for three months. He assisted in raising 
Compau}^ C, Forty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantr}^ September 21, 1S61. 
He enlisted in this company as First Lieutenant, and was at the battles of 
Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, Jackson, and Big Block. He died at Big 
Block, Mississippi, from disease contracted in the army, July 25, 1863. 
Daniel F. Linville was educated in the common schools in Zanesville. 
He was married February i, 1843, to Miss Mar}- Ellen, daughter of 
Jacob and Mary Ortman, who were early settlers in Walnut township. 



326 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Mrs. Linville was born in Mar3'land, July 22, 182 1. Mr. Linville set- 
tled in Walnut township, on the Ortman farm, conducting the same for 
his father-in-law until October 1849, when he purchased ninety acres 
of it, and lived there until 1872. In the spring of 1873, he came to 
New Salem and engaged in the drug business. In 1874 the ^^'^ name 
became David F. Linville & Son, drugs and general merchandise. 
They are doing an extensive business. Mr. and Mrs. Linville are the 
parents of ten children, three living, Mary Samantha, wife of Theo- 
dore Berry, a resident of Walnut township. Allen H.,in business with 
his father, and Francis C, engaged in the butcher trade in New Salem. 
He was married in the fall of 1875, to Sarah E., daughter of Henry 
and Mary Berry. They are the parents of two children. David F. 
Linville built his present residence in 1874. '^^^^ family are members 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. David F., is Mayor of New Sa- 
lem. In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of the Masonic 
Order, and Knight Templers. 

LoucKS, Ge:orge, farmer and stock raiser, Violet township ; post 
office, Winchester, Franklin county ; son of Samuel and Christena 
(Alspach) Loucks ; born near Waterloo, November 14, 1838 ; was mar- 
ried to Lydia Swartz, (born February 27. 1840), February 27, 1862 
has a family of eight children: Martha J., born January g, 1863 
Charles E., born September 14, 1864; Mary E., born August 11, 1867 
Daniel W., born February 18, 1869 ; Elmer E., born December 3, 1870 
Louvina L., born February 4, 1873; Delia M., born August 6, 1878 
Samuel O., born April 3, 1881. Mr. Loucks has held several township 
offices, and is a member of the Refonn church. 

McCleery, Samuel R., merchant; post office, Pleasantville : born 
in this count}' in 1842 ; son of William and Priscilla (McCall) McCleery ; 
grandson of James and Jane McCleery. Mr. McCleery is of Scotch- 
Irish parentage. He enlisted in the army in 1861, in the three months' 
service. Re-enlisted again in 1862, in the Eleventh Ohio Cavalry. He 
was stationed in the Territories doing service against the Indians. Dis- 
charged at Omaha in March, 1865. Is engaged at present in the hard- 
ware business. Was married in 1873, to Miss Sarah E. Kemmerer. 
They have one child living and one dead. 

McCoRMicK, John D., deceased. He was born in Cincinnati in 
1848. He came to Perry county in 185 1, and to Lancaster in 1873 ; he 
studied law with Mr. Fritter, and was admitted to practice in Lancaster. 
He was elected Mayor of Lancaster in 1877, ^^^ Prosecuting Attorney 
of Fairfield county in 1880 ; and was filling that office when overtaken 
suddenly by death. The same vear he was elected Mayor, he was mar- 
ried to Lizzie, daughter of James McManamy of Lancaster. Mr. Mc- 
Cormick's suddden death is thus noted by the Lancaster Gazette: " The 
community was terriblv shocked on Saturday morning last, by the intel- 
ligence that John D. McCormick. Prosecuting Attorney of this county, 
had been found dead in his bed. He had evidently died of a conges- 
tive chill or heart trouble. While Mr. McCormick has been more or 
less indisposed for weeks past, with a touch of malarial fever, he has 
never been so sick as to occasion alarm. A man of splendid physique, 
hearty, robust and healthful, as a rule, his sudden death came like an 
electric flash from the clear skies. He was a good citizen — kind, affec- 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 327 

donate, charitable and enterprising, and was on a fair wav to make 
himself a name in his profession as a lawyer. He was elected Mayor 
of the city in 1876, filling the office with efficiency for one term, and in 
the fall of 1880, he was elected Prosecuting Attorney, in which capacity 
he displayed much zeal and activity. John D. McCormick was the sole 
remnant of his father's family, and was born in the city of Cincinnati 
in 1848. At an early age his parents died, and he was thrown upon his 
own resources for a livelihood. He was honest, industrious and upright ; 
attained a good education, being a graduate as Bachelor of Science 
from Notre Dame Universit}', and led, up to his final hour, a useful life. ^ 
His wife, who was doubly afflicted by her absence in Cincinnati at ^h^^"' 
time of his death, is inconsolable at her loss, while scores of friends re- 
gret and mourn his early death." 

McNaghten, David Y., ex-farmer and stock raiser, Walnvit town- 
ship. He was born in this township, October 25, 1815 ; the son of 
Thomas and Rebecca (Young) McNaghten. Thomas was a resident 
of Pennsylvania, born about 1786. He came with his father to Ohio, 
in 1803, settling on the place now owned b}^ A. Spitler. His father en- 
tered one-fourth section of land for each of his nine children. He died 
about 1818. Thomas settled on his section at an early day, cleared the 
place, and here died. He raised a family of thirteen children, five sons 
and one daughter now living. He owned some five hundred acres of 
land at the time of his death ; he filled the position of Justice of the 
Peace for some twenty years ; he was a member of the Baptist church ; 
he served as lieutenant in a company from Walnut township, in the War 
of 1812 ; was promoted to captain. He died in 1813. David Y,, en- 
gaged in farming at home, until his marriage. March, 1836, to Miss 
Deborah Ashbrook, a well known resident of Pleasant township ; she 
was born in that township, May 6, 1819. For five years the young 
couple resided on a place owned by his father, in Walnut township. 
March 4, 1841, he settled on the place where he still resides, having 
purchased one-fourth section of land, then partially cleared. In 1853, 
he built a new residence, w^hich was destroyed by fire in 1878 ; he then 
built his present residence. He now owns two hundred and thirteen 
acres of land ; an ex-farmer and stock raiser. They are the parents of 
eight children, two died in infancy. Aaron Thomas enlisted in 1861, 
in the Seventeenth Regiment O. V. I., for three months. In the fall 
of the same year, in the Sixty-second Regiment O. V. I., commanded 
by Colonel Steele. In 1863 he was instantly killed, at the storming of 
Fort Wagner ; Mary, the widow of David Said, of Pleasantville ; James 
N., owns a portion of his grandfather's home place ; Rebecca Ellen, 
wife of Leslie Lath, resides with her parents ; Ella R., wife of William 
Taylor, a resident of Walnut township ; Eva Jane, resides with her 
parents. Several members of the family are connected with the Baptist 
church. 

McNaghten, A. A., born in this county in 185 1 ; son of Noah and 
Mariah (Ashbrook) McNaghten ; grandson of Thomas and Mary Mc- 
Naghten ; grandson of Thomas P. and Anna Ashbrook. Mr. Mc- 
Naghten's father was the founder of the Fairfield Union Academ}', lo- 
cated at Pleasantville, Ohio. Has also been a trustee of the institution 



32$ BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

for some twenty years. The subject of this sketch, with the other mem- 
bers of the famil}', received their early education ^t this school. Mr. 
McNaghten was married in 1872, to Miss Mary J. Shisler, daughter of 
Emanuel and Sarah (Fairchild) Shisler. Thev have three children : 
Nella G., Minnie S., Ralph W. 

McNeil, J. B., Attorney at Law, Lancaster, Ohio. 

Machlin, Philip, farmer, Liberty township. He was born in 
Pleasant tow^nship, December 8, 1823, the son of Peter and Susan 
(Conkle) Machlin. Peter Machlin w^as a native of Pennsylvania ; born 
in 1794. Mr. Machlin came with his father to Ohio in 1805, settling in 
Pleasant township, on the farm now owned by Adam Weaver. Peter 
Machlin became a resident of Liberty township about 1835, locating on 
the place now owned b}'^ John Andregg, upon which he spent his days. 
He was the father of nine children, of whom six daughters and two 
sons are living. His death took place June 30, 1878. Philip, from in- 
fancy, lived with his grandfather, by whom he was educated. He 
chose farming for an occupation, and after the death of his grandfather, 
in 1842, he continued to reside on his grandfather's home place, in 
Pleasant township, until 1848, when he removed to Liberty townsliip, 
and located w^iere he still resides. About fifty acres had been cleared 
and a log house was built on the place, which was succeeded in 1871 
by a commodious family residence. Mr. Machlin is the owner of one 
hundred and seventy-five acres of finely improved land. Mr. Machlin 
was township trustee five years, and is a member of the Reform church, 
also of the Masonic order. He has been twice married ; first, in 1846, 
to Salome Radenbaugh, and to that marriage thirteen children were 
born, of whom two sons and eight daughters a'-e living. Mrs, Mach- 
lin died in May, 1864, and Mr. Machlin was again married, September 
5, 1865, to Mrs. Ehza Jane Freeman, daughter of Henr^^ Conkle; to 
this union has been born one son, Charlie, Jul}^ 31, 1867. 

Machlin, Samuel, farmer and stock raiser ; post office, Lancaster. 
Mr. Machlin was born in Pleasant township in 1807 ; son of Duval and 
Mary (Rough) Macklin, who emigrated to this county from Pennsyl- 
vania. Mr. Macklin has been twice married ; first in 1829 to Miss 
Eliza Arnold, daughter of Jacob Arnold. They had four children, viz. : 
Eli, deceased ; Mariah, Lucy A. and Mary A. Mr. Machlin was mar- 
ried to Elizabeth Arnold, his second wife, in 1839. This union was 
blessed with eight children, viz. : Jacob, deceased ; William, Benja- 
min, Perry, George, Joseph, S. R. and Clara. All married but one. 

Mayne, Dr. W. F., physician. Liberty township. Dr. Mayne was 
born in Virginia, August 10, 1828; the son of H. C. and Ann (Robi- 
son) Mayne. H. C. Ma3me came to Ohio in 1830, locating at Zanes- 
ville, and remained there some seven j-ears. W. F. Mayne attended 
the common school until eighteen years of age. He then came to 
Basil, where he began the stud}^ of medicine, under the tutillage of his 
father. In 1859 he commenced attending lectures in the Ohio Medical 
College, continuing until he graduated. He then came to Basil and 
commenced to practice his profession, which he has since continued un- 
interruptedly. The doctor is widely known as a skillful physician, as 
well as a cultured gentleman. He was married in June, 1865, to Miss 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 329 

Eliza Jane McNeil, who was born in Ross county, Ohio. They are 
the parents of fouy children. Dr. and Mrs. Mayne are members of the 
Reform Church. 

MeasoM, John, deceased, of Greenfield township, was a well known 
citizen of Pleasant Summit, and prior to his recent death, the oldest 
living settler in the township. His father, Isaac Measom settled in 
Greenfield in 1799, when there were but a half dozen families in this 
section of the country. His mother was a daughter of Ralph Cherry, 
and his birth was among the first in the township. He grew up inured 
to all the hardships and privations of pioneer life, and became a useful 
and wealthy man, identifying himself prominently in both the afiairs of 
church and county. The Methodist society of Pleasant Summit take 
pleasure in giving him and his youngest brother, George Measoirl, great 
credit as the founders and warm supporters of their prosperous church. 
His father's family and his children, by his two marriages, are all dead. 
His widow, formerlv Mrs. Davis, survives him. Tiiis Christian lady is 
also bereft of her children, having only grandchildren to administer to 
her needs and comforts. Her daughter. Miss Catharine Davis, mar- 
ried first, Mr. George Measor?i, the youngest brother of John. He was 
a lawyer and a good man, and after his death she married W. H. 
Rarey, brother of John Rarey, the world renowned horse trainer. By 
this marriage there were four children, all of whom are now married 
save Annie, who lives with Mrs. Measom, on the grand old homestead, 
near Pleasant Summit. 

MiESSE, Gabriel, Jr., M. D., physician and surgeon, Lancaster, 
Ohio ; was born January 5, 1838, near Dumontsville, Fairfield county, 
Ohio; son of Gabriel Miesse, Sr., and Mary (Wiest) Miesse. Being 
encouraged during his youth by his father, who was an amateur musi- 
cian, a composer and writer of music, he developed considerable talent 
for music. At present he has the reputation of being thoroughly versed 
in all arts of musical matters, and has few equals as a pianist and 
teacher of music. In his fourth year he went to school with a board 
6x16 inches suspended from his neck by a leather string, upon one side 
of which was the alphabet in glowing colors, and words tor spelling, 
and upon the other side figures and multiplication table, interspersed 
with verse. A year later he fell, while playing " tag," upon the steps 
of his father's residence, receiving a severe wound in the forehead. 
From the care and attention of his parents, he soon made rapid progress 
towards recover}-. Soon after this his parents moved to Columbus, 
Ohio. Here young Gabriel attended the city schools, and made rapid 
progress in his studies. In 1845, while playing hat ball at school, he 
came near losing his life. When he dropped the ball into one of the 
hats, he started upon the retreat, and ran beneath one of a six horse 
team that was drawing a wagon loaded with limestone for the constinic- 
ton of the present State House. A gentleman saw the accident, and 
"Whoa!" rang out upon the air, and the team was stopped just in 
time to save him. In 1848 his parents located in Greenville, Dark 
county, Ohio, landing there June 2d, after making a distance of ninetv- 
six miles in two and one-half days, by wagon, hauling their household 
goods with them. At this place young Gabriel became popular for his 
musical abilitv, and classes were soon organized by him for the study 

42 • o J J 



330 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

of musie, many of whom can testify to his success as a teacher. At 
the age of thirteen he began to establish a menagerie from the forest 
near by, together with a museum of native animals, birds, reptiles, 
fishes, a large collection of geological specimens, Indian relics, etc. 
The birds were of many varieties, the most prominent being the bald 
eagle, and white and gray cranes and loons. This miniature show was 
well patronized, at an admission fee of ten cents. During the same 
season P. T. Barnum's great menagerie arrived. Ere the day passed 
Mr. Barnum noticed the sign over the door, "• Gabriel Miesse's happy 
family of wild animals and birds," and soon retraced his steps to the 
hotel and returned in company with Tom Thumb and others, purchased 
tickets, and entered the show, with which they were much delighted, 
and were amused to see the porcupine cast its quills. Several times in 
the presence of, and to the surprise of the great showman, young Ga- 
briel fondled the animal of feathers. In return for the pleasant sur- 
prise Mr. Barnum placed a complimentar}- ticket to his mammoth show 
in the hands of the 3-oung showman. This afforded him a great plea- 
sure, and he was also permitted to ride with Tom Thumb upon one of 
the elephants. At the age of sixteen years he frequently gave musical 
entertainments to the delight of all in attendance. Often upon these 
occasions his parents were obliged to stretch a rope across the room to 
protect him during his renditions upon the piano. The long winter 
evenings were usually of great pleasure to the famil}'^. At the age of 
sixteen he frequently lectured to his many friends upon anatomy, often 
reciting whole pages from memory, and by the use of the blackboard 
illustrated the various structures of man. At this time he also became 
proficient in the use of the knife in removing many cancers, tumors, 
etc. Upon one occasion a middle-aged farmer came to Dr. Miesse's 
father for the treatment of scurv}^, who gave the patient into the hands 
of the young physician, with instructions to remove the encrustations 
from the teeth of the suffering man. He proceeded to the task, and 
finding the teeth so very loose that it was difficult to work at them with- 
out removal, he extracted ten of them with his fingers, cleaned them, 
replaced them in their proper sockets, and pressed them home. The 
patient, well pleased with the work, returned home, and three months 
afterward reported cured, the teeth having become firmly attached in 
their places. This method of transplanting teeth has been successfully 
followed b}^ the Doctor up to the present time. The subject of this 
sketch studied medicine with his father. Dr. Gabriel Miesse, Sr., 
graduated with high honors, and received a diploma from one of the 
leading medical colleges in 1856. Since graduating he has been in 
constant practice of his profession. In 1857 he located in Sidney, 
Ohio, and with the assistance of his uncle, Jacob Miesse, the}- estab- 
lished a fine practice. In 1858 he returned to his father's home, on 
account of poor health, where he remained, assisting his father until the 
spring of 1862. He was married Ma}- 14, 1862, to Miss Caroline, 
daughter of David and Rose Ann (Kemmerer) Kemmerer. She was 
born March 16, 1840, near Lancaster, Ohio. They have one child, 
Leon Edgar, born June 12, 1864, in Bremen, Auglaize county, Ohio. 
David Kemmerer was born October 24, 1813, near Emaus, Pennsylva- 
nia, and moved to Ohio, where he became a wealthy farmer, and an 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 331 

influential man in his community- He departed this life September 5, 
1866. Rose Ann Kemmerer was born March 19, 1820, near Dumonts- 
ville, Ohio, and was married May 31, 1838, to David Kemmerer. The}^ 
became the parents of two children, Caroline, and Sarah, wife of 
George W. Beck, cashier of the First National Bank, of Lancaster, 
Ohio. Mrs. Kemmerer is still living. In June, of 1862, Dr. Miesse 
located in Wapakoneta, Auglaize county, Ohio, where he met with 
wonderful success, curing many obstinate cases of chronic diseases, 
which brought him a large practice. In 1863, through the earnest 
solicitations of his sister, Mrs. Sophia (Miesse) Koop, and his many 
friends, he moved his family to New Bremen, same county. Here his 
success was continued, many from adjoining counties calling upon him 
for medical treatment. In 1864 he removed to Lancaster, where he 
still lives, and enjoys an excellent practice, giving special attention to 
chronic diseases. His books show over thirty thousand patients suc- 
cessfully treated, and he refuses to make public the hundreds of testimo- 
nials from patients scattered all over the countr}-. The Doctor is also an 
artist of more than average ability. The design and construction of 
his elegant residence, on East Main street, is sufficient to convince the 
unbeliever. In 1872 the Doctor was elected to represent the Fifth 
Ward in the City Council. From 1875 to 1877 he delivered a series of 
lectures upon " Anato'my, Physiolog}^ and Hygiene;" "The Plow, 
Its Uses and Improvements from Early Date to the Present Time ; " 
" Fashions and Customs of a Hundred Years Ago ; " " Astronomy ; " 
" The Solar System ;" " The Farmers' Grange ;" " The Sun's Heat ;" 
" Light and Heat ;" "Is the Physical Organization of the Sun a Mass 
of Fire?" etc. In 1878 he became a member, b}- order of the Council, 
of a committee of five to plat the Fifth Ward. In 1880 the City Coun- 
cil appointed him Chairman of a Platting Commission to plat the city 
into streets and alle^^s within the corporate limits, which plat can be 
seen at the Council Chamber. 

Miller, David, deceased, Walnut township ; was born in Rock- 
ingham county, Virginia, February 2,1803, the eldest son of Abraham 
and Elizabeth (Brumbach) Miller. David came with his parents to 
Ohio in the spring of 1805. He was educated in Walnut township, and 
assisted his father in clearing the farm, until his marriage, December 
9, 1828, to Miss Frances D., daughter of Jacob Guile, a former well- 
known resident of Berne township. Mrs. Miller was born in this county, 
September 11, 1810. After marriage, the}' continued to reside on 
the home place. Upon his father's death, in 1831, he took sole charge 
of the place. His mother resided with him. In 1833, he built a nice 
residence. The barn built by his father is still in use ; it was built in 
1820, Mr. and Mrs. Miller were the parents of one daughter and eleven 
sons, eight sons and the daughter sdll living, all residents of this county. 
Elizabeth, the wife of John Eversole ; three sons still at home, Jacob 
K., an ex-grain buyer, of Millersport ; Josiah C. and Benjamin 
F. on the home place'. Mr. Miller was grandfather to thirty children 
and great grandfather to four. They were members of the United 
Brethren Church. In 1875, Mr. Miller contributed $700 to the erection 
of the United Brethren Church. He was a successful farmer, owning 
at his death two hundred and sixty acres — the home place and one hun- 



332 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

dred and ten acres elsewhere in the county. He died December 3, 
1882, in his eightieth year. 

Miller, Henry, farmer, Walnut township ; son of Abraham and Eliz- 
abeth (Brumback) Miller. He was born in Walnut township, November 
12, 1805. Abraham Miller, born in Pennsylvania, removed to Virginia, 
where he was married and came with his wife and five children to Ohio 
in the spring of 1805, settling in this township, on the place owned by 
David Miller, which is still owned by his heirs. Abraham entered a one- 
half section of land and improved it. He raised a tairnly of nine chil- 
dren, two now living: Barbara, widow of Joseph Berry, a resident of 
Iowa, and Henry Miller. Abraham Miller was Justice of the Peace for 
a number of years. He was a member of Menonite Church. He died 
September 3, 1831 ; his- widow, March 6, 1862, in her ninety-first year. 
Henry Miller completed his education and helped in clearing the home 
place. In 1826, his father gave him a one-fourth section of land. This 
he improved. He built a hewed log house, where his present residence 
stands. In 1839, ^^ ^'^^ married to Rachel Ann Biddell, who was born 
in this county. To that marriage have been born eight children, four 
of whom are living, Mrs. Miller died about 1861. Mr. Miller now 
owns five hundred acres. He never desired office, but accepted that of 
township treasurer one year. In 1862 Mr. Miller was married to Miss 
Mary Shane, who was born in Walnut township. They are the parents 
of three children, one living. Alma Jane, residing with her father. 
Mrs. Miller died in 1872. Mr. Miller is a member of the Baptist 
Church. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he 
cleared. He is a self-made man. 

Miller, Mrs. Barbara, was born in Pleasant township, February 
5, 1813, daughter of Abraham and Mary M. (Musselman) Hite. 
Abraham Hite was a son of Abraham Hite, Sr., a sketch of whose life 
appears elsewhere. Mrs. Miller's father settled in Pleasant township 
about 1805 or 1806, remaining there seven years. He came to Walnut 
township in 1816, and settled on the place now owned by his daughter, 
Mrs. Miller. He built the brick residence now occupied by her, in 1826. 
He raised a family of three daughters, all living in Walnut township. 
He was a member of the Baptist Church. He died in i860. Mrs. 
Miller was married December i, 183 1, to John W. Miller, who was 
born in this county, March 25, 1809. After marriage the young couple 
resided on a portion of the Hite place ; afterwards took charge of the 
home place, and still reside there. They were the parents of nine chil- 
dren, of whom five are living: Mary Magdaline, wife of B. F. War- 
ner, of Walnut township ; Jacob D., residing on a portion of the home 
place ; Elizabeth, the wife of B. F. Winters, a resident of this township ; 
Samuel W., married and living on the home place ; Benjamin F., born 
Mav 4, 1854 married in 1875, ^^^ Miss Emma F. Cook. They are the 
parents of three children, one son and one daughter living. Mr. Miller 
died September 26, 1876. His widow, assisted by her sons, conducts 
the home place. Mrs. Miller is a member of the Baptist Church. 

Miller, Alexander, farmer, Libert}^ township. He was born in 
Shenandoah countv, Virginia, January 13, 1814 ; the son of Peter and 
Christiana (Hise}) Miller. He was educated in the common schools 
of Virginia. He remained with his parents and engaged in farming 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 333 

until he came to Ohio, in 1836. He located in Liberty township and 
began work at the carpenters' trade, of which he had acquired some 
knowledge before leaving his native State. In October, 1837, he was 
married, to Hester, daughter of John Bright. He settled the following 
year on the place where he still resides ; it was then entirely wild, but 
has since been transibrmed into a fine improved farm, of two hundred 
and forty-nine acres, with modern and commodious farm buildings. 
Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of thirteen children, of whom the 
following are living : Peter, living upon the family homestead ; Har- 
riet, the wife of Henry Smith, of Liberty township; Enoch F., who, 
also, resides on a part of the home place ; Hannah, now Mrs. John 
M3'ers. of Indiana ; Mary, the wife of Ezra Smith; John H., James 
P., Ellen and Caroline Augusta, still at home. Mr. Miller and family 
are members of the Lutheran church. His sons, Peter and Enoch F., 
were in the One Hundred and Sixtieth O. V. I. during the late war. 

Miller, Samuel M. B., farmer. Walnut township. He was born 
in this township Februar}- 8, 1837 ; the second son of James and Nar- 
cisa (Shaw) Miller. James Miller was born in this township August 
II, 181 1 ; only son of James Sr., who came to Ohio in 1801 or 1802, 
settling on the place now owned by his grandson, S. M. B. Miller. 
He entered one-fourth section of land and built a log house, where he 
spent his da3's ; he died in 1847. James Miller, Jr., was married Jul v 
3, 1834, to Narcisa Shaw, daughter of William Shaw, at one time a 
resident of Walnut township, afterwards of Auglaize count}^ Ohio. 
Mrs. Miller was born in Fa3-ette county, Virginia, October 5, 1814. 
James Miller) resided on the home place until his death. They were 
the parents of two sons ; D. L. died November, 1856, in his 21st 3^ear, 
and S. M. B. James Miller was a member ot the Methodist Pro- 
testant church. He died November 18, 1877. His widow is still liv- 
ing. , S. M. B. M. was married Januar\^ i, 1863, to Miss Louisa, 
daughtar of Elijah Berry: she was born in this count3'^ January 11, 
1842. The3^ are the parents of three sons, E. B., J. M. and C. M. 
Mr. Miller is a member of the I. O. O. F. He owns ninety-three acres 
of land, and is a worth3^ citizen. 

Miller, Henry G., was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, March 
2, 1836. He resided in that county until 1850, when he removed lo 
Morgan count3', and from there to Fairfield county, in 1865. He was 
married October 29, i860, to Mary Melissa Nulton, who was born in 
Washington count3-, Ohio, December 4, 1838. Their children are : 
Alonzo E., born May 5, 1862 ; Lena E., born May 20, 1864 ; Lizzie L., 
born October 14, 1866; Flora W., born December 26, 1868; George 
H-^, born March 25, 187 1 ; Anna F., born November 20, 1873 ; Mar3% 
born May 4, 1876. Mr. Miller is one of the wealthiest farmers in 
Pleasant township, and is the owner of a very fine residence. 

Minehart, Absalo:m, farmer, Libert3' township. He was born in 
Liberty township April 17, 1818; the son of Adam and Julia Ann 
Minehart. Adam Minehart came to Ohio from Pennsylvania, in 1802, 
he being at that time eighteen years of age. He entered a farm of 
eighty acres, which he cleared. The farm is now owned b3' Joseph 
Snider. Mr. Minehart occupied his time during winter teaching 
school. He studied and taught both the English and German branches, 



334 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

in which he become very proticient. In 1816 he was married. In 1833 
he removed to the farm now owned by his son, Absalom, which he 
had purchased some 3^ears before. Here he reared his family of seven 
children. He remained here during his lifetime, and died June 14, 
1848 ; his wife survived him, living with her son, Absalom, until his 
death, in February, 187 1. Absalom received a good education, be- 
ing competent to teach both the English and German languages. He is 
a farmer and ownes one hundred and sixty acres of fine land ; in this 
business he is successful. He married Miss Catharine Wagey in 1854 ' 
she was born in Licking county June 10, 1832. They are the parents 
of three children — Adam, Jr., residing on the home farm ; Michael, at 
home with his parents ; and Angle Louisa, born October 22, 1873. The 
family are members of the Reform church. 

MiTHOFF, George Augustus, retired, Lancaster. He was born 
in Hanover, Germany, October i, 1813 : the son of Hector and 
Ernestine (Rinehart) Mithofl'. After receiving a fair education in his 
native country he came with his parents lo America in 1828. The 
family first located in Pennsylvania, where, in company with his 
brother, he engaged in the mercantile business, until the removal of 
the family to Fairfield county, in 1840, settling in Lockville, where 
George Augustus kept store several years. Subsequently he entered 
the distilling business, and conducted it with great success, until his re- 
tirement from active business, about 1869. January 28, 1844, Mr. 
Mithoff married Cecelia, daughter of Captain Frederick Whittle, a 
veteran of Waterloo, who came to Fairfield county in 1830. Mrs. 
Mithoff was born in Germany, in 1825. They are the parents of eight 
children, seven now living, Louisa, now Mrs. Charles Creed, residing 
in Lancaster; Anna, the wife of Charles E. Martin, of Lancaster; 
Hector A., book-keeper at the Hocking Valle}^ works ; Thomas, cashier 
of the Hocking Valley National Bank ; George, employed at the same 
place ; Lewis and Augustus. In 1859 ^^^"- Mithoff became a resident 
of Lancaster, soon after purchasing several hundred acres of land, 
upon which is an elegant residence, where the family still reside. He 
was a prosperous and esteemed citizen, and for many years was presi- 
dent of the Hocking Valley Bank. 

Mortal, A. B. & Son, dealers in groceries, provisions, stoves 
and tinware. East Rushville, Ohio. 

MuMAUGH, John R., dealer in real estate, etc., Lancaster. He was 
born in this county, Januar}^ 26, 1818 : son of William and Sarah (Reese) 
Mumaugh. William Mumaugh was a native of the State of Maryland ; 
born in 1795. He came with his father, Conrad Mumaugh, to Ohio in 
1804, locating in Montgomer}^ county, near Dayton. In 1808, the fami- 
1}^ removed to this count}-, settling in Hocking towmship, where Conrad 
Mumaugh died about 183 1. William Mumaugh married in 1817, loca- 
ting in Hocking township, where he lived until 1838, when he removed 
to Allen county, three miles east of Lima. He died there in 1875. 
John R., the eldest son of a family of eight sons and three daughters, 
of whom all but one daughter are living. After acquiring an education, 
John R. taught school for a brief period. In 1839, he came to Lancas- 
ter, opening an office, and engaging in collecting and general book- 
keeping ; to this he added the real estate business ; his services as ad- 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 335 

ministrator, guardian, trustee and assignee, were in demand. Mr. 
Mumaugii was director and stockholder of the Lancaster Branch 
of the State Bank of Ohio, for fifteen 3'ears, until the institution was 
changed to the Hocking Valley National Bank, with which he was 
connected for three years. . He disposed of his bank stock, and has 
since given his attention to real estate operations and milling, combined 
with the management of several farms which he owns, consisting of 
some four hundred acres in the vicinity of Lancaster. In December, 
1841, he married Miss Hosannah, daughter of Frederick Shaeffer, a 
former well known resident of Lancaster. They are the parents of six 
children, four of whom are living: Sarah, Charles F., with his father, 
engaged in business ; John S., a resident of San Francisco, California, 
by profession a lawyer, but at present turning his whole attention to 
stenograph}', or short-hand writing ; and Mary Fannie, still at home. 
The family are members of St. John's Episcopal Church. Of this so- 
ciet}' Mr. Mumaugh is senior warden. He is also connected with the 
L O. O. F. and Masonic order. He occupies an elegant residence on 
Main street. 

MuRPHEY, William, farmer, Walnut township. He was born in 
Walnut township, July 12, 1818 ; only son of William, Sr. and Hester 
(Whitaker) Murphey. William, Sr., was born in Baltimore countv, 
Maryland, in 1774. He came to Ohio in iSoo, and explored what is 
now Fairfield county, while trapping and hunting. At this he saved 
enough money to enter three and one-fourth sections of land ; now the 
family home. In 1803 or '4, he settled on the place and cleared it. At 
that time he built a log house, and afterward erected a brick. He 
raised a family of eight children — one son and five daughters are living. 
He was a prominent man, and a liberal supporter of all worthy and 
Christian objects. He died January 8, 1854. William Murphey, Jr., 
after completing his education, was married December 25, 1849, ^^ Miss 
Mary J., daughter of Thomas Cherr\% a farmer of Walnut township. 
Mrs. Murphey was born August 22, 1830. They are the parents of 
eight children : Albert, a merchant of Millersport ; Kate, wife of J. T. 
Gill, of Walnut township; May, wife of A. W. Fry, of Salem, Ohio; 
Charles, Emma, Thomas, William and Frank, at home. Belinda, born 
December, 1870, died in her sixteenth 3^ear. Mr. Murphey had one 
residence destroyed by fire ; he replaced it by a handsome home resi- 
dence. He has three hundred and fift}^ acres of land, one hundred and 
ninety-eight acres taken by the State for reservoir. Mrs. M. is a mem- 
ber of the M. E. church. He is a member of the Masonic order. 

MussER, Henry, farmer. Walnut township. He was born in Wal- 
nut township, December 30, 1819; the eldest son of Ulrick and Eliza- 
beth (Fry) Musser. Ulrick Musser was born in Berne, Switzerland, in 
1790. He emigrated with his father, John Musser, to America, in 1803. 
The family settled in Somerset, Pennsylvania, where they remained 
nine years, when John Musser removed with his family to Ohio, settling 
in Walnut township in 181 2. He entered a quarter section of land in 
the vicinity of Baltimore. He died in 1828. Ulrick Musser purchased 
a quarter section in 1818, which is still owned and occupied bv his 
widow, now ninety years of age. He was a member of the Lutheran 
church. He served in the War of 1812. He died June 11, 1853, leaving 



336 Biographical sketches. 

a family of seven children. Henry Musser was deprived of the advan- 
tages of an early education, but he has intbrmed himself until he is a 
man of more than ordinary intelligence. Mr. Musser is one of the 
largest land owners in the county, owning one thousand one hundred 
acres, of which the home farm contains over seven hundred acres ; this 
place is handsomely improved. In 1869, he erected a residence, cost- 
ing i^3,ooo. In politics he is a Republican. In i860 he was married 
to Miss Ellen Lamb, a daughter of one of the pioneers of Walnut town- 
ship, where Mrs. Musser was born in 1828. The}^ are the parents of 
two daughters: Viola, the wife of Dr. A. A. Thoman, of Baltimore; 
Etta is still at home. 

Musser, Mrs. Barbara, was born in Libert}^ township, April 16, 
1826; slie is the only daughter of Sebastian and Barbara (Goss) Leo- 
nard. She received a good education in the schools of her youth, and 
remained at home until her marriage to William Musser, in June, 1853. 
Mr. Musser was born in this county in 1826, and was a farmer and 
teacher until 185 1, when he went to Basil, where he entered the service 
of Sebastian Lenord as a salesman, a position he filled until obliged to 
relinquish on account of ill health. He, with his wife, were active 
members of the Reformed church, and both good workers in the church 
and Sabbath school. Their two children, Emma and Willie, died in in- 
fancy. Mr. Musser died March 3, 1859. Since this time Mrs. Mus- 
ser has lived a Christian's life, and is universally loved by all who 
know her. 

Nau, Dr. J. G., of Carroll, was born February 10, 1850, near Su- 
gar Grove, this county, son of Jacob Nau, now of Groveport, Ohio. 
His ^mother was Margaret Bradly, whose father settled in an earl}^ day 
near Mr. Claypools, this township. Dr. Nau received his education 
at the Lebanon College, Ohio, and at the Miami Medical College, Cin- 
cinnati, <>-raduati.ng from that institution with the degree of M. D., in 
the year 1876. He began the study of medicine under his brother, now 
deceased, John H. Nau, in 1873, who had settled in the practice of his 
profession in Carroll in 1871, but died in 1875. In 1877 Dr. Nau mar- 
ried Miss Katie E. Courtright : she died March 17, 1880. Dr. Nau be- 
came a member of the Hocking Valley Medical Association in 1876. 
Was elected its president in 1879. In 1877 ^^ received his appoint- 
ment as Medical Examiner for the U. B. Mutual Aid Society of Penn- 
sylvania, and for the Union Mutual Compan}^ of Maine. He has been 
Clerk of the Union School Board of Carroll since 1877. Is member of 
the Ohio State Medical Association and is also Examining Ph3'sician of 
the Carroll Council of the American Legion of Honor. He built his 
residence in 1879. 

Needels, B. J., physician, Lithopolis, Ohio, born April i, 1814, in 
Bloom township, Fairfield county, Ohio, son of George and Kizia 
(Jackson) Needels. His parents were both born in Delaware and 
came to Bloom township and settled on the farm now known as the Bo- 
vino- farm. They were among the early pioneers of this township. 
His father's family numbered fourteen children and they lived to see all 
married except one who died in infancy. Mr. Needels, the subject of 
this sketch was twice married; the first took place October 3, 1833 to 
Miss Catharine Ewing, who was born April 20, 181 2, in this county, 



kiSTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 33y 

daughter of William and Maiy (England) Evving. Mrs. Needels died 
in Missouri in 1862. This union was blessed with five children, viz. : 
William E,, Elizabeth J., George and Kizia, (twins), and Sarah A., 
all of whom are married and living in different States of the Union. 
His second marriage was to Nancy Bovven, of Morrow county, Ohio. 
In 1833 Mr. Needles went to Knox count^^ after remaining there two 
years he moved to Hancock count3^ where he remained eighteen vears, 
and then went to Gentr\' county, Missouri, returning again to this town- 
ship in 1862. Mr. Needles began the practice of medicine in 1843 and 
has continued it ever since, having at all times unusually good success. 
The Doctor, becoming old and somewhat intirm, has concluded to re- 
tire from his practice, except in very urgent cases where his services 
are badly needed. 

NoRRis, JosEPHus, deceased. He was born in Perrv county, Au- 
gust 2, 183 1, and was a son of Thomas and Nanc}' Norris. Came to 
Liberty township, where he purchased forty acres of land, and, with 
H. G. Black, built a mill at Baltimore. He raised six children to ma- 
turity, of whom but three are now living. His own death occurred 
May 13, 1864. Josephus Norris spent his youth on the farm and en- 
joyed the educational advantages of his day. Bv close reading he be- 
came a man of more than ordinary intelligence. When eighteen 3'ears 
old, he began learning the miller's trade, at which vocation he was very 
successful-; at the same time he followed farming with equal suc- 
cess. My. Norris was married, December 26. 1856, to Miss Rebecca 
Jane Smith, who was born in Libert}- township, November 28, 1835. 
They became the parents of nine children, six of whom are living : 
Mary Electa, Clara Victorine, the wife of Hiram H. Burv ; Elmer E., 
Joseph Eddy, Grant and Lina Elizabeth. The home farm contains 
one hundred and seventeen acres, upon which Mr. Norris built a fine 
brick house in 1871. Mr. Norris died March i, 1882. Mrs. Norris 
and her two sons now operate the farm and mill. 

NouRsE, John Daniel, M. D., physician and surgeon, Lancaster, 
Ohio, was born November 30, 1827, in Sharpsburg, Washington coun- 
ty. Mainland ; son of Charles and Susan A. (Cameron) Nourse. Dr. 
Nourse's great grandfather, James Nourse, left London in 1769, emi- 
grated to America, and settled at Hampton Roads, 'Virginia, in 1770. 
The subject of this sketch spent his bo}'hood days until his fourteenth 
year, in Sharpsburg, Burkittsville and Frekerick City, Maryland, and 
Sheperdstown, Jefterson county, Virginia, his father teaching school in 
the above-named places. In 1841 his father moved to Ohio, settled in 
Fairfield countv, and taught school, first in Rushville, and afterward in 
Lancaster. While living in Rushville, in Jul}' of 1841, J. D. entered the 
store of T. B. & C. Paden, of Pleasantville, same count}%' as a clerk, and 
spent the six following 3^ears in clerking and teaching, and taught his 
first school before he was sixteen years of age. Tn 1847 he went to 
Alabama and taught school two years among the planters on the Tom- 
bigbee River. During his stay there he commenced the study of medi- 
cine with one of his patrons, who was a physician. He returned to 
Ohio in Jul}', 1849, ^^^ entered the oflice of Dr. D. A. Fisher, of Balti- 
more, Fairtield county, where he continued his studies until April, 1851, 
attending medical lectures in Cleveland in the winter seasons, efradua- 
48 ^ 



338 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

tiiii^ Februar}' 26, 185 1. He then located in Baltimore, and was mar- 
ried May I, 185 1, to Miss Catharine M. Berry, of New Salem, Ohio. 
They are the parents of two children, viz. : Darlin<^ton B., born Feb- 
ruary II, 1858, and John H., born April 19, 1865. In 1859 Di'- Nourse 
moved to Rushville, Ohio, where he was engaged in merchantile busi- 
ness for tvventv-two years, when in the winter of 1862 and 1863 he 
again attended medical lectures, this time at the Jefferson Medical Col- 
lege, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, after which he moved to Reynolds- 
burg, Franklin county, Ohio, in October, 1864, and in May, 1877 
moved to Lancaster, Ohio, where he now resides, and is in active prac- 
tice of his profession. 

Oliver, W. W., blacksmith, Baltimore; born in the city of New 
York, February 9, 1826; son of Thomas and Sarah (Lamberson) 
Oliver. Was married to Eliza Bury, June 28, 1849, ^"^^^^^ ^^^^ Feb- 
ruar}^ 27, 1867. They had six children, viz. : William H., born June 
27, 185 1 ; Edward W"., born February 25, 1853 ; John O., born May 14, 
18^9; Olie O., born February 18, i860; Francis B., born January 18, 
1862, and Tiilie, born June 18, 1866. Mr. Oliver was married to Mary 
Baker, June 26, 1869; had two children, Rosa E., born January 22, 
1872, and Charles F., born October i, 1876. Mr. Oliver was in Com- 
pany K, Seventeenth Ohio Regiment ; was wath Sherman on his march 
to the sea. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., both subordinate and 
encampment. 

Ormax, Henry, builder and contractor, Lancaster. He was born 
in Maryland, June 15, 1804. After acquiring a common school educa- 
tion, at the age of fourteen he commenced an apprenticeship of seven 
years and combined the trades of cabinet maker and carpenter. Be- 
fore fully completing it he started on foot for Ohio, in 1823, reaching 
Somerset, Perry county. He remained there until April, 1824, when he 
came to Lancaster, working as journeyman. He then worked on the 
old market house then in course ol erection, receiving eighteen dollars 
per month and board. He began the building and contracting business 
in 1826, and continued successfully until retiring from active life in re- 
cent years. He is a vigorous and genial old gentleman. Although 
never desiring public office he was a member of the city council one 
term. He has been a member of the Masonic order since 1826, and is 
an exemplary member of the English Lutheran church. He was unit- 
ed in marriage February' 23, 1828, to Ann Beck. Mrs. Orman was 
born in Lancaster in 1808. To them have been born eight children, of 
whom live are living, viz. : Henry Jr., is a carpenter and resident of 
Arcadia, California; Jacob B., Thomas and George, compose the tirm 
of J. B. Orman & Brothers, and Ellen still at home. Jacob B. Orman, 
the senior member of the enterprising firm of Orman Brothers, was 
born in Lancaster, January 14, 1834, where he acquired a fair educa- 
tion, subsequently learning the carpenter trade, wiiich he followed until 
1862, when he was appointed Quartermaster of the Ninetieth O.V.L, and 
wdth that regiment took part in many hard fought battles, including 
Stone River, Chickamauga and the campaign to Atlanta. He was 
also at Franklin, and at Nashville was promoted to the captainc}' in the 
Quartermaster's department in 1864, serving until the close of the war. 
Returning to civil life he organized the firm of J. B. Orman & Brothers 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 339 

in 1868. This tirm deals extensively in lumber, sash, doors, blinds and 
building material, also conducting a plaining mill. Mr. J. B. Orman is 
an active member of the order of Free Masons, also the G. A. R. 
George, the 3'oungest son of Henry Orman, was also a member of a 
Fairrield county regiment during the rebellion, and served during the 
war, the greater part of the time being on detached duty at Columbus 
and Washington. 

Ortman, Simon, retired, Walnut township. He was born in Fred- 
erick county, Mar3dand, x\pril 28, 1811 ; the only son of Jacob and 
Mar}^ (Brown) Ortman. Jacob Ortman, a native of Maryland, was 
born September 17, 1783, and came with his wife and three children to 
Ohio in 1825. They settled in Walnut township on the place now owned 
by Frank Foster. He purchased one-fourth section of land, partially 
improved. In 1832 he built the residence still occupied on the place. 
He raised a lamily of three children. He was a member of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal church. He owned at his death some two hundred and 
fifty acres of land. He died October 2, 1849 ; his widow in April, 1854. 
Simon Ortman, after completing his education, engaged in farming. 
He married May 22, 1834, Miss Elsie, daughter of Rev. James Hooper, 
a former itinerant preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church, and a 
resident of Perry county. Mrs. Ortman was born in Perry county, 
September 26, 1813. Mr. Ortman became a resident of Perry county 
after his marriage, until 1868, when he came to New Salem and lived 
three years. In the spring of 1872 he returned to the farm and 
lived there five 3'^ears, when he returned to New Salem and built the 
fine residence in which he resides. To his first marriage were born 
three children, viz. : Maggie, who is the wife of M. C. Bugh ; she 
died in 1878, in her twenty-second year; Benson C, a merchant of 
New Salem, and one who died in infancy. The first Mrs. Ortman died 
October i, 1875. In 1877 he was united in marriage to Louisa Baker, 
who lived three years after marriage; she died September 22, 1880. 
June I. 1882, he was married to Mrs. Mary E. Darnell, daughter of 
John R. Connell, of Adams county, Ohio. Mr. Ortman was licensed 
as local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal church in 1852. Mrs. 
Ortman, when married to Mr. Ortman, was the mother of one son, 
Wilber M. Darnell, born September 9, 1863, who resides with his par- 
ents. 

OuTCALT, James, Lancaster. He is the oldest son of John and 
Mary A. (Clark) Outcalt. John Outcalt was born in New Jersey in 
1812. He came with his parents to Ohio in 1820. The}- settled in 
Hocking township, v\'here they lived for a number of years ; thence 
removing to Liberty, and purchasing the farm now owned by Joseph 
Snider. In 1853 John Outcalt changed his place of residence, select- 
ing for his home the farm. It is now owned and occupied b}- his son, 
and there his widow still resides. Mrs. Outcalt is a lady of^ sixty-five 
years, though appearing many years younger. She is a lady of fine 
culture, and lield in the highest esteem by her man}^ friends. John 
Outcalt died vSeptember 22, 1878. James secured a good education. 
During the winter months he taught school, and in the summer assisted 
at home. In 1858 he engaged in clerking in Morrow county. He 
remained here until the fall of 1861, when he enlisted in the Seven- 



340 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

teenth O. V. I. He was in active service three years, and participated 
in the battles of Stone River, Chickamanga, and Atlanta. He was 
also with Sherman on his famous march to the sea. When his term of 
enlistment had expired, he re-enlisted and took part in the grand re- 
view at Washington. At the close of the war he had attained the rank 
of First Lieutenant, and was also Acting Qiiartermaster a part of the 
time while in the service. He returned to civil life in July, 1865. Mr. 
Outcalt engaged in mercantile business in Crawford and Morrow coun- 
ties until the spring of 1880, when he returned to Fairfield county. He 
was united in marriage in May, 1868, to Miss Mary J. Lyon, of Morrow 
county. Mr. and Mrs. Outcalt are the parents of three children — 
Bertha M., Edwin C. and J. Milton. The family are members of the 
Baptist Church. Mr. Outcalt is also a member of the Masonic 
order. 

Outcalt, Gilbert, farmer, Liberty township. He was born in 
Middlesex county. New Jersey, October 12, 1803; son of John T. and 
Mar}^ (Taylor) Outcalt. He came with his parents to Ohio in 1820, 
settling in Liberty township, on the farm now owned by G. W. Reel- 
horn. Gilbert improved such educational advantages as were offered in 
New Jersey. In Libertv township he assisted his father in clearing 
their farm, remaining at home until his marriage to Miss Nancy Camp- 
bell, in March, 1826. She was born in Rockingham count3^ Virginia, 
January .10, 1808. For some ^^ears the young couple resided on the old 
Campbell farm, Mrs. Outcalt falling heir to a portion of the old place 
at the death of her father. Mr. and Mrs. Outcalt removed to 
Coltimbus in 1868, remaining there until their return to their former 
residence in 1878. The home farm contains one hundred and fifty 
acres, finely cultivated. Mr. Outcalt is engaged largely in raising and 
selling stock. Of the ten children in this family, two died in infancy ; 
Andrew, who was born in 1827, died in August, 1863 ; Mary Catharine 
is now the wife of G. Zone, of Columbus ; Harvey C. is a resident of 
Columbus; Henr}^ D. resides upon the home place; Thomas J. is an 
assistant in the post office at Columbus ; A. Judson and Hiram are con- 
nected with the Deaf and Dumb Asylum at Columbus ; Sarah was the 
wife of Alfred Farranger. She died in February, 1876, leaving one 
son, Claude, who is now residing with his grandparents. Four of Mr, 
Outcalt's sons rendered able assistance during the late war. Thomas, 
Henry and Judson enlisted in the Seventeenth O. V. L, and partici- 
pated in all the engagements of that regiment for three years. A. Jud- 
son was wounded at the battle of Lookout Mountain ; Thomas lost an 
arm in the engagement at Murfreesboro. Hiram -served with the one 
hundred day men. The family are members of the Baptist Church. 
Palmer. William, farmer, Walnut township. He was born in 
Richland township, February 20, 1819; son of Jonathan and Nancy 
(Dundon) Palmer. Jonathan Palmer, a native of Delaware, born in 
1783, came witli his wife and four children to Ohio in 1818, settling in 
Richland township ; a portion of the place is now owned by his son, 
John Palmer. He cleared this place, and there raised his family of 
eleven chileren, of which five sons and one daughter remain. He was 
a member of the M. E. Church. He died in May, 1859, ^'^'^^ widow in 
.1862. William Palmer availed himself of a common school education. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 



341 



He was married November 22, 1840. to Margaret Havermill, who was 
born in Missom-i, January i, 1823. Tlie}^ are the parents of ten chil- 
dren, of whom five are living. Elizabeth, wife of Hamilton Elder, a 
resident of Walnut township ; Catharine, wife of David Miller, a resi- 
dent of Thorn township. Perry county ; Nancy, wife of Henry H. Hite, 
of Walnut township; Rebecca, wife of Lewis S. Hite, and Jonathan, 
residing on the home farm, who was born August 27, 1848. He was 
married March 18, 1880, to Emily, daughter of Henry Miller. They 
are the parents of one son. Mr. Palmer moved to Walnut township 
from Richland in 1865. Mrs. Palmer died June 17, 1870. In the 
spring of 187 1 the family moved to the present place of residence, 
which he recently purchased. In 1880 he built a handsome residence. 
Mr. Palmer was married the second time March 12, 1872, to Ann 
Elizabeth, daughter of Peter Sperry, a tbrmer well-known resident of 
Walnut township. The family are members of the M. E. Church. 
Mr. Palmer and son are members of the Masonic order. 

Palmetek, M., dentist, Lancaster. He was born in Coldwater, 
Michigan. He studied dentistry in Indiana, engaging in practice in 
Kendall ville, and in Elkhart. He came to Ohio. in 1874, ^^^ located 
at once in this city. His office is on Broad street, over the grocery of 
John D. Jackson. His rooms are excellently fitted, and accord well with 
the character and habits of the man. 

Parido, Charles W., County Recorder, Lancaster. He was born 
in Clark county, Kentucky, September 22, 1844, eldest son of William 
and Mary H. Parido. William Pando was a farmer, a well-known 
resident of Pleasant township, Two of his sons are living — Charles 
W. and Robert T., the latter a resident of Indiana. His youngest son, 
William P., was a member of the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth, O. 
V. I. He was killed at the battle of the Wilderness, May 6, 1864. 
Charles W. was a pupil at the common schools until fifteen years old, 
when he attended the Fairfield Union Academy, graduating' from that 
institution tn 1866. He then engaged in teaching a number of years, 
until elected Recorder of Fairfield county in 188 1. He is a member of 
the M. E. Church, also the I. O. O. F. 

Parrish, Benjamin, farmer. Liberty township. He was born in 
this township Januar}^ 14, 1823 ; son of John and Rebecca (Belt) Par- 
rish. John Parrish was born in Baltimore county, Maryland, in 1792. 
He first visited Ohio in 181 3. In 18 15 he came with his father to Ohio ; 
the latter was born in Maryland in 1757. They settled in Walnut town- 
ship on the place owned by Mrs. Margaret "Parrish. He purchased 
three hundred acres. He was a shoemaker by trade. He died in 1844. 
^ In belief he was a Qiiaker. John cleared the home place. He married 
a daughter of Joseph Belt. They were the parents of three sons and 
one daughter; three are living — Benjamin; Alfred, a carpenter by 
trade, and a resident in Licking count}^ ; Mary resides with her brother 
Benjamin in Liberty township. John Parrish died February 3, 186S, 
his wife in 1830. Benjamin Parrish never had the opportunities of an 
education until of age, his mother's death devolving many cares upon 
him. He took charge of the home place for two years. He was sub- 
sequently with his brother, making his home in the family. In the 
spring of 1879 ^^^ located on the place where he now lives, in Liberty 



342 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

township. He owns one hundred and forty-four acres. In 1880 he 
built a handsome residence. He is a genial and pleasant gentleman. 

Parrish, Mrs. Margaret, Walnut township. She was born in 
this township October 20, 1825, and is thu ^youngest daughter of Samuel 
and Sarah Coffman, earl}^ settlers in Walnut township. November 11, 
1850, she W(is married to Leonard Parrish, a son of John Parrish, who 
settled early on the farm, still the home of the family. John Parrish 
came with his father, Aquilla, in 1815, from Maryland. He entered 
three hundred acres of land. Leonard Parrish was born on the home 
place November 13, 1820. He was a farmer, and raised a family of 
three sons and two daughters — Alonzo, born Jul}^ 27. 1853 ; Harley, 
August 27, 1855 ; Melissa Angelica, January 5, 1857 ; Rosa Lee, March 
6, 1861, and Joseph, Januar^^ 6, 1867. The family now own one hun- 
dred and seventy-five acres of well-improved land, on which a commo- 
dious residence was built in 1861. Mr. Parrish died April 4, 1874, since 
which time Mrs. Parrish and her sons have managed the farm. The 
family are members of the M. E. Church, to which Mrs. Parrish has 
belonged over forty years. The two oldest sons are members of the 
L O. O. F., and one daughter and one son are Good Templars, 

Paul, John, farmer, Walnut township. He was born in thit town- 
ship, Fairfield county, January 25, 1816; son of Jacob and Mary 
(Beard) Paul. Jacob Paul was born in Switzerland in 1772. He emi- 
grated with his parents to America in 1804. The family settled in Vir- 
ginia, where Jacob Paul remained about one 3-ear, when he came to 
Ohio, locating in Fairfield count}-, and entered one hundred and sixty 
acres of land, the present site of Pleasantville. He married Mary 
Beard, and lived for two years on the first named place. He then pur- 
chased the place now owned by his son John, which also contains one 
hundred and sixty acres. Here he built a fine hewed log house. He 
raised a family of six sons and two daughters. He died in 1852, his 
widow in 1859. J*^^''" Paul received a tair education, which he has im- 
proved by a careful course of reading. He has always engaged in 
farming. When the canal was built, Mr. Paul held the position of 
foreman for repairing the section between Newark and Carroll. Mr. 
Paul has always lived on the home place. In 1844 he was married to 
Miss Emil}' Watson, daughter of William Watson, a pioneer of Wal- 
nut township. She was born May 18, 1822. They are the parents of 
eight children — Francis M., of the firm of Paul & Holland, of Basil; 
W. W., a resident of Iowa; J. M., a member of the bar in Carroll 
City, Carroll county, Iowa ; Geoj:;ge E., a resident of Walnut township ; 
Amanda V., the wife of Frank B. Wiseman, of Rushville, Ohio; 
Emma S., the wife of Nathan Melick, of Richland township; John 
Wesle}^ and Mary Etta, at home. The family are members of the M. 
E. Church. 

Pearce, William B., retired, Lancaster. He was born in Alle- 
gheny county, Pennsylvania, August 30, i860. He emigrated to Ohio 
with his parents, Lewis and Lydia (Bowser) Pearce, in 181 1. The 
famil}' settled in Richland township. William B. acquired a common 
school education, and remained on the home farm until his eighteenth 
3^ear, when he learned the carpenter and joiner trade. He came to 
Lancaster in 1832, his first work in this city being on the Ewing man- 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 343 

sion. He continued the carpenter business until 1859, when he removed 
to a farm of one hundred and nine acres, which he still owns, located 
two and one-half miles from Lancaster. He resided there and conducted 
the place till the spring of 1878, when he returned to Lancaster, occu- 
pying a commodious residence, built by himself in 1834. Since leaving 
the farm he has led a retired life. Six years he was a member of the 
Cit}'^ Council, also Trustee of Berne township one or more terms. He 
is a prosperous and substantial citizen, a genial and well-preserved old 
gentleman. Mr. Pearce was married in 1833 to Lavina Shellenbarger, 
daughter of Samuel Shellenbarger, a pioneer of Fairfield county. To 
them were born fourteen children, of whom seven sons and three daugh- 
ters are living. Mrs. Pearce died in 1862. He was again married the 
following year to Mrs. Sarah Calkins, daughter of George Crook, a 
former resident of Berne township. Mrs. Pearce was born in Berne 
township, in 1826. At the time of her marriage to Mr. Pearce, she 
was the mother of two sons and two daughters — William R., J. H., 
Marie E. and Amelia A. Calkins. To the second marriage of Mr. 
Pearce were born two sons and one daughter, viz. : Deleran A., Mar}^ 
S. and Hayden B. 

Pearse, a. v., proprietor of Mithoff House, Lancaster, Ohio ; was 
born Jan^rary 12, 1846, in Walnut township, Fairfield county, Ohio; 
son of Janies Wilson and H. D. (Ward) Pearse. Mr. Pearse was 
raised a farmer, and followed that business until 1875, when he went 
into the hotel and di-y goods business at Millersport, Fairfield county, 
remaining until 1877, ^^ which date he went to Somerset, Perry county, 
Ohio, and kept hotel one year, from where he came to where he now 
is engaged as betbre mentioned. Mr. Pearse was married December 
29, 1881, to Miss Minnie, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Etlinger) 
Kinkade. Mr. Pearse's lather was born and raised in Fairfield county, 
Ohio, and was engaged on public works during his j'ounger days, and 
assisted in the deep cut, in Walnut township, for the passage of the 
Ohio canal. He lived until December of 1868. A. V. Pearse's mother 
was born and raised in Onondaga county. New York ; came to Ohio at 
an early day with her parents, where she became acquainted with and 
married James W. Pearse. 

Pence, David, Sr., deceased: was born in Virginia, Februar\^ 4, 
1777. He was married to Barbara Ruffner, in Shenandoah countv, 
Virginia, February 22, 1803. Their children were Aaron, born De- 
cember 10, 1803; Anna, born August 9, 1806; Nelly, born March i, 
1808; Polly, born Januar^^ 4, 1812 ; Joseph, born May 13, 1813 ; Re- 
becca, born October 28, 1817 ; Elizabeth, born April 26, 1820 ; David, 
born November 3, 1822 ; Savilla, born November 3, 1822 ; Sophia, 
born Novembar 29, 1826. Mr. Pence was married a second time Feb- 
ruary I, 1832, in Licking countv, Ohio, to Katharine Groves. Their 
children were John, born November 7, 1832 ; Henr}-, born December 
27, 1836; Samantha, born November 26, 1838; Sarah Katharine, born 
July 20. 1840. 

Pence, David, Jr., was born in Richland township, Fairfield coun- 
ty, on the 3d da}^ of November, 1822. He was married Jul}^ 23, 1853, 
to Miss Harriet N. Pugh, who was born in Walnut township, Fairfield 
county, September 16, 1821. Their children were: Margaret Ann, 



344 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

born May ii, 1854; Henry Clinton, born January 16, 1856. Margaret 
Ann was married to Joseph S. Sites, in November, 1874. Henry Clin- 
ton was married to Anna Shisler, in May, 1880. Mr. Pence is at pres- 
ent one of the proprietors of' the Pleasantville flouring mills. 

Pence, David & Co., proprietors Pleasantville grist mills. This 
mill was erected in 1881, and is one of the largest flouring mills in Fair- 
field count}'. The machinery is all new, and the firm are prepared to 
do custom grinding for all who ma}' favor them with their patronage. 

Pij^ters, Orrin E., merchant, Lancaster, Ohio. Son of Judge G. 
M. and Miranda E. Peters ; was born in Pickawa}- county, Ohio. Feb- 
ruary 4, 1842. The family moved to Columbus, Ohio, about 1845, re- 
maining thereuntil the fall of 1855, and then moved to Lancaster, Ohio. 
In October, 1854, Miranda E. Peters died; and in April, 1868, G. M. 
Peters died. Judge Peters was an early setller in Ohio, and an exten- 
sive merchant and manufacturer at Logan, for many years; at one 
time holding the position of Judge in Hocking county. Ori'in E. im- 
proved such educational advantages as the common schools aftbrded ; 
he also took a course of studies at the commercial college of Duft', Mc- 
Coy & Co., Columbus, Ohio; in February, 1856, he entered the large 
dry goods house of Kutz, Reber & Co., remaining with them until Sep- 
tember 6, 186 1, when he inlisted in Company A, Seventeenth Regiment 
O. V. L, and was soon after made Commissary Sergeant of the Seven- 
teenth Regiment, O. V. L ; being with the Regimenr in the engage- 
ments of Wild Cat, Mill Springs, Hoover's Gap, Chickamauga. Mis- 
sion Ridge, and many other miner engagements ; serving as volunteer 
aid de camp to Colonel J. M. Connell, commanding brigade at Chicha- 
mauga, and at the crossing of Brown's Ferry. In December, 1863, he 
was detailed for duty in the depot commissary departments on the At- 
lanta campaign ; and was mustered out of service at Atlanta, Georgia, 
in October, 1864, returning to Lancaster. Mr. Peters engaged in clerk- 
ing for a brief period, until March, 1865, when the Arm of Peters, Mil- 
ler & Brother, was organized ; two years later, Mr. Peters purchased 
the interest of Miller & Brother, and the firm was O. E. Peters until 
January, i, 1870, when the firm of Peters, Trout & Co. was tbrmed, 
and remained until January i, 1876, when Peters cS: Trout became sole 
owners, and has continued under the firm name of Peters & Trout ever 
since. In 1881, they erected the elegant and commodious building, 
forty by one hundred and fifty-three feet, three stories high, which was 
built especially for their business, and which they occupy. They em- 
ploy from ten to twelve men on first floor, and from fifty to sixty hands 
in their work shops, manufacturing custom-made clothing ; they also are 
large dealers in ready-made clothing, hats, caps, gents' furnishing 
goods, etc. It is certainly an establishment of which Lancaster may- 
well be proud, as it has few equals in Ohio. Mr. Peters was mar- 
ried February 14, 1865, to Miss Margaret Ann Eckert. They are 
the parents of four children, three living — two daughters and one son. 

Peters, J. A., M. D., of Dumontsville ; a prominent physician of 
this town and vicinity ; is a graduate of the Reynoldsburg schools, and 
of the Louisville Medical College. His literary attainments were all 
that the best public and high schools could afford, and his course in 
medicine thorough. He had been a student of Materia Medica many 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 345 

years, completing his course of studies preparatory to his entering col- 
les^e under Dr. Short of Winchester. He also attended lectures in Co- 
lumbus prior to his going to Louisville, where he graduated, taking 
the degree of M. D, in the Louisville Medical College, in the year 1878. 
Since graduation, Dr. Peters has worked into a large and successlul 
practice. The pliysicians of Dumontsville, beginning with the first, 
have been Dr. Meissie, Dr. Brooks, Dr. Mills, Dr. Bright and Dr. 
Peters. 

PuGH, B. M.. farmer. Walnut township. He is the son of John H. 
and Rachel (Murphy) Pugh, He was born in Walnut township, July 
3, 1832. He was educated in the common schools, and chose the occu- 
pation of farming for his vocation of life. He purchased a farm of three 
hundred and eighty-two acres, which he still conducts. He is also 
largeh^ engaged in bu^ang and shipping grain at different points in his 
own and surrounding towns, doing the most extensive business in the 
county. He is engaged now in the erection of a steam flouring mill in 
Basil. It is to have a capacity for grinding one hundred bushels of 
wheat per day. Mr. Pugh is widel}' and favorably known as a success- 
ful and enterprising business man of the highest integrity. He was 
married in November. 1859, ^*^ Miss Sarah Fall. The}' were the parents 
of seven children. Mrs. Pugh died April 7. 1878. The grandfather of 
Mr. Pugh came from Virginia to Walnut township in 1805. He cleared 
a farm of two hundred and fifty acres, and lived here twenty-six years, 
and reared a family of five sons and three daughters. John H., the 
father of B. M. Pugh, owned and cultivated a farm of four hundred 
acres ; he also engaged extensively in stock raising. He died March 5, 
1868 ; his widow is still living with one of her sons on the home place, 
in good health and with faculties unimpaired, although in her seventy- 
fourth year. 

Pugh, Jesse, deceased, was born near Winchester, Virginia, Sep- 
tember 5, 1776, and was married to Elizabeth Hampson, about 1799. 
She was born in Virginia, June 4, 1778. Tiiey had eight children, viz. : 
Margaret, born December i, 1801 ; John H., born September i, 1803; 
Mar3^ born July 13, 1806: Elizabeth, born May 29, 1809; Jonathan, 
born June 9, 1812 : James H., born December 17, 1815 ; Daniel, born 
September 2, 1818; Harriet, born September 16, 1821. All are dead, 
but Harriet, wife of David Pence. Mr. Pugh came to Fairfield county 
in 1803. 

Rainey, S. W., Mayor of Lancaster. He was born in this city in 
1842. He was married in 1866 to Miss Mary A. Koontz, who was born 
in Winchester, Franklin count}^ in 1842. They are the parents of five 
living childran, viz. : Ida May, Harry E., William C. ; and George H. 
and Barbara E., twins. Two, John C. and Gertrude, twins, are dead. 
Mr. Rainey received a good education in the Lancaster public schools. 
He enlisted in Company G, Seventeenth Regiment O. V. I., and par- 
ticipated in the following engagements: Hoover's Gap, Stone River, 
Kingston, Siege at x\tlanta, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, and was in 
Sherman's March to the Sea. Mr. Rainey remained in the service till 
1865, when he was honorably discharged, and returned at once to his 

home. He was elected a member ol the city council in 1877, serving 
44 



346 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

till 188 1. In 1879, he tilled the office of land appraiser. In 1881, he 
was elected to the office he now fills. 

Rauch, John, farmer, Liberty township ; the eldest son of Philip 
and Susannah (Alspiiughy Rauch. He was born in Liberty township, 
March 16, 1825. His father was born in Berkshire county, Pennsylva- 
nia, about 1785. Philip came with his father, George Rauch, to Ohio 
in 1806 or '07. They remained in the vicinity of Lancaster a few 
months, and came to Liberty township the following spring, settling on 
the place now owned by John Rauch. George Rauch was one of the 
pioneers of the township. He had served in the Revolutionary war. 
His death took place in 1829. His youngest son, Philip, raised a fami- 
ly of ten children, of whom four sons and three daughters are still liv- 
ing. He was a prominent member of the Lutheran church. He was a 
soldier in the War of 1812. His death took place in 1841. John Rauch 
improved his educational advantages, and engaged in farming the home 
place. He now owns three hundred and fifty acres of finely improved 
land. In 1870 he built a handsome tamily residence. He served as 
township treasurer two terms, and as township trustee seven or eight 
years. In 1850 he was married to Naoma Wisley. They are the par- 
ents of ten children, of whom seven are living: Louisa, the wife of 
Adam Rutherford of Greenfield township ; Andrew, a resident of Lib- 
ert}^ townshiy ; the remaining five are at home. 

Rarick, John C, farmer, Walnut township. He was born in Thorn 
township, Perry county, Ohio, March i, 1836; only living son of Peter 
and L3^dia (Winer) Rarick. Peter Rarick was born in Pennsylvania, 
July nth, 1803. He came to Ohio with his parents the same vear. 
His father cleared a farm in Thorn township and spent his days there. 
His son, Peter, Jr., lived on the same place many years. He raised 
a family of three sons and two daughters, all residents of Perry county 
with but one exception, J. C, who resides in this county. He was a 
successful farmer and stock raiser. He died August -9th, 1880. J. C. 
Rarick was educated in the commoii schools and chose farming for an 
occupation. He was married December i, 1859, ^^ Melissa, daughter 
of John Cupp, an early resident of Thorn township. She was born in 
Thorn township, Perry county, May 12th, 1S42. Mr. Rarick remained 
a resident of Thorn township some three years. In 1862 he removed 
to Walnut township, locating on the site of his present home — a part of 
his father's estate, which he purchased from the heirs. He owns one 
hundred acres. In 1870 the present residence was built, and in 1874 ^ 
fine barn was erected. They are the parents of four children — Ida 
Jane, born December loth, i860, now the wife of Lewis Radebaugh, a 
resident of Walnut townsnip ; Lydia Emma, born July 19th, 1865; 
Clarence and Clara \\ ere born. January 19th, 1867. The family are 
members of the Evangelical Association, and he of the I. O. O. F. 

Reed, Mrs. Rebecca, Lancaster. She was born in Hagerstown, 
Maryland, January 30th, 1812. Her parents, Henr}^ and Mary (Bow- 
man) Arnold, were earlyand prominent residents of Lancaster, arriv- 
ing there in 18 10. Henry Arnold visited Lancaster some years previ- 
ous, when he had purchased some real estate. He conducted a mer- 
cantile business on the southwest corner of Main and Columbus streets, 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 347 

which is still known as the -'Arnold Corner." He was an enterprising 
merchant and successful business man. He died September i8th, 1858. 
His family consisted of eight children — three are living, viz : Elizabeth, 
the widow of Dr. McNeal ; Rebecca ; and Mrs. Isabella Reinmund. 
Rebecca was married June 24th, 1833, to Thomas Reed, a native of 
Hanisburg, Penn., born in 1800. and a merchant by occupation. He 
came to Ohio in the early settlement of the State, tirst locating at 
Chillicothe, afterwards removing to Lancaster, where, at the time of 
his marriage, he was a member of the firm of Reed & Reese, an ex- 
tensive mercantile house. To Mr. and Mrs. Reed were born four chil- 
dren, viz. : Margaret, the wife of George W. Athey (she died in 1859, 
in her twenty-fourth year) ; Henry B., a book-keeper by profession 
(died February 2d, 1862) ; and the third died in infancy. The only 
survivor, Eloise S., resides with her mother, and is an accomplished 
and efficient teacher in one of the grammar schools of this city. Mr. 
Reed was a member of the Masonic order, and at the time of his death, 
September 29th, i860, he was engaged in the mercantile trade. 

Reese, Hon. Robert E., lawyer, Lancaster. He was born in 
Rush Creek township, June 14, 1847 ; the youngest son of Thomas and 
Eliza (Trimble) Reese. Thomas Reese was a native of Lancaster 
count}^, Pennsylvania, and came to Rush Creek township about 1828. 
He was a prominent man in his day, filling the position of Commis- 
sioner of Fairfield county for two or three terms. Robert E., after 
receiving an education in the common schools, followed farming for a 
time, when he entered the Fairfield Union Academ}^ at Pleasantville, 
graduating from there in 1868. Soon after he became a law student of 
the Universit}' of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, reading law for some time 
in the office of General Newton Schleick, at Lancaster. He was ad- 
mitted to the bar at Washington C. H., Fayette countv, Ohio, in May, 
187 1, commencing the practice of liis profession in Logan, Ohio. In 
the fall of 1873 he was elected to the Ohio State Senate, and re-elected 
in 1875. ^t the expiration of his second term as Senator, he removed 
to Lancaster. Mr. Reese was married in 1876 to Miss Helen R. Gill. 
They are the parents of two daughters, Maud and Hazel. 

Reeves, John G., attorney-at-law, Lancaster, Ohio ; was born Sep- 
tember 17, 1840, near this place: son of Josiah and Martha (Gra3-bill) 
Reeves. Mr. Reeves was brought up on a tarm by his grandfather. 
Judge John Graybill, his father having died while John G. was quite 
young. He lived with his grandfather until 1861, attending school at 
home in the district school, at Lancaster, and the Ohio University at 
Athens, Ohio, until i860, when he commenced reading law with Martin 
& Schleich, of Lancaster, continuing until 1861, when he enlisted in 
the arm}' for three years, or during the war, in the Seventh O. V. C, 
First Battalion, which was consolidated with, and became the First 
Battalion of the Sixth O. V. C, and in 1862 were detached and became 
the First Independent Battalion O. V. C, and in 1863 was formed into 
the Eleventh O. V. C. Mr. Reeves enlisted as a private, and was 
appointed Orderly Sergeant of Company C, December 21, 1861, 
in which capacity he served about eleven months. September 21, 
1862, he was appointed as Second Lieutenant of the same company, 
and June 9, 1863, was promoted to First Lieutenant, and lipon the or- 



348 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

ganization of the Eleventh O. V. C. was appointed its Adjutant, and 
soon after was appointed Adjutant of Post of Fort Laramie, and soon 
after that he received the appointment of Provost Marshal of the Dis- 
trict of Fort Laramie. In the spring of 1864 he was appointed Assist- 
ant Inspector of the Western Division of the District of Nebraska, unon 
the staff' of General Robert Mitchell, who was in command of the Dis- 
trict of Nebraska. Mr. Reeves' jurisdiction extended from Julesburo-, 
Nebraska, to South Pass City, W3'oming Territor}-. He was also 
chosen as Captain of Company L, Eleventh Regiment, but was not 
mustered in on account of the close of the war, but served out his time 
as Inspector. Was honorably discharged in April of 1865, when he 
returned home. His regiment was engaged in guarding the overland 
mail and emigrant route from Julesburg, Nebraska, to South Pass, Wyo- 
ming Territory, and on the South Platte route from Julesburg to Fort 
liallack, and was engaged in several skirmishes with the Indians, the 
most prominent being that at Mud Springs, which lasted five days. 
After his return home, and in May of 1865, he was admitted by the 
Supreme Court of Ohio to the practice of law, and immediately began 
a practice in this place, which he still continues. In 1880 at "Cincin- 
nati he was admitted to the practice of law in the United States Courts. 
In 1867 he was elected City Solicitor of this place, which he held two 
successive terms of two years each. In 1871 he was elected Prosecut- 
ing Attorney of Fairfield count}^ Ohio, which office he held three 
successive terms of two years each. He is now Grand Commander of 
Ohio of American Legion of Honor, and has filled the office of Grand 
Vice Regent of Royal Arcanum. Mr. Reeves was married January 
29, 1866, to Lizzie R., daughter of Samuel Hooker, Sr., and Sarah 
(Shull) Hooker, of Hooker's Station, near this place. The}' are the 
parents of one child, viz. : Harry E. 

Reinmund, Mrs. Isabella C., Lancaster. She was born in Lan- 
caster, January 5, 1827, youngest daughter of Henry and Mary (Bow- 
man) Arnold. She was educated in Lancaster, and at the Episcopal 
Seminar}^ at Granville, Ohio. She was married to Benjamin F. 
Reinmund, who was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, 
September 29, 1820. Early in life he commenced mercantile pur- 
suits in his father's (Joseph Reinmund's) store, in Lancaster. Joseph 
Reinmund was an early and successful merchant in Lancaster. Benja- 
min F. was also engaged with his father in the banking business, in 
connection with John D. Martin. Mr. Reinmund afterward conducted 
an insurance and real estate business, which he continued until his 
death. He was a member ot the English Lutlieran Churcli, and super- 
intended its Sunday school thirty years. At the time of his death he 
was President of the Lancaster Gas Company. To Mr. and Mrs. Rein- 
mund were born two sons and two daughters — Henry J., now a resident 
of Lancaster; Alida L., the wife of Thomas L. Dawson, of Lancas- 
ter; Mar}' E., wife of Samuel H. Tong. of Lancaster: and Bowman 
F., a member of the firm of Beery, Beck, Obaugh & Company. 

Reinmund, H. J., Lancaster. He was born in Lancaster, February 
22, 1843. In 1861 he was appointed Qiiartermaster Sergeant in the 
Sixty-first Regiment, O. V. I., serving through the war. In 1864 he 
was appointed freight and ticket agent" at Lancaster, Ohio, on the C. & 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 349 

M. V. R. R. In 1865 he engaged in the fire insurance business, and in 
1866 took charge of all agencies for the ^tna Fire Insurance Com- 
pany, of Hartford, Connecticut, in Southern Ohio. In 1867 he removed 
to Cincinnati, and was employed in the branch office of the ^tna Fire 
Insurance Company, as Superintendent of the Bureau of the Interior, 
under J. B. Bennett, manager. During his stay in Cincinnati he was 
married, Februar}' 8, 1870, to Emma Rammelsberg, daughter of Fred- 
erick Rammelsberg, of the large furniture company of Mitchell & 
Rammelsberg, of Cincinnati. In 1874 ^^^ ^'^''^^ obliged to resign his 
position with the insurance company, owing to the sickness and death 
of his father, B. F. Reinmund. He returned to Lancaster and suc- 
ceeded his father as President of the Lancaster Gaslight and Coke 
Company. He was President of the Fairfield County Bank three 
years. He is married, and the father of two sons and two daughters. 

Reinhold, Rev. C. M., minister. Liberty township. He was born 
in German}'. March 19, 1828 ; eldest son of C. H. and Christian Rein- 
hold. In 1833 his widowed mother and himself came to America, 
locating in Preble county, where C. M. attended the public schools, 
and assisted his mother on the farm. He taught school and fitted him- 
self tor the ministry, studying for seven \ears. Fie entered the Evan- 
gelical Association in the Ohio Conference. He began his labors in 
the ministry in W^-andotte county, where he preached twelve years. 
He has served as Presiding Elder of the Ohio Conference for twelve 
years. He is a member of the German Conference. He has supplied 
many of the churches in Central Ohio, preaching in German as well as 
English. He came to Basil as pastor of the Evangelical Association, 
where he has a large and flourishing congregation. He also preaches 
at Zion Church, Liberty township. He is held in high esteem by his 
congregation. He has heen twice married. In 1855 to Miss Esther 
Wagner. They were the parents of three children, one daughter still 
living, nov^r the wife of J. W. Merk, of Sycamore, Ohio. Mrs. Rein- 
bold died in i860. He was again married in 1868 to Miss Catharine 
Peters. The}- are the parents of one son, Franklin, now in his thir- 
teenth 3''ear. 

Rhodes, Dr. John H., ph3'sician, Lancaster. He was born in 
Frederick count}^, Maryland, October 3, 1823 ; the eldest son of Sam- 
uel and John Rhodes. Samuel Rhodes, a native of Maryland, was born 
March 3, 1792. He is a carpenter b}' trade. He first settled in this 
county in 1816, making the I'ourney from Maryland on horseback. Re- 
moving to Lancaster in 1832, he engaged in the carpenter trade, in 
which he still continues, although in his ninety-first year. He has re- 
sided in the same place, on Columbus street. Lancaster, forty-nine 3^ears. 
He was a soldier of the War of 181 2. He has been a member of the 
German Lutheran church fifty-six years. His only son, Dr. John H., 
during his 3-outh, worked at the carpenter trade, after he had completed 
his education in the common schools. When nineteen years of age, he 
entered the office of Dr. Waite. with whom he read medicine about 
three years. In 1845. he commenced the practice of medicine. He af- 
terward resumed the carpenter trade ; also learned the trade of machin- 
ist ; for many 3'ears he engaging in this. A portion of the time he was 
foreman of the Amey Machine Works of Lancaster. About 1870, he 



350 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

again took up the practice of medicine, which he still continues, having 
adopted the exanthematic method of cure, in which he is quite success- 
ful. In 1846, the doctor was married to Catharine, daughter of Joseph 
Graybill, a pioneer of Fairfield county. They are the parents of two 
daughters : Mary Elizabeth, and Susan Catharine. 

RiCKETTs, William M., sewing machine agent, Violet township; 
post office, Pickerington ; born April i, 1843. Married to Frances A. 
Curtis, January 8, 1868. Has a family of six children : Effie M., born 
October 5, 1868, and died March 27, 1872 ; Joseph C, born November 7, 
1870, and died five weeks after birth; Edward M., born December 27, 
1871 ; Charles C, born August 29, 1874; Mamie E., born March 6, 
1877 ; William M., born March 9, 18S0. Mr. Ricketts is a member of 
the Knights of Honor, and was for two 5^ears a guard at the Ohio Peni- 
tentiary. 

Ricketts, Alvin, teacher, Violet township ; post office, Pickering- 
ton ; born January 20, 1839 ' ''^'-'^^ °^ Chaney and Phoebe Ann Ricketts. 
He has taught since 1861 ; educated at Pleasantville, by Joseph Feman, 
and at Lancaster, by John Williams. His parents were married April 
19, 1S38. 

Ricketts, William S., farmer. Liberty township. He is the son 
of Jeremiah and Elizabeth Ricketts, and was born in Violet township, 
July 20, 181 7. Jeremiah Ricketts came from Pennsylvania with his 
father at an early date in the history of Fairfield county. The family 
brought their possessions on horseback, there being only Indian trails 
to follow. Reason Ricketts and his son, Jeremiah, began the work in- 
cident to the life of the pioneer ; but by industry, energy, and the clos- 
est economy, they managed to live, and began to see field after field 
cleared, each year adding a few more acres, until the forest gave away 
to cultivated fields. Reason Ricketts died in 1830 ; Jeremiah remained 
in Violet township, and cleared a farm now owned and occupied by his 
son. Reason, Jr. He reared a family of five sons, all of whom are liv- 
ing.- He lived to enjoy the results of his industry and toil of his early 
manhood, and owned at his death two hundred and fort}- acres of land. 
He had held the office of township trustee and treasurer. Mr. Ricketts 
died in 1867. William S. received a fair education, followed the busi- 
ness of farming, and remained at home until his marriage to Miss Eliza 
A. Herman, December 17, 1846. They are the parents of six children : 
James H., a resident of Mercer county, Ohio ; Emma, the wife of Dal- 
las Jellrees, also of Mercer county ; Olive L., the wife of John R. Klink, 
a resident of Licking county ; Allen B., is at home ; Ida M., the wife 
of William P. Klink, also of Licking county ; Mabel E., at home. Mr. 
Ricketts removed from Violet to Liberty township in 1863. He owns 
one hundi-ed and ten acres in Violet township, and one hundred ninety- 
four acres in Liberty township. He is a prosperous farmer and an 
esteemed citizen. 

Riffle, G. J., marble cutter, Lancaster, Ohio. Was born April i, 
1854, ^" tl''is city ; son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Fink) Riffle. He was 
raised in his native town, and attended school here and in Greenfield 
township. At the age of eighteen years he became an apprentice to 
the marble cutters' trade, with S. A. Pool & Co., of Lancaster, Ohio. 
After learning his trade, he went to Somerset, Perry county, Ohio, and 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 35 1 

engaged at his trade, opening a shop for himself. At this place he only 
remained one year, when he returned to his native place, and bought 
out Pool & Co., opening in business, which he continued until the fall 
of 1881, when he sold to Pool, one of the former owners of the works, 
and is now engaged in managing the works for Pool, and is a designer 
of monuments, making most all the designs used in that shop. Mr. 
Riffle was married November 15, 1881, to Miss Nettie, daughter of 
William H. and Jane (Coons) Shutt. Mr. Riffle's father was born in 
Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in an early 
day with his father, who settled near Somerset, Perry county, Ohio. 
After becoming a man, he returned to the East, learned the cabinet 
trade and then came to Lancaster, where he opened in that business, 
and remained until about the time of the late civil war, when he bought 
a farm near this place, and has since given his attention to fruit 
culture. 

RiGBY, William, deceased, Lancaster. He was born in Calvert 
county, Maryland, in 1752. He enlisted in the Revolutionary War, at 
the commencement, and served until its close, participating in Brand}'- 
wine and other important engagements. Mr. Rigby ranked as captain 
in the commissar}' department. He also served with General Sullivan 
in his expedition against the Indians. He always regretted the suffer- 
ing entailed on the Indians by that expedition. Their homes were de- 
stro3-ed, and they were obliged to fly for their lives, without food or 
shelter ; man}^ lives were lost and much suffering endured. At the close 
of the war he removed his wife and seven children from Maryland to 
Berkley county, Virginia, where the}^ resided until 1804, when they 
came to Ohio. He settled in Pleasant township, where he resided until 
his death. He was married twice, and raised a family of ten children, 
who are residing in various States. 

RippEY, William, deceased, Lancaster; was born in Cumberland 
county, Pennsylvania, Feb. 29 18^4. While a young man he removed 
to Pittsburgh, where he engaged in business ; soon after moving to 
Zanesville, Ohio, about 1840, at about the time the canal was being con- 
structed. He located at Logan, Hocking county, where he conducted 
a successful dr^r goods business a number of years. While residing 
there he was interested in the steam flouring mills. He was also an ex- 
tensive shipper and bu3'er of grain. He became a resident of Lancas- 
ter in 1865. Mr. Rippey v/as married three times ; one daughter M^as 
born to the first marriage, Emma C, wife of J. L. Collins, of Logan, 
Ohio. After the death of Mrs. Rippey, he was married again to Mary 
C. Bliss, who, after a married life of several years, died leaving several 
children — two now living. Colonel Charles H. Rippe}-, of the Bar of 
Columbus, and Ruth, the wife of C. M. Gould, of Logan, Ohio. Octo- 
ber 14, 1849, Mr. Rippey was married the third time, to Miss Matilda 
Curtis, who was born in Frederick county, Maryland, in 1828. They 
are the parents of six children, Carrie S., the wife of George Hooker, 
a resident of this county ; Willemetta, now the wife of William E. Greir, 
of this county ; Matilda C, now Mrs. Samuel Beck, of Lancaster : Ida 
and Kittie, still under the parental roof; Florence M., died in 1878, in 
the eleventh year of her age. Mr. Rippey was a successful business 
man. He was respected and loved by all who knew him. He was a 



352 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



member of the Methodist Episcopal Church ; also, the I. O. O. F., for 
many 3^ears. He died August i6, 1882. 

Rolls, Eli, grain and coal merchant, post office, Pleasantville ; was 
born in this county in 1827 ; engaged in business for himself about the 
3'ear 1869 ; was engaged in the dr}^ goods trade previous to going into 
his present business. He is a son of William and Matilda (Stuart) 
Rolls. He was married in 1872, to Miss Anna M. Kraner, daughter of 
Emanuel and Ellenor M. Kraner. They have one child, Etta E. 

Root, Ephraiim, carpenter, North Berne, Ohio ; was born in 1827 
in Fairfield county, Ohio; son of John and Magdalene (Richers) Root. 
His paternal ancestors are of the old English stock, and his maternal, 
German. His motiier was born in Virginia, and came to this county 
about sevent3'-six years ago. Mr. Root, the subject of this sketch, was 
married in 185 1, to Amanda, daughter of Philip and Sarah (vSmith) 
Siefert, who was born in 183 1 in York county, PennsNdvania. At the 
age of five years he came with his parents to near Somerset, Perry 
county, Ohio, where they remained two 3'ears, then moved to Rush 
Creek townshij), Fairfield county, Ohio, remaining there until about six 
years ago, and then came to this township where they have resided 
ever since. They are the parents of six children, all of whom are liv- 
ing, viz. : Lovina, Sarah, Clara, George, Emma and Mary. The two 
last are twins. Three of their children are married, viz. : Lovina, 
Sarah and Clara, two of whom live in this count3^ and the other in 
Roseville, Perry count3^ Mr. Root learned the carpenter trade at the 
age of twenty-one, and has followed it until the present time. 

RoBETS, LuzERE, druggist, Stoutsville ; born Ju]3' 19, 1840, in Del- 
aware county ; removed to Illinois in 1857 ; served four 3'ears in the 
Twentieth O. V. I. ; removed to Kansas in 1858 ; was married March 
21, 1870, to Miss Lucinda Francis. He returned to Ohio in 1874, '^"^ 
settled in Delaware count3% thence to Tarlton, Pickawa3^ county-, in 
1876, and to Stoutsville in Februar3^ 1879. ^^ ^^ ^^^^ father of four 
children, viz. : May, born Ma3^ 30, 1874 ? C3mthia,born Ma3' 16, 1876 ; 
Nellie, born June 16, 1877; John M., born August 3. 1881. The sub- 
ject of this .sketch is a druggist in the village ot Stoutsville, where he 
is engaged as a dealer in drugs and medicines ; also, a choice selec- 
tion of toilet soaps, perfumery, trusses, shoulder braces, sponges, etc., 
and all kinds of druggists' sundries usuall3' kept in a first-class drug 
store. 

Roshon, Samuel, farmer. Liberty township, post office, Baltimore ; 
was born in Montgomery count3^, Penns3dvania ; son of Jacob and Mar3' 
(Barefoot) Roshon; was married to Elizabeth Hensel. April 10, 1841, 
b3^ whom he has eight children: Martin J., born Januar3' 18, 1842; 
Israel, born November 12, 1843, who died in 1867; Fran3'. born Sep- 
tember 12, 1845 ; Samuel, born Mav 13, 1848, who died April 3, 1857 ; 
Mary A., born Ma3^ 26, 1850; Saloma C, born April 9, 1852; Peter 
E., born September 12, 1854; Sarah E., born November 5, 1S57, who 
died Januar3' 8, 1882. Mrs. Roshon died March 17, 1863. He was 
married to Julia A. (Alspach) Smurr, April 6, 1865, b3' whom he had 
eight children; Elizabeth F., born Jul3^ 12, 1S66, and who died Janu- 
ary 26, 1882 ; Justus T., born February 11, 1868; Peny F., born Sep- 
tember 13, 1869; Dora v., born September 8, 1871 ; Archie A., born 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNt\% 353 

February 19, 1874; Lydia M., born March 20, 1876; Carrie G., born 
April 10, 1878; Harvey O., born March 18, 1881 

Rudolph, Christian, retired ; was born in Berks county, Pennsyl- 
vania, November 2. 1800. His educational advantages v^^ere limited, 
being thrown upon his own resources at an early age. In his twelfth 
3^ear he began work in a tannery. He came with his parents to Fair- 
iield county, the family locating two miles east of Lancaster. Soon 
after, Christian entered the employ of a U. S. Mail Contractor, whose 
route extended from Pittsburgh to Ma3^sville, Kentucky. Mr. Rudolph 
continued in this for six 3^ears, his route being from Lancaster to Wheel- 
ing, West Virginia, making the journey on horseback. For his ser- 
vices he received tifteen dollars per month. After this he engaged quite 
extensively in staging and running private conveyances, also, conduct- 
ing a livery stable. He was one of the first to run a private coach from 
Lancaster to Cincinnati, and carrying the mail and passengers from the 
depot since the construction of the railroad, until 1865. He has resided 
at the family home since 1835, ^^^d is a substantial citizen and a vigorous 
and genial gentleman. He married Miss Corlinda See. They are the 
parents of two sons : George, now a resident of Kansas, and John, a 
former business man of Lancaster, who died in 1867. In 1839, ^^'• 
Rudolph was married to Mrs. Rachel Busby, daughter of Philip Fet- 
ters. Mrs. Rudolph was born in Fairfield county. May 16, 1809. To 
this last union tour daughters have been born, three of whom are living 
— lea Marian, living with her parents: Rachel, the wife of Jacob W. 
Demuth, of Lancaster, and Margaret Ellen, wife of Charles F. Stuart, 
of Fairfield county. 

RuTTER, W. S. M. D., of Clearport, was born in Pleasant town- 
ship, November 22, 1822 ; read medicine under Doctor Kinsman, then 
of Lancaster, now of Columbus, and took the degree of M. D. from 
the Columbus Medical College, in the spring of 1873. After gradua- 
tion Doctor Rutter went West, where he practiced his profession one 
year, in Seneca, LaSalle county, and was a while just west of Chicago, 
but in 1876 removed to Clearport, where he has since enjoyed a large 
practice in the pursuit of his profession. His grandfather, Baltzer 
Rutter, came from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and settled in 
Fairfield count}' in an earl}- day. His son, U. C. Rutter, father of 
Doctor Rutter, was born and raised in Pleasant township, taught school 
eighteen years in Lancaster, and in his own township ; was count}'- 
examiner of schools many years ; was a member of the State Legisla- 
ture in 1862 and re-elected in 1864, and is the author of the " Key to 
Interest," a book published by Applegate & Company, of Cincinnati, 
which has a large sale. His first wife was Miss Maggie Bowes, now 
dead. She was of LaSalle county, Illinois, and died there. His second 
wife was Miss Emma F. Rockey, daughter of Jacob Rockey, of 
Amanda. He is the father of one child, Arthur Rutter. 

Saunders, Benjamin H., machinist, Lancaster. He was born in 
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, November 8, 1843 ; the son of David I. and 
Sarah (Langston) Saunders. While young the parents of Benjamin 
H. died, and he was taken into the family of his uncle, Francis J. 
Langston, there his youth was spent. He was educated in the public 
45 



354 lilOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

schools of Alexaticiria, Virginia. In 1858 he came with his uncle's 
family to Zanesville, where he learned the trade of machinist. In 1861 
he enlisted in Company C, Seventy-eighth O. V. I. He participated 
with his regiment in all its engagements, including Fort Donaldson, 
Shiloh, Cornith and the capture ot Jackson, Tennessee ; also the siege 
of Vicksburg, the Atlantic campaign, and with Sherman in his march 
to the sea. Mr. Saunders served as color bearer during many of the 
engagements. He served in the war until its close, and took part in 
the grand review at Washington. He was mustered out with his regi- 
ment at Louisville, Kentucky, July 15, 1865. He returned to Lancas- 
ter and worked at his trade, where he was employed by the Cincinnati 
and Muskingum Valle}' Railroad. He was married to Miss Clara Jane, 
daughter of William Jeffries, a well-known citizen of Lancaster. They 
are the parents of tour children, Charles, George, Benjamin, Jr., and 
Mary. The family are members of the Baptist church. He is a mem- 
ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of 
Phythias. 

Sandoe, Rev. H. IL, pastor of the Reformed church at Baltimore, 
Ohio; was born in Schuylkill county, Pennsvlvrnia, December 27, 
1841 ; son of Rev. W. B. and Nancy (Allvord) Sandoe, the former of 
whom has been a minister of of the Reformed church since 185 1, and 
is still officiating as such in one of his former fields of labor, in Schuyl- 
kill county, Pennsylvania. He was, during man}- years past, been 
stationed at various points in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. Rev. H. 
H. Sandoe was a pupil of the common schools until reaching the age of 
sixteen, when, for some three years, he was engaged at farming and 
clerking in Elkhart county, Indiana, and at Sidney, Shelby county, 
Ohio, until August, 1861, when he enlisted in Compau}^ B, Twentieth 
O. V. I., and with that regiment participated in some thirty-nine en- 
gagements, from Fort Donaldson to the surrender of J. E. Johnston to 
General Sherman, near Raleigh, North Carolina, making the march to 
the sea, taking part in the grand review at Washington, and after four 
3^ear's faithful service to his countr}^, was mustered out at Camp Chase 
in Jul}^ 1865. In September of the following ^^ear Mr. Sandoe entered 
Heidelberg College, at Tiffin, O., remaining there four years, and in 
February, 1S70, he was ordained to the ministr}^ "by a committee of 
Tiffin classics." His first field was at Liberty Centre, Henr}' county, 
Ohio, remaining there one year; and for a term of two years in Pu- 
laski county, Indiana, following which he was stationed for the same 
length of time in Christian connty, Illinois : also in Ashland county, 
Ohio, for three and a half years, previous to coming to Baltimore, 
Fairfield county^ in October, 1878, where his charge consists of four 
different congregations, which, during the pastorate of Mr. Sandoe, 
has been both spiritually and financially successful. Rev. Sandoe was 
married June 18, 1868, to Miss EHza M. Barton, of Monroe, Michigan. 
Their union is blessed by one daughter and one son — L3^dorah O., 
born in Tiffin, Ohio, October 6, 1868, now a pupil at Pleasantville Col- 
legiate Institute ; and DeeNevin, born in Baltimore, O., March 16, 1882. 

ScHLEiCH, Daniel J., is of German descent, andis the second son of 
John Darst and Mary (Halderman) Schleich. The father was born in 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 355 

Frederick, Maryland, December 31, 1799. The mother was a native of 
Pennsylvania. They had twelve children, named as follows, eight of 
whom^are now living': Newton, Eliza Elizabeth, Margaret Nina, David 
J., Henrietta, Sarah, Ritchie (deceased), Rebecca, John Darst, Anna 
(deceased) and David — one died in infancy. John Darst Schleich came 
to Fairfield county about the year 18 17. "^He first learned the trade of 
house carpenter and cabinet making, carrying on business in Lancaster, 
Ohio. Many of the principal bviildings in this city was erected by him. 
He afterwards purchased a farm in Amanda township, then another in 
Ross countv, upon which he lived for a short time, when he removed 
(1840) to the homestead in Hocking township, near Lancaster, where 
he died on the loth of June, 1880. His wife died at the homestead on 
the 4th of February, 1848. Daniel J. was born in Fairfield county, 
Ohio, on the 19th of January, 1834; ^^as educated at the district and 
select schools of the county ; and was brought up on the farm. _ In the 
fall of 1 861 he received an appointment by Governor Dennison of 
Second Lieutenant in the Sixty-first O. V. L He assisted in organizing 
a companv and was promoted to First Lieutenant, and then to Captain. 
He was at the battles of Cedar Mountain and Second Bull Run, and all 
the various battles that occurred in the Shenandoah Valley between the 
first named engagements. In October, 1862, he retired from the service 
on account of Hlness. On the 22d of October, 1863, he was married to 
Sarah Jane, daughter of Peter Hay, Esq., of Amanda township. In 
the spring of 1864 he engaged with the Adams Express Company as 
messenger on the Illinois'Central Railroad, from Odin to Cairo. About 
1865 he purchased a farm near the old homestead in Fairfield county, 
where he followed farming and stock raising up to the spring of 1881, 
when he sold his farm, and is now residing in the village of Amanda. 
They have five children — four boys and one girl — namely : Thomas 
Frederick, Edward Hay, Augustus Tajlor, Ellen, and Walter. In 
politics Mr. Schleich is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of 
the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Schleich was several years Township 
Treasurer, a member of the School Board, and has held several minor 
offices in his township. He is one of the solid representative men^of 
Fairfield county. 

Schleicher, Louis, baker, Lancaster. He was born in Waldeck, 
Germany, June 15th, 1818, and educated in the public schools until six- 
teen years old, when he began an apprenticeship at the baker's trade, at 
which he worked four years. He was then conscripted and served 
four years in the army. In 1840 he worked as a journeyman in various 
cities' until coming to^\merica in 1847. He came to Lancaster, where 
he was engaged as a baker two years, and then purchased his partner's 
interest in the business, and has since conducted it successfully. In 

1850 Mr. Schleicher was married to Miss Christina , in Baden, 

Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Schleicher are the parents of eight chil- 
dren, of whom four are now living, viz. : William C, a well known 
business man of Lancaster ; Tena E., Edward P., and Rose CaroHne, 
are at home ; Edward assists his father, who deals largely in real estate. 
Mr. Schleicher and family are members of the German Lutheran 
Church. 



356 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



Scott, Dr. Hervey, was born at Oldtown, Greene county, Ohio. 
January 30, 1809. Until the close of his seventeenth year he worked 
on the farm with his father, enduring the hardships, privations and 
struggles of purely frontier life. His early education, such as it was, 
was received in the little rough log school-houses of the pioneer age, by 
the light of oiled paper windows. In February, 1826, he went to live 
in the Mitton family, in South Charleston, Clark county, Ohio, to go 
to school and learn the trade of manufacturing spinning wheels. In 
1833 he commenced the study of the medical profession, and in 1836 
went into the practice. Two years later he changed his profession to 
that of dentistry, and in April, 1839, located in Lancaster, where he 
has continued to reside to the present time. On the 7th of November, 
1830, he was first married to Lydia Ann Milton, of South Charleston, 




who died childless on the 12th day of June, 1841. On the loth day of 
April, 1842, he was a second time married to Priscilla Ann Crook, of 
Lancaster, who was the mother of his children. Her death occurred 
on the 14th da}^ of July, 1873. In May, 1875, he was married to his 
third wife, Sophia Stebbin, of Chicopee, Massachusetts, who deceased 
October 10. 1852. His family consisted of six children, viz. : Hervey, 
Mary Elizabeth, Sarah M., John Clark, Charles Robert, and William 
Derbin. Mary Elizabeth and Charles Robert died respectively at the 
ages of two years and at eight months. Hervey died at Chillicothe, No- 
vember 29, 1873, at the age of thirty years and seven months. He 
left a widow (Mrs. Emma Scott) and one son (Hervey Howe), now 
residents of Lancaster. vSarah M. married Charles Hutchison, and is 
at present residing in Toledo, Ohio. She is the mother of two chil- 
dren — Mary Hamilton and Helen. Helen died at the age of a little 
over one month, in December, 1881. J. Clark married IdaO'Harra, of 
Columbus, in 1874. They have had three sons — George, Walter, and 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 357 

Starling. George died in September, 1882, at the age of over seven 
years. J. Clark resides in Lancaster, and is by profession a dentist. 
The ancestors of Dr. Scott first came to America in the early part 
of the eighteenth centurv. On the father's side they were Irish ; on 
the mother's Scotch. The Scotts settled first in North Carolina, and 
there his fatlier was born. The McFarlands, which was the name on 
the mother's side, settled in Rockbridge county, Virginia, and there 
his mother was born. During the troviblous times of the Revolution 
between Whig and Tory, the grandfather, being a Whig, sought safet}^ 
b}^ removing his familv to Rockbridge county, Virginia. Near the 
close of the centur}^ both families, with others, removed to and settled 
in Kentuck}', first at the Crab Orchard and afterwards on Indian Creek, 
near Cynthiana, in Harrison county. The place on which the Scott 
family settled, on Indian Creek, is known to this day as "Scott Station," 
on account of a garrison of soldiers having been stationed there to 
protect the frontiers during the Indian troubles. There the doctor's 
parents were married in 1800, and in 1808 emigrated to Ohio and set- 
tled at Oldtown, near Xenia. The Scott family consisted of eleven 
children, of whom the doctor is the fourth, viz. : Rachel, Margaret, 
William, Hervey, Milton, Washington, Cynthia (the two latter were 
twins), Clark, Emily, Benjamin, and Joseph. Washington, Clark, 
Emily, and Benjamin, died in childhood ; Joseph died at the age of 
eighteen vears ; Margaret, the second in age, died at the age of about 
sixty vears; and Rachel, the first born, died in infancy; four are liv- 
ing — William and Milton, in Madison count}^ Ohio ; Cynthia, in Thorn- 
town, Ind. ; and Hervey, in Lancaster. The name of the grandfather 
Scott was Ahram, and that of grandfather McFarland was William. 
All four of the grand parents died respectively between 181 2 and 1820, 
at their homes on Indian Creek. Moses was father of the doctor and 
Lettie his mother. The mother died in August, 1842, aged sixty-two 
years ; the father died in October, 1865, at the age of ninet3^-two years. 

Seipkl, Rudolph, deceased, was born December 3, 1832, in Wasser- 
las, Bavaria. Came to America in the spring of 1852, settling in Hock- 
ing county, Ohio, about nine miles below Logan. In the fall of 1852, he 
came to Lancaster. Ohio, and engaged as a clerk with firm of Rising 
& L3'ons, afterwards the firm changed to P. Rising, and again to Kutz, 
Reber & Co., with whom he continued until 1863. He went south and was 
engaged in the sutler department of the army nine months, after which 
he engaged in the furniture business in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1866 
he returned 'to Lancaster, Ohio, formed a partnership and entered the 
clothing business under the firm name of Rising, Miller & Seipel, Feb- 
ruary I, 1879, ^^^ above firm dissolved partnership and Mr. Seipel 
opened in the same business himself, which he continued up to the time 
of his death, June 22, 1880. Mr. Seipel was married July 9, 1857, and 
became the father of eight children. 

Shaeffer, Isaac, of Madison township, came to the county in the 
spring of 1798. from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and built the first 
mill in Madison township, in 1804, afterwards known as the Defam- 
baugh mill. He first built a log house at that place, then built where S. 
V. Wolf lives now, building the saw mill.in 1814, and the grist mill in 1830. 
He married Miss Julia Reams, daughter of Abram Reams, and his oldest 



358 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

daughter, Miss Delilah Shaeffer, born in January, between the first and 
fifteenth, 1800, he thinks he was the first white child born in the county. 
His other children were Judith, Rachael. Joab and Isaac Shaeffer. 
Joab Shaeffer, his son, owned the Wolf mill in fee simple, for a time, 
but dying in 1846, the property reverted to Isaac, first then the heirs of 
Joab, who owns it now. Mr. Shaefier was a large land holder, and did 
much to improve the condition of the new settlement. Isaac Kerns, 
his grandson, was raised by him. His daughter, Delilah, married Jacob 
Kerns, father of Isaac. Judith married Christian Huber, and settled 
in Pleasant township. Joab married Nancy Clark, of Hocking county, 
and was tlie father of Julia Shaefier, the wife of S. V. Wolf. 

Shaeffer, Jacob, of Madison township, is a son of Abram Shaef- 
fer, the first settler of the township, and who came first, in 1798, with 
his brother, Isaac Shaefier, Abram Ream, Martin Sandes and one or 
two others. He returned east, after the first sta}^, a short time, then 
came back and settled where Mr. Kohler now^ lives, and in sight of 
where his son Jacob resides. Abram Shaeffer married Barbara Ream, 
sister to Julia, Isaac's wife, and their cabin was the simplest made in 
that day. Then bears, wolves and deer were plenty, but the family 
would sometimes be three or four weeks without any bread. The In- 
dians were sometimes quite intimate and on one occasion gave some 
trouble. Mr. Shaeffer went in search of his horse that was in the habit 
of running off", and after going a mile or so, found it in the possession of 
Indians who wanted five dollars before the}^ would consent to release 
the animal. Mr. Shaeffer had the mone}^ in his pocket but feared to 
show his pocket-book and went back under the pretense of getting the 
money at home, and when sufficient distance took out the money and 
put it in his shoe, leaving the V in the pocket-book. This, however, 
satisfied them and he got his horse. He made for himself moccasins for 
shoes and buck skin breeches. The children were Joel, born December 18, 
1800 ; Samuel, Ezra, Judida, Catharine, David, Abram, Isaac, Jacob, Ez- 
ra, again ; Salem, George and Ada. Jacob was born April 13, 181 4 ; re- 
ceived his education in the old Shaeffer school house on his father's farm, 
and where he has toiled ever since. In 1834 ^^^ married a daughter of 
Frederick J. Martin, an old settler, who lived where John F. Martin 
lives now. He is the father of Judge Sylvanus Shaeffer, Mrs. Amanda 
Hilliard, James and Samuel Shaeffer. He was elected land appraiser 
in 1862, and in 1880, and is well and favorably known over the county. 

Shaeffer, Jacob G., of Madison township, was born September 
28, 1794? in York county, Penns3'lvania. His father, Samuel Shaeffer, 
came, in the year 1802, and settled on land now owned by Israel Shaef- 
fer. His wife, Elizabeth Gilbert, died when Jacob was but five years 
old. The children were Elizabeth, John, Andrew, Samuel G. and 
George, who died when young. Mr. Shaeffer was married the second 
time when about eighty years old, but left no issue by this marriage. 
When they first built a cabin they had no floor to it, nor was it daub- 
bed, and in this they lived for a time. Some three years after they 
came, the first still house in the township was built on this farm, and 
manufactured the best of whisky. These were the days of corn husk- 
ing, grubbing, rolling logs, etc. Jacob G. Shaeffer sometimes worked 
out, receiving for his compensation the magnificent sum of three dollars 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 359 

a month. Went to Baltimore when j^oung with a drove of hogs, and 
had not his girl been left behind, would have staid in Pennsylvania ; but 
returned to get her in due time, and when not quite twenty years of age 
married, and she not sixteen. It was a love affair begun August 30, 
sixty-eight years ago, and not yet consumated. After the nuptial feast 
of this 3'oung couple, the}' walked into their new home the next day, 
where they have resided since. Mrs. Shaeffer is now eighty-four years 
old, is in a helpless condition, and has lost her eye sight. Mr. Shaeffer 
is in his eighty-eighth year of his age and does still drive a span of 
fractious horses. The couple have pulled well together all through life, 
are now in possession of considerable landed estates, and are at luxu- 
rious ease in their old age. Doctor Shaeffer, of Circleville, Ohio, is 
their son. 

Shaeffer, Charles F., Lancaster; born in Lancaster, Ohio, Janu- 
ary 2, 1820; son of Frederick A. and Marj^ (Boos) Shaeffer. Frederick 
Shaeffer was a native of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, and was born 
in 1792. He came to Lancaster in 1812, a tailor by trade. He followed 
tha-t business above the store room of Christian King, for many years. 
He married in 1817, and raised a numerous family. Five are living, 
four sons and one daughter. At an early day he engaged in the hotel 
business, which he continued until 1858, when he returned to his farm 
in Hocking township, and there resided until his death in January, 
1879. Charles F., the oldest living son, when about seventeen years 
old, entered the Miami University, at Oxford, Ohio, where he com- 
pleted his education, and for two years following he read law in the 
office of Hocking H. Hunter, and was immediately admitted to the bar 
at Lebanon, Ohio. He began active practice, and continued until 1861, 
when he was appointed United States Assessor, a position that he tilled 
for six 3'ears. Since he has led rather a retired life. Mr. Shaeffer was 
married June 18, 1846, to Rebecca S., daughter of Rev. Samuel Car- 
penter, who was one of the pioneer preachers of the Hocking Valle}'. 
Mrs. Shaeffer was born in Lancaster, July 22, 1823. There were six 
children born to this marriage, three sons and three daughters. Mary 
S., the wife of Peter H. Ward, an attorney of Kentland, Indiana; 
Samuel C, an engineer by profession; Florence M., Frederick W., 
Charles A. and Laura Belle. Mrs. Shaeffer died in December, 1876. 

Shaeffer, S. Theodore, Probate Judge, Lancaster, Ohio ; was 
born August 9, 1842, in Madison township, Fairfield county, Ohio ; son 
of Jacob and Elizabeth (Martens) Shaeffer. Mr. Shaeffer was brought 
up on a farm, and followed that business until he was nineteen years 
of age, when he began teaching school in the winter season, and con- 
tinued farming in the summer season, until October, 1878, at which 
time he was elected to his present office, and in 1881 was re-elected. 
All his teaching was done in Fairfield county. At the age of twenty-six 
years he was elected Justice of the Peace for Clearcreek township, 
which office he held continuously for ten years, and resigned for tiie 
purpose of accepting his present office. At the earnest solicitation of 
his friends he consented to accept the nomination tor Probate Judge, 
and was first nominated for Justice of the Peace in his absence, both 
the offices being wholly unsought for upon his part. The Judge was 
married the first time March 6, 1866, to Louisa C., daughter of Samuel 



360 ' BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

and Catharine (Hammel) Barr, of Clearcreek township, this county. 
The}' became the parents of two children, viz. : EHzabeth C. and Laura 
A. Mrs. Shaeffer died April 10, 1874, ^^ged twenty-nine years and two 
months. He was married a second time September 12, 1878, to Nannie 
A., daughter ot Samuel and Catharine (Hammel) Barr, of Clearcreek 
township, this county. They are the parents of two children, viz. : 
Mary M. and Lola S. 

Shaw, Virgil E., deceased. He was born in Pleasant township, 
August 5, 182 1. He received his education in the common schools and 
in Greentield Academy, which he attended six months, taught by Prof. 
Williams. Mr. Shaw was a close student, and after leaving school 
studied law in the office of Hocking H. Hunter and John Garaghty, and 
was admitted to practice after completing his studies. He served as 
Prosecuting Attorney four years, and Probate Judge three years. After 
the death of Colonel McVay he was elected Justice to fill his unexpired 
term, and re-elected for nine years. At the expiration of that time he 
returned to the practice of law. Mr. Shaw was a member of Lancaster 
Masonic Lodge, No. 57, of which lodge he was Master ten years. He 
was also a member of the Lancaster Commander}^ of which he was 
Commander two 3^ears. He was a son of the Hon. Salmon Shaw, de- 
ceased, who was a member of the House of Representatives from Fair- 
field county for several years. He was married to Miss Martha R. Pin- 
ney, of Lithopolis, in 1849, ^7 ^^^^ Rev. M. Z. Kreider, who was at the 
time acting Grand Master of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Ohio. At the 
time of his death he was a prominent member of the Masonic Lodge 
of Lancaster, having held the highest offices in that order, at one 
time acting as Deputy Lecturer of the State. He was made a Master 
Mason March 28, 1843, and was always an active and prominent 
member of the Lodge. He served as Master of the Lodge from 185 1 to 
1853, inclusive, and from 1857 to i860, inclusive, and for the years 
1873 and 1876. He was created a Knight Templar Ma}^ 4, 1843, and 
received the Council degrees the following year. He served as Pre- 
late in the Commandery during the years 1855-6-7-8-9, and i860, and 
1872, and was Eminent Commanderin 1873,1876 and 1877. He-entered 
the law office of Hocking H. Hunter and John Garaghty as a student 
in his twent^^-fitth year, and has been practicing law as a member of 
the Lancaster bar continuously, save the eight 3^ears he filled the offices 
of Prosecuting Attorney and" Probate Judge of Fairfield county, to 
which offices he was elected in 185 1 and 1854 I'espectively. In early 
life Judge Shaw espoused the cause of religion, and ever afterward was 
a consistent, faithful Christian and church member. About a vear be- 
fore his death he united with the Presbyterian Church of this cit}' . The 
obsequies were celebrated at the Presbyterian Chnrch, with both relig- 
ious and Masonic rites. Rev. J. R. Boyd, pastor, delivered an impres- 
sive discourse, and the Masonic burial service was read by Rev. J. N. 
Rippey, rector of St. John's Episcopal Church, with responses bv the 
fraternity, a large number of whom were in attendance, together with 
a numerous assemblage of citizens. 

Sherman, Judge Charles R., was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, in 
1788. He was a graduate of Dartmouth College ; read law in Norwich, 
where he was admitted to the bar, and married to Mary Hoyt before 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 36 1 

coming to Ohio on horseback in 1810. Returning to Connecticut in the 
tall of 1811, for his wife and one son, (the late Judge Charles T. Sher- 
man, of Cleveland), he settled at Lancaster, where he reached distinc- 
tion as a lawyer, having a practice that extended from the Ohio river to 
Detroit. He was for some years associated with Hon. Lewis Cass in 
the practice of their profession. He held many positions of honor and 
trust, including that of Judge of the Supreme Court of the State of 
Ohio, to which important office he was elected in 1823, filling the. same 
with dignity and ability until his death, an event which took place 
June 24, 1829, in the forty-first year of his age. His widow survived 
him many years. She died in 1852. Judge Sherman, at the time of 
his death, left a family of eleven children, of whom six are now living. 
Their oldest is M. Elizabeth, now Mrs. William Reese, of Lancaster. 
General W. T. Sherman is the next oldest living. The next younger 
is the Hon. John Sherman. Lampson and Hoyt Sherman are prosper- 
ous bankers of Des Moines, Iowa ; and the youngest, Frances Beecher 
Sherman, is the wife of Colonel Charles Moulton, of Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Showalter, D. H., farmer. Walnut township. He was born in 
Augusta county, Virginia, September 8, 1847 ; son of David and Maria 
(Eversole) Showalter. With his parents he removed to Rockingham 
county, Virginia, in 1850, w^here he was educated in the common schools. 
At the age of sixteen he entered Brooklyn Academy in Albemarl coun- 
ty, Virginia. He was there one year. He then attended Lockwillow 
Academv, in Augusta count}^, Virginia, where he completed his educa- 
tion. He was married August 13, 1869, to Clara J., daughter of Sam- 
uel G. and Matilda (McNaman) Bush. Mrs. Showalter was born Feb- 
ruary 6, 1852, in Walnut township. After marriage he resided in Vir- 
ginia for a year and a half. In 187 1, he came to Fairfield county, and 
settled on a part of the Bush homestead for two 3'ears. In 1873, he re- 
moved to the State of Missouri, where he engaged in stock raising. He 
returned to Ohio in 1878, and the same year built his present residence. 
He owns one hundred and fitly-eight acres of fine land. The}' are the 
parents of two daughters and one son : Clara Daisy, Harry Foy, and 
Maria Matilda. Mr. Showalter was elected township assessor in the 
spring of 1882. They are members of the Disciple Church. 

Shultz, William A., attorney at law, Lancaster. He is a native 
of this county, receiving his primary education in its common schools. 
He studied law with P. O. Van Trump, and was admitted to practice in 
December, 1862. He at once opened an office in Lancaster, and has 
since been continuously and actively engaged in his profession. The 
next 3'ear after his admittance, he was elected city solicitor, which office 
he filled until 1866, when he was elected prosecuting attorney. In 1868 
he was re-elected, filling the office ver}' acceptably to the people. Since 
then his business has occupied his entire attention. Mr. Shultz's father, 
Henr}^ was a cabinet maker in Lancaster, and was extensively and 
favorably known. He died at the age of thirty-seven years, when Wil- 
liam was about nine years old. By industry he obtained a good edu- 
cation in the city schools ; and before and after his majoritv he w'orked 
as a painter and as a clerk, by which means he supported himself. In 
1868, Mr. Shultz was married to Miss Ella Grove, who was born in 
Maryland. Mr. and Mrs. Shultz are the parents of three children: 

46 



362 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Linnie, bora in 1869; Frank, in 1872; and an infant, deceased. Mrs. 
Rosabella Shultz, Mr. Shultz's mother, is now living with him, at the 
age of more than three score vears. 

Shultz, George W., lumberman and sash and door manufactm-er, 
Lancaster. He is a well known business man of Lancaster, and was 
born in Fairiield count}', February 23, 1850. His parents, Jacob and 
Maria (Deeds) Shultz, were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respec- 
tively. The tbrmer, a native of Little York, Pennsylvania, was born 
in 1814, and came to Ohio in 1832 ; a miller by traded owning and con- 
ducting the Pleasant Run flouring mills, in Pleasant township, many 
years. His family consisted of two sons and three daughters. Mrs. 
Shultz and the younger members of the family reside on the home farm, 
where Mr. Jacob Shultz died in February, 1882. George W., after re- 
ceiving a good education, in his eighteenth year, commenced learning 
the carpenter and joiner trade, which, after acquiring, he followed as 
journeyman ; five or six 3'ears subsequently, he conducted business as 
builder and contractor on his own account. In the spring of 1879, ^^^ 
purchased the lumber 3^ard and planing mill formerly owned by Vory 
Brothers, which he has since conducted, engaging quite extensively in 
the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds, employing some ten or twelve 
hands constantly, and is doing a satisfactory and increasing business. 
Mr. Shultz was united in marriage, December 25, 1873, to Miss Susan 
Hood, daughter of John Hood, of Lancaster. Mr. and Mrs. Shultz 
are the parents of five children, but one now living: Welbert, born 
December 7, 1881. 

Shumaker, Hiram H., M. D., Sheriff^ Lancaster. He was born 
in this county, May 20, 1824. He was a student at Delaware College 
for a number of terms, and subsequently entered Starling Medical Col- 
lege, from which institution he graduated in 1849. ^^ ^^ once com- 
menced the practice of medicine, which he continued successfully about 
five years. Soon after he entered politics, filling the position of Justice 
of the Peace for twelve j^ears, in Berne township. He was also Deputy 
Sheriff three years, and elected Sherifl^ in 1880. Dr. Shumaker was 
married in 1849, ^o Catharine E., daughter of Thomas Jackson, an early 
settler of Berne township. They are the parents of seven children, 
four sons and three daughters. 

Sieber, Henry, Superintendent County Home ; post office, Lan- 
caster ; born in German}^ in 1826. After serving King William four 
years, Mr. Sieber came to America, and settled in Ohio in 1850. Mr. 
Sieber has held the office of Superintendent of County Infirmary to 
the entire satisfaction of the people over sixteen vears. He is a son of 
George and Elizabeth (Kivoner) Sieber. Married in 1852,10 Miss De- 
lilah Blester, daughter of John and Esther Blester. They have four 
children : Louisa, William, Ella, Sarah A. 

SiFFORD, Daniel, Jr., lumberman and contractor, Lancaster. The 
youngest and only Hving son of Daniel, Sr., and Effie (Sturgeon) Sifibrd. 
He was born in Lancaster, June 29, 1849, ^"^ ^'^^ the recipient of a 
liberal education, having been a student several terms at Gambler Col- 
lege, as well as one term at Eastman Commercial College, Poughkeep- 
sie. New York. He then assisted his father in the drug store some time. 
In 1870, he entered the employ of Black, Bornman& Co., bridge build- 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTS. 363 

ers, with whom he remained live ^^ears, during which time he acquired 
a full knowledge of the business. He purchased, in 1879, *^^ lumber 
yaj^d and building business of Simeon Denton, which he has since con- 
tinued, removing the same in 1880 to its present location on Mill street, 
where he is doing an extensive trade in lumber and building materials, 
and as a contractor. Within a recent period he has erected many fine 
buildings, including the Temple of Fashion for Messrs. Peters & Trout, 
employing continually from twenty-five to thirty hands. His business 
aggregated the past year $100,000. Mr. Sifford was married August 
7, 1874, to Miss Lydia D. Van Burton. To them were born two sons 
and two daughters: John, Daniel, Jr., Mary and Effie. 

Sites, J. S., attorney, Lancsater. He is a native of Fairfield 
county and is a son of Emanuel and Fanny Sites, of Pleasant town- 
ship. He attended the common schools in his youth and the Freeman 
Seminary, where he received his preparatory course. He then entered 
the Fairfield Union Academy, where he graduated, prepared for the 
junior collegiate class. He entered this class in the Delaware college, 
from which institution he graduated in 1882. He then began the read- 
ing of law. While thus engaged he w^as employed to superin- 
tend the Dresden public schools for the years 1872 and 1873. 
In 1875 1^^ '^'^s admitted to practice law in Lancaster, where 
he at once established an office, and where he has since been 
actively and successfully engaged in the practice of his profession. In 
1878, Mr. Sites was elected a member of the city council. In 1880, he 
was re-elected and chosen President of that body. Politically, he is a Re- 
publiean, and active in his fidelity to his party. Mr. Sites was married 
in 1875, to Miss Anna, daughter of David Pence, of Pleasant town- 
ship. They are the parents of two children, David E. and Jessie L. 

Slough, Tall, attorney, Lancaster ; was born in Fairfield county 
September 12, 1837, the only son of Frederick and Mary (Tallman) 
Slough. His grandfather, John Slough, a native of Germany, settled 
on a place in Bloom township. His youngest son, Frederick, the father 
of Tall Slough, was a cabinet maker and a resident of Canal Winches- 
ter, where he died in March, 1846. His family consisted of one son 
and one daughter, all of whom are living. Tall, after acquiring a com- 
mon school education, was a pupil at the High School at Lancaster for 
several terms. Subsequently he was emplo3"ed in the warehouse of his 
uncle at Canal Winchester, and also taught school for a brief period. 
He then read law in the office of Robert Clarjc, and was admitted to the 
bar in i860, at once commencing the practice of his profession. In 
1861, he was elected City Solicitor, and in 1862, was elected Prosecu- 
ting Attorney. He was re-elected to the same position in 1864. In 1867, 
he was elected Mayor of Lancaster, to which position he was called b}- 
the voice of the people four consecutive terms. Since retiring from 
office, in 1875, he has devoted his attention wholly to his extensive law 
practice. Mr. Slough, in 1865, married Miss Mary C. Fleming. Him- 
self and Mrs. Slough are consistent members ot the Roman Catholic 
Church. 

Smith, Benjamin, farmer. Liberty township ; was born January 5, 
1805, in Berks county, Pennsylvania; son of Henry and Susannah S. 
Smith. Benjamin received a fair education and learned the wagon 



364 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

maker's trade. He commenced business for himself at the a|:^e of 
twent3'-three years at his trade, continuing until 1837, when he came to 
Ohio, locating in Violet township, where he engaged in farming. In 
the spring of 1855 he removed to Liberty township, and purchased one 
hundred and ninety-six acres, formerly known as the Wagner farm. He 
owns in all three hundred and seventy acres in this township. Mr. 
Smith married Miss A. Billock. This union was blessed with thirteen 
children, nine of whom are living: Sarah, wife of Harrison Shaefter, of 
Liberty township : William, a resident of Indiana ; Mary Ann, wife of 
W. Cheeseman, now residing in Kansas ; Henry and James live in Lib- 
erty township ; Caroline, wife of Jacob Barr, of Logan, Ohio; John, 
Ezra Lucinda and Elizabeth are at home. Benjamin died in 1865, ^ged 
thirty-one years ; Samuel, a soldier in the late war, died August 3, 
1865, one week after reaching home, from disease contracted in the 
arm3^ 

Smith, John, farmer. Violet township, post office, Pickerington ; 
was born in this township, October 18, 1819; was married Februar}' 4, 
1843, to Mary Ann Dressier, daughter of vSamuel and Mary Dressier, 
by whom he had nine children: Lewis C, born May 10, 1844; 
Samuel, born January 29, 1846; Samantha, born January 29, 
1846; Elliot O., born June 30, 1848; Irene, born November 26, 
1850; Emma M., born March 5, 1854; Anna C, born December 
II, 1856; Francis C, born June 11, 1858; Sarah A., born July i, i860. 
After the death of his first wife he married Arabella (Myers) Ricketts, 
by whom he had one child, Franklin, born January 9, 1864. Mr. 
Smith belonged to the Lutheran Church forty-three years, aud in 1880 
joined the Reiormed Church. He belongs to the F. & A. M., and has 
held several public offices. 

Smith, John C, confectioner, Lancaster; was born in Hesse, Ger- 
man}^, October 2, 1820. With his parents he emigrated to America in 
1833. The family settled in Columbia, Pennsylvania, where, after re- 
ceiving a common school education, at the age of seventeen, he com- 
menced an apprenticeship at the confectioner trade. He worked as a 
journeyman two years. In 1841, he came to Ohio, and was employed 
for several years in Cincinnati. He settled in Lancaster in 1843, where 
he at once commenced the confectioner business in the Arnold corner, 
remaining there two years. Following this, he did business in theTall- 
madge block twenty-one years. He then purchased the property on the 
northwest corner of Main and Columbus streets, where he is still doing 
an extensive business in confectionery, nuts, foreign fruits and toys. Mr. 
Smith was married in 1844, to Miss Catherine Mayer. They are the 
parents of four children, three now living: Rev, George H., now of 
the Sandwich Islands; Rev. William M., of Berrian Springs, Michi- 
gan, and Julia, at home. 

Snider, Noah, was born in Liberty township, this county, and is 
the only son of Jacob and Phebe Snider. He attended the public 
schools in Liberty township, receiving an ordinary education. He fol- 
lowed farming at home until his marriage to Miss Mary Fritznis, in 
1865. Mr. and Mrs. Snider are the parents of six children, five 
daughters and one son. After marriage Mr. Snider purchased a farm 
oi ninety-six acres, which he cultivated in connection with his father's 



HISTOKY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 365 

farm; In 1881 he purchased the Empress Flouring Mill, in Baltimore 
and is now doing a large business. Mr. and Mrs. Snider and family- 
are members of the Evangelical Church. Mr. Snider is a member of 
the Masonic order, and also an Odd Fellow and a member of the 
Knights of Pythias. His father, Jacob, was an early settler in this 
count}'. He was born in Germany, and came with his father to America 
in 1818. Thev located in Pleasant township, where his father remained 
live years. They then removed to Liberty township, where Jacob Sni- 
der still resides. He is still farming, and is one of the best citizens in 
the township. 

Snider, Samuel, farmer. Liberty township. He was born in this 
township February 6, 1824; son of Randolph and Mary Ann (Bow- 
man) Snider. Samuel received a good education, and turned his atten- 
tion to farming. He remained at home until twenty-four years of age. 
He married Miss Mar}^ Soliday in 1848. She was born in Liberty 
township in 1827. After marriage Mr. Snider settled on the farm where 
he still lives. It contains four hundred and thirty acres. Here he built 
a fine residence. At the completion of the Ohio Central Railroad 
through his premises, he erected an extensive warehouse, with a capacity 
of fifteen thousand bushels of grain. He is now extensively engaged in 
buying and shipping grain to various places in the country. Mr. 
Snider also deals extensiveh^ in coal. Mr. and Mrs. Snider are the 
parents of eleven children, nine now living. D. P. has charge of the 
home farm ; Elizabeth A. was the wife of David Eversole ; she died 
in 1879; Sarah, the wife of John Stranger; John H. and Charles F. 
have charge of the warehouse; George W,, Amanda Jane, William 
Clark and Mary Alice are still at home. The family are members of 
the Evangelical Association. 

Snider, Joseph, was born in Liberty township, Fairfield county, 
Ohio, November 27, 1819', son of Rudolph and Mar}^ C. (Bowman) 
Snider. His parents v\^ere natives of Switzerland, and emigrated to 
America in 1814, first locating in Berne township, Fairfield county, 
where they remained until lemoving to Liberty township in 1817, set- 
tling on the place now owned by their son Emanuel. They reared a 
famil}^ of eight children, five of whom are now living, all residents of 
Liberty township, and among its most substantial citizens. Rudolph 
Snider was a successful farmer, and an active and consistent member ot 
the Evangelical Association. His death occurred February 14, 1870. 
Joseph, the subject of this sketch, after receiving such an education as 
the schools of the neighborhood afforded, remained on the home place 
vmtil he obtained his majority, following which for some five years he 
conducted a farm owned by his father. lu 1850 Mr, Snider settled on 
the farm where he still resides. He is the owner of two hundred and 
eighteen acres of fine land, with tasteful and fine surroundings. He 
was married in 1845 to Anna, daughter of John Rauch. Their union 
was blessed with one daughter, Sarah Catharine, now Mrs. Frederick 
Hulshv. Mr. Snider and famil}' are members of the Evangelical As- 
sociation. He is a genial and pleasant gentleman, and one of the sub- 
stantial farmers and stock raisers of Fairfield county. 

Snider, Rev. Absalom, was born in Licking county, Ohio, October 
8, 1840. He is the onlv son of J. W. and Susan Snider. Mr. Snider 



1. 



^66 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

was educated in the common schools of his native county, and reared 
upon a farm until he was eighteen 37ears of age. At that age he taught 
school. He afterward attended normal school one term. January 5, 
1865, he was married to Effie E., daughter of Christopher and Jane 
Trovinger. They are the parents of four sons an four daughters. Soon 
after his marriage he located where he still lives. He followed farming 
six years ; during the time he prepared himself, by stud}', for the min- 
istry. In 187 1 he united with the Scioto Conference of the U. B. 
Church, passed a regular examination, and was ordained in 1874. ^^^ 
first charge was Jacksonville Circuit, Licking county, Ohio, where he 
remained five 3^ears. From there he came to the Pleasant Run Circuit, 
having under his charge four appointments that demand all his time. 
He has given the charge of the farm of sixty acres into the hands of 
his sons. Mr. Snider is a self-made man, and served as township 
assessor from 1865 to 1871. Christopher Trovinger was born in Wash- 
ington county, Maryland, February 23, 1808. In 1815 he came to Ohio 
with his father, Samuel Trovinger, who settled upon the farm now 
owned by H. Sperry, which he cleared up, and where he lived to the 
time of his death, April 6, 1852. Christopher Trovinger became owner 
of three hundred acres of land, a good portion of which he cleared up. 
He was a school teacher b}^ profession, which he continued manv years, 
until late in life. He served as township clerk as early as 1832, filling 
that office, except one year, for thirty years. Was first elected Justice 
of the Peace in 1836, holding that office almost continually for twenty- 
seven years. Was County Commissioner, first elected in 1862, and re- 
elected in 1865, serving six years. He is a Democrat in politics; has 
been a member of the M. E. Church for thirty-seven years. Mr. Tro- 
vinger married Jane Lyle, the daughter of an early settler, who settled 
on a part of what is known as the Lyle farm. They became the parents 
of eight children, six of whom are living, four daughters and two sons. 
Mr. Trovinger died January 6, 1881. His widow is still living in Vir- 
ginia, and is in her sevent3'-third 3ear. 

Snyder, John, farmer. Walnut township. He was born in Rocking- 
ham county, Virginia, May 3, 1819 ; the only son of George and Ann 
M. (Plecker) Snyder. George Snyder was a native of Maryland, and 
was born in 1791. He came to Ohio, in 1828, with his wife and five 
children, and settled in Walnut township on the place now owned by 
John Snyder. A house had been built before he bought the place. He 
reared a family of eight children to maturity, of whom three sons and 
three daughters are living. He was a member of the Reform church 
many years. He died in 1863 ; his widow in February, 1880, in her 
seventy-eighth year. John Snyder was brought up on the farm, and 
inured to labor. He has been twice married ; first, in 1845, ^^ Abigail, 
daughter of Calvin Hite. To them were born three children, viz. : 
Lewis B., a resident of Walnut township ; John R., janitor of the Court 
House in Lancaster, and George L., a resident of Walnut township. 
Mrs. Snyder died in 185 1, and in 1853 Mr. Snyder was married to 
Miss Margaret, daughter of Joseph Harris, a well known resident of 
Walnut township. She was born in this township, July 2, 1828. They 
are the parents of six children, four of v^hom are living, viz. : William 
M., a carpenter at Hadley Junction ; Dillen H., also a carpenter at 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 367 

Basil, and Almeda and Edward D. at home. Mr. Snyder, after his 
first marriage, lived near his father until 1872, having purchased the 
interests of the other heirs. He built his present home in 1871, and in 
addition to his farming, ran a tliresher about fifteen years. He has 
been township trustee a number of years, and has held other important 
trusts. 

SoLiDAY, Samuel, was born in Walnut township, February 17, 
18 II. He is the oldest son of Frederick and Mary (Baeden) Soliday. 
natives of Switzerland. Frederick emigrated to America in 1803, and 
soon came to Walnut township, where he entered a section of land, on 
which he lived many years. He took part in the war of 181 2. He 
died in 1873 at Newark, to which place he had removed several years 
previous. Samuel Soliday received an ordinary education in the pio- 
neer schools, and was raised on the farm, an avocation he fully master- 
ed, and which he has always followed. He remained with his parents 
until his marriage to Elizabeth Giesy in 1835. 'I^^'^^J became the par- 
ents of four children, three of whom are still living, viz. : Mar}^ M., 
wife of Lewis Miller, of Liberty township, and Eva A., and Elizabeth, 
still at home. Mrs. Soliday died in 1877. The family are members of 
the Reform church, and are among the influential and honored families 
in this county. 

Soliday, Jacob, farmer, Walnut township. He was born in can- 
ton Basil, Switzerland, May 15, 1802 ; the youngest son of John Adam 
and Elizabeth Solida}^ He came with his parents to America in 1803, 
coming direct to Lancaster, where they stopped a short time. In Augusfj 
1853, they entered and settled on a section -of land, a part of which 
is the home of Jacob Soliday. He put up a log cabin. He raised a 
family of six daughters and two sons, of which Jacob is the only sur- 
vivor. John A. Soliday was a member of the Reform churcii. He 
died in 1814; his widow in 1834. Jacob was educated in the schools 
then taught in some neighbor's house. The Indians were numerous 
and harmless. He remembers them calling for pumpkins in exchange 
for deer meat. Jacob engaged in farming. He cleared one hundred 
and twenty acres, where he lived with his mother and two sisters. He 
first married, December 14, 1824, to Elizabeth Crider. They were the 
parents of eight children, of whom six are living, four daughters and 
two sons. Mrs. Soliday died February 1,1836. He was married the second 
time to Miss Mary, daughter of Peter Doring, a pioneer of Pleasant town- 
ship. Mrs. Soliday was born December 30, 1818. They are the parents of 
twelve children. Six sons and five daughters are living, viz. : Sarah 
Ann, wife of Lafay(>i^te Arnold, resident of Greenfield ; Lydia, wife of 
Samuel Weller, of Baltimore, Ohio ; John Adam, of Allen count}^, In- 
diana ; S. D., a merchant at Fort Wayne, Indiana; S. P., of Henr^^ 
county, Ohio ; Emma, wife of Jefferson Kern, a merchant of Pleasant 
township ; Julia, wife of J. P. Gebbart, of Pleasant township ; Jose- 
phine, wife of G. W. Bush, of Walnut township ; George W. conducts 
the home place; J. F., a resident of Walnut township; L. H., now 
clerking in Baltimore, residing with his parents. Mr. Soliday is the 
longest time resident of Walnut township. In 1824 he cast his vote for 
General Jackson. He has since voted the Democratic ticket. Since 
1827 he has been a member of the Reform church. He built his pres- 



368 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



ent residence about 1832. His sons, John, Adam and S. D., were in the 
late war. 

Spangler, William, farmer, Walnut township. He was born in 
Pleasant township, January 12, 1841, eldest son of Jacob and Eva 
(Hite) Spangler. Jacob Spangler was born in Fairfield county, about 
1820. His father was a pioneer in the county. Jacob raised a family 
of five children, of whom two sons and two daughters are living. He 
was a member of the German Lutheran church. William Spangler, 
after acquiring his education in the common schools, turned his atten- 
tion to farming. He remained at home until of age. He was then em- 
ployed bv David Bright, in Greenfield township. He remained in his 
employ three years. March 3, 1864 he was married to Miss Julia 
Ann, dauo"hter of David Bright, a well-known resident of Greenfield 
township. She was born in that township December 9, 1846. In the 
spring of 1864, the}' came to Walnut township, where they lived on the 
Mason farm seven years. In the fall ol 1871, he came in possession of 
his present home, one hundred and seventy-five acres, about one-half 
the old homestead. In 187 1, he built their present residence, and in 
1875 a fine barn. They are the parents of six children: David S., 
Jacob D., Gilbert B., Dolly U., John R., and Frank H. 

Sperry, W. a., farmer. Walnut township. He was born October 
16, 1843, in this township, son of Peter and Juliet (Taylor) Sperry. 
Peter Sperry came to Frederick county, Virginia, in 1803. In 1831 he 
came with his wife to Ohio, and settled in Walnut township, on a place 
still owned bv the family. The place was partially improved ; the house 
that was on the place then is still occupied. He purchased one hun- 
dred and thirteen acres. He raised a family of six children, of whom 
three sons and two daughters are living. His son Samuel was a mem- 
ber of the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth O. V. I., and was wounded 
at the battle of the Wilderness, Ma}^ 6, 1864. He died in the hospital at 
Washington, May 27, 1864. Peter Sperr}^ was a member of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church. He died March 7, 1882 ; his wife in 1848. W. 
A., was educated and taught school ; this he engaged in until 1882. 
He was married June 26, 1873, to Miss Jennie, daughter of William 
Watson, a well-known resident of Walnut township ; she was born in 
that township. They are the parents of one son and one daughter: 
Willie E., and Bertie V. In 1873 he purchased a portion of his father's 
place, and built his present residence. ' He devotes his time to farming 
and stock raising. He owns one hundred and seven acres of land. 
They are members of Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Sperry and 
his father were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and also 
of the Masonic Order. 

Sperry, Milton, farmer. Walnut township. He was born in this 
township September i, 1841, and is a son of Peter and Juliet (Taylor) 
Sperry. He was educated in the common schools of his diiy and Union 
Academy, and was brought up a farmer, which vocation he yet follows. 
Arriving" at age he began teaching and was also connected with the 
educational works of D. Appleton & Co., introducing their school 
books about two years. He continued to teach until 1872, 
after which date he was concerned in several mercantile transactions. 
November 18, 1868, he was married to Mary Ida, daughter of William 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUnTY. 369 

Walters, a former resident of Reading township, Perry county. Mrs. 
Sperry was born in Muskingum county, May lo, 1849. After his mar- 
riage Mr. Sperrv was engaged as principal of various schools, and was 
also in the dry goods trade one 3'ear. He removed to New Salem, 
where he remained till the spring of 1880, engaged teaching there 
and in the vicinity, e.vcepting in 1878, when he was in Colorado re- 
cruiting his health. He taught there till October, 1879, when he 
returned to Ohio and followed teaching again. In 1880 he engaged 
with a Buffalo hrm as salesman of their school furniture, in which he 
had good success, and which he still follows. In the spring of 1882 he 
removed to his father's place, of one hundred and thirteen acres, which 
he also conducts. Mr. and Mrs. Sperrv are the parents of one son, 
Peter Pharos, born June 4, 1876. Mr. Sperry was enumerator lor the 
census of 1880, in Walnut township. The family are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Sperry is also a member of the 
Masonic Order. 

Si'iTZLER, Abraham, farmer. Walnut township. He was born in 
Shenandoah countv, Virginia, February 5, 1808, and is a son of Joseph 
and Barbara (Kauffman) Snitzler. He came with his parents to Ohio 
in 1810. They settled in Walnut township, on the place now owned by 
Mr. Spitzler. It had been partiall}^ cleared by John McNaughten, and 
consisted of one hundred and sixty acres. Joseph Spitzler raised nine 
children to maturity. His death occurred in 1815. The farm has been 
cleared bv his sons, principall}' by Abraham, wlio received a common 
school education, and also a few terras in the Union Academy. He re- 
mained at home until of age, when he learned the carpenter's trade, at 
which he worked in various places three 3'ears. He then rented the 
home farm from his mother, and operated it during her lifetime. In 
1836 he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of David Pence, an early 
settler in Richland township. She was born April 26, 1820. After his 
marriage, he purchased a part of the home place, which he improved, 
and in 1863 built his present residence, and in 1876 an excellent barn. 
The home farm contains one hundred and eighty acres. Mr. and Mrs. 
Spitzler are the parents of six children, of whom one is dead. Those 
living are: David P., residing on part of the home place; Selma 
Ann, wife of Jacob Barr, residing in Richland township; Aaron, a 
resident of Iowa ; Thomas Jefferson, living on a part of the home place ; 
and Manson M., living at home. The family are members of the Bap- 
tist church. 

Steele, Colonel C. P., retired, Lancaster, was born in West 
Virginia, April 11, 1828. Receiving an ordinal'}- education, his youth 
was passed in pursuits incident to farm life, until arriving at the age of 
eighteen, when he became a member of the Third Ohio Regiment, dur- 
ing the war with Mexico. He was at the battle of Montere}^, and in 
the campaign under General Taylor. At the close of that war he went 
to California, via Cape Horn. He spent a number of years in South 
America, and was a resident of Valparaiso at tlie time of the great earth- 
quake in 1851. Returning to the United States in i860, he was one of 
the first to respond to the call for troops in April, 1861, raising a com- 
pany in Belmont county and in West Virginia, which became a part of 
the Seventeenth Regiment O. V. I. ; and upon the formation of the reg- 
47 



370 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



imentvvas elected Major, taking an active part in the various campaigns 
under General McClellan, participating in the battle of Rich Mountain, 
at which time his three months' term of service expired. Returning 
home, he at once actively engaged in recruiting the Sixty-second 
O. V. I., of which regiment he took command, spending the winter of 
1862 on the B. & O. R. R., from Cumberland to Martinsburg and in 
the Winchester valley, taking an active part in the first fight at Win- 
chester, Was engaged in numerous skirmishes and raids at Manassas 
Junction, Port Republic, and elsewhere in that vicinity, returning to 
McCleilan's command upon the peninsula in time to participate at Har- 
rison's Landing, where his regiment rendered efficient service in cover- 
ing the retreat. Soon after Colonel Steele's regiment was ordered 
South, making the campaign of North Carolina, also in South Caro- 
lina, where they assisted in the engagements upon the Blackwater, and 
at the capture of Coal and Folly Islands, the latter being placed in 
charge of Colonel Steele immediately after its capture. While leading 
a charge on Fort Wagner the Colonel was severely wounded, which 
rendered him unfit for further service. He was discharged in October, 
1863. Returning to civil life, he married in the latter part of 1863, Miss 
Maria E., 3'oungest daughter of Hon. Thomas Ewing. This union 
is blessed with five children, two daughters and three sons. Concern- 
ing the Colonel's military experience, the following extracts are given, 
the first from the official record of the Union and Confederate armies, 
and the second from an Ohio newspaper: " Col. C. F. Steele, of this 
city, commanded the first expedition, consisting of three companies, D, 
I and K, Seventeenth Regiment O. V. I. (from Fairfield, Perry and 
Belmont counties), which entered West Virginia below Parkersburg, 
in the war of the Rebellion. ' Three companies under Major Steele, 
were detached at Clarksburg, the 27th day of June, to proceed to Par- 
kersburg, and there take boats for Ravenswood and march to Riple;y. 
The Major arrived at Parkersburg on Friday, the 28th. The same eve- 
ning he embarked on two steamboats, commanded by Captain Kountz, 
and reached a landinjif two miles below Ravenswood, with two com- 
panics, having left the third company at Bellville. The Major pro- 
ceeded to Riple}^, which he reached at four a. m. of the 29th. He placed 
his advanced guard, hidden from sight, and having surrounded the 
place, completely surprised it, capturing the postmaster and some 
eight}^ other secessionists. He administered the oath of allegiance to 
the captives, installed the postmaster lately appointed b}' the Govern- 
ment, took the captive postmaster with him to Ravenswood, where they 
captured all they could and swore them in, as at Ripley. Major Steele 
deemed it prudent to leave two companies, D and I, at Ravenswood, 
and brought the other company, K, to Clarksburg, which he reached 
July I.' " '" * " Col. C. F. vSteele is known to have been the man who 
got up the first flag in this county in response to the call of the Presi- 
dent for seventy-five thousand men to save the Union. The Colonel 
says the first money he paid out towards that object was two dollars 
for a flag staff' to put on the court house, which remained there until 
the close of the war. The man who assisted him in getting up the flag 
was Captain Hiram Craft, of Indianapolis, who superintended the mak- 
ing of it. The first one who agreed to volunteer with him was Walter 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 37 1 

Hewetson, of Bridgeport. The Chronicle oflice volunteered printing 
the bills for a meeting. The man who made the most impressive speech 
was Rev. Johnson, who said he onl}^ had one son, but was willing he 
should enlist. The boy sprang up at once and enrolled his name. An 
eloquent speech was made by Ross Alexander, Esq., who, like Arte- 
mus Ward, was willing his 'wife's relations' should go. The ladies 
of the place made a beautiful silk flag for the company, which was pre- 
sented by Miss Celia Groves. It was taken by the company to Camp 
Anderson, Lancaster, Ohio, where it was adopted as the regimental 
flag of the Seventeenth Ohio, and carried through the three months' 
service. The Colonel returned for three years with the Sixty-second 
Regiment, taking with him one of the finest companies in the State 
from' Somerton, this county, and remained in the service till the i8th of 
July, 1863, when, while leading a charge on Fort Wagner, he was terribly 
wounded. Every officer with him, except two, was killed or wounded, 
one of which was Captain Ta3'lor, of the Belmont company, who was 
spared then, only to fall in the next battle. The wounded, as soon as 
they could be removed, were sent to New York, where the Colonel was 
met by Mr. Alexander Branum, and taken out to his home. Few who 
saw him then thought he could ever recover from his injiu'ies, from 
which he still continues to suffer at times severely. The Colonel also 
represented this county in the Mexican war, and was one of the first to 
go to California, having joined the expedition of Governor Shannon in 
the fall of 1848, and sailed round Cape Horn, making the voyage in 
five months and a half." 

Steen, Jacob, merchant and postmaster at Reno, Cass county, 
Iowa ; was born in Eynchburg, Virginia, October 9, 1847, and was 
married in Juh^ 1869, to Miss Hettie A. H. Sain, who was born Janu- 
ary 29, 1848, near Rushville, Fairfield county, Ohio. Their children 
are Clarence Albert, who was born in the City of Brooklyn, February 
20, 1872, and who died in New York City, June 23, 1872. Mr. Steen 
has been engaged for several 3^ears in the mercantile business, and at 
present is a merchant at Reno, Iowa. 

Steiger, Christian, is a native of Fairfield count}', and was born 
in Greenfield township on the 8th day of August, 1839. ^^ ^"^''^ mar- 
ried to Barbara Ann Wirtz in 1870. She was born in Pleasant town- 
ship in 1844. Their children are Benjamin Franklin, born April 14. 
187 1 ; Elphemia Belle, born March 6, 1873 ; Willis Otto, born Septem- 
ber II, 1875; Elizabeth May, born November 21, 1877; Clarence 
Monroe, born February 26, 1880. 

Stemen, Nicholas, farmer and stock raiser, Violet township, post 
office, Pickerington ; son of Nicholas and Catharine (Beery) Stemen ; 
born in Jackson township. Perry count}', January 11, 1829. His father 
was one of the first settlers ; was married February 24, 1853, to Lydia 
Brenneman, daughter of John Brenneman, born December 24, 1829. 
Tiiey have a family of five children — John, born February 28, 1854; 
Nancy, born June 6, 1855 ; Lewis, born March 21, 1862 ; Willie, born 
October 4, 1864; Emma, born January 26, 1868. Mr. Stemen makes 
a specialty of fine stock. He belongs to the Mennonite Church. 

Stewart, W. H., Railroad agent, Pleasantville post office ; born in 
1846; came to Fairfield county in 1871. Mr. Stewart engaged as a 



372 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

clerk in different places during a good part of his early life ; son of 
James and Margaret Stewart. He was married in 187 1 to Miss Minnie 
S. Ashbrook, daughter of John M. and Katharine Ashbrook. They 
have four children — Cora L., Lulu F., Anna M., John A. Mr. Stew- 
art was in the arm}^ some four months, having enlisted in 1861 in the 
One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Indiana Regiment. 

Stewart. Gkigg'S., physician and surgeon, post office, Pickering- 
ton ; born at Ripley, Jackson county, West' Virginia, March 29, 1854 5 
son of George F. and Maria (Stout) Stewart. He attended Marshall 
College, Cabell county, West Virginia, and the Miami Medical Col- 
lege, Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating Februar}- 28, 1877. Married to 
Maggie C. Sebrell, at Hempstead, Texas, August 30, 1879. ^^^ died 
August 18, 1881, leaving one child, Charles A., who was born August 
5, 1881. Mr. Stewart practiced two years at Leon, West Virginia, and 
from thence he moved to Pickerington. He is a member of the 
L O. O. F. 

Stevenson, Mordecai, deceased ; was born in Frederick count}-, 
Mar\'land, November 23, 1786. He was married March 4, 1812, to 
Mis& Rebecca Comer, who was born August 14, 1789. Their children 
were Isabelle, born March 5, 1813 ; Elizabeth, born January i, 1815 : 
Daniel L., born June 9, 1817; Samuel E., born June 9, 1819; Ruth, 
born January 19, 1822 ; Josiah, born September 8, 1824. He was mar- 
ried a second time in 1834, ^^ Mrs. Eleanor Henthorn. Their children 
were Noah R., born March 4, 1835 5 William B., born Februar}- 5, 
1837; Rebecca E.. born October 12, 1839; David K., born March 20, 
1841 ; Franklin D., born March 18, 1848. Franklin D. Stevenson was 
married September 19, 1879, ^° Anna M. Gingher, who was born June 
30. 185 1. They have one child, Traftbrd C, born December 3, 1880. 
Mordecai Stevenson died in September, 1877. 

Stevenson, Jesse, deceased; was born March 2, 1778. He was 
married to Rachel Stevenson, who was born September 31, 1784. Their 
children were Edward W., born March 26, 1805 ; George B., born 
December 16, 1806; Henry, born April 9, 1808; Reuben, born Octo- 
ber 12, 1899; Elijah, born August 28, 1811 ; John, born January 20, 
1813 ; Sarah, born November 2, 1814; Loudy, born March 12, 1816: 
Harriet, born Mav 6, 1819; Aaron, born May 26, 1821 ; Isaiah, born 
March 14, 1823; Miranda, born October 7, 1825 : Jesse B., born Sep- 
tember 31, 1827. Their two nieces raised by them were Harriet Ste- 
venson, born September 4, 1838 ; Marv Elizabeth Stevenson, born July 
18, 1841. Jesse Stevenson. wSr., died September 14, 1861 ; Isaiah died 
August 17, 1871 ; Reuben died September 25, 1881 ; Henry died De- 
cember 13, 1878. 

Stevenson, Daniel, Sr., was born in Baltimore countv, Mary- 
land, on the 2d day of September, 1737. He came to Richland town- 
ship. Fairfield co\mty, in 1805. He located on section seventeen. He 
was married to Rutli Stevenson, who was born January 2, 1743 ; the 
date of their marriage is unknown. Their children were John, Jesse, 
Daniel, Satyr, Mordecai, Edward, George. John died June 22, 1843 ; 
Edward died October 22, 1844. Daniel Stevenson, Sr., died Septem- 
ber 3, 1827. His wife, Ruth Stevenson, died June 12, 1831. 

Stevenson, Daniel, Jr., was born in Baltimore county, Maryland 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 373 

June 23, 1782, and emigrated to Richland township, Fairfield county, 
Ohio, in 1805. He was married to Elizabeth Murray, March 28, 1825. 
She was born March 10, 1789. Their children were Rosalee, born 
September 20, iSijf); Edward Thompson, born June 3, 1827 ; Sarah 
Murray, born March 13, 1S30. Daniel Stevenson died September 30, 
1865 ; Elizabeth Stevenson died December 23, 1834. Their son, Ed- 
ward Thompson Stevenson, was married June 29, 185 1, to Frances 
Fetter}^ who was born July 7, 1822. They had three children, viz. : 
Loretta Clementine, born July 16, 1855 ; Sarah Fidelia, born Decem- 
ber 6, 1856, who died September 20, 1861 ; and Emma Catharine, who 
v.'as born SeJ^tember i, 1859, '^^^^^ who died December 23, 1881. 

Stout, Simon, merchant, born March 17, 1830; married November 
30, 1856, to Louisa Neff. There were born of this union ten children, 
eight living and two dead. Those living are: Nelson F., born April 
30, 1857: Lucretia, born April 10, 1859; Willson V., born April 20, 
1863 ;Carrie B., born June 23, 1867 : Anna C, born December 6, 1869 ; 
Bertha Mav, born March 20, 1874; Maggie Florence, born February 
24, 1877, ^^"<^^ Minnie Lee, born December 18, 1881. The subject of 
this sketch is at this time engaged in business in the village of Stouts, 
ville, where he constantly keeps on hand a full line of dry goods, hats- 
caps, boots, shoes, hardware, queensware, notions, hosiery, cigars, to- 
bacco, tinware, groceries, etc., etc. Mr. Stout is one of the leading bu- 
siness men of Fairfield county. 

Stout, John, farmer ; post office, Stoutsville : was born February 16, 
1840 ; married October 10, 1861, to Miss Maiy J. Shupe. There were 
born of this union five children, viz. : Ida Jane, born July 28, 1863 ; 
Emma Belle, born July 14, 1865; Anna Leotta, born September 12, 
1869; Charles Edson, born December 24, 1871 ; and Ella Florence, born 
August 20, 1873, Ella died in June, 1874. The subject of this sketch 
is a farmer and stock raiser' living just east of Stoutsville, on the farm 
occupied by his father, Benjamin Stout, at the time of his death. He 
is one of the prominent men of this township. 

Stout, Nelson T., farmer; post office, Stoutsville; born April 30, 
1857 ; married October 22, 1879, ^^ Miss Rosa Odafier. There were 
born of this union two children, viz. : Bertie Blanche, born Septem- 
ber 20, 1880, and Elsie Mable, born December 26, 1881. The subject 
of this sketch is at present engaged in farming, one-half mile east of 
Stoutsville. He is one of the energetic young farmers of this town- 
ship. 

Stover, Theopolis ; was born in Licking county, October i, 1831, 
and is theelciest son of John and Catharine (Roads) Stover. He came 
to Fairfield county with his parents, who settled in tlie center of Liberty 
township, and there r.aised a famih' of five children, three of whom are 
now living. The father died October i, 1880. Theopolis attended the 
district schools till his seventeentii year, when he entered Granville Col- 
lege and remained till he graduated. He then engaged in teaching, 
a profession which he has followed with little interi-uption ever since. 
He taught tlie Basil schools seven years and the Baltimore school one 
3^ear. He has acceptably served his township as assessor, clerk and 
justice of the peace. This last office he has held continuously since 1865, 
except one term. Mr. Stover was married October 31, 1865, to a 



374 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 



daughter of Sebastian Goss. Of his seven children four are now liv- 
ing, viz. : Grace E., Jessie L., John C. and Henry M. The family are 
active members of the Baptist church. 

Strayer, Frank, P., physician and surgeon, Bremen, Ohio, was 
born October 23, 1853, in Sugar Grove, Berne township, Fairfield coun- 
ty, Ohio ; son of Jacob E. and Sarah (Brandon) Strayer. He was 
brought up on a farm and followed agricultural pursuits until he was 
sixteen years of age, when he went to school at Worthington, Ohio, 
about two 3'ears, afterward attending the Ohio Wesleyan University at 
Delaware, Ohio, about one year. At this time he quit college on ac- 
count of his health. He taught school one term before attending col- 
lege and one term since his attendance. In November, 1875, ^^^ began 
the study of medicine with Dr. Frampton, of Bremen, Ohio, which he 
continued four years, attending lectures at the Columbus Medical Col- 
lege, and received a <^iploma of graduation in the spring of 1879, ^o^^ 
after which he entered into partnership with Dr. Frampton, of Bre- 
men, and has continued the same to this time. Dr. Strayer is a con- 
sistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has served as 
Sunday scliool superintendent ten years, in which he was signally suc- 
cessful. He is now steward and trustee of the Methodist Episcopal 
church in Bremen, Ohio. Dr. vStra3'er's grand parents, upon his father's 
side, were of German descent, and were born in Penns3'lvania. His 
motiier's father was of Scotch descent ; her mother of German, both of 
whom were born in Virginia. The doctor's father came to Ohio from 
Maryland about 1826, and settled in Berne township, where he still re- 
sides. His mother was born in Virginia, and came to Ohio with her 
parents in an early dav. 

Stutson, Alverd, was born in Zanesville, Ohio, August 8, 1835 5 
son of James and Amelia (Musgrove) Stutson. Attended school for 
some years in Zanesville, until his removal, with his parents, to West 
Jefferson, Madison county, Ohio, in 1845, where he completed his edu- 
cation. Earlv in life he engaged in clerking in his father's store, also 
in the store of his brother, with whom he remained until 1863. The 
latter year he removed to London, Ohio, engaging in trade on his own 
account, where he conducted an extensive and successful dry goods bu- 
siness until 1870. He tlien became a resident of Topeka, Kansas, re- 
maining there four years, during which time he was cashier of the Cap- 
ital Bank, of Topeka, occupying that position until the winding up of the 
business of the bank. In February, 1877, he purchased the old estab- 
lished dr}' goods business of Phillip Rising, thus becoming a resident 
of Lancaster in that vear and since. He has continued in the dry goods 
and carpet trade, which, from moderate beginning, has grown to an 
extensive business, and in addition has a branch house at Washing- 
ton Court House, Ohio. Mr. Stutson has been twice married ; first, in 
1 861, to Miss Eliza Jones, who died in 1863, leaving one son, Harry A., 
now an assistant in his father's store at Washington Court House. The 
present Mrs. Stutson, to whom he was married in 1865, was Miss Emma 
Norton, of Springfield, Ohio. Their union is blessed with two daugh- 
ters and one son, viz. : Nellie C, Norton and Florence. Mr. Stutson 
is a member of the Masonic order. Himself and family are members 
of the Methodist Episcopal church. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 375 

Sturgeon Family : They were among the early pioneers of 
Lancaster. Timothy Sturgeon, a native of Pennsylvania, first visited 
Ohio in 1801. Having decided to settle in Lancaster, he soon after re- 
turned to Pennsylvania and married Margaret Johnson. In 1802 he 
returned to Ohio with his young wile, and became a permanent resi- 
dent of Lancaster, where he engaged in the watch and clock business 
for many years. He was a prominent and active man, tilling the posi- 
tion of Justice of the Peace for some time. He was also treasurer of 
Fairfield county one or more terms. He was a member of the Presby- 
terian church, an esteemed citizen, and successful business man. He 
accumulated a handsome property, a portion of which was ten acres of 
land in what is now a part of Lancaster. He reared four children, two 
of whom survive ; Thomas, and Mary A., the widow of William Kauff- 
man. Timothy Sturgeon died in 1826. Thomas Sturgeon was born in 
Lancaster, October 17, 1808. He acquired a fair education and learn- 
ed the trade of jeweler and silversmith, a business he followed until 
1840. He then purchased a farm and conducted it ten or twelve years, 
during which time he dealt extensively in live stock. In 1852 Mr. 
Siurgeon, in company with Samuel Crim, made a trip overland to Cal- 
ifornia, taking with them one hundred head of horses and mules, and 
also conveyed on horseback fort3'-four passengers, receiving from each 
the sum of one hundred and fift}^ dollars. The venture was a profita- 
ble one. While in California he dealt in live stock, and was the owner 
of an extensive cattle ranch. Returning home in 1854, he soon after 
built the capacious family residence on Mulbeny street, and has since de- 
voted his attention to the care and management of the estate left b}^ his 
father. He has been actively engaged in building, having erected nu- 
merous substantial dwellings in the vicinity of his own home. Mr, 
Sturgeon has been twice married; first, about 1834, ^^ Miss Margaret, 
daughter of Judge David Ewing. They became the parents of two 
daughters, viz. : Maria and Ellen. The former is the widow of H. V. 
Weakly, and a resident of Lancaster. The latter was the widow of 
William Dot}' ; she died at Atlanta, Georgia, in March, 1882. Mrs. 
Sturgeon died about 1837. ^^^'- Sturgeon was again married, in 1844, 
to Miss Matilda Publer. The}' are the parents of five daughters and 
four sons, all residents of Lancaster, with the exception of one son, 
who is living in Columbus. 

SuTPHEN, J. M., was born in New Jersey in 1836. He came to 
Ohio when 3'oung and located in Lancaster. He was married to Ellen 
Clarke, who was born in this county. They have four children, viz. : 
Fannie, Frank, Clark and Dora. In 1862 Mr. Sutphen enlisted as 
First Lieutenant in Company D, Ninetieth O. V. I., and the next year 
was promoted to Captain. He continued in the service till the close of 
the war. In 1874 ^^^ ^"^^^ appointed postmaster by President Grant. 
He was re-appointed in 1878 by President Hayes. He held the office 
until the appointment of Mr. Williams. Prior to his appointment, Mr. 
Sutphen was connected with the Gazette Printing Company. His 
father, John B. Sutphen, was born September 7, 1808, in the State of 
New Jersey, and died in Lancaster June 22, 1882, in the 74th year of 
his age. In his youth he united with the Baptist church. He was 
married to Sarah A. Quick in the year 1831. They moved to Ohio and 



376 Biographical sketches. 

settled in Fairfield county in 1838. They had seven children, three of 
whom and eleven grandchildren are now living. He, soon after com- 
ing to Ohio, cast in his lot with the Baptist church at Baltimore, in this 
county, which church he served many }-ears as deacon. The last tew 
years of his lite were spent in Lancaster, \vliere he attended services in 
the church of his choice, when it was open for that purpose, and at 
other times he worshiped with God's people in other churches. By 
industrious toil he reared and maintained his family in comfort and re- 
spectabilitv. The death of his beloved wife, ten years ago, was to him 
a deep affliction which he keenly felt during those years. Now his 
body lies beside that of the wife of his youth and those of four children. 

SuTPHEN', D. C, post office, Pleasantville ; merchant; born in this 
county in 1842. Mr. Sutphen w^as brought up on a farm ; has been 
engaged in the mercantile business some five vears. Mr. Sutjihen also 
fills the ofiice of Justice of the Peace, liaving been elected to that oflice 
without au}^ solicitation on his part. He is leader of the brass band 
of Pleasantville. He is a son of R. D. and Sarah (Zerkle) Sutphen. 
Was married in 1864 to Miss Hannah E. Horner, daughter of FI. B. 
Horner, of Basil, this county ; they have two children — Franklin M. and 
Harley H. ' ■ 

Taylor, Milton F., farmer. Walnut township. He was born in 
this township, September 23, 1848 ; the son of Jesse and Ann (Kramer) 
Taylor. Jesse Tavlor was born in Frederick county, Virginia, Sep- 
tember 9, 1806. In 1829 he came, wnth his parents, to Ohio. The 
family resided in Lancaster one year; thev then settled in Walnut 
township, on the place, a portion of which is now owned by AL F. 
Taylor. He purchased eighty acres. In 1865 he died in his ninety- 
fourth 3'ear. Jesse, Jr., continued to live on the home place, and in 
1858 built the present residence. He raised a tamily of four children, — 
William H., a resident of Nebraska; Sarah, wife of Newton Holt, of 
Walnut township; David R., enlisted in the Fortieth O. V. I. in 1861, 
and was killed in the battle of Pittsburgh Landing, April 6, 1862. To 
his second marriage he raised one son, Milton F. Mr. Taylor was a 
member of the Reform church. He died March 7, 187S. His widow 
still survives him in her sixty-sixth year. Milton F. received a fair 
education ; he attended the Fairfield Academy, at Pleasantville, one 
year. He farmed the home place until his marriage, November 6, 
1878, to Miss Ella R., daughter of David Y. McNaughten, a well- 
known resident of Walnut township. They are the parents of one 
daughter, born September 9, 1880. He is a member of the Masonic 
Order. He owns two hundred and forty acres of land. He has a fine 
lot of extra blooded stock. The mother of Mr. Taylor is a member 
of the Reform church. 

Thomas, B. A., M. D., of Rushville, Fairfield county, Ohio ; a son 
of Jesse Thomas. He was born August 22, 1835, in Reading town- 
ship, Perr}^ county, Ohio ; was reared on a farm ; received a common 
school education, with the exception of one term of select school in 
Somerset, Perry county, Ohio, b}^ Charles Nourse, principal. At the 
age of twenty-two 3'ears commenced teaching school and taught for 
the period of three years, in the winter months. In the year i860 he 
was teaching a spring term ; had taught fifteen days when the war 



HISTORY OF- FAIRFIELD COUNTY. ' 377 

broke put. He left the school room and enlisted in Captain James 
Stinchcomb's Company F. Seventeenth Regiment, Ohio Infantry Vol- 
unteers. VVas appointed First Sergeant of the company. He served 
four months, in Western Virginia. In the fall of 1861 he recruited 
Companv D, Sixtv-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantr}^, and 
was elected Captain, and served with the regiment until the latter part 
of June, 1863, on Folly Island, South Carolina, when broken down 
in health, at the urgent solicitation of the Lieutenant Colonel and 
Surgeon of the regiment, he was discharged on account of disability. 
After returning home he endeavored to follow farming, but on account 
of diseases contracted in the service, he was compelled to change his 
occupation. Having already studied medicine to a considerable extent, 
he chose the profession of a physician, and read medicine with J. D. 
Nourse, M. D., of Rushville, Ohio, and attended lectures at the Star- 
ling Medical College, in 1864 and 1865. He commenced practice in 
the spring of 1865 in Rushville, and attended lectures again in 1868 
and 1869, and graduated at the Starling Medical College, since which 
time he has practiced in Rushville, Ohio. He was married to Ella 
Rissler, daughter cf Thomas Rissler, of Richland township, Fairfield 
county, Ohio, September 10, 1861. She was born February 22, 1842. 
Their children are Eva C, born June 13, 1864: Minnie, born April 8, 
1866, and Edward H., born April 20, 1873. 

Thomas, Reuben, farmer, post office, Tarlton ; born x\pril 24, 183 1. 
Married November 17, 1853, to Miss Isabelle A, Brink. There were 
born of this union twelve children: Virginia B., born November 22, 
1854; Tlieodore C, born November 13, 1856, died September 29, 
1858; Charles E,. born September 19, 1858; Archibald A., born June 
7, i86o; Edward B., born July 6, 1862; Albert C, born March 15, 
1864; Cora Dell, born September 16, 1S66 ; Getta M., born March 23, 
1868; Harry F., born March 12, 1870; Emma J., born June 30, 1872; 
Lucy Lee, born November i, 1875 • Sadie Belle, born May i, 1877. 
The subject of this sketch is living one mile south of Oakland. He is 
one of the most enterprising farmers of Clearcreek township. 

Thompson, William K., farmer, Walnut township. He was born 
in Walnut township October 11, 1839; o^^b' ^^^ ^^ Moses and Anna 
(Calb) Thompson. Moses was born in Pennsvlvania. He came, when 
a boy, with his lather to Ohio ; the family settled in Walnut township, 
on the place now owned by Theopolis Reace. When a 3'oung man 
Moses settled on the place now owned b}^ William K. Thompson. He 
cleared and improved the place ; he built the familv residence in 1858 
or 1859. He raised one son and three daughters — Mary Jane, wife of 
James Groves, residing in Franklin count}- ; Elizabeth, wife of Peter 
B. Cool, of Walnut township; Serena, wife of William P. Kaven, 
of Walnut township : and William K. Moses Thompson was an ac- 
tive member of the Methodist Episcopal church for many 3'ears. He 
owned, at his death, one hundred and sixt3--nine acres of land ; he died 
in 1863. William K., after acquiring his education, engaged in farm- 
ing. He married, March 30, 1865, Miss Sophia Melissa, daughter 
of James and Mary Jeffi'ies, of Walnut township. They are the par- 
ents of eight children, James D., Lizzie R., Ada L., William, Verde, 
Claud C, Herbert, Maud and Jasper. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are 

48 



378 BIOGXIAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He owns one hundred 
and sixty-nine' acres of land. In 1879 ^^^ built a model barn. 

ToTjii, C. F., proprietor of feed store, Lancaster. He was born in 
Hanover, German}', December 16, 1816, where he received his edu- 
cation. In 1832, he came with some friends to America. He came to 
Lancaster and learned the cooper trade. In 1844, '^^^ commenced busi- 
ness for liimself, continuing in the same some hve or six years. He 
there commenced dealing in coal, lime, feed, and has been doing a fair 
trade. He was a member of the city council one term. He was mar- 
ried July 22. 1839, to Elizabeth M. McCabe, who was born in Lancas- 
ter, Ohio, March 22, 1816. To this union were born eight children; 
two jf them, Henrv and Charles F., who enlisted in the Union arm}^ 
and served imtil the close of the war ; the former died in Missouri in 
1880, leaving one daughter, Alice M., who has been cared for b}^ her 
grandparents. The father of Mrs. Totje, Rev. Sosthenes McCabe, 
came with his father, William McCabe, to Lancaster, in 1801, who was 
a pioneer of Fairfield county ; by trade he was a cooper. He died 
about 1820, at the age of ninety-three years. Sosthenes, early in life, 
followed the business of brick making, subsequently learned the cooper 
t'"ade. In 181 2, he married Mary Owen, tiiey raised a family of three 
daughters, of whom Mrs. Totji is the onl}^ survivor. He occupied many 
public positions, viz. : Justice of the peace, for many 3'ears ; assessor of 
Fairfield county, one or more terms ; in the War of 1812, he was team- 
ster. Later in life, he was a minister of the Baptist church. He died 
about 1864. 

Trimble, William, deceased. He was born in Pennsylvania ; by 
profession a surveyor ;■ he came to Ohio in 1798; he returned to 
Pennsylvania, where he married. He then came to Ohio, locating 
permanently. In 1800, he settled in Pleasant township, between 
Rushville and Lancaster. He was employed in surveying the old 
Zanesville road. He settled on a half section in Pleasant township, 
where he spent his days. He was elected Justice of the Peace, and 
■filled that position until his death. He was a member of the Legisla- 
ture as Representative and Senator for sixteen years. In 181 2, he 
was engaged in hauling provision to the army in the Northwest. He 
was a staunch Whig. At one time he conducted an extensive tannery 
on the home place. He engaged for a while in hotel keeping in Pleas- 
ant township. He raised a family of ten children, of whom survive 
five sons and four daughters. He was an elder in the Presbyterian 
church for many years. He died July 25, 1827. His only living son, 
Robert Trimble, was born in Pleasant township, May 10, 1819. He was 
educated in Greenfield Academy, conducted by Dr. W^illiams, previous 
to which he attended the home academy at Lancaster. He turned his 
attention to farming and teaching. He engaged also with his brother 
in buying and shipping stock to Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York. 
Mr. Trimble was married in 1852, to Maria D. Armstrong, of Franklin 
county. After marriage he purchased a place in Greenfield township, 
remaining there until 1862, when he removed to Franklin county, where 
he owned a farm. He was elected Justice of the Peace in Truro town- 
ship in 1863, filling that position nine }.ears. In 1873 he removed to 
Columbus, where he has since resided. They are the parents of three 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 379 

children, one surviving — Oliver T., a resident of Emporia, Kansas, a 
druggist by profession. 

TscHOPP, Henry, millwright and farmer, Pleasant township. He 
is the eldest son of Daniel and iVnnie (Hefsel) Tschopp. He was born 
in Pleasant township, October ii. 1828. He received his education in 
the common schools, in Pleasant township ; at the age of seventeen, he 
decided to learn his father's trade, that of millwright, and worked with 
his father until his twenty-fourth year, when he began business for him- 
self. Mr. Tschopp has been very successful in his undertakings, and 
is well known in various parts of the State as an extensive contractor 
and builder of mills. He is also engaged in farming, owning a fine 
place of two hundred and twenty-five acres. He has filled the office of 
Justice of the Peace for a term of three years. Mr. Tschopp was unit- 
ed in marriage, in December, 1850, to Miss Sophia Lamb. They are the 
parents of three sons and three daughters. Mr. T. has never indenti- 
fied himself with any church. She is a member of the Baptist church. 
Daniel Tschop, the father of Henry, was one of the pioneers of Fair- 
field county. He was a native of Switzerland, born in 1796. He emi- 
grated to America in 1815, coming direct to Fairfield county, where 
he settled and raised a famih^ of six children, to maturity, five of whom 
are residents of Fairfield county. Mr. T. died in 1861. 

TuTHiLL & Co., booksellers and stationers, Lancaster. This is one 
of the principal business firms of the city. The}' keep constantly on 
hand a full supply of school books, stationer3^ etc., such as is necessary 
to suppl}' all demands and suit the tastes of the most fastidious. They 
have been in business sufficiently long to become established and well 
known throughout the county, and will take pleasure in accommodating 
any one desiring to make purchases in their line. 

Valentine, S. K., grain and flour merchant, Stoutsville ; born Au- 
gust 27, 1822. Married, September 8, 1846, to Rosanna Myers. There 
were born of this union seven children, five of whom are living: Cla- 
rissa, born March 24, 1848; Diana, born September 19, 1852: Louisa 
Jane, born January 2, 1854; Harriet Ann, born September 15, 1861 ; 
Samuel, born April 28, 1862. The subject of this sketch resides two 
miles south of Stoutsville. Mr. Valentine is one of the most prominent 
men of the township in which he resides. 

Valentine, Eli, farmer; post ofhce, Tarlton ; born March 25, 
1847. Married October 13, 1868, to Lucinda Thomas. Is the father of 
seven children, six of whom are living : Clarence E, born August 19, 
1870; Harley O., born March 13, 1872; Carrie May, born Januar}' 4, 
1874; Sumner Clay, born April 3, 1875 ; Ettie, born August 18, 1878; 
died December 8, 1878; Minnie Lee, born January 28, 1879; Mertie, 
born December 14. 1880. The subject of this sketch resides one-half 
mile south of Oakland, and is one of the energetic farmers of Clear 
Creek township. 

Wagenhals, Charles F., merchant, Lancaster, Ohio. Was born 
January 15, 1851, in Lancaster, Ohio; son of Charles G. and Caroline 
(Kull) Wagenhals. Mr. Wagenhals was raised in the place of his na- 
tivity, and attended the public schools of this place until he was about 
fourteen years old, when he went to the baker's trade, at which he 
worked as an apprentice three years ; after learning his trade, he went 



380 B10(5RAPHICAL SKETCHES. , 

into the grocery and bakine^ business, and continued about three rnonthfe,' 
when he abandoned tlie baking part of Iiis business, and continued the 
grocery business, to which, rn May of 1882, he added dry goods, and 
still continues on Columbus street, with good success, and has been in 
business about twelve 3-ears. Mr. Wagenhals was married August 19, 
1869, to Miss Marv Margaret, daughter of John George and Mary 
Catharine (Hartman) Eise. They are the parents of six children, viz. : 
William G., Katie Clara, Charles Martin, deceased at four months and 
fifteen days old; Maggie S., Eddie Theodore, and Freddie Samuel. 
Mr. Wagenhals" father was born October 23, 1801, in Wittenberg, 
German}-, and emigrated to America while he was yet a young man, 
and settled in Lancaster. Ohio, where he has since lived, and 
was married in September of 1834. to Sarah, daughter of Daniel 
Bacher, of this county. He was married the second time, about 
1847, to Caroline Kull. They are the parents of si.\ children, of 
wlK)m Charles F., the subject of this sketch, was the second. The 
children are now all deceased but two, viz. : Charles F. and Emanuel. 
Mrs. Wagenhals' parents lived in Germany, where she was born Feb- 
ruary 23, 1850, at Darmstadt. Her father died in his forty-fifth year, 
in Germany ; and about two years after his death, in 1854, her mother 
with two children emigrated to America, at first settling in Lancaster, 
Penns3dyania, where, in 1855, her mother was married the second time, 
to Adam Wetzel, and they moved to Logan, Ohio, where he died in 
1858. In i86r, she was married the third time, to George Hanstine, 
who lived only about three months af"ter his marriage, and left her the 
third time a widow. She still lives in Logan, Ohio. 

Wagner, Jacob, farmer. Liberty township, post office, Baltimore ; 
was born December 4, 1806: son of Andrew and Mary (Soliday) Wag- 
ner; was married to Susan Macklen, March 27, 1834; ^'^^^ one child — 
Catherine, born Marcli 27, 1835. -^^^ wife died January 20, 1836: was 
married to Mar}' O'Hensel, by whom he had six children: Mary, 
born, April 30, 1838; Frederick, born August 21, 1840, Elizabeth, born 
March 4, 1845, died February 14, 1869; Jacob, born March 15, 1837, 
died March 15, 1864; Adam, born December 15, 1849: Joseph, 
born December 28, 1851, died December 10, 1873. 

Wagner, Mks. Sarah Elizabeth, Walnut township; was born in 
Licking county December 13, 1823. the oldest daughter of Joseph and 
Ann M. Alt. Her parents removed to Liberty township in 1824. She 
was educated in the common schools, and was married in 1844, to 
Daniel Wagner, who was born in Walnut township, March 11, 1825, and 
who was a son of Andrew Wagner. He inherited the home place, 
which is still owned bv his son Daniel M. He was a successful farmer; 
was a member of the Reformed Church. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner were 
<he parents of five living children: Anna Maria, wife of Jacob 
Schreyer, a resident of Liberty township; Sarah E., at home; Susan 
C, wile of Frank P. Miller, in Indiana; Daniel M., born August 10, 
1857, now residing on and conductinj^' the home place, and Rebecca, the 
wile of Albert F. Turner, residing in Walnut township. Daniel Wag^ 
ner was the owner, at death, September 23, 1875, ot" three hundred and 
ninety-seven acres. Mrs. Wagner conducted the home farm a few 
years, but now Daniel M. Wagnei* owns and manages it. 



\ 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 38 1 



~ Wagner; John J., teacher, Liberty township; was born irt Fairfield 
coimtv, Ohio, October '23, 1840, eldest son of Andrew and Elizabeth 
(Alt) 'Wagner, a native of Fairfield count}-, born about 1814, a son of 
Andrew, Sr., who was a pioneer in Walnut township, and an early set- 
tler. He died about 1837. Andrew. Jr., raised a family of ten chil- 
dren, all living but one: Andrew Judson, who died in 1879. J- J- 
Wagner was educated in the common schools in Liberty township, un- 
til eighteen years of age. In 1S65 he was appointed principal ot the 
Baltimore grammar scho'^1. He has been a teacher twenty-six years; 
ten years a member of the board of examine';s. Mr. Wagner married 
in 1868 Miss E. H. Smith, of Delawa^-e, Ohio. They are the parents 
of one daughter, Lillie M., born February 8, 1869. The}^ are mem- 
bers of the United Brethren Church. 

Walkrr. Captain William H., assistant foreman in the car shops, 
Lancaster; was born in Wayne county. New York, February 22, 1837. 
His parents. George and Charlotte (Lossing) Walker, came to Pike 
county, Ohio, in 1844, removing to Fairfield county in 1848. William 
H. received a common school education in Berne township. He ac- 
quired from his father a knowledge of the carpenter and joiner trade, 
and worked at the same until April 19, 1861, when he enlisted in Com- 
pan}- A, Seventeenth O. V. L, lor three months, under the first call for 
volunteers. During his first term of service, he took part in the battle 
of Laurel Hill. At the expiration of three months, he recuited twenty 
men for Company I, Seventeenth O. V. L, enlisted in that regiment, 
and was ajipointed a non-commissioned ofiicer, and took an active part 
in the numerous battles, skirmishes and raids participated in by the reg- 
iment, incluuing Stone River. Hoover's Gap, Pittsburg Landing, Chick- 
amauga, and Resacca, Ga. ; in the latter he commanded the company. 
He was also engaged at Atlanta, Georgia, filling the position of Second 
Lieutenant. Here he was seriously wounded. Soon after he received 
a commission as Captain and was detailed to the stafi' of General A. 
Beck, as Acting Commissar}-, making the march to the sea, thus 
serving from the commencement until the close of. the war. Captain 
Walker was married September 25, i86r, to Miss Caroline Mock. To 
them were born two sons and three daughters, two now survive — Hur- 
bin W., now engaged with his father learning thetrade of car builder ; 
Miss Leah, residin'g with her parents. Mrs. Walker died October 5, 
1876, and the Captain was again united in marriage, Nov. 22, 1877, to 
Miss Jane Hamilton. To them have been born one son and one daugh- 
ter — William F. and Marie Elizabeth. Captain Walker entered the 
employ of the C. & M. V. Railroad in 1865, as assistant foreman of the 
car shops, a position which he now occupies. In 187 1 he was a member 
of the city council, and continued to represent the fifth ward in that body 
nine years. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F,, Knights of Honor 
and G. A. R. Himself and family^ are members of the German Re- 
form Church. 

Watson, William J., farmer, Walnut township ; was born in Fred- 
erick county, Virginia, July 4, 1827, eldest child of Thomas B. 
and Susannah (Thomas) Watson. Thomas B. Watson was born in 
Frederick county, Virginia' in 1794. He first visited Ohio in 18 18, re- 
maining one year with an older brother, Abraham Watson, who was an 



382 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

early settler in Walnut township. He remained in Virginia until 1836, 
when he settled in Richland township, on the place now owned by Noah 
McNaughten. He afterward removed to Walnut township, where he 
remained until removing to Illinois in 1854. He raised a family of 
eleven children, of whom nine are living. He died about 1870. Wil- 
liam J. was educated in the common schools. When fifteen he was 
left to take car^ o( himself. He worked at tarming and taught school 
for several winters. He married in September, 1854, Martha C. 
daughter of Jacob G. Wineman, one of the pioneers of Thorn township. 
Perry county. Mrs. Watson was born in Thorn township. Perry 
county, December 2, 1837. ^" '854 he located on the place where he 
still resides — the former Jacob Ortman place. In 1861 he built his 
present residence. They are the parents of three sons and two daugh- 
ters : Charles M., a resident of Pleasant township ; Olive Jane, wife of 
A. M. McNaghten, a resident of Walnut township; Willie G., Martha 
A. and Benson G. Mr. Watson is a member of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church. He owns one hundred and twenty-five acres of land, and 
engages in stock raising and firming. 

Watson, William H., Walnut township. He was born in this 
township December 2, 1838; son of J. C. and Rebecca (Cunningham) 
Watson. J. C. was a native of Ireland; came to America in 1781 
with his father, Thomas Watson. They remained in Maryland a num- 
ber of 3''ears, coming to Ohio in early years ; they settled in the vicinity 
of Salem. Thomas Watson died in 1822. His son James settled on 
the place now owned by W. H. Watson, in 1813. At that time it was 
a dense woods. The log house he built at an early dav was the fam- 
ily residence until building the present brick mansion in 1873. He 
raised a family of thirteen children, of whom but four sons and two 
daughters survive. He never aspired to public office. He was a life 
long member of the M. E. Church, a successful farmer and stock 
raiser. At his death he owned two hundred and forty-five acres. In 
politics he was a Whig. His death took place March 2, 1856. His 
widow died in 1877, in her eighty-first year. ^She, during life, con- 
ducted the home place, with the assistance of her sons. J. C. Watson 
was the father of the following children: Thomas S., who died in 
Delaware, Ohio, in 1876; James G., a prominent farmer near Lan- 
caster, died April 29, 187 1 ; Jonathan C, retired, lives in Delaware, 
Ohio; Joseph C., residing in Columbus, Ohio; and William H. The 
last named was educated in the common schools, and by profession a 
farmer. He resided with his mother until his marriage, October 29, 
1863, to Miss Almeda F., daughter ot John and Mary Brandon. Mrs. 
Watson was born in Walnut township. October 29, 1845. They are 
the parents of eight children, three sons and five daughters — Mertie 
C, James B., Etta B., Uphema V., John F.. Georgie Dell, Gracie and 
Harry G. Mr. Watson, after marriage, took charge of the home place, 
his mother residing with him until her death. He owns two hundred 
acres. They are members of the M. E. Church. The youngest son 
of the family of James C. W^atson is engaged in tile manufacturing ; 
the daughter married and moved West; Emma Eliza, wife of G. W. 
Friend, is residing in Lancaster, Ohio. L C. Watson was in the War 
of 1812. 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. ^S^ 

Watson, George W., grain dealer, Liberty township. He was 
born in Walnut township, and is the youngest son of William and Susan 
(McNamee) Watson. He was educated in the common schools. At 
the age of fifteen he was thrown on his own resources, and left home 
for California, where he engaged in the business of stock raising with 
success, for tifteen years. He then sold out his ranche and returned 
to Fairfield county in 1868. He purchased a farm in Walnut township, 
where he resided some live 3-ears. In 1874, ^^^^ returned to Baltimore, 
and became the owner of a drug store. He was also largely engaged 
in buying and shipping grain. He disposed of his drugstore, and now 
devotes all his time to the bu3ing and shipping of grain, in which he 
is doiuij a laro-e business. Mr. Watson is a member of the M. E. 
Church, and also of the Masonic order. In 1869 he was married to 
Miss Kate K. King, daughter of Peter King, a resident of Perry county. 
Their marriajje has been blessed with five children, four of whom — 
two sons and two daughters — are living. 

Warner, Benjamin F., farmer, Walnut township. He was born 
in this township November 12, 1821, and is a son of Thomas and Eliza- 
beth (Bibler) Warner. Thomas Warner was born in Mar^-land in 
1775 ; was raised in Berks county, Vir^^lbia, and came to Ohio early in 
the present century. He remained in the vicinity of Lancaster a few 
years, and came to Walnut township in 1803, to the place now known 
as the John Lamb farm. It was partially cleared. He entered the 
land now owned by F. B. and R. F. Warner. He was a soldier in 
the War of 1812, after which he removed to Richland township, where 
he also entered land. He remained there till the spring of 1821, when 
he settled on the farm now occupied by T. B. Warner, where he spent 
the remainder of his days. He lived in a hewed log house that stood 
in the front of the present residence. He raised to maturity a familvof 
seven sons and two daughters, of whom six sons and one daughter are 
living. Thomas Warner was a hospitable, kind man, and one whose 
life was verv useful to all who came in search of a home. He was an 
active member of the Baptist Church many years. His death occurred 
in 1847, his widow living till 1871, in her eighty-ninth year. She 
had been a member of the Baptist Church seventy-six years. Benja- 
min F. Warner was born in Richland townsiiip, February 24, 181 2. He 
received the common school education of his day : learned the trade 
of a farmer, and when a boy he often went to Zanesville to mill. After 
attaining his majority, he superintended clearing the land for the reser- 
voir, and was also prominentl}' connected with the construction of the 
National Road. Was also connected with the construction of the 
Maysville and Zanesville turnpike road, of which he built se^-eral miles. 
He was a contractor on canals near Portsmouth. He went to Natchez 
with horses, when he met with reverses, losing nearly all his money. 
In 1842 he returned and conducted the home place two or three 3'ears. 
He was married in 1844 to Susan Kramer, of Richland township. 
They became the parents of one son and one daughter — David E., a 
resident of Adams county, Indiana, and Catharine, wife of Nicholas 
Ketner, a resident of Liberty township. Mrs. Wagner died in 1S47. 
Mr. Wagner came to Walnut township, where he bought a farm, and 
conducted the farm owned by his brother Samuel. October 13, 1853, 



384 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

he was marrried to Mary M., daughter of John W. Miller, a former 
well-knovvn resident of Walnut township. She was born November 2, 
1832. They are the parents of six children, hve of whom are living. 
Mr. Wagner has been a citizen of Walnut township since 1855 ; has 
always taken an active interest in all matters of importanje ; has been 
a prominent member of the New School Baptist Church, and has been 
a School Director twenty-four years. 

Weakley, Perry V., farmer. Liberty township. He was born in 
Marjdand, March 4, 1817 ; son of James S. and Mary H. Weakley. 
He came with his parents to Ohio in 1832, locating first in Greenlield 
township. The familv afterward removed to Pleasant township, where 
they lived lor a number of 3'ears. Perry received a good education, 
and remained at home until his father's death. In 1845 he was united 
in marriage to Miss Barbara Leitnaker, daughter of Henry Leit- 
naker, of Libert}^ township. In the fall of 1850 he settled upon tlie 
farm where they still live. They are the parents of one son — S. Doug- 
las, born March 30. 1847, in Greenfield township. He resides on a 
portion of the home place. The family are members of the U. B. 
Church, Mr. Weakley uniting with that church about forty-live years 
ago. 

Weaver, John, farmer, Liberty township. He was born September 
I, 1830; the son of Jacob and Mary E.( Walters)W^eaver. Jacob came 
from Virginia to Ohio in 18 16, settling in Pleasant township, where his 
father cleared a farm and resided until his death in 1S53. John was 
educated in the common schools and assisted his father until his mar- 
riage, in 1857, to Annie C. Hirstenter. Mrs. Weaver was born in Lib- 
erty township. August 18, 1832. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver are the parents 
of three children — A. J., residing on the home farm; Amanda, the 
wife of Jacob Hane (also on the home place); Theopolis S. Mr. 
Weaver has lived on his present farm since 1859. ^^ consists of two 
hundred and twenty acres. He is a member of the United Brethren 
Church and a teacher in the Sabbath school. 

Weist, S. S., Liberty township; post office, Baltimore; carriage 
maker; born September i, 1834; son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Bow- 
ser) Weist; married to Rebecca A. Brandt, December 15, 1859; ^^^^ 
two children — Eldon O., born April 10, 1862 : Ara B., born January 3, 
1869. He was in the Seventeenth Ohio Regiment, under Captain W. 
H.Walker; was in several battles under Sherman, and was neve) 
wounded or taken prisoner. Mr. Weist has passed all the chairs in the 
1. O. O. F.. and in 1879 ^^^^ elected Mayor, in which office he served 
three years. 

Webster, Thomas D., manufacturer, Lancaster. He was born 
in New Jersey, March 8, 1829; son of Joshua and Phoebe (Neft) Web- 
ster. The family removed to Ohio in 1835, settling iii'st in Zanesville, 
where they resided about two years, coming to Lancaster in 1837. 
Joshua Webster began the practice of a veterinary surgeon. He also 
bought and kept for sale a large number of horses. He continued in 
business in Lancaster undl his death in 1846. Thomas D.. was edu- 
cated in the public schools of Lancaster until his twentieth year. He 
then learned the trade of iron moulder, and worked as journeyman in 
Lancaster and other places until 1855. In 1852 he was united in mar- 



jHiSTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 385 

riage to Miss Eliza J. Griffin. Mr. and Mrs. Webster are the parents 
of six children, three of whom are living — Clara S., the wife of F. L. 
Knight, of Rushville township ; Katie D. and Cora L. are still at home. 
In 1855 Mr. Webster began the manufacture of agricultural imple- 
ments, several of his own invention ; later he has added the sale of 
wagons, carriages and buggies, in which he does a large and extensive 
trade, selling of the celebrated Brown wagon as many as one hundred 
during the year. Mr. Webster is a very successful bnsiness man, and 
by energy and industry he has been able to extend his business, and 
add to it every year. Himself and familv are members of the Metho- 
dist Church. 

Wetzel, Geofge H., druggist, Lancaster. He was born iiji this place 
October 12, 1849; eldest son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Walker) Wetzel. 
Jacob Wetzel was a native of Baden, German}-. He came to Lan- 
caster in 1840, and engaged in the hotel business. He raised a family 
of seven children ; three sons and three daughters are living, and resi- 
dents of Lancaster. Jacob Wetzel died May 4, 1877. George H. was 
a pupil in the public schools in Lancaster until fifteen years of age, 
when he entered the employ of Slocum & White, then a leading drug 
house in Lancaster. He remained with them some three years, follow- 
ing whic he has an experience as dispensing chemist in an extensive 
establishment in Cincinnati, also in Omaha, Nebraska. He returned 
to his former position with Slocum & White, with whom he remained 
until commencing business for himself in 1874. ^^ removed to his 
present location on Main street in the spring of 1882, where he is doing 
an extensive business in drugs, medicines, oils, paints, etc. He is a 
member of the Masonic order, also the L O. O. F. and the German 
Lutheran Church. He was married June i, 1876, to Miss N. Bope. 
They are the parents of one son and one daughter, Charles E. and 
Lena Leota. 

White, Dr. James, was born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, 
June 10, 1799. He was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, 
of the class of 1821. Coming to Ohio the same year, he settled at 
Lancaster, and at once commenced the practice of his profession, 
which soon became both extensive and lucrative. He was mar- 
ried November. 22, 1825, to Miss Maria Elizabeth Beecher, a union 
that was blessed with six children, of whom tour are living, 
viz. : Julia, now the wife of E. L. Slocum, a resident of Lan- 
caster ; Stanley Benton, a druggist of Licking county, Ohio ; E. 
Beecher, a well-known druggist of Lancaster ; James W., a practicing 
physician of Upper Sandusky, Ohio. Dr. White was an ardent stu- 
dent and a skillful physician, and an active member of the Baptist 
Church for many 3'ears. He died September 26, 1868. Mrs. White is 
still living, vigorous in mind and bod}^ and is an intellectual and genial 
lady. Dr. White was devoted to his profession, both as a science and 
in its practice, and kept himself informed of the advancement made 
therein through its literature. He also gave careful study to all the 
cases that came under his care, and was thoroughly conscientious, giv- 
ing to all the best of his ability and watchful care, without thought of 
his own personal comfort or convenience. His tender sympathy and 
delicacy in the sick room endeared him to all the families in his large 



386 BIOGRAPHICAL SKP:TCHES. 

practice. His courteous consideration of others was a marked charac- 
teristic, which was shown in a special manner to the members of his 
own profession, and in the helpfulness given to young physicians — 
always ready to give them the benefit of his long years of patient labor 
and study. His family have received touching and grateful acknowl- 
edgments of his kindness in this respect. Through all his attainments 
as a ph3'sician, and nis character as a man of pure life and integrity, 
there shone his faith as a Christian, which was the growing principle of 
his life. 

White, Thomas H.. Justice, Lancaster. He was born in Mus- 
kingum county, Ohio, May 20, 1820. He came to Fairtield count}^ in 
183 1, and was afterwards married to Rebecca P. Koontz, a native of 
Lancaster. For some time Mr. White was engaged in the dr}-- goods 
trade. In 1874 ^^^'- White was elected Justice of the Peace, an office 
he yet most efficiently fills. Mr. and Mrs. White are the parents of 
four children — Alice, Thomas C, Mar^- and Otis K. At this date 
(spring of 1881) Alice is the wife of St. Clair Pearce, and resides in 
Columbus ; Thomas C. is married and lives in Cincinnati ; Otis K. is 
an engineer on the Pittsburg, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railway ; Mary 
is 5^et at home. 

Whitec amp, William L., Liberty township; was born in West- 
phalia, Germanv, December 12, 1844; son of Frank and Elizabeth 
(Stein) W^hitecamp, the former of whom still resides in German^s en- 
joving vigorous health, in the eighty-third year of his age. William 
L., after acquiring a liberal education at the schools in the vicinity of 
his father's home, and at an agricultural college, remained with his 
parents until reaching the age of eighteen, when he entered the employ 
of Baron Von Oheim, as overseer, in which capacity he remained until 
coming to America in 1867, reaching Baltimore, Fairfield count}^ the 
fall of the same year. He at once entered into active business as man- 
ager for his brother-in-law, Henr}' Gehring, a position which he filled 
for some two years. Subsequently he was an employe of Kauffman, in 
the Mithoff House, in Lancaster, for some time, following which for 
one year he was a resident of St. Louis, Missouri, where he was engaged 
as foreman in the shipping department of a sugar refinery. Returning 
to Baltimore, Ohio, he was married in 187 1 to Miss Bettie Harris, 
who, after a married life of eighteen months, died in 1873. For two 
years following the death of his wife Mr. Whitecamp occupied a posi- 
tion as clerk in a hotel at Columbus. The greater portion of the year 
1876 he devoted to traveling through the Western States and Territories, 
until the fall of the same year, when he became the proprietor of the 
hotel at Baltimore, Fairfield county, Ohio, which he has still continued 
to conduct in the most successful manner, purchasing the property in 
January, 1881, remodeling and building additions to the same. Mr. 
Whitecamp was again united in matrimony in January, 1879, ^^ Miss 
Mary, daughter of Enos Miller, of Walnut township. To this union 
were born two children, one of whom is living — Mabel E., born June 
21, 1880. Mr. Whitecamp is a consistent member of the Lutheran 
Church, also of the Masonic order. He is a prosperous and an esteemed 
citizen. 

Whitzel, J. a., of Greencastle, was born in Seneca county, Ohio, 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 387 

August 3, 1850; received a liberal education, completing a course in 
part at the Oberlin College, at Oberlin, Ohio ; was afterward associated 
with Colonel Frees several years in the dr}- goods business in New^ Lex- 
ington, Ohio, but for the past ten 3'ears has carried on farming in Bloom 
township. In 187 1 he was married to Miss Mary Courtright, daughter 
of Jacob Courtright, a well-known citizen of this township, and is the 
father of three children living. He has been an official member of the 
Presbyterian Church for man}- years past, and superintendent of its 
flourishing Sabbath school. 

WiDENER, John, grocer, Lancaster. He was born in Washington 
county, Maryland : son of Jacob and Mary Widener. He came with 
his parents to Ohio in 1834, '^^^^ father settling in Pleasant township, 
where he engaged in farming and the manufacture of brick. He resided 
here during his lifetime, and reared a family of ten children. He died 
in 1855. John received a fair education, attending the common schools 
until sixteen years of age, when he learned the shoemaking trade. 
After completing his trade he worked as journeyman until 1854, w^hen 
he commenced business for himself in Rushcreek township. He con- 
ducted it successfully, but finally disposed of it and took charge of the 
home farm, at the death of his father. He remained there until his 
mother's death in 1868. He then settled his business relating to the 
estate, and removed to Lancaster, where he engaged extensively in 
manufacturing brick, emplo3nng from eight to ten men in the work. 
Mr. Widener has recently purchased the well-known grocery house 
conducted by C. F. Wagenhals, located on the corner of Columbus 
and German streets. In 1865 he was married to Miss Mary Sullivan, 
daughter of Philip Sullivan, a well-known resident of Baltimore. Mr. 
and Mrs. Widener are the parents of nine children, eight of w'hom are 
living. The family are members of the M, E. Church. 

WiLHELM, Samuel, farmer and stock raiser, post office Lancaster ; 
born in Berkley county. West Virginia, in 181 1, came to this county 
in 1834 ' ^^^ '^^ John and Margaret (Thomas) Wilhelm. Married 
June 20, 1834, ^o Miss Rachel Arnold, daughter of Frederick and Bar- 
bara (Petrey) Arnold. They have six children, Mary, deceased ; 
Dianna, James, Martin L. T. M., Margaret; all are married but one. 
Mrs. Wilhelm's grandfather was sold when a boy and put to making 
powder for the Revolutionary War. 

Williams, Charles H., postmaster, Lancaster; w^as born in 
Peny county, in 1848. He came to this city in 1865, and engaged as 
assistant postmaster, which position he filled till June 21, 1882. He was 
married to Miss Ida Stewart. They are the parents of two children — Jen- 
nie and Fannie M. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are consistent members of 
the Methodist church, and active in the discharge of their duties 
therein. Mr. Williams is an active member of the Republican party 
and was, for some time, treasurer of the County Central Committee, 
and is now its chairman. He is a member of the K. T., the I. O. O. 
F. and the K. of H. He was appointed postmaster by the present ad- 
ministration, June 27, 1882, and assumed his duties July 10. 

Williamson, George, post office, Lancaster, Hocking township ; 
farmer ; born March 16, 1809, in this township ; son of Peter and Ke- 
siah (Low) Williamson. Peter was a native pf Virginia, emigrated to 



388 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Jhis township in 1806, and settled on the same section his son, George, 
lives on now. In 1824 George went on the Ohio Canal, in the Engi- 
neer department, and remained there until 1832, and then settled on 
the farm where he now resides. In 1834 he married Louisa Morris. 
Her parents, James and Albena (Rees) Morris, were both natives of 
Virginia and emigrated to this county in 1804, and settled in Amanda 
township. They became the parents of the following named children : 
Oliver, William, who married Miss D. Schleich in 1854, ^^^ <^^*2<^ ^" 
1877 ; James, Kezia, David, George and Rebecca. 

Wise, W. M., teacher, Stoutsville ; born in Cincinnati August 4, 
1855 ; came to Pickaway county in 1858, removed to this county in 
1874. Married October i, 1875, to Miss Mary NefF; is the father of 
two children — Jennie, born December 20, 1876 ; Maggie, born August 
7, 1878. The subject of this sketch is at present living in the village of 
Stoutsville. He is one of the leading teachers of Fairlield county. 

Wolf, Isaac V., of Madison township ; is a grandson of Valentine 
Wolf, one of the early settlers of this part of the county and who was 
born in Frederick county, Maryland, February 27, 1774. His brother. 
William Wolf, was in the Shay Rebellion, ana was also an early settler 
here. Mr. Valentine Wolf married Miss Mary Dern, of Maryland, 
also, and became the father of three sons — Ezra, Isaac and Salem, all 
of whom were well-known in the county. Mr. Valentine Wolf and 
family came in wagons and settled on the farm now, in part, owned by 
Jacob Miller. In this log house was held the first election in the town- 
ship, in 1812. Ezra Wolf afterwards lived here and weatherboarded 
the hewed logs in 1844. Valentine Wolf was among the first black- 
smiths in the township. He died .October 14, 1846. Ezra Wolf, the 
oldest son, took charge of the farm, erected a saw mill about the year 
1830, and carried it on until 1844. He lived on the homestead place 
sixt3'--five years. Salem lived in the township until 1847, and then 
moved to Lancaster, where he died in 1875. Ezra, also, died in 1875, 
August 31, nearly seventy-two years old. Ezra was born in Frederick 
county, Mar3dand, January i, 1804 ; was seven years old when his par- 
ents came to this State. Was a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
church forty years, and did, as the last act of his life, build Bethany 
Church, Perry county. Was Justice of the Peace six years, first elected 
in 1840. Was married to Barbara Spangler, daughter of Samuel 
Spangler. Colonel Spangler was born March 3, 1783, in Pennsyl- 
vania, was an early settler of this countv, and a cabinet maker. 
In 1804 lie settled in Fairfield county Perry township. S. V. 
Wolf, a son of Ezra, was born September 28, 1833 ; married 
a Miss Julia Shaefter, October 21, 1856, granddaughter of Isaac 
Shaeffer, who built a saw mill, as early as 1815, and the grist 
mill in 1830, and the house in 1832. Samuel is one of eight sons and 
has eight sisters ; is a lar<{e landholder, and a successful farmer. His 
mill is in fine condition and has an immense patronage. M. Wolf is a 
man of no political ambition but is well-known everywhere in the 
county, having been more or less publically identified with its interests 
for many years. Was clerk of the township five years, and trustee sev- 
eral years. 

Wolfe, William H., Clerk of Court, Lancaster. He was born in 



HISTORY OP FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 389 

Pickaway county, March 6, 1841 ; the son of Samnel and Eliza (Kraft) 
Wolf. He received a limited education in his youth, and until his 
twentieth year, en^jaged in farming. He then commenced teaching in 
the common schools ; in which he continued eight years, during which 
time he filled the position of Principal of the north grammar school, 
also south grammar school, in Lancaster. He also occupied similar 
positions in the schools of Bucyrus, Bowling Green and Delphos. He 
was elected clerk of the court of this count}^ in 1881. He has been 
twice married, first in 1852, to Miss Anna Morgan. They were the 
parents of one daughter, Mabel E. Mrs. Wolf died in 1873. He was 
again united in marriage in 1876, to Miss Clara A., daughter of Colonel 
Phillipa Bope, of Lancaster. To this union one son and two daughters 
were born — Ralph PL, Grace F. and Clara B. Mr. Wolf and family 
are members of the Presbyterian church. He is also a member of the 
L O. O. and Ro^al Arcanum. 

Wolf, George, farmer ; post office, Stoutsville ; born March 8, 
1823 ; married September 27, 1846. He is the father of seven children, 
five of whom are now living, Jacob, George, John, Daniel and William 
Henry. William Henry is, at present, living on the farm occupied by 
his father. He was born August 14, 1857. Married to Maria Leist, 
December 20, 1881. There was born of this marriage one child, now 
dead. The subject of this sketch, George Wolf, is one of the oldest 
settlers and leading men of Clearcreek township. 

Woi.F, Jacob B., farmer, post office, Clear Creek ; was born March 
21, 1848; married February 11, 1869 to Elizabeth Shupe. He is the 
father of two children — Lydia, born August 27, 1870 ; George Franklin, 
born December 24, 1873. The subject of this sketch, at present, re- 
sides two and one-half miles east of Stoutsville. He is one of the en- 
terprising young farmers of Clear Creek township. 

Wolf, George W., farmer; post office, Stoutsville; was born 
August 29, 1849; iTi'ii'ned October 10, 1872, to Miss Hannah Shupe. 
He is the father of six children: Cora L, born November 3, 1873; 
Elmer E., born September 17, 1879; Kirby A., born September 5, 
1877; Clinton, born April i, 1875; Edward, born January 23, 1881, 
died February 23, 1881 ; Carrie F., born February 23, 1882. The sub- 
ject of this sketch is at present living three-fourths of a mile east of 
Stoutsville, where he has just erected a fine, large brick house. He is 
one of the prominent young farmers of this township. 

Wolf, Daniel, farmer, post office, Stoutsville ; was born January 
31, 1855 ; married Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca Dumm. 
There were born of this marriage four children : Joseph, born August 
24, 1876: Amos F., born October 14, 1877 ; Ida E., born December 2, 
1878; Etta R.. born March 14, 1881. Mr. Wolf is one of the leading 
young farmers of this township. 

Wolfinger, George, son of Fredrick and Margaret W. ; was born 
in September, 1848. His parents are of German descent ; was married in 
1876 to Miss Ellen, daughter of Benjamin and Lyda (Stemen) Friesner. 
Mrs. W. was born in 1847. They are the parents of two children, 
Henry B. and George O. 

Work, Mrs. Mary M., Lancaster; was born in Fairfield county, 
Ohio, November 8, 1820, the only child of Isaac L. and Sarah (Grun- 



39° 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



del") Davis. I. L. Davis was a native of Delaware county, Pennsyl- 
vania. He came with his father, N. M. Davis, to Ohio in 1804, settling 
on the place where Mrs. Work was born, and where her grandfather 
and father spent their days. Isaac L. Davis learned the trade of paper 
making, and conducted his business on the Hocking river for many 
years. Mr. Davis married, in 1819, Sarah, daughter of Peter Grunder, 
a pioneer of Fairtield county. Mrs. Davis has been twice married, and 
is still living, having reached her eighty-first year. She is now a resi- 
dent of Logan county. Mrs. Work received a good education, and in 
1840 she was united in marriage to John Work, who was born October 
II, 1814, in Fairfield county. He was of Irish descent and a tinner by 
trade. He established the firm of W^ork & Cornell, dealei"s in tin, cop- 
per and sheet iron. Mr. Work succeeded to the business, which he con- 
tinued for many years. He died April 4, 1878. He was a member of 
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for thirty-three years ; an es- 
teemed citizen and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His 
wife is a member of the same church. They were the parents of four 
children, of whom are living Sarah, wife of Dr. J. S. Beck, of Dayton ; 
Mary M., wife of George O. Warrington, of Da3'ton ; Charles and 
Maggie, still residing at home. 

Wright,^. H., Judge of Common Pleas Court. Judge Wright 
resides in Lancaster, where he is prominently identified with all public 
questions, and is one of the leading citizens of the county. 

YoNTZ, Dr. Joseph, physician, Walnut township ; was born in 
Washington county, Maryland, March i, 1819; son of Benjamin 
Yontz. He was born in Mar3dand. He came to Ohio in 183 1, settling 
in Walnut township, on the place owned by Isaac Wiseman. He lived 
there some three or four years. He then moved to Thorn township. 
Perry county, returning to Walnut township about 1855. He died here 
about i860. He raised a famil}- of three sons and one daughter, all 
living. Benjamin Yontz filled the position of Justice of the Peace in 
Thorn township during his residence there. Dr. Yontz was educated 
in the common schools. In 1836 he studied medicine with Dr. M. D. 
Brock, then a practicing ph3'sician in New Salem. He was then in 
the office of Dr. F. L. Flowers, in Brownsville, one year ; then in 
Jeflferson county, in the office of Dr. Richard Parson until 1840. He 
then returned to Salem and commenced the practice of his profession 
in 1840, for six months. He then removed to Pleasantville, where he 
practiced until 1850, when he returned to New Salem, where he has 
since continued to practice. In 1843 he married Miss Eleanor, daugh- 
ter of John Shaw. They are the parents of three sons and one daugh- 
ter — Clara, wife of D. H. C. Baker, of New Salem ; L. Grand B., a 
resident of Ottawa, Putnam county, Ohio; E. A. and Glen, at home. 
They are members of the Methodist Protestant Episcopal Church. He 
is a member of the Masonic Order, Independent Order of Odd Fellows 
and Good Templars. 

Zeigler, William F., Violet township ; post office, Pickerington, 
born April 10, 1847 ; son of Henry and Judea Zeigler ; Justice of the 
Peace, Ma3'or and Township Treasurer. Married to Lanie Burmen 
August 26, 1866. He has a famil3^ of six children, viz. : Charles H., 
born April 29, 1867 ; Florence, born September 28, 1868, (Florence 



HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 39I 

died) ; Albert, born June ii, 1871 ; Ida M., born September 20, 1873 : 
Cora, born January 26, 1877, and William W., born September 25, 
1880. Mr. Zeigler belongs to the I. O. O. F. and owns a half interest 
in a threshing machine, saw mill and a brick making establishment. 

Zollinger, Jacob, farmer, Walnut township. He was born in 
Reading township, Perry county, Ohio, June 11, 1818 ; the youngest 
son of Lewis and Catharine (Houlz) Zollinger. Lewis Zollinger was 
born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania. He came to Ohio in 1808, set- 
tling in Richland township, on a place now owned b}^ William Johnson, 
where he remained until 1823 or 1824, when he purchased the Jacob 
Houtz place, in the same township. There he resided until coming to 
this township in 1848. He raised a lamilv of one daughter and two sons. 
Jacob is the sole survivor. He was an esteemed citizen for many years. 
He is a member of the United Brethren church. He died in 1849 ; his 
widow in August, 1869. Jacob Zollinger, after completing his education, 
engaged in farming, coming to this count}' in 1849. He married, in 1841, 
Miss Margaret, daughter of William Linnville, an early settler in Rich- 
land township. Mrs. Zollinger was born in Richland township, Sep- 
tember 18, 1821. He purchased two hundred and fifty acres, the origi- 
nal Peter H. Howser farm, a partly improved place. He built his pres- 
ent residence in 1858. The home place consisted of four hundred and 
fifteen acres, also three hundred and fifty acres in Perry and Licking 
counties. They are the parents of eight children. His eldest son, J. 
L., is a well known resident of Walnut towmship. He owns over four 
hundred acres. He is a prominent tarmer and stock raiser. He is a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal church. 

Zollinger, John L., farmer, Walnut township. 



392 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



ERRATA. 

The following biography was received too late for insertion in its 
proper place : 

Bright, Enoch, farmer and stock raiser, Liberty township : is the 
oldest son of John and Elizabeth (Myers) Bright. John Bright, Sr., 
were born in Berke county, Pennsylv^ania, about 1787. He first visited 
Ohio in 1808, where, with his lather he inade extensive purchases of 
land in Libert}' townsliip, becoming a permanent settler on the same 
sometime between 1808 and 18 12. During the war of 181 2 he sent a 
substitute to represent him in the field. In 1832 he built what is known 
as Bright's mills, which were at that time considered among the first 
flouring mills in Central Ohio. It contained three run of burrs and was 
conducted by Mr. Bright and his sons during his life time, and is still 
in active operation. Mr. Bright, Sr., was a Hberal supporter of all 
Christian and benevolent enterprises, an active and exemplary member 
of the Evangelic d Association, a denomination whose camp meetings 
were held on his premises for man^^ years, and those who attended those 
annual gatherings always found his house and grounds ready to re- 
ceive them " without money and without price." A brick church was 
erected on a lot of land donated by him to the Evangelical Association 
in 1842. In 1870 this was replaced by a handsome, modern structure. 
Mr. Bright was a pioneer and a prominent man in his day, owning at 
one time seventeen hundred acres of land in the immediate vicinity of 
his home. He was three times married, and raised a famil}^ of seven 
children, five of whom are now living, all prominent residents of Liber- 
ty township. His death took place September 12, 1853 ; his widow 
still survives him. Enoch Bright, his oldest son, was born in Liberty 
township, Fairfield county, January 3, 1830, where, after acquiring a 
fair education, engaged in milling and farming until he was married, 
July 25, 1852, to Miss Louisa Yager, and immediately settled upon the 
tarm, where he still resides, having, during these years, changed it 
from a comparatively unimproved place to one of the best improved and 
most productive farms in the township. To Mr. and Mrs. Bright were 
born eleven children, of whom eight are living. Their eldest daughter 
Mahala, is the wdfe of David Alt, of Baltimore, Ohio. Their eldest 
son, T. G. Bright, is also married and resides on a portion of the home 
place. Three daughters and three sons are still at home. Mr. Bright 
and his famil}^ are members of the Evangelical Association. He is a 
genial and hospital gentleman, a substantial and esteemed citizen. 



PART V. 

HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 



B"^ ^- S- COLBOI^I^^- 



G O 




HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY, 



CHAPTER I. 

GEOGRAPHY, TOPO(JRAPHV AND (JEOLOGY. 

Perry County is situated in the southeastern part of the State ot' 
Ohio, is bounded on the north by Licking and Muskingum, on the east 
by Muskingum and Morgan, on the south by Athens and Hocking, 
and on the west b}- Hocking and Fairfield. Its area is four hundred 
square miles. It is of irregular shape, and is longest from north-west 
to south-east. 

The divide, separating the waters which flow into the Hocking, 
trom those that flow into the Muskingum, reaches the long way through 
the county, coming in at the north, in Thorn township, west of Thorn- 
ville, and going out at the south, in Bearfield township, near Porterville. 
The highest parts of this divide, are about 500 feet above the level of 
Lake Erie : and about 1000 higher than the Adantic ocean. 

About one-third of the county is drained into the Muskingum, and 
the remaining two-thirds into the Hocking. The Moxahala, (more 
commonly called Jonathan's Creek,) and its tributaries drain that por- 
tion of the county whose waters flow into the Muskingum ; and Rush 
Creek, Monday "Creek, Sunday Creek and their tributaries, that por- 
tion, of the waters which flows" into the Hocking. The Moxahala, or 
Jonathans' Creek, has a principal north and south branch, the sources 
of which are comparatively far apart. The head-waters of the north 
branch are in the neighborhood of Thorn ville ; those of the south 
branch are several miles southeast of New Lexington. The north and 
south branches of the Moxahala do not, in fact, unite within the limits 
of the county, but several miles over the line in Muskingum. Rush 
Creek also has two main branches, (known as north and south,) which, 
like those of the Moxahala, have their source in diflerent parts of the 
county. The head waters of the the north branch are in the western 
part of Thorn township ; those of the south branch are near Reho- 
both, nearly twenty miles distant. The north and south branches of 
Rush Creek do not come together in the limits oi' Perry, but near Bre- 
men, in Fairfield county. Monday Creek has its chief sources in the 
neighborhood of Bristol, Maxville and Middletown, and Sunday creek 
consisting of three principal branches, in the vicinity of Whipstown. 
Oakfield and Thompsonville. All these creeks have numerous tribu- 
taries, and the natural drainage system of the county is one of the best 
in the State. 

The description of the divide, and what has been said about the 
water courses "and drainage, has already indicated, in a great measure, 



2 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

the general topography of the county. The divide, as has been stated, 
extends through the count}' from northwest to southeast, its line being 
crooked and irregular. Between the streams that flow from this back- 
bone ridge, and its numerous spurs, are other ridges, many of them 
nearly as high as the great divide itself. In other places, the elevations 
between the streams are only small plateaus, sufficiently elevated to be 
picturesque and healthy. . But Perry has, in fact, all kinds of land, 
trom narrow valleys, gentle slopes, and moderatelv rolling country, to 
winding and tortuous ridges, and steep and almost inaccessible hills. 

As to soil, that of Perry County is neither the best nor the worst. 
A considerable portion of it has ever been, and is now, quite productive. 
Nearly all of it would originally produce ver}- good crops. Much of it, 
in course of vears, became worn-out and would yield no more, but is 
fast being reclaimed, and bids tair to produce more than ever, under a 
good system of farming. The virgin soil was thin, and would not hold 
out a great while, without a care and attention that was seldom given. 
But a new day is dawning on the farming community. 

When the first white settlers arrived, the country in general was 
well timbered. The timber consisted of oak, hickory, poplar, walnut, 
ash, elm, sugar, maple, beech, gum, chestnut, sycamore, wild cherry, 
dogwood and some other varieties. Manj^ of the oaks were very large 
and of a fine quality. . 

Wild beasts were not scarce w^hen the early settlers came. Bears, 
deer, panthers, wild-cats, wolves and catamounts roamed at will 
through the dense forests with none to molest them or make them 
afraid. Bears, indeed, lingered around long enough to capture fatten- 
ing hogs I'l-om pens and to eat peaches under trees planted by the pio- 
neers. Foxes, coons, opossums, ground-hogs, rabbits, squirrels -and 
other small animals abounded. Wild turke3'S were plentiful, and the 
hoot of the owl, the cry of the whippoorwill and the call of the pheas- 
ant, were familiar sounds in the ears of the men and women who left 
civilization behind and w^ent forth to battle for existence and homes in 
the wild forest. 

Nearly all of Perry county lies within the coal measures, the only- 
exception being about six-sevenths of Thorn township and about one- 
fifth each of Reading and Jackson. It is not to be inferred that all the 
remaining portion of the county lies in the workable coal area, for such 
is not the fact. But the surface and all projecting rocks are such as 
belong to the geological structure known as the coal measures, though 
the coal seams in some parts of it may be found wanting. The coal 
measures, so-called, consists of seams of coal with interstratified depos- 
its of limestone shale, sandstone, iron ore and fire-clay. The coal 
seams are not scattered haphazard through the series, but have their 
proper places in the formation. Though this is true generally, it some- 
times happens that a coal seam becomes thin and worthless, and in 
some places fails altogether ; but each seam has its own place in the 
series, and hence the classification as given by the professional geolo- 
gists. The series of deposits known as the Coal Measures, is said to 
rest on the Maxville limestone, and when that is lacking, upon the 
Logan sandstone or upper Waverly stone. 

The principal coal seam of the series is known as number six, or the 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 3 

Nelsonville seam, the Straitsville seam, the "great vein," the great 
seam, and perhaps by other names. It was tirst mined at Nelsonvdlle, 
but is the same seam as the Shawnee, Straitsville, Corning, Rendville 
and Buckingham seam. This seam is six feet thick at Nelsonville, 
from ten to eleven at Straitsville and Shawnee, and from ten to thirteen 
at Buckingham, Corning, Rendville and othor points on Sunday Creek. 
A seam from three to four feet in thickness, generally believed by geol- 
ogists to be the same as the "great seam" further south, extends over 
nearly all of Pike, Clayton. Harrison and much of Reading, Bearfield 
and Madison townships. This is the seam generally mined. Another 
coal seam from lour to five feet thick, about sixteen feet lower in the 
coal measure formation, is found in the neighborhood of New Lexing- 
ton, and it is thought will be found generally wherever the other seam 
exists. Some geologists express the opinion that those two seams taken 
together, are the equivalent of the great seam of Straitsville and Sun- 
day Creek, as there they appear to be two distinct seams, though 
found close together. 

From forty to fift}^ feet above the "great vein," where the hills are 
high enough, is what is to be tound the Norris coal, the seam from five 
to six feet in thickness. This seam, however, is not persistent, and 
sometimes is wanting altogether. But it is a good coal and is found in 
several places. Another seam of coal known as the Stallsmith, from 
eighty to ninety feet above the great seam, and from four to five feet 
thick, is tolerably persistent, though it sometimes is not found when due. 
This coal has been mined, is pronounced a good coal, and is said to be 
highl}' valuable for some purposes. What is called the lower New Lex- 
ington seam, because it has been mined at this place, if it be persistent, 
as it probably is, mav prove to be a very valuable coal of commerce. 
It is from five to six feet thick in places, and is a dry -burning coal, and 
valuable for many purposes. If this seam extends over a wide area to 
the north and east, it will in the agcrregate be of very great value. 
There are some other veins of coal that are soft, in the geological 
sti"ucture of the Coal Measures, but they are unimportant, and may be 
omitted specific mention. 

The iron ores may be grouped into two divisions — those situated be- 
low the great coal seam No. 6, and those found above it. A seam of 
ore is often found resting on the Maxville and Newtonville limestone. 
Prof. Andrews states that he has found a good ore above the horizon 
near Maxville, and also in Reading and Madison townships. He has 
found other ores near Crossenville, entirely belonging to the lower coal 
measures, but he could not ascertain their places definitely. The Baird 
ore, so called because it is the one chiefly used at Baird's iron works in 
Monday Creek township, is a well defined and valuable seam, and is 
situated about thirty-five feet below the great seam, No. 6, of coal. 
This places it below the lower New Lexington coal. This has proved 
to be a very valuable ore, but as it dips to the east, and is too thin to 
admit of drifting, it is only available near the western margin of the 
coal measures. The " sour apple" ore, situated above the Norris coal, 
has been discovered in many places, and traced all the way from Sun- 
day Creek to New Lexington. It has not been much used yet, but it 
is believed to be a good ore, The "Iron Point" ore is an important 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 



deposit an(^ is situated about one hundred feet above the great coal 
seam, No. 6. "Fho equivalent of the Iron Point ore has been discov- 
ered at several places, varying in thickness from one to thirteen feet. 
The " Hone ore," two miles east of New Lexington, discovered by 
the Moxahala Furnace Company-, was, on a purchased area of some- 
thing over an acre, from seven to eight feet thick, and of good quality. 
Another de]:)Osit of ore, believed to be on the iiorizon of the Iron Point 
ore, was found on the Whitlock farm, in Pleasant township. In the 
neighbt)rhood of Bristol in Pike township, a large area of the Iron Point 
ore has been found, ranging trom two to thirteen feet in thickness. 
There are other outci'ops and deposits of ore in various places and at 
dilTerenl horizons, but geologists have not tully studied or classilied 
them, and a suHicient number of borings has not been made to fairly 
test their extent or value. Experience, the best of all teachers, has 
proven that good and valuable ores exist in Reading, Jackson, Pike, 
Pleasant. Monroe, Saltlick, Coal and Monday Creek townships, and 
there is little doubt that Harrison, Bearfield, Clavton, Hopewell and 
Madison townships will ultimately be found rich in the same commod- 
it}-. General theories and opinions go for something, particularlv 
those of learneil and trained geologists : but there i-U'e so man}- varia- 
tions and limitations to the general recognized structure of the Coal 
Measures with then- limestone, ore. coal, sandstone, shale, etc., that 
only actual and minute inspection and investigation can full}' disclose 
the wonders that directly underlie the surface of the Coal Measures of 
Perry county. Even the great coal seam is sometimes wholl}- or par- 
tially missing where geologically due ; the iron ores often lie in pockets, 
and are sometimes discovered where no geologist with all the intbrma- 
tion available would expect to find them. Hence, it will take time, 
more or less, and certainly it will require some expenditure of money 
and not a little labor, and careful, untiring investigation, to fully de- 
termine the area, extent and value of iron ore deposits in Perry county. 
As has been stated, the coal measures rest upon the Maxville lime- 
stone, and that rests upon the Logan sandstone, or Upper Waverl}'. 
The Maxville limestone, or its equivalent, is sometimes missing, and in 
that case the coal measures rest directly upon the sandstone of the 
Upper Waverly. Geologists state that the Maxville and Newtonville 
limestones are one, and that their equivalent is found along the lowest 
valleys in both the eastern and western parts of Perry county. The 
northern branches of Rush Creek and Jonathan's Creek, both, in 
places, uncover the limestone and expose it to full view. In many 
other places it is believed that it might be easil}^ uncovered and found. 
What is asserted to be an equivalent of the Maxville and Newtonville 
limestone was largely quarried in Reading, Clapton, and Madison 
townships, for use in constructing the Zanesville and Maysville turn- 
pike. There are several limestone quarries in Perrv county, developed 
since the erection of blast furnaces, of a higher horizon than the Max- 
ville limestone, but geologists do not a]'>j-)ear to have traced them care- 
fully, and whether thev belong to the Putnam Hill. Zoar, or Cambridge 
series, or to independent and unclassified lonnation, is a subject of con- 
jecture, and to be decided by future investigations. Many of them are 
known to be of good quality, whatever mav be their relation to the 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 5 

general geological structure of the coal measure system. In the recog- 
nized limestone horizons, there is sometimes found bastard limestone 
deposits, which are of little or no value. In other localities flinl or 
chert appears to take the place of limestone. The chert is used for 
pikeing roads. or streets, and is very useful and durable for that purpose. 

Fire clays are often found interstratitied among the coal measure 
rocks, though there has been, as yet, no special investigation of this 
subject, or considerable test of the qualities of the clav. There is little 
room to doubt, however, that a very considerable portion of Perry 
county will prove It) be rich in this important material. Potter's clav is 
found to exist, in a greater or less degree, in all parts of the countv, 
though the !)est and richest beds appear to be in the eastern part, in 
which section many potteries are in operation and large quantities of 
ware manufactured. 

When the white settlers came there was a salt spring, or '' deer 
lick." on thf present site of McCuneville. hence the name of Saltlick 
township. There is a sulphur spring on a branch of Sunday Creek, 
and there is also a similar spring of medical virtue in the south-western 
part of Reading township. There are a few alum springs, and a num- 
ber of alum wells of no special value or economic importance, and onlv 
interesting as indicating the various composition of the coal measure 
s\-stem. 

The county is extremely well watered, considered in the aggregate. 
In addition to the creeks and smaller streams, that are hereinbefore out- 
lined, the surface of the county is dotted with numerous springs, afford- 
ing a bount-itul supply of pure water the year round. Digging wells 
was one hardship that few of the pioneers were called upon to undergo. 
Wells are even yet infrequent, except in towns and villages, and good, 
pure water is almost everywhere secured at no very great depth and at 
no inordinate expense. The spring water is usually " soft " and the 
well water " hard," though both have exceptions. 

Sandstone of a durable nature, suitable for building purposes, is 
found in almost all parts of the county. The most of this stone quar- 
ries easily and works well. Though the county abounds in stone quar- 
ries and outcrops of stone, verv little of it, comparatively, lies so near 
the surface as to disturb the plowman, or in any way to interfere with 
the proper cultivation of the soil. If the Maxville or Newtonville lime- 
stone is good for building purposes — and it is now almost universally 
so considered — the county surely has an abundant supply of different 
kinds of stone for building, both for home and foreign consumption. A 
few stone houses were built, quite early in the history of the county, 
which have withstood the storms. tVeezes, and thaws of many a year, 
and are yet but little the worse for the wear. If these may be taken as 
testimony, the stone may be considered as of a fairly durable character. 

It is not within the scope or general purpose of this work to enter 
into a discussion of speculative or minutely descriptive geology. Nearly 
all of Perry countv is included within the coal measures, and the soil is 
all, or nearlv all. supposed to be native, and composed from the decay- 
ing and pulverization of the underh'ing rocks. Nearl}^ all of Thorn 
township, and small portions of Reading and Jackson townships, are 
in the " Drit't'" section, which comprises about two-thirds of the State, 



6 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

and all the north-western part. The soil and directly underlying 
deposits of the Drift are of foreign origin, and came, at some unknown 
and remote period, probably from the far north, the round gravel- 
stones found in it, rounded and rolled, probably, by the strong glacial 
currents that bore down from the north. The little smooth, roundish 
stones, of various colors, that are seen along the railroads in most of 
Perry county, are not native inhabitants, but have been brought in from 
the Drift region west and north, where they have been long enough to 
gain a residence ; and vet, in the long ago, they were unconscious 
immi^J^rants from a far-oti' country. The stones and pebbles of the 
coal measures are of quite a different character. Whoever reads what 
is herein written concerning geolog}^ will obtain a hint of the uncer- 
taintv and incompleteness of the science ; whoever studies carefully the 
various printed works upon the subject, will be yet more deeply im- 
pressed with the same fact. Yet it is undeniable that much valuable 
and economic knowledge has been gathered and assorted h}^ learned 
and patient geologiss and investigators: and further information that 
will bear good fruit to commere and mankind, is sure to be secured by 
their stud}^ and industry ; yet it is but simple candor to admit that there 
is much about the changes and making of the earth which they cannot 
fathom or disclose, and that, in view of the man}^ useful pursuits which 
may occupy every energy of the mind and body, it seems something 
like folly to waste time upon mere speculation or guesses as to the inert, 
unconscious, unknown and unknowable. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY 



CHAPTER II. 

COAL, IRON ORE, SALT, AND OTHER MINERALS. 

Man}^ of the early settlers of Reading, Clayton, Pike, and Harrison 
townships, who came from coal counties in Pennsylvania, knew the 
article when they saw it, and it was not long before their eyes detected 
the outcrops jn the hill-sides, or the uncovered seams in the beds of 
small streams, where the action of the water had washed away the cov- 
ering of earth. Yet such discoveries were of no present significance 
or value. There was no demand for coal ; no grates or stoves, even, in 
which to use it for home consumption. Besides, the settler's cabin con- 
sisted, in most cases, of but one room, and good wood of all kinds was 
plentiful everywhere. 

The first demand was for blacksmith coal, and for many years it was 
thought a good article for this purpose could be obtained in only a few 
favored places. Coal for this purpose, was at first stripped where the 
covering of earth over it was not very deep, or taken from the beds of 
streams where the surface had been entirely washed away. About 1816, 
or soon thereafter, the blacksmiths began to use coal at Somerset, 
Rehoboth, New Lexington, and a few other places. Also, about this 
time grates and coal were introduced into Somerset, and a little later, 
as the villages grew, into Rehoboth and New Lexington. Coal first 
found its wa}^ into taverns, public offices, stores and shops, and grad- 
ually into the sitting rooms of well-to-do persons in town and country, 
in the coal region and near its neighborhood. It is impossible to tell 
at this time, who mined the first coal, in this or that neighborhood, or 
in the county at large. Tradition tells that a colored man named 
Shedron, was the pioneer miner in the St. Joseph region. It is said 
that he carried the coal from the bottom of his shaft or pit, up a ladder 
on his back, where he dumped it in reach of his customers. Of course 
the enterprising colored man did not then know of any place where the 
coal could be drifted from the hillside, or he would have dispensed with 
his sack and ladder. What is now known as the Isaac Denny bank, 
one mile north of New Lexington, was opened on the undermining 
plan, about 1830, and operated somewhat extensively, by Dr. Poujade, 
a Frenchman.' He imported a Frenchman from somewhere, the old 
country, probably, and he was the first professional miner that the old 
citizens remember to have seen in the neighborhood of Rehoboth or 
New Lexington. 

He was a polite, polished fellow, and it was rarely that the Ameri- 
can girls got a glimpse of him until he had seen his bath tub and made 
his toilet. Poujade sold coal to the people of New Lexington, and 
Rehoboth, and to the farmers for miles around. Soon after 1830, the 
great vein was discovered and opened at different places on Sunday 
and Monday Creeks. In some instances the coal-house was the coal 



8 HISTORY OK PKRUY COUNTY. 

bank, situated only a rod or two Irom the cabin door. New mines 
gradually began to be opened all over the coal region, and many land- 
owners commenced mining coal tor their own use, and perhaps, to 
accommodate a few neighbors ; and so, in general terms, coal came 
into common use in Perry county. 

Coal was not much used for cooking purposes, prior to i860 ; and 
nine-tenths of the good house-wives of Perry vowed, honestly enough, 
no doubt, that they would never, never, have a coal cooking stove. 
But, for all that, now, in most parts of the county, a load ot" wood is a 
curiositv, and the race of women who always intended to have a wood 
cook stove is well nigh extinct. 

The coal question did not become much of a factor in public afiairs, 
until the first railroad — the Cincinnati Wilmington aud Zanesvilie — 
came to be located. As stated elsewhere, there were three rival routes, 
claiming the location of the road. These were commonly known as the 
Somerset, the St. Joseph, and the New Lexington or Rush Creek V^al- 
ley route. The valley of Rush Creek Ibrmed a natural route, a goodly 
portion of the way through the county, and this had its influence in 
determining the course of the road, though it brought it miles awa\- 
from a direct line. The New Lexington route tapped a coal section, 
and ran twelve or fifteen miles through it, and this fact was pleaded 
earl}' and late, in season and out of season, and the most possible 
made of the situation. It is highl}^ probable, if not an undisputed fact, 
that the advantages offered by the proximity of coal along the New 
Lexington line, determined the result and secured the location of the road. 

Soon after the completion of the Cincinnati Wilmington and Zanes- 
vilie Railroad, some eight or ten mines were opened along the line, 
between New Lexington and Roseville, the most westerly mine being 
siiuated only one mile east of the former place. The demand for coal 
was good trom the start, but cars were not in sufficient suppl}^ and the 
business, for a time, was very much hindered on that account. A few 
years later, all the principal mines consolidated, under the name ot the 
Perry Count}- Coal Compan}^ employed an agent to travel and look 
after the selling of coal, and had regular officers and managers, for the 
management and government of the mines. This company prospered, 
for a number of years, and built up a good trade for their coal at 
Circleville, Washington, C. H., Wilmington, Dayton, Xenia. Troy, 
Springfield, Urbana, Piqua, Hamilton and other towns in Ohio and 
Indiana, and occasionally, during a low stage ot water, had a good 
demand, at high prices, from the city of Cincinnati. 

Soon after the close of the Civil War, however, about 1865-6 the 
Coal Company became so embarrassed by the rates and rules of trans- 
portation, adopted by the railroad management, that their trade was 
hindered, crippled, and eventually destroyed. The Perry County Coal 
Company disbanded, the miners were discharged, and all the coal 
works along the line, for the time being, went to ruin. But, after a few 
3'^ears, when the railroad came under the management of the Panhandle 
system, and several of the coal mines had passed into new hands, the 
works were repaired, new mines opened, new houses built, min ;rs 
again set to work, the coal trade along the line revived, and the busi- 
ness has been in successful operation down to the present time. 



\ 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. g 

The next road which the coal region of Perry influenced in locating, 
was the Old Scioto and Hocking Valley, with terminal points at 
Newark and Portsmouth. It was at first confidently expected that this 
road would be located by the way of Lancaster, and down the valley 
to Logan ; but, in the meanwhile, certain of the public spirited citizens 
of Somerset, who had failed to secure the Cincinnati Wilmington and 
Zanesville road, concluded to make an eftbrt U) have the Scioto and 
Hocking Valley located b^- Somerset instead oi' Lancaster. Years 
before this, the great vein had been opened near Straitsville, (Old) and 
instead of a thickness of twelve or thirteen feet, which the seam 
actually has, by some sort of slide, or covering of slate, the coal 
seemed to show a frontage of, and thickness of over one hundred feet. 
The men who- were engineering the Somerset interest made the most 
of this wonderful phenomenon, and had it thoroughly written up, and 
advertised it both in this country and Europe. It is sufiicient that the 
great Straitsville coal bank turned the scale in favor of the Somerset 
and Perry county route. The main line was to go onh- wdthin four 
miles of Straitsville, and the great coal vein was to be reached by a 
four mile switch from Maxville. 

Though the old Scioto and Hocking Valley road failed in the panic 
of 1854, ^"^ ^^^^ road-bed, and all the franchises passed by judicial 
sale into other hands in 1864; still it had its inflluences. remote and 
direct, in developing the Peny county coal fields. The old road bed 
was used by the Newark, Somerset and Straitsville Railroad, to the 
neighborhood of Junction City ; and north of Logan the old road-bed 
of the Scioto and Hocking Valley, was used a goodlv portion of the 
way to Straitsville, (New) b}' the Hocking Valley branch. There was 
this important change : The N. S. and S., was diverted far enough 
from the old line to reach the great vein directly at Shawnee ; 
and the Hocking Valley branch diverted far enough from the old line 
to reach the great vein at New Straitsville. Thus the great coal 
seam originally deflected the location of the old Scioto and Hock- 
ing Valley, from Fairfield eastward into Perry ; and again, when 
the N. S. and S., and the Hocking Valley roads were constructed 
upon the ruins of the former road, they were both deflected so as 
to reach the ''great vein" direct, instead of by a four mile switch, as 
the old Scioto and Hocking Valle}' proposed. 

In 1871-2. Shawnee and New Straitsville, both being laid out and 
reached b}" rail, coal mines began to be opened, and suitable coal 
works erected. New Straitsville had a little the start, but in all material 
aspects the growth of the coal trade in one town, has been that of the 
other, with the exception that New Straitsville shipped its coal by way 
of the Hocking Valley, and Shawnee by way of the Baltimore and 
Ohio Railroad. The trade has grown until some eight or ten com- 
panies in each town, with large capital and vast resources, are pushing 
the work with great energy and success, with a large number of skillful 
and experienced miners employed, and paying out. in the aggregate, sums 
of money that seem almost fabulous. Strikes and other drawbacks have 
occasionally occurred, but as a general thing, the business has steadily 
progressed, satisfactorily and profitably to all parties concerned. Coal 
is also extensively mined at Bristol, Dicksonton, and other places north 



lO HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

of Shawnee, on the same raih-oad. The coal at Bristol is only a three 
foot seam, but it is in large demand for some purposes, and is said 
to be a superior engine coal. Mining began at Bristol before Shawnee 
was reached, and has never ceased. The Shawnee and New 
Straitsville coal is shipped to various points, mostl}- long distances, 
•and the demand is all the while increasing. About the time it 
was sought to reach the great vein, at the neighborhood of 
Straitsville, (Old) an enterprise was set on foot at New Lexington, the 
design of which was to reach the same great seam in the Sunday 
Creek Valle}'. This movement eventuated in the organization of the 
old Atlantic and Lake Erie Railroad Company, with proposed terminal 
points at Toledo and Pomeroy. The mineral deposits of the Sunday 
Creek Valley, were the basis and impetus of this railroad movement, 
and all its successors. The Great Vein Mining Company ; The Sunday 
Creek Valley Company ; The Hurd Company ; The Brier Ridge Com- 
pany, and several other companies, corporate and private, were in con- 
nection with, or supplementarv to this railroad movement. Work was 
commenced on the road in 1870, and it was completed from New Lex- 
ington to Moxahala in I874. Soon after, there was some mining done 
at various points between New Lexington and Moxahala, but trans- 
portation was inadequate, the outlet unsatisfactory, and the mines were 
subsequently abandoned. 

It was not until the fall of 1879, ^"*^^ after the road, under new 
owners and new management, had been driven through the tunnel at 
Oaklield, and down into the valley of Sunday Creek, that the mining 
of coal was commenced in a large way. Soon after this date, how- 
ever, various companies, and notably the Ohio Central Coal Company, 
sunk their shafts in the valley, and erected coal works preparatory to a 
large business. With the completion of the railroad to Columbus, and 
also to Toledo, and the accumulation of cars and other equipments per- 
taining to railroads, new mines were opened, the number of miners 
largely increased at Rendville and Corning, and the out-put propor- 
tionately augmented. In the latter part of 18S0, and the early part of 
1881, a branch road was constructed from the main line below Corning, 
up the west branch of Sunday Creek, to Buckingham and Hemlock, 
where new mines have been opened, and nearly eight hundred skilled 
miners imported from Germany to work in them, and these new men 
are daily putting out coal in enormous quantities. It is estimated that 
from five to six hundred cars per day, will soon be shipped from the 
Sunday Creek Valley, on the Ohio Central Railroad. There is a 
steady demand for the coal, and it is shipped to numerous points north 
and west. The great vein in the Sunday Creek Valley is reached by 
means of shafts, and lies from twenty-five to eighty feet beneath the 
surface. Coal was mined in the Sunday Creek Valley and hauled 
in wagons to various parts ot Morgan county, a long time before there 
was any railroad in the valley ; but this was taken from a seam higher 
in the hills than the great vein, and was reached by drifting. 

Bairds' was the pioneer furnace in Perry County. Mr. Baird who 
had been connected with the Logan Furnace, which used a very con- 
siderable portion of ore from the neighborhood of Maxville, knew all 
about its qualities, and consequently, it was not an uncertain enterprise, 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. TI 

when he concluded to establish a furnace in the hills, where the ore, 
coal and limestone were all ready at hand. It has been stated on the 
best of authority, that iron has been made at Bairds' Furnace, cheaper 
than anywhere else on the face of the globe. 

The Fannie, XX., and New York Furnace at Shawnee, the Bes- 
sie, at New Straitsville, and the Moxahala Furnace, followed the origi- 
nal one in quick succession. Also Winona and Gore Furnace. They 
are situated a little over the line in Hocking county, but they draw a 
large part of their ores and limestones from Perr}' county. The manu- 
facture of iron in the county is believed to be yet in its infancy. 

The old Salt Works, at the present site of McCuneville, were erec- 
ted about 1826, and for a few years, were run with success 
and profit ; but the decline in the price of salt, the erection of large 
works in other parts of the country, combined with other causes, broke 
up the proprietors, and the works were abandoned. All was razed or 
burned, except the large stone chimney, which stood firm, tall and 
erect, forty-five years, a faithful sentinel, ever on duty, pointing to the 
dead past, silent and mute, and prophesying of the future. When the 
N. S. and S. R. R. had been determined upon, John McCune, of 
Newark, Licking count}^ who now owned the premises, decided to 
erect new works, on the site of the old, which he proceeded to do, with 
persistent energy and perseverance, spending more than forty thousand 
dollars before he realized a dollar. He sunk the old well deeper, 
bored new ones, and put up modern and expensive machinery, of all 
kinds. Mr. McCune made salt for several years, apparently with profit. 
The establishment was finally sold to the Consolidated Salt Company, 
that owns nearly all the works in the country. This company run the 
McCuneville works for a while, but finally stopped them, and they now re- 
mains as silent as when the old stone chimney stood a lone sentinel of 
the narrow valley. 

However, it is within the range of probability, that^ the works will 
again be put in operation, and that similar ones will be erected in other 
parts of the county. There is litde doubt that salt can be obtained in 
many places, in profitable paying quantities, but borings have never 
been made. 

The manufacture of Potter's ware was, on a small scale, a very 
early industry in Perr}^ county. Ware has been made at Somerset, 
Rehoboth, McLuney, New Lexington, Crooksville, Roseville, Sallillo, 
and at a number of other places in the county. The manufacture of 
Potters ware is now mostly confined to the eastern portion of the county, 
where it has grown to be a large and profitable industry, so much so 
that the ware has reached a high state of perfecdon, and large quantities 
are exported to distant Western and Southern States. There are indi- 
cations that the industry will, in the near future, be introduced into 
parts of the south end of the county, where it has not hitherto obtained 
a foothold. The clay is practicably inexhaustible, and only awaits the 
exterprising, plastic "hand of the potter, to shape it into vessels of use 
and beauty. 

Limestone, abundant, in more than three 'fourths of the county, 
has never been much used or developed. A considerable quantity was 
used in the construction of the Zanesville and Maysville Turnpike, and 



j^ HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

the Maxville limestone is well known far and near, at which place a 
superior article of lime has been manufactured, and in large quantities, 
for a great number of vears. It has also been much used in the furna- 
ces of that neighborhood. Lime from the vicinity of Shawnee, New 
Straitsville and Moxahala, has been used in furnaces, and is known 
to be _<'"ood. There are several limestone stratas in the county, and 
there is no doubt that they are in the aggregate of immense value : but 
their development and use have only begun. Building stone, of various 
kinds ;ind giades. including limestone, is so inexhaustible and widely 
diffused, that no aggregate conception can be had of its extent or value, 
until further developed, and brought into more extensive use, at home 
and abroad. A commencement has scarcelv been made. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 1 3 



k 



CHAPTER 111. 

INDIANS AND FIRST WHITES. 

Indians.— There is no history or tradition of any permanent Indian 
town ill what is now Perry county, though Indians often encamped tem- 
porarily, especially on Sunday and Monday creek, and near the "Great 
Swamp," as named by the explorer, Christopher Gist, or Big and Lit- 
tle Lake, now the old part ot the Licking Summit Reservoir. The In- 
dians came to these lakes to Hsh, and to hunt bears, which were quite 
numerous in that vicinity. There was an Indian trail which crossed the 
Muskingum near where Zanesville now is, and crossed what is now 
Perry and Fairtield counties, to "Standing Rock," (Mount Pleasant) 
whicli was followed the most of the wav by ''Zanes Trace'" and is not 
far from the line of the present Zanesville and Maysville Turnpike. 
There was another Indian trail from near where Dresden now is 
passing through Muskingum, Licking and Perry to the Great Swamp, 
(Reservoir.) For fifty years or more previous to the time Perry 
county was settled, the Shawnees, Delawares and Wyandots, were the 
principal occupants of the country, along the Muskingum and Scioto 
rivers, and they all roamed over the great stretch of country that lay 
between them. It is probable that these tribes tacitly agreed to occupy 
the intermediate ground between the Muskingum and the Scioto as a 
common hunting ground. The Shawnees originally came from Florida. 
The Wyandots came from the north, and, at one time inhabited the 
Peninsula of Michigan, at another time the north side of the St. 
Lawrence river. The Indians, chiefly the Wyandots, it is to be pre- 
sumed, came into what is now Perry county, after its first setdement by 
the early pioneers ; but they were peaceable, though some of them 
were unprincipled, and would steal horses, and children, too, if they 
had an opportunity. But there is no account of any successful attempt"^ 
at child stealing by them, in this part of the country, though the 
mother, brothers and sisters of a child stolen by the Indians, lived a 
long time, three or four miles east of Somerset. About 1790, a boy 
child of the name of Armstrong was stolen by the Indians east of the 
Ohio, and carried him from home and friends into capdvity. The 
child grew to manhood among the Indians, in the Maumee country, be- 
came an Indian in appearance and habits, married an Indian girl, and 
went to battle with the Indian braves. After Wayne's victory and the 
treaty of Greenville, and after the war of 181 2, and the arts and ways 
of peace were once more cultivated, young Armstrong longed to know 
something of his parents, brothers and sisters, of whom he had some 
recollection, and for whom he cherished an allection. after all the years 
of his savage life. His father was dead, but the rest of the family had 
removed to the neighborhood of Somerset, Ohio. From Missionaries 



14 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

in the Maumee country, or some other source, Armstrong learned 
where his relatives lived, and resolved to pay them a visit, and accord- 
ingly did so. He was now married, had an Indian wife and children, 
but the meeting was affectionate and touching. Armstrong lingered 
among his kin-folks as if loth to leave, and was at length prostrated 
with fever of a dangerous character. Armstrong in his weakness and 
sometimes delirium, longed for his Indian wite, who was a sort of a 
Medicine woman, and pleaded that she be sent for. Robert Col- 
born, an old friend ot the family, who lived one mile east of Somerset, 
hearing those appeals, resolved to go for the Indian woman, the sick 
man's wife. He had a wearisome ride of over one hundred miles ; he 
safely reached his destination, rode into the Indian village, sought out 
the sick man's wife. She immediately mounted a pony and accom- 
panied the messenger on his return trip. They did not let the grass 
grow under their horses feet, and in an incredible short time they ar- 
rived at the house where the sick man lay. 

The squaw wife "powwowed" over her husband awhile, then went 
a short distance from the house, up and down a ravine, gathering roots 
and herbs. She returned to the house, went into the kitchen, and pre- 
pared a decoction of some nature, and administered it occasionally to 
her sick companion. In a few days he was better, and in a short time 
became so much improved that he returned with his wife to their In- 
dian home, and never again visited the homes of his pale faced kins- 
men. 

The First Whites.— It is not in the power of historian's pen to tell 
who was the first civilized or white person, to set foot upon, or traverse 
the soil of what is now Perrv county ; but as the great Indian trails 
from the East to the West, passed directly through the territory of which 
it is now composed, it is in the highest degree probable that scores 
if not hundreds of captives, young and old, from Western Virginia and 
Pennsylvania, passed through here the latter part of the last century. 
It is also known that Christopher Gist, an acquaintance and companion 
of Washington, who was one of the members of the land company 
represented b}^ him, passed by and camped all night near the Big 
Lake, (Reservoir,) in 175 1. This company had heard wonderful stories 
of the richness of the country west of the Ohio, but it was then as little 
known to civilization as the heart of Africa is to-da3^ Capt. Gist was 
a surveyor, as well as explorer. A man of considerable note and great 
daring. In the service of the land company, before mentioned, and 
accompanied by a few attendants, he set out from the forks of the Ohio, 
(Pittsburgh) and followed an Indian trail to the forks of the Muskin- 
gum, (Coshocton) and thence by way of Wakatomika (Dresden) to 
the old Indian town on the Scioto and Miami. This trail led through 
Muskingum and Licking, to the "Great Swamp," (Reservoir). The 
original lake was in Perry county, near where Thornport now is. Cap- 
tain Gist's Journal, which was subsequently published, shows that his 
party encamped upon its shore, and "the next day" he continues, "we 
set out from the Great Swamp." Gist was joined at the Muskingum, 
by a white man and a half breed, who accompanied him through the 
remainder of his journey. 

There is also authority for the statement that chaplain Jones and an 



HISTORY OF f'ERRY COUNTY. 1 5 

Indian trader by the name of David Duncan, passed along this same 
trail by way of the Big Lake in 1773, on a journey from the Indian 
towns on the Scioto to the Indian towns on the Muskingum. Rev. 
Da^'id Jones had been a missionary among the Indians on the Scioto, 
sent out there by the Philadelphia Baptist Association, His diary shows 
that he followed a trail from the Indian towns on the Scioto to Standing 
Stone, Lancaster, -' where was an Indian town consisting chiefly of Del- 
awares, and which was situated on a creek called Hock Hockin. It 
appears muddy, is not wide, but soon admits of large canoes." This 
Rev. Jones was chaplain in Wayne's army of 1795, and preached the 
first sermon January 13th, 1790, ever preached in the neighborhood 
of Cincinnati. 

The surveyors came along in the closing decade of the last centur}'. 
They simph^ run the section lines, but their camp fires blazed in many 
places. They run the lines and sunk the corner stones ; the marks on 
some of the witness trees blazed by their axes could be seen not very 
long ago. 

Soon after the surveyors, and in some cases cotemporaneous with 
them, came the explorers and also the first hunters. Many of them 
built their camp fires and erected temporar}?- places of abode. Several 
of these men subsequently became permanent settlers. This part of the 
country received quite a number of emigrants v\dio had first settled in 
the level country, a short distance farther west. Two cases of these 
are well known. Robert Colborn, who had emigrated from Somerset 
county, Pennsylvania, to the neighborhood of Lancaster in 1800, be- 
came dissatisfied, loaded a few efi'ects on horseback, and started east 
along Zane's Trace. One mile east of where Somerset now is, he 
came upon a good spring, liked the appearance of the countr}-, unloaded 
his goods and resolved to stay. He subsequently entered a half sec- 
tion and lived there about twenty years, when he removed to Indiana. 
One of his daughters, Mrs. Mary Cole, born near Somerset in 1803, 
now lives at Noblesville, Hamilton county, Indiana, and is in the eight- 
ieth year of her age. A brother, Jonathan Colborn, but born in Penn- 
sylvania in 1799, lives in the same place. Robert McClellan, who also 
lived near Lancaster, started out with a companion or two to hunt and 
spy out the land. They came over by where Rushville now is and 
down where Bremen is, then up Rush Creek to where New Lexington 
now is. At this place they left Rush Creek and started up the Oxa- 
w^oosie. About a mile south of the present site of New Lexington, 
they diverged from the stream and soon came upon a big spring. Rob- 
ert McClellan sat his gun against a tree, stooped and took a drink of 
water, then rose and said : " Here will I live and here will I die." He 
did subsequently enter the land, became the second settler of Pike 
township, lived and died there, and one of his descendeuts resides up 
on the land until this day. James Comly also fled from the malaria of 
the Pickaway plains, and became the original proprietor of New 
Lexington. In ways similar to these the county received man}- of its 
earliest pioneers. 

The Primitive Wilderness. — For the benefit of those who would 
like a glimpse of the country as it appeared to the Indians and first 
whites, the following description is reproduced from the Centennial Ad- 



lO HISTOKV OF PERRY COUNTY. 

dress of James Taylor at New Lexington, Ohio, July 4th, 1876. The 
pen picture may be a trifle fanciful and colored, but it is near enough 
reality to be read and studied with interest : 

■ " One hundred years ago to-day, the sun in his course looked down 
upon no spot of earth more picturesque and lovely than the territory 
now known as Perr}' county. The entire area from east to west, and 
from north to south, was covered with the primeval forest, *• planted by 
the Lord at creation's dawn : " — a wild paradise, an untrained and un- 
pruned Eden, to which our tirst parents, condemned in just retribution 
for tiieir disobedience, to spend their day and centuries of lite amid the 
arid deserts and on the barren hills of Asia, would have been glad to 
have gained an entrance. Here the Arcadians could have tended their 
flocks on greener pastures, in a happier climate, and in more impene- 
trable shades than in their native land ; here could have been found the 
realization of the poet's conception of a "■ boundless contiguity of 
shade;" and here, if man had remained in his fabled simplicity and 
purity, Utopia might have found "• a local habitation and a name.'" 

The valleys, slopes and hilltops bore unmistakable evidence that the 
tenth, and perhaps the fortieth, generation of trees was then standing, 
each of which had withstood the lightnings and storms of a thousand 
years. Upon the summit of the water-shed between the Muskingum 
and the Hocking, where now stand Somerset, Bristol, Oaktield and 
Porterville, there then stood white oaks, and perhaps other trees, which 
may have been in the green before the enunciation of the Serm.on on 
the Mount, and before Paul preached on Mars Hill ; which were good- 
ly trees prior to the battle of Hastings ; and which were giants among 
their fellows before Columbus dreamed of or discovered the western 
world, and before John Cabot set foot on the shores of North America. 

From April till November the ground was covered with wild pea 
vines, which aflbrded pastures as green, as luxuriant and as nutritious 
as our best fields of clover. At the approach of winter it dried up, re- 
taining its foliage and nutritious properties, so that in sinnmerit afforded 
pasture, and in winter hay and grain tor the herds of buffalo, elk and 
deer, as well as food for swarms of wild turkeys, pheasants, quails and 
pigeons, which fed and fattened on the wild pea, and the fruit of. the 
juneberry tree, the black and the red haw, the wild cherry, the dog- 
berr}^ and the gum, the beechnut, the chestnut and the acorn ; the birds 
sharing their fruit with the bear and the beaver, the raccoon, the opos- 
sum, the hedgehog and the woodchuck, and gray squirrels, equal in num- 
ber to the promise of the seed of Abraham. Nature prepared the food, and 
the herbeating and graniverous beasts and birds fattened themselves to 
fatten the panther, the catamount, the fox and the wolf, the eagle, the 
hawk and the owl ; while the feathers and skins of the latter were made 
to do service in adding to the comfort and adorment of the cabins and 
persons of the wild men of the woods. 

In summer and winter, at morning, noon and night, the forest was 
vocal with the chirpings, twitterings, calls, cries and songs of birds, of 
which there was almost an infinite variety, and in numbers beyond cal- 
culation or estimate — eagles, hawks, owls, ravens, crows, robins, blue- 
jays, anteaters, tomtits, woodpeckers, thrushes, sparrows, snipes and 
swallows. From May to August the night air seemed to vibrate with 



HISTORY OK PfeRRV COUNTY; ty 

the plaintive cry of the whippoorwill ; throughout the year, and all the 
night long, the laughing and talking owls (species now extinct in this 
region) met in companies to chatter, laugh and scream, imitating the 
human voice in conversation, in laughter and the Indian war-whoop; 
orioles of man}^ varieties, with plumage of orange, blue and gold, 
abounded everywhere ; and myriads of flying squirrels, inhabiting the 
cavities of trees, excited the wonder and admiration of Europeans and 
inhabitants of the trans-Alleghany States. 

In spring the blossoms of the wild plum, the crabapple and the 
grape, perfumed the air, and in autumn brought tbrth their green, 
golden and amber fruit for the use of the red man and tor beasts and 
fowls.'" 

3 



ig HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 



CHAPTER IV. 

PIONEER HABITS AND CUSTOiMS "THE GOOD OLD DAYS." 

The pioneers of Perry county were mostly young married men and 
women ; the former from twenty-five to thirty-five years of age, and 
the latter from twenty to thirty. They usually had a number of little 
children, the oldest not often over ten years. The intention to emigrate 
was generally formed soon after marriage — sometimes before that im- 
portant event. Economy and frugality, of course, were practiced in 
order that a little property might be acquired and a litde money laid 
up. Somedmes the head of the family came out alone and entered the 
land, and returning removed the famil}' and effects afterward. 

When the surplus household goods and other property were disposed 
of, away back in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, New York or 
New Jersey — for the early settlers of this count}^ were principally from 
those States — preparations were soon completed for the move to Ohio. 
The pioneers came in all sorts of ways ; governed more or less b}^ their 
pecuniary circumstances and general surroundings at the old home. 
The majority moved in covered wagons, drawn by two, three or four 
horses. Oxen were sometimes used in place of horses. Others brought 
all they possessed on horseback, not being well enough off to own or 
hire a wagon. Yet others moved with one horse and cart. Emigrants 
were usually from three to six weeks on the way. The western Penn- 
sylvanians made the journey in about three weeks. A cow or two was 
driven along. A trusty rifle was always a part of the movables, and a 
faithful dog was chained or tied to the hind part of the wagon. The 
women and children slept in the wagon, and the family meals were 
cooked and prepared at the roadside. In some cases where the wagon 
or wagons were very full of goods, the family pitched a tent and camped 
upon the ground. The journey was a long, tedious one ; but it was 
generally looked back to and remembered with pleasure. The crossing 
of the Ohio and Muskingum rivers frightened many of the women and 
children, and was in fact attended with difficulties and even perils. 

The breaking up of old homes, and the sundering of the ties ot 
kindred and friendship, was a thing of sadness and a great trial to 
many ; to those who laughed, as well as to those who cried. For the 
merriest heart was only the mask of sadness. Ohio seemed a long wa}- 
off", and the distance appeared much greater than now. Yet all hoped, 
alter a few years, to be able to visit the old home and friends left be- 
hind. Most of the men who lived long, did get to return; some of 
them several times. And a few of the women — a very few, however, 
after passing middle life, rode back in carriages or stage coaches, and 
revisited the scenes of their girlhood. But the great majority of the 
young pioneer women, when the emigrant wagon started out, looked 
back with tearful eyes, for the last time, upon the old familiar scenes, 
and were, in fact, bidding them good-bye forever. 



History of perry county. 19 

When the emigrant wagon reached its destination, sometimes, 
though not otten, a cabin had been made ready for occupancy, and a 
few acres cleared ; the head of the famil}^ having come out previously 
and done the work or employed some one to do it. In most cases, 
however, the pioneers went into this unbroken forest, and the family 
lived in the wagon, or camped upon the ground, while a small cabin 
was prepared. If neighbors were handy, or within five or six miles, 
it did not take verv long to accomplish this ; for timber was plentiful 
and convenient, axes were heavy and sharp, and the men knew how 
and were willing to wield them. In some cases, indeed, when hands 
were plenty, a cabin was built from the stump in one day, and a family 
living in it next day. But it ordinaril}' took a longer time than this. 
The hrst cabins were small — fourteen to sixteen, or sixteen to eighteen 
feet, and built out of round poles or logs. The floor was made of pun- 
cheons, split out of larger logs, and one side hewed tolerably smooth 
with a broad-ax. The roof was made of clapboards rived out with a 
mallet and frow and held to their places on the roof with weight poles, 
straightened on one side to closely fit the roof, and separated the pro- 
per distance by heavy short sticks, of the required length. A door 
was also made out of smooth, light puncheon boards, hewed on both 
sides, fastened by cross-pieces and nailed or pegged on. A piece of 
a log or two was cut out for a window, and greased white paper was 
pasted on to admit the light. It was sometimes a difficult thing to get 
flour to make the paste, and corn-meal or hominy would not answer. 
A large hole was left or cut in the lower part of the center of one end of 
the cabin tor the fire-place. 

The chimney was built of sticks and mud on the outside, and car- 
ried to the highest part of the roof. The hearth, usuall}- a very large 
one, was laid with large flat stones, when such could be had. In their 
absence, the best available stone was used. The upper floor was also 
laid with puncheon, and the room above was called a loft or garret. 
This was reached by a ladder, sometimes from within, and sometimes 
from the outside of the house. In other cases, where the ground at one 
end of the cabin was a little high, the loft was reached from the out- 
side bv a long puncheon, one end of which was laid upon the ground, 
and the other against the bottom of the door or opening of the loft. 
Again, the ladder on the inside was sometimes dispensed with, and in 
lieu thereof, there was a row of long stout pegs driven into holes bored 
in the wall, reaching from the ground-floor to the ceiling. It is astonish- 
ing how quickly and gracefully the girl of the period — the pioneer peri- 
od, of course — would glide or fly up this row of pins to her sleeping 
chamber. The nimblest girl of to-da3% might |pe equal to the perform- 
ance, but she would be likely to hesitate before undertaking it. The 
furniture of the pioneer cabin was of the scantiest and rudest kind. 
Bedsteads were sometimes made out of rough dog-wood poles, and 
bottomed with strips of stout elm bark for cords. 

Benches and three-legged stools took the place of chairs. A cup- 
board, usually called a "dresser," was constructed by boring holes in 
the logs, driving strong wooden pins into them and placing boards on 
the pins. A row of wide shelves was made in much the same way ; 
furnishing a place to store bed-clothes. Other families had a chest or 



20 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

box for this purpose. Large round boxes, made from the bark of a 
smooth elm tree, were often made and used for the clean and safekeep- 
ing of clothing and other cherished articles. Trammels and hooks 
soon came into use, but the "hig pole" reaching across the chimney, 
at about the height of the chamber floor and the wooden hook attached 
to it, often served to suspend the pots over the tire. Iron was not plen- 
tiful, or easih' obtained, in those days, and pots were scarce enough. 
With all tlu' iron underlying the hills, many a pioneer woman has 
cooked a meal for compau}' in one pot, — boiling water for home-made 
coffee or tea. baking bread, boiling potatoes and frying meat all in the 
same \essel. This required skill and fine management : but the feat 
was frequenth' accomplished. A family who owned an iron pot, a 
skillet and a dutcii oven, were considered very fortunate, and well off 
for cooking utensils. One pot and one skillet was the more common 
outfit. 

There was. of necessity, not much in the wa}' of adornment in the 
homes of the pioneers. The battle for bread and life was too sharp 
and earnest for this. Yet, in many houses, small and inexpensive ar- 
ticles of mingled use and adornment were not uncommon. Pewter 
was the composition of the plates, and most of the other dishes in use 
of which there were not many. The tlrinking cups were mostly made 
of gourds. Splitwood brooms were the instruments with which the 
pioneer mothers swept, scrubbed and scoured the rough puncheon 
floors. The cradle, an indispensable article in almost every household, 
was rough and homely enough, but in it has been rocked some of the 
proudest, brightest and most honored men and women of the land. 

Distance, or lapse of time, lends much enchantment to the view, 
no doubt : for the lot of the pioneers was a hard one, and it is much to 
their credit, that they encountered and overcame hardships and priva- 
tions that were enough to appall the strongest arm and the bravest 
heart. Before a crop could be raised, a heavy growth of timber had 
to be cut off, logs and brush burned, rails split and fences made. In 
addition to this a luxuriant growth of underbrush and saplings, ren- 
dered it necessary to grub and literally dig up almost eveiy rod of 
ground. Barns, stables, cribs and other out-buildings, were to build, 
and wood chopped to keep the cabins warm and comfortable lor more 
than half the year. Buildings could not all be erected, and the land all 
cleared, at once. But litde by little, day after day, year after year, 
the forest went down, buildings went up, fields were cleared and culti- 
vated, orchards were planted, gardens laid out, and thus was the soli- 
tary wilderness changed from its primitive condition into a suitable 
abode for civilized man. There were hardships enough at best: but 
the pioneers were neighborlv and ever ready to assist each other, when 
necessary. If a house, barn or stable was to be raised, neighbors 
would gladly turn out and help, even from a long distance, and the 
hard work was often enlivened bv jokes, stories, and songs. Neighbor 
women would also turn out and help with the baking and cooking, 
and the choppers, house-raisers and log-rollers were treated to the best 
that could be procured. 

The pioneer women have seldom received the credit and praise that 
;is justly due them. Many of them came fVom comparatively luxurioui^ 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 21 

homes in the farther east, and without a murmur took up their abode in 
a small, rough, cabin in the woods, upon the outskirts of civilization, 
and patiently endured all the hardships and privations of pioneer 
lite. In addition to the cares of the children and household, many 
ot them occasionally assisted their husbands in the fields. And, where 
they did not do this, with taking care of the children, cook- 
ing, washing, knitting, weaving, spinning and sewing, they had 
enough to do. The women of to-day cannot comprehend how 
the nursing pioneer mothers, could do all this for a large family. 
They could only do it by hard and constant work. They visited, 
to be sure, but when tlie\' went \'isiting, they took solid, saibstantial 
work along, and alwa3'S accomphshed their self-appointed task. Flax 
and wool, were to be spun and woven, and the goods to be cut into gar- 
ments and made up, and that without any sewing machine, except the 
deft fingers of the natural hands. Linen for Sunda}' and spare clothes 
was made ot copperas and white, and checked or striped for pretty. 
When nicely handled it was soft and comfortable. Linsey-woolsey, or 
Linsey, was made of wool and cotton, and was a ver}^ durable goods, 
though not very handsome. Plain white linen on horne-fulled cloth or 
jeans, comprised the clothing for the males ; and copperas-checked linen. 
Hnsey-woolsey and flannel, that of the females. The flannet goods for 
dresses was often colored and striped quite handsomely, and a suit 
made of it looked comfortable and becoming. The hunting shirt and 
wamus were the most common garbs of the pioneer. The hunting 
shirts were otten neatly cut and ornamented with fringe, and were pic- 
turesque and prett}'. Father Dominic Young, spoken of in another 
chapter, who rode over a wide stretch of country here at an early day, 
once said to the writer that "almost ever}^ man he met carried a rifle 
and wore a hunting shirt.'' 

Johnn3'-cake, hog and hominy, were necessarily the principal diet 
of the pioneers. Without corn and hogs the western country must have 
settled up very slowly. Mills were few and far awa}' and earlv settlers 
had to go a good long distance, often on horseback. But there were 
mills at ix)th Zanesville and Lancaster, and the pioneers of Perr}' were 
not so bad otf tor grinding facilities as those of many other counties in 
the State. A number of "• corn-crackers " were early set up in the 
county, but they did not amount to much, and could not always be de- 
pended upon. Corn could be produced but sparingly, at first, and as 
a natural result, pork was tor a time a scarce article with manv. In its 
absence the pioneer's trusty rifle had to be depended upon for meat, and 
it seldom tailed to bring in a supply of some sort. Bears were not un- 
common, while deer and wild turkeys were plentiful. There w^ere 
many squirrels, and flsh could be caught in the creeks. Nearly every 
famil}' had cows, and there was milk to drink, and some butter made. 
After the rirst few years, the pioneers in general had tull and plenty, 
so iar as substantial eatables were concerned. To be sure, tea, cofle'e, 
and other luxuries came in slowly. 

Many of the pioneers were members of religious denominations. 
They were principally, Lutherans, Baptists, Catholics, Methodists, 
Presbyterians, German Retbrmed and United Brethren. They had not 
been here long until there was public religious worship and regular, stji- 



22 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

ted service. The first public worship and pretiching were at private 
houses, before the erection of buildings dedicated to the service of the 
sanctuary. Settlements were sparsely populated, and persons were 
accustomed to go a long distance to attend divine service, sometimes 
a-foot, but generally on horseback. The pioneer women found time to 
attend these ministrations, in the midst of all their other pressing du- 
ties. These occasions were often very happy ones to the neighbors and 
friends assembled, and the best of feeling appeared to prevail among 
those who were present. 

The school buildings of the earl}- days were not what the}^ have been 
since, and are now. School houses were few, and school books were 
scarce, and good, competent teachers very rare, if not almost unknown. 
There were no. regular text books. Ever}^ book was a school book. 
The " Master" boarded around among the parents of the pupils, but 
usually contrived to stav most at the places where there appeared to be 
Ihe best living, and other accommodations. Reading, writing, arith- 
metic and geograph}^ were taught, after a fashion. The girls studied 
spelling, reading, writing and geography. It was considered unlady- 
like for a girl to handle a slate and pencil and to study arithmetic. It 
was barely tolerated in girls who aspired to be teachers ; but in no oth- 
ers. The greater part of these schools were curiosities, in their way; 
but it must be admitted that many persons managed to make them the 
foundation for a good and useful education, and for a worthy and suc- 
cessful career in life. It was customary to " bar out" the Master for 
a " treat " at Christmas ; and it was not an uncommon thing for him to 
throw off the weight-poles, come down through the roof and call 
"books." In some cases where the roof was nailed on, he would lay 
a board over the top of the chimney, and smoke out his tormentors. 
At other times he would goodnaturedly treat to the apples and ginger- 
cakes, and then he would be considered "the best fellow in the world." 
Spelling-matches were quite frequent, and there were many good 
spellers among the early pupils. The pioneer men could nearly all 
read and write, and knew a little of arithmetic and geography. The 
women could mostly read write, and, also knew something of geogra- 
phy. They were all anxious that their children should receive a better 
education than their parents possessed, and the great majority of them 
did become better educated than their parents, though the early schools 
were crude and unsatisfactory enough. The school houses were ver}^ 
similar to the dwellings of the earlv settlers, except that in nearly all, 
one end was devoted to a fireplace, and a long, narrow window was 
made on three sides, with the invariable white paper pasted over to 
admit the light. 

Before the time that the sons and daughters of the pioneers began 
to marry, the parents had mostly become well-to-do and in good cir- 
cumstances. The farms were tolerabh' well cleared out, orchards were 
grown, and most of the settlers had moved out of the first cabins into 
better houses. An old-time wedding was a festive and joyous occasion ; 
though there was seldom an3'^thing like indecorum or undue hilarity. A 
wedding, in those days, rarely occui'red without a large assemblage of 
invited guests. Sometime previovis to the day fixed for the nuptials, a 
suitable and authorized person would ride around the neighborhood. 



HISTORY OF 1'EK.RY COUNTY. 23 

often for miles, giving the invitations to the desired guests, on behalf of 
the bride or the bride's parents. The groom also had the" privilege of 
inviting all his friends. It was commonh' understood between the pros- 
pective bride and groom whom each was to invite, so that invitations 
might not be duplicated. But this precaution was not always taken. 
If the prospective bride and groom lived any considerable distance 
apart, which was usually the case, the invited friends of the groom 
came to his residence on horseback, at an appointed hour, and at anoth- 
er hour agreed upon, would proceed in procession to the house ot the 
bride, where soon after the arrival of the groom, the marriage cere- 
mony would take place. The wedding dinner would be in waiting, and 
soon after congratulations, the dining table would be tilled, the bride 
and groom, and attendants, if any, having the place of honor at the 
table. The spread was always bountitul, and everything neat, clean 
and inviting, if not altogether stylish. Roast turkies, chickens, pies, 
cakes and custards were conspicuous at these great wedding dinners. 
Nice, solid, yellow butter, rolled and worked by the plastic hands ol 
some one skilled in that art, were often fashioned and moulded in the 
form of chickens, ducks, or other fowls, and sometimes lambs, deer, 
rabbits or other animals, and placed at some little elevation on the table. 
Of course these were intended to be looked at and not chopped into or 
eaten. But now and then some bold and daring innovator, near the 
close of the wedding feast, would cut out a good-sized slice and try its 
virtue as a lubricator on bread or potatoes ; always, no doubt, to his en- 
tire satisfatction. The wedding over, there was an informal, "go as you 
please" sort of enjoyment for the remainder of the da}'. Toward even- 
ing, most of the married guests would return to their homes, but the 
young people were enlisted during the campaign, and remained over 
night at the home of the bride's parents, or wdierever the wedding took 
place. At night, often, there would be dancing, playing, singing or 
social converse, attended with mirth and jollity. 

The infair, which took place on the day after the wedding, was cel- 
ebrated at the home of the groom, and differed from the wedding day 
only by the absence of the marriage ceremony. About nine or ten 
o'clock, of the day succeeding the wedding, the bride and groom, at- 
attendants, and all the guests at the house, and probably a few others 
who had gone to their homes to remain over night, would prepare for a 
horseback ride to the residence of the groom, often miles away. Horses 
would be bridled and saddled and temporarily hitched to fences or trees 
about the yard, until the ladies had donned their riding suits, and grace- 
fully made, one by one, the last important pose before the looking-glass. 
The horseblock, at this juncture, plays an important part in the pro- 
gramme. It is simply a short " cut, " about three feet in length, from 
an oak log three or four feet in diameter, sawed off square at both ends, 
and set up on one end in the yard near the house. The horses of the 
bride and her " attendance " are brought up, then ladies step from a 
chair or stool on to the block, and in a twinkling are tirmh' seated in 
their saddles, and their horses probably prancing, for horses appear to 
have a sort of instinct for red letter days. Other horses are in turn 
brought up, and soon the ladies are all in their saddles. Very few ot 
the young fellows bring their steeds to the block, but, putting the lelt 



24 HISTORY OF I'EKKY COUNTV. 

toot in the stirrup, bound into' the saddle. Just before starting, except 
the spangled uniforms, the scene is not unlike a grand entree at a circus. 
The horses are mostly excited, and prance, and jump, and wheel or 
turn around in the yard. There are usually a few old stagers that stand 
quietly enough, and seem to wonder at the unnecessary excitement of 
their fellows^ At last all is ready, the couples fall in, and the showy 
cavalcade moves off iit. a brisk pace. Grass does not grow much under 
the feet of the horses as the gay procession speeds on, over hill and dale, 
now through the woods and now through the open country, until it 
reaches its destination. As has been stated, the infair was simpl}' a 
repetition of the wedding festivities, with the exception of the marriage 
ceremonv. There was no wedding tour in the old-time days. Soon 
after marriage, the newly wedded couple setup housekeeping on their 
own account. 

It must not be interred that weddings and infairs were the only 
social occasions of the early times. The country was not settled long 
until singings and singing schools became a very prominent feature. 
The old style " buckwheat notes '" were used, but in the opinion of the 
old-musicians and singers, at least, the music was generally better and 
more desirable than most of the music of to-da}'. The early sons and 
dauji^hters mostlv had ""ood luno;s and strono- voices, and there was, no 
doubt, force and volume in their singing. 

On the night of the Fourteenth day of February, there were singings 
in almost ever}- neighborhood ; and, after singing, there would be a 
•' Valentine drawing. " The names of the irirls would be written on 
slips of paper and placed in a hat, from which the boys would draw. 
Then the young men's names would be likewise placed, and the girls 
would have their turn at drawing. These drawings were frequently 
the source of amusement. There w-ere necessaril3' raisings and log- 
rollings in the first years of settlement, but there was, ordinarily, more 
prose than poetry about them. But later came the choppings, quiltings, 
wool-pickings, sewings, knittings, spinnings, and other industrial frol- 
ics, all of which helped to lighten and variegate the too monotonous 
da3^s oi the toiling, patient men and women, who opened the wilderness 
to civilization, and made it what it ought to be, a garden and paradise tbr 
the generations to follow. li the country is not the paradise antici- 
pated, it surely is not the fault of the pioneer men and women, who em- 
igrated far into the wild woods, encountered Indians, fought with wild 
beasts, lived in cabins on hard fare, felled the heavy trees, grubbed out 
the undergrowth, burned the debris, planted orchards and laid out gar- 
dens, and truly caused the wilderness to " bud and blossom as the 
rose. " But they are nearly all gone. There are those 3^et living, who 
were children ana came out with pioneer fathers and mothers. But the 
men and w^omen themselves — persons who were grown when they came 
here — have all passed to their final rest and eternal reward. 

Whatever is to be the future history of this county, and however 
interesting it may be, the time wall never come again — certainly not for 
long ages — when men and women will leave old settled communities, 
and come here into a virgin wilderness to found new homes. This in- 
teresting period of history has closed. Tradition will soon begin to 
grow dim, and, without the aid of printing, the names, deeds, and 



HiS'i'oRV or PERR^' cDuKtv. 25 

heroism of the pioneers would gradually fade from human view. But 
wherever this chapter of " The Good Old Days " is preserved and read 
by the hreside, and in the homes of present and coming generations, 
the dauntless, toiling pioneer men and women will be cherished and 
remembered, and the example of their noble deeds and precious sacri- 
fices will not be lost upon the earth. 



26 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY 



CHAPTER V. 

NATIONALITY AND RACES. 

The first settlers of Perry county, as a class, were Pennsylvania 
Germans. The_y located chiefly in Thorn, Reading, and Hopewell 
townships. Notwithstanding subsequent modiflcations, from various 
causes, the impress of the original t3^pe is very perceivable in Thorn, 
and much of Hopewell and Reading, at the present day. Industry, 
frugalit}^ and thrift characterize these people and their descendants in 
an eminent degree. Along with the Pennsylvania Germans, or very 
soon after them, came other Pennsylvanians, of English descent ; also 
Virginians and Marylanders, who were not German, who settled prin- 
cipally in Reading, Madison, Havrison, Clayton, Pike, Jackson, Salt- 
lick, Monday-creek, and Bearfleld. There were many exceptions, of 
course ; but, as a class, these emigrants were light haired, with fair 
complexions and blue eyes. Some of them also settled in Thorn and 
Hopewell townships, in near proximit}-^ to their good neighbors, the Penn- 
sylvania Germans. A little later, and not long after 1820, came a very 
considerable influx of people of Irish birth or parentage, who settled in 
something like colonies or groups, mostly in Jackson, Reading, Pike, 
Cla3'ton, Harrison, Monroe, and Monday-creek townships. Previous 
to this time a considerable number of Scotch Irish, or their descend- 
ants, had sought and obtained homes in various parts of the county. 
There was also, about this time, and before and after, a considerable 
sprinkling of English, Scotch, German, and French, direct from the 
old country. The county also received some population from the New 
England States, and from New York, Kentucky, and North Carolina. 
Canada and Nova Scotia also added to its numbers. As a matter of 
course, many persons came in from adjoining, neighboring, or even 
distant counties of Ohio, and these and other causes have contributed 
still further to making the present population of Perry one of mixed 
nationality and race. 

From 1840 to 1869 there was no sudden or marked change in the 
elements of population ; but, soon aflter the latter date, the coal and 
iron development began, the mining towns grew with astonishing rapid- 
ity, and their inhabitants almost all came from outside the county. 
The Welsh, a race who had before made no foothold, now came in 
large numbers, erected churches, bought houses, and became, in every 
wa}^ a factor in the permanent population. There was also an influx 
af English, Norwegian, and men of other nationalities of the Caucasian 
race. There has also come in a colored population, at Rendville and 
Corning, of nearly one thousand, and probably a majority of them from 
Meigs county, Ohio, and West Virginia, while others are from widely 
separated places, and some from distant southern States. The opening 
of mines at Buckingham and Hemlock, on the west branch of Sunday 
creek, was signalized by the introduction of a colony direct from Ger- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 2*J 

many, consisting of about one thousand persons, and embracing about 
seven hundred active German miners. This large concentrated Ger- 
man element, if it meets with no bad luck, will make its impress on 
the population of the region, which will be easily perceptible half a cen- 
tury from now. Of course, the building up of the mining towns has 
brought in many tradesmen, shopkeepers, and merchants, from various 
cities, towns, and villages, in different States ; and this adds yet further 
to the mixed and varied character of the people ; and this state of affairs 
is likely to be increased, rather than diminished, by events that are now 
clearly foreshadowed. 

Intermarriages between the different classes of people referred to, 
except the colored race, have, in some respects, been the rule, rather 
than the exception ; while, in other cases, the rule has been the other 
way, though the exceptions have been numerous. The marriages of 
persons of Irish descent with other races has probably' been less fre- 
quent than any other mixed marriages, in proportion to numbers ; but 
the exceptions are very numerous, where persons of this race have 
married with Germans or English, or their descendants, and sometimes 
with other races. 

There is no other county in Ohio, outside of the large cities, that 
contains such a diversified population as Perry, as regards race, de- 
scent, or intermarriage. It is also worthy of note that, in most cases, 
it is next to impossible in the second or third generation, even of un- 
mixed blood, to distinguish the race to which the youth belong. All 
races and people assimilate, and, in a little while, instead of speaking 
the mother tongue or dialect, and having the distinctive habits and cus- 
toms of clans or factions of Old World origin, they become identified as 
an integral part of the great Anglo-Saxon race, which has, apparently, 
just commenced its influence and work upon the earth. While losing 
none of the intellect or virtues of the Old World ancestors, their de- 
scendants are quick to take in all the benefits and acquirements of bet- 
ter opportunities for self improvement in the American Republic of 
the New World. This assimilation of diverse nationalities is carried 
on faster in a rural and town population, like that of Perry county, 
than it is in large cities, where there is more disposition and better 
facilities for maintaining class societies and keeping up Old World 
habits and customs. 



28 HISTORY OF TEKRY COUNTY, 



CHAPTER VI. 

TRAGEDY AND COMEDY. 

Tjie Murder op^ DeArmand. — The first noted tragedy that oc- 
curred in the county, after its organization, was the murder of a French- 
man, by the name of DeiVrmand, which occurred about one mile 
northeast of New Lexington, near the Rehoboth road, in 1822. De- 
Armand was a bhicksmith by trade, had a shop in Somerset, and, had 
also worked in Rehoboth and New Lexington, and was well known to 
the citizens of those villages. He was a good mechanic, intelligent 
and of good manners, and was esteemed wherever known. On a 
Sundav afternoon of the year named, he was in Rehoboth, called at 
the Post Office, and received a letter. He at once opened the letter 
in the presence of several parties, took from it a ten dollar bill which 
the letter contained, and soon after started on foot for New Lexington. 
After proceeding some distance walking leisurely, he observed two men 
coming along the road behind him. They came up with DeArmand a 
little south of the township line, on the farm of John Colborn. The 
three men walked along conversing in a friendly manner, when one of 
the strangers proposed to go a short distance from the road into the 
woods and enjoy a game of cards, to which proposition DeArmand 
consented. The public road at that time was some rods further east 
than at present, and the place where the men stopped to play is within 
three or four rods of the present line of the road, near the head of a 
ravine, and about twenty or thirty rods from the present residence of 
Joseph Hammond. After playing a short time the men demanded the 
money, which they said they had .seen DeArmand take from the 
letter at the Post Oflice. DeArmand, quick as thought determined to 
defend himself and mone}^ He struck one of the men a heavy blow 
with his cane, which felled him to the ground. The other assailant 
closed with DeArmand, but he could probably have managed him also, 
when the one that DeArmand had knocked down with his cane, re- 
covered and came to the assistance of his comrade. Both the strangers 
had been roughly handled by the pluck}^ mercurial Frenchman, but 
they now attacked him furiously with knives, he still fighting and strug- 
gling tor his life. They stabbed and lacerated him in various places, 
in a most brutal manner. He became unconscious and his assailants 
left him for dead. He did not know how long he remained insensible, 
but when he regained consciousness, he could not walk, stand, or hal- 
loo loud enough to attract attention, and secure succor; but during the 
night lie managed to crawl down the ravine one fourth of a mile to 
where it intersects the road. Here the next morning he was discover- 
ed by Napoleon B. Colborn, asmalllboy, who was attracted to the spot 
by the strange waving of the tall grass. DeArmand was weltering in 



HISTORY .OF PERRY COUNTY. 29 

bis own blood, and nearly dead. He was conve3'ed as soon as possible 
to the residence of John Colborn, the nearest house, and medical aid 
procured. DeArmand rallied to some extent, and his mind was clear 
enoui^h to tell all about the great misfortune that had befallen him. It 
was clear that his assailants intended robbery, at least, but the general 
opinion was that he was in possession of some information, which if 
disclosed in court would bear hard against parties who had been accus- 
ed or suspected of certain crimes or misdemeanors. DeArmand lin- 
gered for six weeks, but after all that medical skill could do, he passed 
awa3% dying as a result of the many fearful wounds he received in that 
unequal, bloody encounter, in the lonely, silent woods. He was a 
Catholic, in rehgion, and Father Dominic Young, then a young Priest, 
came and ministered the spiritual consolations of the Church, in his 
dying hours. Jacob Costigan, now an old citizen of Somerset, then a 
boy in his teens, was present with Father Young on this occasion. It 
is not known that DeArmand had any relatives in this country. Far 
from his native and beloved France, yet in the country of his choice, 
with only strange hands to smooth his pillow% and receive his dying 
grasp, he passed into the realms of the unseen and eternal. His mor- 
tal remains were interred at St. Joseph's cemetery, sixty years ago. 

No arrests were made at the time, and the sla3-ers of DeArmand 
were never apprehended. The two men were seen Sunday afternoon 
crossing the forebay of Coml3's milldam, at New L.xington. One of 
the men had his head tied up. They did not go through the town, but 
passed around it near where the Ohio Central road now runs. The3' 
were seen by several persons crossing Rush Creek at the mill, but noth- 
ing was ihen known of the murder. It seems strange now that clews 
were not followed up, but the countr3Mvasne\v, and at that time sparseh' 
populated, and there were no professional detectives. Whoever the 
murderers w^ere, they are doubtless dead, and sla3^ers and slain have 
alike gone to their final account. 

The Execution of David Work. — An account of the trial of Da- 
vid Work for the murder of Christopher Hocker, is given in the chapter 
upon Courts. David Work was a citizen of Fairfield count3^ and a 
man of propert3', residini^ about two miles west of Lancaster. He was 
about thirty-six years of age. He had living with him, a boy, Chris- 
topher Hocker, aged about fifteen or sixteen 3'ears. Work and some of 
his neighbors did not get along ver3^ amicably. Sometime in the spring 
.of 1836, one of his neighbors got out a search warrant for missing prop- 
erty, consisting of a number of small articles, and they w^ere found 
upon the premises of Work, who was subsequentl3' arrested for the lar- 
cen3-, and at a preliminar3' hearing before a magistrate Christo- 
phei- Hocker was a witness, and his evidence tended to criminate Work. 
Sometime after this preliminary trial, the bo3', Hocker, w'as missing. 
Suspicion w^as aroused, a search was made, and his dead body w'as at 
last found buried in Work's cornfield. Work was charged wath the 
murder, and by reason of change of venue, was tried, convicted and 
hung at Somerset, in Perry county. 

Work was incarcerated in the old jail, on Soutii Columbus St., and 
there he awaited his trial and afterward the day of execution. Daniel 



30 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

Kishler was Sheriff and had the prisoner in charge about thirty-five 
days. When the fatal day came, there was an immense assembly of 
people congregated either to witness the execution or attracted by the 
military and civic display that was anticipated. Perry county at that 
time contained several military companies, known as the Somerset 
Guards, National Guards, New Lexington Guards, Rehoboth Guards, 
Perry Guards and two companies of calvar}'. They were all, or nearly 
all, present, and acted in support of the civil authorities in the execu- 
tion of the law. Executions were then public, and multitudes were sure 
to be present on all such occasions. The clashing of sabers, the waving 
of plumes, the sound of martial music, the various companies all 
differentl}' uniformed, and the thousands of people, all contributed to a 
spectacle the equal of which was never seen in the county either before 
or since. 

When the fatal hour came Work was prompt and ready, and he, at- 
tended by the civil officers, filed out of the old jail, his last dreary 
abode, into a hollow square of military escort. The martial music 
struck up. and the word "forward march" was given. The gallows 
had been erected about one-fourth of a mile west of town, on a little 
knoll situated in a narrow valley, with surroundings very much in the 
nature of an amphitheater. The distance from the jail to the place of 
execution was about half a mile. The civic and military escort marched 
up Columbus street to the eastern Public Square, then down Main to the 
western Public Square, and on through the western end of town to the 
appointed place. Work walked all the way, and with military step, 
kep time to the sound of martial music, in unison with his military es- 
cort. Upon reaching the place of execution, the populace was kept 
back and the gallows surrounded by the military. Work was nerve to 
the last ; he ascended the gallows stairs with steady step and took his 
place on the platfonn. There was little delay, and the trap was soon 
sprung and the soul of David Work launched into eternity. Many of 
the vast crowd had turned away before the final scene, and a deep feel- 
ing of awe rested upon all who were present. 

Work had been convicted vipon circumstantial evidence alone, 
though the proofs appeared to be very convincing ; and everybody fa- 
miliar with the case and the evidence brought forth at the final trial, 
both in Fairfield and Perry, came to the conclusion that the accused 
was guilty, as charged. Nevertheless, it is not too much to say — after 
a lapse of nearl}^ fifty years, and the additional light thrown upon the 
inconclusiveness of circumstantial evidence, on both sides of the Atlan- 
tic — that David Work may possibly have been innocent of the murder 
of Christopher Hocker. In the light of a possible doubt that might 
exist in the case, there were persons who expected to the last that a re- 
prieve might come, and Work be sent to the penitentiary. It is asserted 
by old citizens that a brother of the murdered boy — who was im- 
known to all but a very few, anticipating that a reprieve might come 
even after the prisoner had left the jail — rode along near the military 
escort, from the prison to the scaffold, armed and resolved to take sum- 
mary revenge upon Work, if his execution should be, from an}^ cause, 
postponed. It does not appear that Work hoped for any reprieve, and, 
during his last days, it is tolerably certain tliat he did not. All his 



HISTORY OV PERRY COUNTY. 3I 

words and actions tended to show that he expected to meet death at 
the time and manner appointed. P'orty-eight hours before the execu- 
tion, Work, with the hand-cuHs upon his wrists, deHberately wrote a 
short sketch of his life, and gave his version of the circumstances which 
led to his arrest, trial and conviction. Without saying so directly, he 
intimates clearly that there were other persons who, for some cause, 
might have motives for putting Hocker out of the way, and that, at an}^ 
rate he (Work) was innocent of the murder, and altogether ignorant 
of the manner in which the unfortunate boy came to his untimely 
and violent death. 

It is but fair to all, hving and dead, to conclude this sketch of the 
execution of David Work, with his own words, as written down forty- 
eight hours before his death. Accordingly, the closing paragraph of 
his address or proclamation to the public is here subjoined : 

"I now wish to inform the public that I have been talsely accused 
and that I am as innocent of the murder of Christopher Hocker as the 
child that is unborn. I would, not say so if it was not the truth; so 
you see the effect of exaggerated minds on an individual that suspicion 
may be tixed upon ; the imagination is evil, and all his doings are evil ; 
he will not be allowed credit tor anything that ever was done in his 
life, even though he had never lifted his hand against his fellow in 
violence, he can, by a cold unfeeling world, and through the power of 
false evidence be sentenced to death. I myself, expect to be put to 
death in less than forty-eight hours. M}^ death warrant was read to 
me on last Saturday week, by the Sheriff, m}- coffin is made, mv 
shroud is made, the rope is made, the gallows is made that I am to be 
executed upon ; and I now declare to the public that I am not guilty of 
the crime of murder. I defy the world to produce a man that can sa}'- 
in truth, th^t I ever lifted my hand against any individual in violence, 
and, in particular, I challenge the living tnends of all that are dead to 
produce a single truth, as evidence taxing me with violence on the per- 
son or persons of any that are dead. Reports have come to m}- know^l- 
edge that I had murd,ered my wives, and that I had murdered a ped- 
dler, and that I was guilty of misdemeanors almost without number. 
I will here state that I never saw but one peddler in mv house, and his 
name was Murray ; and that I saw him in the month of May last in 
Greencastle, ten miles northwest of Lancaster, Ohio. It will be one 
hundred and forty-five days on' the day of execution that I have lain 
inside of the walls of a prison, bound hand and foot. I write all that 
I have wrote, with my hand-cuffs riveted on, nor can I have them 
taken off until the day of execution, when I am to dress m3-self in my 
shroud, and be taken from the jail to the gallows. I am, myself, the 
first man I ever saw in irons ; my trial was the first I ever had before a 
jury; I never have been before this, m}- trial, brought into a court 
house, not even as a witness in any case. I here state that a report has 
come to my knowledge, that some oi my relations have been partners 
with me in misdemeanors that have been imagined against me. I sav 
the world is cold and uncharitable. I will state here that I have 
enjo3^ed the best of health through all my imprisonment : my mind has 
been perfectly calm and collected ; I have not had a single dream ; my 
sleep is sound and sweet, and refreshing to the body. If I thought I 



32 irTS'rOHV OF I'ERKA' COUNTY. 

liad titnc 1 could state something more ; nut the hour of my death is 
just before me, and I must ch-op the pen. I foririve all those who have 
injured me, and I thank those who have waited upon me through this 
my imprisonment. I wish Zebulon Kennard to have twenty dollars for 
his kindness to me while guarding the jail, when collected. I subscribe 
myself the unfortunate D. Work."' 

The Hippodrome War.— The Hippodrome War, as the disturb- 
ance is usuall}' termed, . which occurred in Somerset, in September, 
1853, was a very serious aftair, and for a time threatened far greater 
dangers. 

Welch's Hippodrome, a large traveling show, was announced to 
exhibit in Somerset, Wednesda}^ September 7th, of the 3-ear before 
mentioned, and came on according to announcement. 

At this date, and for months previous, work was in progress on the 
old Scioto and Hocking Valley Railroad. There were at least tw^o 
hundred laborers engaged upon the "deep cut" at Somerset, and there 
were many other hands employed upon another section, not far away. 
Nearly all of these railroad hands were* of Irish nationality and quite a 
number of them had been discharged from other places, and were gen- 
erally looked upon as dangerous men. The great majority, how^ever, 
were peaceable and industrious. 

The Hippodrome had been extensively advertised and puffed, and 
brought out large crowds of people, day and evening, the weather 
being ver^^ line. It had been arranged by Fink and Dittoe, the con- 
tractors on the cut, that the wives and children of the laborers should 
attend the show in the daytime, and the men at night. The showmen 
knew of this state of things, and had their fears for the' night enter- 
tainment, especiall}^ as they had been informed at Thornville, or some 
other place, that the railroad laborers had planned and determined to 
take possession of the show at night. The strong probability is, that 
there was no ground for such a report, and it is not believed that the 
workmen had any such intention, though they were in and about the 
show in great force at night. This was onl}^ natural, under the circum- 
stances. The report, however, made the showmen very suspicious and 
excited them very much. 

The direct cause of the affray occurred inside the canvas, not far 
from the entrance, soon after the commencement ot the Hippodrome 
performance. A railroad laborer took out his pipe and began to smoke, 
which was of course, against the rules. Just here there is a discrepanc}' 
of statements. It is claimed on one hand, that the pipe was rudely 
knocked out of the smoker's mouth, who resented, and a hght com- 
menced. It is alleged on the other side that the laborer who was smok- 
ing was requested to go out with his pipe, which he declined doing, and 
then force was used to eject him, which brought on the fight. It is cer- 
tain that the fight began fifteen or twenty feet inside of the entrance, 
and that very soon a dozen or more engaged in it. The showmen at 
first appeared to be getting the worst of the battle ; then tlie performance 
stopped, when a number of men ran swit'tlv from the neighborhood of 
the dressing room and took part in the combat. The men on both sides 
all appeared to have clubs or other weapons, and the sound of the knocks 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 33 

resounded thick and fast, as clubs struck other clubs or descended upon 
liuman heads. There was something of a panic among- the throng of 
people inside the canvass ; women screamed, children cried, and a num- 
ber crawled out or were dragged out under the can\'ass, at points remote 
from the place where the light was going on. Happily, however, the 
great majority of persons remained quietlv in their seats, otherwise a 
disaster of great magnitude might have ensued. The showmen soon 
drove their antagonists outside of the tent, but there the contest contin- 
ued wdth increased tiny and additional numbers. Iron pins, clubs, 
stones and beer bottles w^ere the principal weapons used. Near the en- 
trance to the tent stood a wagon loaded with cronk beer, in stone bottles, 
which were unceremoniously captured by the showmen and effectively 
used during the remainder of the light, and it is not improbable that the 
beer vender's ammunition, pressed into the service, decided the result. 
It was a fearful scene, and attended by a hideous noise of growling, swear- 
ing, infuriated men. The melee did not lastHfteen minutes, but seemed 
an hour. The showmen were victorious and soon their opponents with- 
drew from the grounds, taking their wounded with them. When quiet 
once more reigned the performance was renewed and the programme fully 
presented to an audience still large, though very considerably lessened. 

A great man}^ persons were bruised, cut and otherwise injured in the 
tight, but only one fatally. A peaceable laborer by the name of Sulli- 
van, who was in no w^ise responsible for the melee that resulted in his 
death, was struck with a beer bottle on the head, which proved to be a 
mortal wound. Sullivan was a peaceable citizen, respected b}^ his fel- 
low workmen and resident citizens, and his friends state that he was not 
even at the show grounds, but hurried there as soon as he heard of the 
trouble, to induce a son to go home, and persuade other friends to do 
the same. He unfortunately reached the ground in time to be struck 
by a deadl}^ missile, receiving a mortal hurt. Sullivan was a man of 
family, and lived in the " Old Exchange," on Main street. He was 
carried home and died a little after midnight. His death was a terrible 
blow to his immediate family, who could not be comforted, and many 
of the dead man's companions and fellow laborers threatened dire ven- 
geance, and no doubt resolved upon swift retribution. They accom- 
plished nothing that night, however, for the showmen had undisputed 
possession of the streets. If a stray Irishman was found, he was set 
upon and beaten fearfully. One poor fellow ran down Main street, pur- 
sued by five or six showmen, and at almost every step would cr}- out, 
" Let me die aisy ; let me die aisy." He was overtaken on South Co- 
lumbus street, and dreadfull}' beaten, thongh not killed. As a party of 
showmen were passing the house of the wounded Sullivan, not long be- 
fore his death, they were fired upon from the second stor}- window^s of 
the building, at close range. The showmen thereupon attacked the 
house, but failed to gain' an entrance and soon retired. 

This was a memorable and fearlul night in the history of Somerset. 
There was no militar}^, the peace officers were powerless, and the pos- 
session of the town was vascillating between two infuriated mobs. The 
night was very dark, and citizens remained quietly at home and within 
doors. There was not much sleeping done, and many persons stayed 
up all night, patiently waiting for whatever might come. 

5 



34 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

Day at length dawned, and all felt relieved, but the end of the war was 
not yet. At a very early hour warrants had been issued by a Justice of 
the Peace for the arrest of Welch and his company, but they refused to 
go with the constables to the court house, while a band of Irish rail- 
roaders, now armed with guns, had possession of the streets. These 
armed men had previously attacked and smashed the hippodrome band 
wagon, which stood in front of the American House, kept by Samuel 
Gordon, at which house most of the showmen were stopping. " Dis- 
arm those rioters," said Welch, " or remove them to a distance, and we 
will go alone before the magistrate." There w^ere about fifty State rifles 
in the place, which had been used by a military' company- then dis- 
banded, and these, by some unknown authority, had been issued to ex- 
cited railroad laborers, who were to act as special constables or police 
in assisting to arrest the showmen and taking them before a magistrate. 
The issuing of the arms to these men, bv whatever authority, was ver}' 
unwnse action. Welch and his men would have gone before the magis- 
trate without any force, and that is the way they did go, so many of 
them as were required. Qiiite a number of men connected with the 
hippodrome were permitted to remain, for the time being, in the second 
stor}^ of the hotel. While the preliminaries for the hearing were in pro- 
gress before the magistrate at the court house, the armed Irishmen had 
returned to the neighborhood of the hotel. A musician connected whh 
the show stepped out upon the pavement, w^as fired upon and shot down. 
Two or three men followed up and beat him with their guns, leaving 
him for dead. Simultaneously with this proceeding a general attack 
was made upon the hotel, and hundreds of shot wee fired into the hall 
between the oftice and parlor. The side lights on either side of .the 
hall door, and the doors, stairs and banisters were riddled with shot. 
The showmen who were on the second floor, armed themselves with 
bricks torn from the hearth and chimne}-, and also broke up bedsteads 
for the purpose ot suppl3nng themselves with weapons, in what they 
feared would be an unequal and terrible encounter. Two or three of 
the most turbulent spirits outside broke into the hall door, and a hand 
to hand fight ensued ; but the Irishmen were expelled, and one of them 
very severely punished. In this engagement the showmen captured 
one gun. The doors were now closed and barricaded. There was a 
temporar}^ lull, and then another and more furious attempt was made to 
storm the hotel, and b}' larger numbers. This was the most fearful 
moment of the battle. The shooting was incessant, the noise deafen- 
ing, and it looked as though the rioters would "storm the fort." The 
treasurer of the hippodrome, who appeared at the head of the stairw^ay, 
was struck in the side by a bullet and severely wounded. Several citi- 
zens, among them Ma3'or Morris and Gen. Lidey, at this time made 
strenuous eflbrts to quell the riot and restore order. Lidey commanded 
the peace in the name of the State of Ohio, and forcibly disarmed one 
rioter who was about to shoot into the building. Morris, who was ex- 
postulating with the men who were trying to batter down the door, was 
struck with a stray shot on the nose, which drew the blood freel}-. En- 
raged at the conduct of the rioters, and smarting with his wound, 
churchman and Methodist as he was, he roared out to the madmen, 
that if they did not desist, " He would bring out the cannon and blow 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 35 

them all to hell." The rioters were finally induced to cease their bom- 
bardment of the hotel, but they occupied the streets during the remain- 
der of the day, and refused to disband or give up the guns with which 
they had been armed. 

It was thought at the time that the musician was mortally wounded, 
but after lying several weeks at the hotel, in front of which he was shot 
and beaten, he was sent to his home in Pennsylvania, and eventually 
recovered. 

As a consequence of the preliminary hearing at the court house, 
nine of the showmen were committed to jail to await a further trial. 
The}' were finally released in some way, and they never had a trial in 
the Court of Common Pleas. 

On Thursday morning, J.J. Johnson, Esq., who was then sheriff of 
the county, after trying in vain to restore order, communicated with the 
rightful authorities for military aid to quell the riot, whereupon the 
Zanesville City Guards, under command of Captain Graham and Lieut. 
Hazlett, by order of the Governor of the State, responded to the call, 
and arrived at Somerset, seventy-five or eighty in number, at six P. M. 
of the same day. When the strains of martial music were heard ascend- 
ing the hill at the east end of town, the rioters quickly disappeared, 
and in five minutes the town was as- quiet and orderly as on Sunday. 
The showmen soon after quietly and peaceably left the place. 

The civil authorities decided to disarm the men w^ho had been en- 
gaged in the riotous proceedings of the day, and the military was made 
use of for this purpose. The fire-arms were nearly all found, not in 
the hands of those who had used them, but secreted in beds, garrets, 
cellars and all kinds of out of the wa^^ places. There was not the 
slightest attempt at resistance to the military, but there was a general 
denial of arms being about premises, and apparently no knowledge of 
any riot. But they were well known and could not escape in this man- 
ner. In the course of a few hours over one hundred men were arrested, 
taken to the Court House and placed under a guard to await a hearing. 
The investigation finally came ofl' in the Court House before George 
Morris, Justice of the Peace. T. J. Gallagher, who was then Prosecu- 
ting Attorney, assisted by James Sheward, appeared for the State, and 
Hon. Wm. E. Fink and T. J. Maginnis for the defendants. All were 
acquitted except two, and they were recognized to the Court of Com- 
mon Pleas. None of the cases connected with the "Hippodrome War" 
ever came to a final trial. 

The Zanesville Guards remained in town until Saturday morning, 
when peace having been fulh- restored, they returned home. They 
were very welcome and highly honored guests during their stay and 
received an ovation at the Court House just before they departed. 

Many occurrences of a most ludicrous character took place during 
the Hippodrome War. Straggling showmen who ventured on the 
streets Thursday morning, were quickly and mercilessly pursued, and 
sought refuge in all kinds of hiding places. Five or six showmen re- 
treated to the garret of the Carroll House, where they remained nearh^ 
twent3'-four hours, their food in the meantime being passed up to them 
through a trap door, in a clandestine manner. The driver of the Hip- 
podrome band wagon, sought refuge in the house of a citizen on 



36' HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

Goliimbus street, and after remaining several hours, borrowed a suit of 
female apparel, and left as a "forlorn female" on foot. This gentleman 
who was then quite young, afterward became a show proprietor of con- 
siderable prominence, and yeap afterwards, visited Somerset with his 
show. His fair benefactress was gone, but he visited the spot and en- 
joyed a hearty laugh over the manner of his escape from the seat of 
war. Another showman concealed himself in a cellar, where he re- 
mained three or four davs until hunger drove him out, when he was 
both surprised and gratitied to tind that peace and order reigned su- 
preme. A well known citizen was wending his way home on- the first 
ni^^-ht when he was mistaken h\ the showmen for an Irishman and only 
saved himself bv taking refuge in a neighbor's house, where he lay 
concealed until tin- next day. The transient guests of the ditierent 
hotels became panic stricken and departed the town in haste. One 
man is said to have walked twent}- miles before he considered it safe to 
stop for something to eat. The regular boarders, mostly young men, 
stood their ground prettv well until sent for to go to various parts of the 
to\vn to remain over night in households where there were no adult 
male persons. How much valor, or the contrary, these 30ung men 
would have shown in case of emergency, the world will never know. 

It is possible that some of these ludicrous stories may be slightly ex- 
aggerated, but it would be a difficult matter to overdraw the actual 
facts. 

The foregoing is intended to be a fair and impartial statement of 
all the principal difficulties and occurrences connected with the so called 
"Hippodrome War." The account is collected from various published 
resources, made at the time and since, and by personal interviews with 
eye witnesses of the proceedings of that eventful time. 

The TuNxNej^ Hill War. — This so-called "War," which looked 
serious enough at the onset, terminated in comedy and tarce. In the 
summer of 1854, the old Scioto and H<><--1^"\^' Valley Railroad Com- 
pany broke up. At the time of the failure of the company, a Mr. Taylor, 
who had the contract at Middletown Tunnel, was working two or three 
hundred men. When work was suspended all along the line, the labor- 
ers at the tunnel were discharged. The contractor, unable to get his 
pay from the company, could not pay his men, and he was consider- 
ably in arrears with them at the time'of the discharge. The men be- 
came greatly incensed, refused to leave, clamored for their pay and 
threatend serious violence against Taylor and his bosses. Some of 
them would tire off guns, threaten to kill, burn buildings and do sundry 
other deviltrv it nof paid what was due them. The contractor and 
bosses became alarmed, and a formal requisition was made upon SheriH 
Johnson to come with a suflicient posse to quell the disturbance and pre- 
vent the threatened not. Sheriti' Johnson conscripted about fifty men into 
the service. The "bovs" did not fancy the expedition, for they had seen 
something of the temper of the "wild Irish railroaders." as they called 
them, during the "Hippodrome War" of the pre\i«)us year, and did 
not care to encounter then). The posse was not a very formidable 
looking body, for the men comprising it were variously, and the most 
of them indifferently, armed, They were hastily loaded in wagons, 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 37 

expresses, etc,, and started for "the seat of war." Upon the arrival of 
the Sheriff and posse at the tunnel, they were surrounded by quite a 
large number of excited and exasperated men, but some of the labor- 
ers, despairing of getting their pay, and wishing no trouble, had already 
left. Those who remained hooted, howled, fired off guns, and acted 
as though thev might eat the entire posse who had come to subdue 
and disperse them. They would have their money, or revenge. The 
Somerset boys were not scared, but some of them said they were a little 
nervous in consequence of a light breakfast and a long ride over the 
rough, stony hills. They remained over night, and a strong guard was 
placed around '.he house in which the Sheriff and his chief counsellors 
made their headquarters. 

A reporter at the time, himself one of the posse, relates some oi 
the adventures of the night, and tells how the war came to a peaceful 
termination. Some pickets had been sent out on the Crossenville road, 
as it was apprehended an attacking party might come from that direc- 
tion. The night was dark and it was thought the enemy was heard in 
fence corners. Some of the pickets went forward to make a recon- 
noisance, when one of them, who w^as armed with an old musket and 
bayonet attached, in feeling and punching around, stuck the ba3-onet 
into the hind-quarters of an innocent calf, when such loud and plaintive 
bawls broke out upon the stillness of the night as frightened the army 
of Middletovvn out of their wits for the time being, and effectually sub- 
dued the warlike spirit of all, so that when morning came both parties 
were prepared for a truce. The Sheriff's posse wanted to leave as soon 
as possible, as they believed the war was over. The desperately ex- 
cited mob of only the day before came in, one by one, and said if the 
contractor would buy their pigs and chickens the}' would make no 
further demand, bnt go awa}^ peaceably, and seek work and wages in 
some other part of the country. This was the Appomattox, and the 
details of the capitulation were tbrmally agreed upon satisfactorily to 
all parties. The Sheriff and posse, all safe and sound, left for Somerset, 
and the poor Irish laborers, true to their promise, wath their women and 
children, gathered up their scanty effects and quietly left the scene of 
their misfortunes. Thus ended the famous "Tunnel Hill War." Only 
the blood of an inoffensive calf was shed, and that proved to be as oil 
poured on the troubled waters. 

The Killing of James Fagan. — A most unfortunate difficulty oc- 
curred in 1856, in Monroe township, between the families of O'Neill 
and Fagan. The dispute arose as to who had the right to the posses- 
sion of a certain held or tract of land. Both parties claimed the right of 
possession, and both sides were no doubt honest in their belief as to 
such right. The P'agans, however, took possession, and James Fagan 
was plowing or about to plow the land in dispute. The O'Neills order- 
ed him and the rest of the family from the premises^ but they refused to 
go. The O'Neill's, then attempted to eject the Fagans by physical 
force. Both parties became very determined, and eventually guns were 
used. A shot, hred b}^ one of the O'Neills, struck James Fagan in the 
region of the heart, and lie expiied almost instantly. This ended the 
aflVa\-. One of tlie O'Neills, who it was supposed fired the fatal shot. 



38 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

fled. Patrick O'Neill, the father, was arrested and indicted for the of- 
fense, tried in the Court of Common Pleas, found guilty of manslaugh- 
ter, and sentenced to the State Prison for two years. He died there be- 
fore his time expired. 

It is a remarkable fact that two fatal accidents also happened near 
the spot where James Fagan was killed. A fatality appeared to be 
connected with the place. 

The Killing of George Dodds. — George Dodds was an English- 
man by birth, a coal miner by occupation, had been in this country ten 
years, and for a few years previous to his death, lived in New Straits- 
ville, and boarded for some time with Mr. Raybold, who kept the 
saloon where ha was killed. Sometimes, in the absence of Mr, Ray- 
bold, he tended bar, but drank but little himself. September 2nd, 1876, 
Dodds, Phillips and several other persons were in the saloon. Dodds 
was not tending bar that day. Phillips and Dodds appeared sociable 
and friendly. They drank together, though Dodds had to be strongly 
urged. After awhile Phillips went into a back room or cellar connect- 
ed with the saloon. Raybold made an excuse to go in and see what he 
was doing there. He was sitting on the steps, and told Raybold to 
"Tell George (meaning Dodds) to come in." Dodds started in, but 
before he was scarcely inside the door, there was a repot of a pistol, 
and Dodds fell, mortally wounded. Phillips declared the shooting was 
an accident, and hurried out of a side door, but was arrested and lodged 
in the calaboose. Dodds was shot in the abdomen on the left side, the 
ball penetrating the liver. He died the next morning. 

Phillips was a Welshman by birth, and a blacksmith by trade. He 
had married an American wife, after coming to this country. He was 
a man of genteel appearance, and good address, and had a good reputa- 
tion, except that he was inclined to be a little quarrelsome when drink- 
ing. Dodds was an unmarried man, about thirt3^-eight years of age ; 
sober, industrious and highly respected by those who knew him. The 
homicide created a great commotion at New Straitsville, and excited 
interest everywhere in the count}'. Phillips acted strangely, in some 
respects, both before and after the shooting of Dodds. He had been 
drinking. He was at once arrested, and had a preliminary trial before 
the Mayor of New Straitsville, and was soon sent, under guard, to the 
county jail, at New Lexington. The trial, which came on at the Janu- 
ary term, 1877, occupied more time, perhaps, than any other case ever 
heard in the county. The indictment was for murder in the first degree. 
The witnesses were numerous, and examined at great length. There 
was much diversity of opinion as to what would be the result of the trial ; 
some were of the opinion that the defendant would be acquitted, 
others that the verdict would be for manslaughter, and still others 
thought they could see the dark shadow of the gallows as the result. 
But the verdict was murder in the second degree, and finally, to avoid 
another trial, the sentence was five years for manslaughter, as stated in 
the chapter on Courts. The Judge would have granted the prisoner 
a new trial, and the Prosecuting Attorney and counsel for defense both 
agreed that a plea of guilty to manslaughter might be entered, thus 
saving costs and doing what was believed to be substantial justice. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 39 

The Killing of Jack Davis. — The killing of Jack Davis, at Shaw- 
nee, occurred January ist, 1879, under the following circumstances, as 
disclosed at the trial: It appeared that David A. Davis, a Welshman 
by birth, and coal miner by occupation, kept a disreputable house. He 
was a married man, but his wife had, for some cause, gone off and left 
him. All parties connected with the tragedy had been drinking freely, 
as it was New Year's Day and nobody at work. After dark, probably 
about nine o'clock, Jack Davis and other persons visited the house of 
David A. Davis, and asked to be admitted. They were informed by the 
inmates that their company was not wanted and told to go away. After 
some parleying they tried to force the doors of the house, or hammered 
loudly against them, when David A. Davis snatched up a gun, tired 
through the window, shooting Jack Davis in the head and killing him 
instantly. He was also a Welshman, having a wife and one child, and 
stood comparativel}' well in the community among those who knew 
him. His sudden death, under the circumstances, caused intense ex- 
citement, and there was, at tirst, strong talk of lynching David A. 
Davis, if he could be found ; but he had made his escape. He, how- 
ever, subsequently came back and gave himself up. He had a prelimi- 
nar}^ examination and was committed to jail. He was indicted by the 
grand jury for murder in the first degree. The trial was a long and 
tedious one, and of much interest. The Jur}^ rendered a verdict of 
Manslaughter, and Judge Wright sentenced the prisoner to the Peni- 
tentiary for a term of four years. 

The Street Battle in Chapel Hill, — There was on a Sunday, 
in the year 1879, ^ sanguinary street fight in Chapel Hill, resulting in 
the death of Frank Weiner, a young man about twenty 3'ears of age, 
the wounding of John Weiner, his father, and also ot several others, 
Timothy Shaw was apprehended and tried for wounding John Weiner, 
the jury rendered a verdict of manslaughter, and he was sentenced to 
the State Prison for one vear. It was generally admitted, also, that 
Shaw gave young Weiner the fatal stab, but there was never any 
arrest or trial for this offense, and the word was given out, that young 
Weiner said, after he knew that he was mortally hurt, that he was him- 
self to blame, and did not want Shaw prosecuted for stabbing him. At 
any rate he was never brought to trial on the more serious charge. 

This fight caused considerable sensation at the time, and was, indeed, 
an unexpected and most extraordinary occurrence. That the quiet of 
the Sabbath day, and what, to all outward appearance, was at first a 
friendly mingling of neighbors and acquaintances, could so suddenly be 
turned into a scene of strife and blood, was a matter of astonishment to 
all, and well calculated to produce reflections of the most serious char- 
acter. 

The Corning War. — This is the name by which the mining troub- 
les at Corning and Rendville, in September 1880, are generally known 
throughout the county and State. Their origin is briefly this : at the 
time of the outbreak, and for sometime previous, the Ohio Central and 
other Coal Companies in the Sunday Creek Valley, had adopted and 
put into -operation what was known as the "sliding scale" system of 



40 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 



paying- for mining coal. The price for mining, according to this sys- 
tem, was represented to be based on the selling price of coal, instead 
of at a fixed rate per ton. This system of pa^-ment was, from the tirst, 
looked upon with suspicion b}- the miners at Shawnee, New Straits- 
ville and Nelsonville, and also by the ]:»rincipal portion of the white 
miners in the Sunday Creek Valley, though some of them continued 
working after the system was adopted. Finalh" they were induced to 
quit, one by one, until v^ery few, except colored men. were at work. A 
large nvunber of colored miners had been gathered up, and set to work, 
and their numbers were constantly increasing. The colored men were 
employed chietlv at shaft No. 3, situated near the head of the ravine, 
at the upper end of Rendville. The white miners of the valley, and 
also those at Shawnee, Straitsville and Nelsonville, were dissatisfied 
with the course of affairs, and soon rumors came that the colored men 
were to be taken out of the shaft b}' force, and sent out of the valley. 
The Coal Companies employed armed guards to protect their property, 
and those who were in their employ. The negroes were armed. Now 
word came that large numbers of Shawnee, Straitsville and Nelsonville 
miners were coming over, determined to destroy works and drive the 
negroes out of the Sunday Creek Valley. The managers of the coal 
companies were in constant telegraphic communication with the State 
authorities and alarming reports of the situation were received by the 
Governor and Adjutant General. The principal Military Officers re- 
mained up and watchful all one night, and highly exaggerated reports 
of the condition of things in the Sunda}^ Creek Valley, w^ere given to 
newspapers and circulated throughout the State and country. Then all 
was quiet for a few da^^s, both at Columbus and Corning. However, 
on Saturday about six P. M., T. J. Smith, Captain of Ewing Guards, 
at New Lexington, received an order from Governor Foster, to assem- 
ble his company at once, properly armed and equipped, prepared to go 
at a moment's warning, to the seat of war at Corning. The long roll 
was beaten at Armory Hall, and the Orderly Sergeant, hurried here 
and there, notifving all the members of the Guards to report at Armory 
Hall forthwith. They were not long in donning the army blue and 
reporting. About 10 P. M, an order came to move, and the compan}' 
was marched down to the Ohio Central Depot. By the time they ar- 
rived there, however, the order was countermanded, and the guards 
marched back to the Hall. They were not to disperse, but hold them- 
selves in readiness to move at any time. They bunked all night on 
the floor at Armoiy Hail. About ten o'clock the next day, a special 
train came quietly into town and stopped at Water street crossing, in- 
stead of moving on to the depot. It was soon known that the train had 
come for the Guards, for there was hurrying to and fro, and soon the 
company, fifty in number, to the sound of martial music, was march- 
ing down Water street. There was not much jollity, for all knew that 
there might.be serious work before them. 

When Captain Smith and his company arrived at Rendville, the 
streets of this place and Corning were filled with ten or twelve hundred 
excited men. The Ewang Guards were placed on duty at Shaft No. 3, 
where the negroes were quartered. The company was divided into 
three detachments. About twenty were stationed, under command of 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUN'I^. 4 1 

Capt. Smith, at the mouth of the ravine, and ahout fifteen men under 
command ot' Lieutenant I lohnes were phiced up in the woods, nearl\- a 
fourth of a mile to the south. The remainder of tlie company were on 
duty about the shaft, or in the woods north of the ravine, to support a 
number of armed employes of the Coal Company. Many dissatistied 
miners came steadily up the valley road, and pressed around the works, 
claiming that they came on a peaceful errand, and were there for the 
purpose of adjusting the price of mining". A line was marked at a cer- 
tain distance in Iront of the barricade and Captain Smith told the ad- 
vancing crowd not to cross it, or he would order his men to tire upon 
them. They came up to the line, several hundred strong, with a flag 
in the hands of a leader. Just at this time, which was between sunset 
and dark, three or tour hundred of the dissatistied miners were observ- 
ed to move tVom the direction of Corning, through a field into the 
woods wdiich was held by the detachment under Lieut. Holmes. They 
hurried swiftly across the field, and were soon lost to sight in the woods. 
A brief parley was held between Lieutenant Holmes and the man who 
appeared to be leader of the advancing column, which now opened fire 
and continued to come on. Lieut. Holmes now ordered his men to fire, 
which they at once obe3''ed. His men were well armed, and continued 
to fire in quick succession. The attacking column now turned and 
fled precipitatel}^ At the sound of the firing up in the woods, those who 
were pressing in front of the barricade, at the mouth of the ravine, also 
fled in great haste, the leader even dropping the flag which he was 
carrying. The contest was over. Two or three of the men in front of 
Lieut. Holmes' detachment were wounded rather seriously, and proba- 
bly fifteen or twent}- others slightly. It is understood that the leader 
who headed the advancing column in the woods, asserts that the first 
stray shots to which Holmes' command responded, weren ot only with- 
out, but against, orders. There was a rumor for man}^ days, that one 
man was killed outright, and his body taken away, secreted andburied. 
This is not probable, however, for there seems to be no adequate rea- 
son lor such a course of action. 

The brief skirmish herein recited, practically closed the "Corning 
War," though the Military were retained two or three weeks. Three 
companies of the Fourteenth Ohio National Guards, from Columbus, 
under command of Col. Freeman, had been ordered down and were on 
the way to Corning, when the Ewing Guards had the skirmish, which 
has been described. Col. Freeman's command was hurried on with 
extra speed, but the battle was over when they reached their destina- 
tion. 

The Ewing Guards remained in camp one week, and were then re- 
lieved, the Columbus troops remaining. These w^ere finally relieved bv 
troops from other places, and then the military were altogether with- 
drawn. 

The military encampment, as seen at night, in the narrow valley, 
with sentinels pacing to and fro, and the ba}'onets gleaming in the 
moonlight, was a striking miniature representation of a nation at war, 
and one that is not desirable to see. 

The Ewing Guards were reluctant to be called into such service, so 
near home, against neighbors and friends, and many of them, in some 



^2 HISTOKY OF I'KKRV COUNTY. 

dei^ree, at least, sympathized with the course of the dissatisfied miners ; 
but they readily comprehended the fact that they were part of the State 
and county police, and under obligation to obey orders, at whatev'er 
hazard. 

The result was that the Military and Civil authorities were sustained, 
and the colored miners and their employes remained unmolested. It 
is worthy of note, however, that the "Siiding Scale" system of prices, 
which was the apparent cause of all the trouble, was not long after 
abandoned. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 



43 



CHAPTER VII. 

COURTS, COUNTY OFFICERS, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, ETC. 

Courts. — The act creating the county of Perry became a law in 
December, 1817, and the first Court of Common Pleas for the county 
convened at the house of John Fink in Somerset, April 26, 18 18. This 
court consisted of Hon. Wm. Wilson, President, and C. C. Hood, 
David Beckwith and John McMullen, Associate Judges. The Judges, 
Chief and Associate, were elected by the legislature until the adopdon 
of the new constitudon in 185 1, and of course this bench had been 
chosen in this manner. Judge Wilson resided at Newark, Licking 
county. History and tradition represent him as no great lawyer, but a 
man loving justice and dispensing it to the best of his abilitA'. Hood, 
Beckwith and McMullen were well known citizens of the count}^ at that 
time, but not members of the legal profession. The judges organized 
by appointing John Beckwith Clerk. Thomas Slaughterof Lancaster, 
was appointed Prosecudng Attorney. There was probably no resident 
lawyer in the county at that time. On the first Monday of April, 1818, 
an election for a number of county officers had been held, and Leonard 
Ream was elected Sheriff. He appeared and opened court with the 
" Hear 3'e ! Hear ye I " that has been handed down for many genera- 
tions. This term of the court appears to have been held for the purpose 
of hearing the report of the commissioners who had been appointed to 
fix the place for the seat of justice for the new county of Perry. Said 
commissioners made their report as follows : " We, the commissioners 
appointed, etc., having been duly sworn, and having satisfactorily ex- 
plored and examined said county, have selected the eastern public square 
in the town of Somerset, as the most eligible place for the permanent 
seat of justice, and we do accordingly report that the seat of justice shall 
be fixed at that place." 

The Court of Common Pleas convened again in Julv. 1818, the bench 
the same as before, excepdng that George Trout appears in the place of 
David Beckwith as one of the associate judges. Beckwith had died, 
and the County Commissioners had probabh' filled the vacancy by the 
appointment of Trout. The first business at this term, with" the 
exception of receiving the report of the locating commissioners, was an 
application by Jacob Dittoe for an order vacating the town of Hanover, 
the first platted town within what is now the county limits. Hanover 
was laid out in 1804, fourteen years before the creation of Perry county. 
It was in Fairfield county and situated about four miles west of where 
Somerset was afterward located. The petition of Mr. Dittoe was 
granted, and an order made, vacating and making null and void the 
plat of the town of Hanover. The second trial was for fighting. James 
Bullion was indicted and tried for assaulting Samuel Swinehart. The 
indictment among other allegations solemnh' avers that at the time of 
said assault, "The body of Samuel Swinehart was in the peace of God 



44 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

and the State ot" Ohio." Bullion was fined one dollar and costs, amount- 
in<j^ to ten dollars and ninety-nine cents. The following is the grand 
iur\- that indicted Bullion, and the first grand jurv of the county: Jo- 
seph Beard, Joseph Shafier. Jacob Beard, William Fate, Jacob Jack- 
son, Robert Colborn. William Keith, Thomas Carroll, Samuel Ream, 
Jacob Mechling, Caleb North, Owen Elder. Philip Crist, James Collins, 
Smith Goodwin, James Ritchey. The following is the first petit jury 
of the count^•, and the one which tried Bullion, the first prisoner at the 
bar before a Perry county court: Peter Cool, Amos Roberts, Jacob 
Long, Wm. Dusenbury, Evan Kelsey, John Wilson, James Henthorn. 
John Murra^', John Lidev, Tuba Tavlor, Joseph Ferguson, George 
Richards. At this term of court it also appears that at the instance of 
David J. Walters. Ilenrv Warner and Wm. P. Darst had been arrested 
by the Sherifi' and held for a debt claimed by Walters to the amount of 
$200. It does not appear tliat the defendants had been imprisoned, but 
they were doubtless in the custody of the sheriff'. The case was tried, 
and Walters obtained a judgment of $80 on debt, $3.34 damages, and 
$3-33 costs of suit. The court records indicate that this trial was the 
source of future trouble between the parties, and other litigation. The 
first session closed with a slander suit. It appears that two women 
had a quarrel, and as a consequence had related some disgraceful things 
concerning each other, and one of the huvsbands brings suit for character. 
The judgment in this case is, that the " Defendant receive of the plain- 
tiff the sum of $21.81, costs of suit, and that the plaintiff in mercy, etc." 
This is a curious verdict, and scarcely intelligible at the present dav. 
The wickedness charged was alleged to have occurred in one of the 
ancient towns of the count\', which afterward assumed a different name. 
It is in the hearing of this slander case that attorneys first appear on the 
record. Beecher and Ewing for the plaintiff, and Sherman and Orton 
for the defendant. The early times seem to have been tolerably rough, 
for much of the covnt proceedings are concerning fights and matters of 
a kindred character. 

William Wilson served as President Judge from 1818 until 1820, and 
was succeeded by John A. McDonald. Little is now known of him, 
though he held court in Perry for about three years. Alexander Har- 
per, of Muskingum county, succeeded him in 1823. Judge Harper re- 
sided in Zanesville, and was a well known, upright man and lawyer. 
He served two or three terms in Congress. He presided in the courts 
of Perry county about ten years. Judge Grim.ke succeeded him in 
1834. Grimke resided in Chillicothe, but not much else appears to be 
known of him. It has been stated, however, that he was one of the 
most learned of all the judges. He was succeeded in 1836 by John H. 
Keith, who served until 1840 or 1841. He was an able and popular 
judge. After leaving the bench, he practiced laVv successfully at Chil- 
licothe, more than twenty years. He died^ onh- a few years since. 
Keith was succeeded by C. W. Searle of Zanesvi]U\ who ser\ed until 
1847. Searle is highly spoken of as a judge and as a man. He died 
several vears ag\). Judge Stillwell, alsoof ZanesxilK'. succi'eded Searle, 
and serxed until 1851. StillweJI had his iieculiarilies. but he was an 
able, conscientious and upright judge. He was succeeded by Henry 
C. Whitman of Lancaster. Whitman was first elected b\- the legislature. 



HISTORY OP' PERRY COUNTY. 45 

as all former judges had been ; but upon the adoption of the new consti- 
tution in 185 1, providing for the election of the judges by the people, 
he became a candidate, and was elected in October of that year, for a 
term of live years. lie was re-elected in 1856, and again in 1861 ; the 
last time without opposition. He resigned shortly alter his last election, 
and went to Cincinnati to practice law, where he still lives. 'Whitman 
was remarkably quick in the dispatch of all public business, and was 
popular with the people. He served ten years and was succeeded by 
Philemon B. Ewing, 'also of Lancaster, who was appointed by Gov. 
Tod to till the vacancy. Ewing served until the next general election, 
when he was succeeded by Philadelph Van Trump, who had been elected 
in October, 1862. Ewing gave ver}- general satisfaction as a judge. 
Van Trump served for four years, and then resigned to run for Congress, 
to which body he was elected in 1866, 1868 and 1870. Van Trump was 
an able and painstaking lawyer and judge, and had the conhdence of 
the people and of the bar. He died a few years since. Van Trump 
was succeeded by James R. Groghan of Logan, who was appointed by 
GoN'. Cox to till the vacancy. He held only one term of court in Perry 
county. Groghan had abilities of a high order, both general and legal, 
but his term of judge was too brief to fairly test or develop his capacit\- 
on the bench. Groghan was succeeded by Silas H. Wright of Logan, 
who had been duly elected in October, 1866. Judge Wright was re- 
elected in 1 87 1, 1876 and 1881, and is still upon the bench, with nearly 
live years yet to serve. His long service and repeated indorsements by 
the people, are the testimonials to his uprightness as a Judge, and his 
worth as a man. At the session of the legislature lor 1878-79, a law was 
passed creating an additional judge for this judicial district, whereupon 
at the October election in 1879, J- ^- Freisner of Logan, was duly elect- 
ed to said office for the constitutional term of five years. Judge Freisner 
is a young man (one of the youngest judges in the State), but he appears 
to have the requisite qualifications, and up to the present time is fully 
meeting the expectations of the people and the bar. The judicial work 
of the district is nowdi\'ided, and sometimes Wright, and at other times 
Freisner, holds the Common Pleas Courts of Perry county. 

The most important trial ever held in the county, was that of the 
State of Ohio vs. David Work, indicted for the murder of Christopher 
Ilocker. The alleged crime was committed in Fairfield county, of 
which Work was a citizen, and he was indicted b}' a Grand Jury, in the 
Fairfield Court of Common Pleas. On motion of the defendant's 
counsel, Stanbery, Reber and Orton, the court ordered a change of 
\enue to Perry count3^ lor the alleged reason that the prisoner, under 
the condition of public excitement, could not receive an impartial trial in 
Fairfield. So the trial came on in Perry county, Judge Keith on the 
bench. Tlie crime alleged was committed in April 1836, and the 
trial came on at the September- term following. The jury impanelled to 
try the case consisted of the following named persons: Michael Dittoe, 
Peter Bugh, James Gorden. Samuel Parkinson, John Reed, Andrew 
Walker, David Cap, Thomas Wright, James A. Clark, Joseph Good, 
Moses Goodin. Peter Bowman. The trial occupied about two days, 
and the jurN-, alter deliberation, brought in a \erdict of Murder in the 
First Degree. On the i6tii of September, Judge Keith sentenced him 



46 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

to be hanged on the 14th of October following, which sentence was 
duly carried into execution by Daniel Kishler, who was then Sheriff' of 
the county. The evidence against Work was wholly circumstantial, 
but no one appeared to doubt his guilt, though he asserted his innocence 
to the last, and carefully wrote a manifesto to that effect, onh' forty- 
eight hours previous to his execution. 

Another murder trial was that of the State of Ohio, vs. John Phil- 
lips, charged with killing John Dodds, at New Straitsville. This trial 
was heard at the January term, 1877, and occupied about one week. 
Dodds was killed in the back room of a saloon, with none but the two 
present. Phillips admitted the killing, but claimed that it was acciden- 
tal. Many witnesses were examined, and long arguments were made 
by counsel. The jury, after considerable deliberation, brought in a ver- 
dict of Murder in the Second Degree. A new trial was about to be 
granted, when it was agreed that the detendant should plead guilty to 
Manslaughter, which he accordingly did, and was sen'enced to the 
Penitentiary for five years. 

Yet another murder trial, was that of the State of Ohio, vs. David 
Davis, indicted for the murder of John A. Davis, at Shawnee, Jan. ist, 
1879. The trial was heard at the May term of the same year, and oc- 
cupied several days. The defendant admitted the killing, but claimed 
justitication on the^ground that John A. Davis was, at the time of the 
fatal shot, forcibly attempting to enter the house of the Defendant. The 
jury returned a verdict of Manslaughter, and the prisoner was sentenced 
to the state prison for four ^^ears. 

The execution of David Work was the onl}^ one that ever took place 
in the county, and he and his victim were both residents of Fairfield 
county, and the crime was also committed there. 

The litigation in Perry was ver}'- much the same from 1830 to 1870, 
but soon after the latter date, the civil and criminal business both began 
to increase to such a degree that an additional judge was soon thought 
of, and eventually secured, as before stated. 

The Associate Judges were elected by the Legislature, and the first 
three — C. C. Hood, David Beckwith, and John McMullen — have 
been named ; also, George Trout, successor of David Beckwith, 
deceased. Their successors were in the order named : Ernest Rich- 
man, Thomas Davis, Thomas King, Wm. McClure, James Wilson, 
John Lidey, Charles Campbell, John McGinley, N. H. Ta3'lor, John 
Heck, Patrick McDonald, Joseph G. Wiseman and George Kishler. 
The three last named sat at the June term in 185 1, which was the last 
appearance of the Associate Judges. Those Judges usually held what 
was called Orphan Court, in the absence of the President Judge. The 
new Constitution turned over all this business to the Probate Court. 

The Probate Court was organized as soon as practicable after the 
election in October, 185 1. Wm. M. Brown was, at said election, duly 
elected Probate Judge for Perry county, when he became qualified, and 
the papers and records pertaining to the administration of his office 
were turned over to him by the clerk of the Court of Common Pleas. 
Mr. Brown was Probate Judge three vears, and was then succeeded by 
Robert F. Hickman, who was elected in October, 1854. ^^ 1857, Rob- 
ert F. Hickman and Wm. M. Brown were candidates and their vote 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 4I7 

was a tie. They cast lots, as the huv directed, Hickman won and was 
sworn in for the second term. Brown contested on the gronnd of ille- 
gal votes, and the Court of Common Pleas, Judge Whitman presiding, 
declared Brown the legal!}- elected Probate Judge, and he accordingly 
took possession of the office. There were a number of votes, on both 
sides, which the Court of Common Pleas pronounced illegal, but a 
majority of them were for Hickman, which, of course, under the cir- 
cumstances, elected Brown. In i860, Robert F. Hickman was again 
elected, and also in 1863. Hickman was succeeded by Robert E. 
Huston, who was elected in 1866, and re-elected in 1869. Huston was 
succeeded by James E. Finck, who was elected in 1872, and re-elected 
in 1875. Finck was succeeded by John H. Kelley, who was elected in 
1878. Judge Kelley died in the last year of his term, and his son, 
Frank A. Kelley, was appointed b}- Governor Foster to till the vacancy. 
In October, 1881, Frank A. Kelley was elected for a full term, and also 
to till the unexpired portion of the vacancy. 

County Officers. — Leonard Ream was the first Sheriff' of the 
county. He was elected in April, 1818, and re-elected again in the fall 
for the next two succeeding years. In 1820, Jonathan Babb was 
elected on a popular vote over twent}^ other candidates. Babb's entire 
vote was 251. In 1822, Babb was re-elected. In 1824 and 1826, 
Henry Filler; in 1828 and 1830, Benjamin Ream ; in 1832 and 1834, 
Daniel Kishler ; in 1836 and 1838, James Culbertson ; in 1840 and 1842, 
David Foy ; in 1844 and 1846, Jesse Worle}- ; in 1848, James Hewitt; 
in 1850 and 1852, Jacob J. Johnson; in 1854 ^"^ i^S^, Nathaniel 
Skinner; in 1858 and i860, Jacob J. Johnson; in 1862 and 1864, 
Henry B. McLaughlin; in 1866 and 1868, Thomas Breen : in 1870 and 
1872, Noah Karr; in 1874 ^"^ 1876, James Porter; in 1878, Henr}- 
Martin ; in 1880, Michael A. Crosbie. 

John Beckwith was the first Clerk of the Court, appointed by the 
Bench; his appointment dates July, 1818. He served until 1828, when 
W. P. Darst was appointed. He served until 1832, when John Beck- 
with was again appointed. John W. Davis was appointed in 1839, 
serving until 1845, when he was succeeded by James Culbertson. In 
May, 1848, Judge Stillwell found the records behind, discontinued 
Culbertson, and appointed Wm. E. Finck. Finck served but a short 
time and was succeeded by John Beckwith. Beckwith was subse- 
quentl}- elected in October, 185 1, in accordance with the provisions of 
the new Constitution, which made the office of Clerk elective, and 
re-elected in 1854. Ovid Spencer was elected in 1857, ^"^^ re-elected 
in i860 and 1863. Spencer died a few months before his term expired, 
and Wesley C. Hickman was appointed to fill the vacancy. Peter 
Duffy was elected in 1866, and re-elected in 1869 and 1872. John H. 
Marlow was elected in 1875, and was re-elected in 1878. John A. 
'McGonagle was elected in 1881. 

For the first few years the Clerk of the Commissioners was County 
Auditor, and was appointed by the Commissioners. Roswell Mills was 
appointed as such Clerk at the first meeting of the Commissioners in 
May, 1818, and served in that position until January, 182 1. From this 
time until March 4th, 1822, the record of the Commissioners is not 



48 HISTORY OF PERKY COUNTY. 

signed or attested by any Clerk, and appears to be in the hand writino" 
of various persons, one of vvliom was John Murra\'. Edward Achinis 
was elected Auditor in October, 182 1, and presented his bond and was 
qualihed at the March term of 1822. Adams died after a few months, 
and in November, 1822, the Commissioners appointed John Lidev to 
till the vacancy. John Lidey was elected Auditor in 1823, and also in 
1824. Lidey resigned in October, 1826, and Jonathan Babb was ap- 
pointed to fill the vacancy. Babb appears to have served by appoint- 
ment and election until January', 1829, when John Lidey presented his 
certificate of election and was again qualified as Auditor. Jonathan 
Babb was again elected in ' 1830 and re-elected in 1832. Stephen 
Barnes was elected in 1834, and re-elected in 1836 and 1838. William 
Ross w^as elected in 1840 and re-elected in 1842, 1844 and 1846. Rob- 
ert M. Brown was elected in 1848 and re-elected in 1850. William 
Meloy was elected in 1852 and re-elected in 1854. John Weimer was 
elected in 1856 and re-elected in 1858. xArchibald M. Huston was 
elected in i860. Theodore Oa'le was elected in 1862, and re-elected in 
1864. George W. Binkley was elected in 1866 and re-elected in 1868, 
and the term was extended by legislative enactment until 187 1. Ed- 
ward T. Rissler was elected in 187 1 and re-elected in 1873. A. F. 
Stinchcomb was elected in 1875 '^^^ died in August 1878. E. T. Riss- 
ler was appointed to fill the vacancy. Orrin Thacker* was elected in 
1878 and re-elected in 1881 and is the present incumbent. 

The early Treasurers are difficult to trace, complete records not 
being available. James Patterson a merchant, was appointed Treas- 
urer soon after the county was organized, and was re-appointed every 
ye'4r until June, 1827, when he was succeeded by Jacob Catterlin, also 
by appointment. Henry Filler was elected to the office in 1829, 1831 
and 1833, «i^d w^as succeeded by Thomas Ritche}" in 1835, ^^'^^^ was 
also rcrclected in 1837 ^"<^ 1839. Joseph Ramsey was elected in 1841 
but died in office, and Th6mas Ritchey was appointed to fill the unex- 
pired term. In 1843, Wm. M. Brown was elected and served three 
terms. James Culbertson was elected in 1849 '^^^ served one term. 
George Redmond was elected in 185 1, but resigned before the expira- 
tion of his term, and Michael D. Forquer was appointed to fill the 
vacancy. George Williams was elected in 1853 and re-elected in 1855. 
M. D. Forquer was elected in 1857 and re-elected in 1859. Forquer 
resigned before the close of this term, and the vacancy was filled by 
the appointment of Wm. Meloy. C. T. Brush was elected in 1861. 
George Pherson was elected in 1863. C. T. Brush was again elected 
in 1865 and re-elected in 1867. Jacob J. Johnson was elected in 1869 
and re-elected in 1871. John B. Overm3-er was elected in 1873, and 
re-elected in 1875. Noah Karr was elected in 1877. Wm. L Shriver 
was elected in 1879, "^^^^ re-elected in 1881, and is tlie present occupant 
of the office. 

The Prosecuting Attorneys were at first appointed by the Court. 
An attorne}^ b}' the name of Slaughter, residing at Lancaster, was ap- 
pointed Prosecutor at the June session, 1818. Various attorneys were 
appointed from time to time to conduct the criminal prosecutions, until 
the office was made elective by legislative enactment. Jeremiah Lovell 
was elected Prosecuting Attorney in 1833, and re-elected in 1835, 1837, 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUN'l'V. 



49 



and 1839. Thomas J. Maginnis was elected in 1841 and re-elected in 
1843 ; L. M. Closs, in 1845 ; William Spencer, in 1847 ; John M. 
O'Neill, 1849; Thomas j. Gallagher, 1851 : Jacob (Jostigan, 1853; L. 
F. Muzzy, 1855; Reuben Butler, 1857; L. J. Jackson, 1859; Jacob 
Costigan, in 1861 and 1863 ; Reuben Butler, 1865 ; Henr}' Sheeran, in 
1867, 1869, and 1871 ; Joseph G. Huffman, in 1873, 1875, ^""^ 1877; 
James F. Conl\ , in 1879 ^^^ 1881, and he is the present incumbent. 

From 18 18 until 1827 there was a Lister appointed or elected for 
each township, and these officers were the forerunners of the present 
Township Assessors. The Legislature of 1826-27 provided for the 
election of County Assessors, and in the fall of 1827 George Kishler 
was elected Assessor for Perry, and re-elected in 1829 ; William Demp- 
sey was elected in 183 1 ; Jacob Petty, Iti 1833 : Moses Riley, in 1835 ? 
Henry Sherlock, in 1837; Robert Green, in 1839; Henry Sherlock, in 
1842, who continued to hold the office until it was abolished by legis- 
lative enactment in 1845. 

The tirst Surveyors were by appointment of the County Com- 
missioners, and for temporary purposes. Roswell Mills appears to 
have been the principal Surveyor of the early days. James Brown was 
elected Count}- Surveyor in 1832 and re-elected in 1835 '' ^- '^^- Davis was 
elected in 1838 ; Miles Green was elected in 1841 and re-elected in 
1844; Janies Brown was elected in 1847 and re-elected in 1850; Peter 
McMullen was elected in 1853 ; Samuel Curran. in 1855 ; Thomas D. 
Spare, in 1858, 1861, 1S64, 1867, and 1870 : P. H. Binckley, in 1871 ; 
and Samuel McCourtney, in 1874 and 1877 ; Frank J. Aid, in 1880, and 
he is the present incumbent. 

The County Coroners are as follows: 1819-20, John Trout; 1821, 
Henry Darst ; 1822, Nicholas Dennis; 1823, Felix Cull; 1825, Samuel 
Swinehart ; 1826, John Goodin ; 1828, Andy Arndt ; 1830-32-34, John 
Heck; 1836-38, Eli Montgomery; 1842, Jacob Thomas; 1844, J. R. 
Vanhorn ; 1846-48-50, Jacob Thomas ; 1852, Thomas Breen ; 1854-56, 
Henry Zartman ; 1858, Henry Wilson ; i860, Colwell Rinehart ; 1862, 
Henry Wilson ; 1864, Colwell Rinehart; 1S66-68. Daniel Emerick ; 
1870-72, George Kockensparger ; 1874-76-78, James Price ; 1880, John 
Sullivan. 

The County Commissioners, the most important body in the or- 
ganization of the county, date back, of course, to the very beginning. 
The tirst election was held for Commissioners in April, 18 18, and Joel 
Strawn, Peter Bugh, and Thomas Wilson, were chosen. The board 
met on the second cUw of Ma}' following and held one session at the 
house of John Wilson. They met again, June ist, at the house of John 
Finck, which continued to be their place of meeting until the erection 
of a public building. In October of the same year ( 1818) another elec- 
tion for Commissioners was held, resulting in the election of Thomas 
Wilson, Peter Bugh. and Joel Strawn. In 1819 Adam Binkley and 
Thomas Nesbit were elected. Adam Binkley was elected in 1820. 
There appears to have been no election in 1821. Subsequent elections 
were as follows : 

1822, George Brunner ; 1823, Smith Goodin ; 1824, Thomas Wilson ; 
1825, John Hammond and George Bowman; 1826, Thomas Nesbit; 
1827, Thomas Nesbit, three years ; Robert McClung, two vears ; John 



^O HISTORY OF I'ERliV COUNTY. 

Vanatta, one year ; 1828, John Vanatta ; 1829, Robert McClung ; 1830, 
Thomas Wilson ; 1831, James Ritche}' ; 1832, John Neal ; 1833, John 
Middagh ; 1834, William H. Herron ; 1835, John Neal ; 1836, Thomas 
Wrigiit; 1837, William ^^- Herron; 1838, John Neal; 1839, Thomas 
Wright; 1840, Henry Hazelton ; 1841, Lewis Batson ; 1842, Lavvson 
Teal; 1843, Henry Hazleton ; 1844, Peter Bowman; 1845, Lawson 
Teal; 1846, William Davis; 1847, Peter Bowman; 1848, Isaac Yost; 
1849, Robert Regester ; 1850, James Moore; 1851, Isaac Yost; 1852, 
Robert Regester; 1853, Henson Marlow ; 1854, Isaac Yost; 1855, 
Thomas Iliff; 1856, Henry Greer; 1857, Henson Marlow; 1858, J. B. 
Belong ; 1859, James ^- Black ; i860, David Ream ; 1861, J. B. Delong ; 

1862, J. P. Black; 1863, Martin Berkev ; 1864, Benjamin Carroll; 
1865. Peter Swinehart ; 1866, Benjamin Bope ; 1867, R. P. Nuzum ; 
1868, Peter Swinehart; 1869, Benjamin Bope; 1870, J. B. Delong; 
1871, Daniel Baker; 1872, Benjamin Bope; 1873, J. B. Delong; 1874, 
Daniel Baker ; 1875, John Dillon; 1876, James Coyle ; 1877, Nathan 
Plank ; 1878, John Dillon ; 1879, J^'^mes Coyle, 1880, Nathan Plank ; 
r88i, Samuel Snider. 

Directors of the Poor, appointed by the County Commissioners, pre- 
ceded the Infirmar}^ Directors. The first election for Infirmary Direc- 
tors was in 1842, when James J. Wilson, John Colborn and John Wright 
were elected ; In 1843, Bernard Grimes ; in 1844, John Colborn ; 1845, 
John Wright; 1846, Patrick McCristal ; 1847, John Grimes; 1848, 
John Wright; 1849, P'^trick McCristal; 1850, John Grimes; 1851,- 
John Wright; 1852, Moses Riley; 1853, Patrick McCristal; 1854, 
Samual Forsythe ; 1855, Joseph D. James ; 1856, Jonah Skinner : 1857, 
T. D. James; 1858, John Barker; 1859, George Kishler and Philip 
Wolf; i860. John Garey ; 1861, John Barker; 1862, P. J. Kelley : 

1863, John Garey; 1864, John Randolph; 1865, Philip Wolf; 1866, 
John Flannagan ; 1867, John Dillon; 1868, Philip Wolf; 1869, John 
Flannagan ; 1870, John Dillon; 187 1, Samuel Brown; 1872, William 
Adams; 1873, Robert Bennett ; 1874, Samuel Brow^n ; 1875, William 
Adams; 1876, Robert Bennett; 1877, Samuel Brown; 1878, L. A. 
Dean ; 1879, Joseph Fry mute ; 1880, John Amrine : 1881, Kelita Rodgers. 

Poter Dittoe was the first Countv Recorder, serving by appointment 
from 1818 to 1832 ; John Lidey served a few months in 1832. William 
F. Moeller was elected in 1832, and re-elected in 1835 5 Daniel Kelley 
was elected in 1838 ; Jacob Costigan was elected in 1841, and re-elected 
in 1844 and 1847 ; Henry Sherlock was elected in 1850 ; Joseph Bow- 
man was elected in 1853 ; P. J. Ankne}' w^as elected in 1856 ; George 
Henricks was elected in 1859; William G. Bucknor was elected in 
1862, and re-elected in 1865-68-71 ; George W. Moore was elected in 
1874, ^^^ re-elected in 1877 ; Charles H. Tinker was elected in 1880, 
and is the present incumbent. 

Legislative. — Jacob Catterlin of Peny, was elected to the Senate 
in 1822, for the Senatorial district composed of Muskingum and Perry 
counties, and was re-elected in 1823. Jacob Catterlin was also re-elect- 
ed in 1824, for the district composed of Morgan and Perry. Roswell 
Mills w^as elected for the same district in 1825, and re-elected in 1826, 
but dying soon after, John Beckwith was elected to fill the vacancy. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 5 1 

John Beckwith was re-elected for the same district in 1827, and also in 
1828 : John B. Orton was elected for the same district in 1831 and 1832 ; 
John Lidey was elected for the same district in 1835, ^^^ re-elected for 
the district of Morgan, Perry and Washington in 1836. John Ritchey 
was elected for the same district in 1841, and re-elected in 1842. Aaron 
Johnson was elected tor the same district in 1843, and re-elected in 1844. 
William E. Finck was elected for the district composed of Muskingum 
and Perry in 185 i. Eli A. Spencer was elected for the same district in 
1855, ^"^ Ezekiel Vannatta in 1857. William E. Finck was elected for 
the same disti^ict in 1861. Thomas J. Maginnis was elected for the 
same district in 1863, but had removed from Perry to Muskingum a few 
months before his election. William H. Holden was elected in 1869, 
and re-elected in 1871. Lymon J. Jackson was elected for the same 
district in 1877, '^"^ re-elected in 1879. T^^Q foregoing are the Sena- 
tors elected from Perr}^ Those elected from other counties in the dis- 
trict are not given. There is no citizen of Perry at present serving in 
the Senate. Mr. Jackson was the last one to serve in that position. 

The Representatives from the county are as follows : Sometimes 
they represented Perry in connection with another county or counties, 
but usually they stood for Perry alone. Thomas King was the first 
Representative for Perry count}', and was elected in October, 1819, and 
re-elected in 1820. Roswell Mills was elected in 182 1, and re-elected 
in 1822 and 1823 ; Thomas King was again elected in 1824. John B. 
Orton was elected in 1825, and re-elected in 1826 : James Patterson was 
elected in 1827 ; Benjamin Eaton was elected in 1828, and re-elected in 
1829; Peter Odlin in 1830; John Vanatta in 1831, and re-elected in 
1832 ; John Lidey was elected in 1833 ' Robert McClungin 1834 5 Joshua 
Brown and William Trevitt in 1836 ; and William Trevitt was re-elect- 
ed in 1837 and 1838 ; James J. Wilson was elected in 1839, '^"^ re-elect- 
ed in 1840: Daniel Kelley was elected in 1841, and re-elected in 1842. 
Perry had no direct Representative in 1843. but Morgan, Washington 
and Perry were represented by William Glines and John C. Clark, 
neither of whom were citizens of Perrv. James Brown was elected in 
1844, and re-elected in 1845 ; Isaac Larimer was elected in 1846 ; John 
Lidey in 1847 ; Isaac Larimer in 1848 : Napoleon B. Colborn was elect- 
ed in 1849, ''^^^^ re-elected in 1850 ; John H. O'Neill was elected in 185 1, 
and re-elected in 1853, but his seat was contested and Solomon Nunne- 
maker was seated in March, 1854 ' Franklin L. Flowers was elected m 
1855 ; Thomas B. Cox in 1857 ; Joseph Thompson in 1859 ' William 
H. Holden in 1861 ; William H. Free in 1863 ; George Henricks in 
1865 and 1867; Lewis Green in 1869 and 1871 ; E. R. P. Baker in 
1873 and 1875 ; Curtis Trovinger in 1877 : Henr}^ C. Greiner in 1879 
and 188 1. Greiner is the present Representative of the county. 

The first record of the County Commissioners bears date May 2d, 
1818, and is as follows : "At a meeting of the Commissioners of Perry 
count}', in the State of Ohio, held at the house of Mr. John Wilson, in 
the town of Somerset, on Saturday the 2d day of May, 1818. Present, 
Joel Strawn, Thomas Wilson and Peter Bugh, Sen., Commississioners 
duly elected, who were sworn to the faithful discharge of their duties by 
Roswell Mills, an acting Justice of the Peace in said county. The 
Commissioners appointed Roswell Mills their Clerk, who was duly 



b-^ 



HISTORY OV PERRY COUNTY. 



sworn by Peter Hugh, Sr., one of the Justices of said county. They 
also appointed James Patterson Treasurer of said county of Perry. 
They also agreed and ordered thai the rates of tavern license should be 
as follows : For a stand in Somerset, or witiiin a fourth of a mile there- 
of, ten dollars per annum : for any other stands on the main Wheeling 
and Lancaster road, eight dollars per annum ; and lor any other stand, 
or a stand in anv other part of said count}^ six dollars per annum. 

And the Commissioners adjourned to meet on the ist Monday of 
June next, imless sooner ordered." 

This record is in the handwriting of Roswell Mills, as well as sub- 
sequent records tor three or four 3'ears. The penmanship is good, and 
the orthograph\'. capitalization and punctuation equal, if not superior, 
to anv that has succeeded it. It is very evident that Mills was a scholar, 
as well as a man of information and intelligence. 

The Commissioners again met at the house of John Fink, Monday, 
June ist, 1818, and re-appointed Roswell Mills Clerk, and James Pat- 
terson Treasurer. x\t this session it is recorded that ''The Commis- 
sioners having made a new township of the 13th township in the 14th 
range, by the name of Bearfield, and attached thereto the 12th town- 
ship in the same range, it is ordered that the election be held on the 13th 
day of Jul}^ next, at the house of Lloyd Teal." 

At this session " The Board also ordered that the rates of county 
taxes should be as follows, for the present year: For each stud horse 
the rate for which he stands for the season ; on all other (ither horses, 
mares, mules and asses, three years old and upward, thirty cents per 
head; on each head of neat cattle, three years old and upward, ten 
cents; and on town property one-half per cent of its appraised yalue. 
No taxes shall be laid on houses not in towns." 

Leonard Ream presented his bond for Sheriff, with John Fink and 
John Trout security ; and John Trout, Coroner, presented his bond with 
Leonard Ream and George Trout security. 

The Board ordered that the rates of tavern license should remain as 
heretofore fixed, and that a Merchants" or Peddlers' license should be 
fifteen dollars. 

The following are the accounts in full, audited at the June term, 
1818: 

John Lidey, Lister, Keading township $10 00 

James Patterson, Appraiser 

Lewis Wilson, Lister, Hopewell township 

Samnel Clayton, Lister, Pike township 

David Carroll, Appraiser 

David Rnsk, Lister, Clayton township 

Charles Frizzel, Appraiser 

VVm Keith, leister. Thorn township 

.John Heiitliorn, Appraiser 

Plenry D.isenbury, Lister, Madison Township 

•John Ehy, Ap[)raiser 

James Forsyihe, Lister, .Tackson township 

Joshua IJrown, Appraiser 

$()8 50 
l.'oswill Mills for lilank Hooks, Stationery fof Commissioners' 
(HKce, etc • S^ 87^ 

Total $77 37i 



4 


00 


9 


00 




50 




00 


11 


00 




00 




CO 




00 




00 




00 


G 


00 


1 


00 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 53 

Several things are made to appear by this list of accounts audited 
at the June session, 1818. It is evident that Harrison is yet a part 
Clayton; and Bearfield. Monroe, Saltlick, and Monda}^ Creek, 
have no official existence. Clayton was at this time the largest town- 
ship in the countv, and contained one row of sections more than Read- 
ing. 

At the December session, 1818, Joel Strawn, Thomas Wilson and 
Peter Bugh. who had been elected on the second Tuesday of October 
previously, decided by lot that the term of Peter Bugh should expire in the 
year 1819, that of Joel Strawn, in 1820, and that of Thomas Wilson, in 
1821. The Commissioners met December i6th, and sold lots belonging 
to the county, in accordance with advertisement, as follows: Lot No. 
166 to Lawrence Curran, for $72,75 ; 168 to John Fisher, for $57.12 : 
159 to John Fisher, for $49.50 ; 176 to John Kishler, for $62.00 ; 172 to 
John Humberger, $56.00 : 160 to John Basore, for $58.00. At the March 
session, 1819, "The Commissioners proceeded to appropriate the 
monev lying in the Treasury of Fairfield county, for roads and high- 
ways in this countv, as follows ; Cooper Road, in Thorn township, 
$39.80; Cooper Road, in Hopewell township, $30.20, and Joel Strawn 
was appointed to expend the same ; on Witmer's Bridge, so called, $18.- 
60 ; and John Wolf was appointed to expend the same ; on the road 
from Somerset to the south end of D. Parkinson's lane, $10.00; from 
the same lane on the Newark road. $16.00 ; on the Lebanon road from 
same lane, $10.00; on the Lexington road, $20.00; on the Rehoboth 
road, $10.00; and Smith Goodin was appointed to expend the same: 
on the State Road, through Reading township, $70.00; and William 
Darst was appointed to expend the same.'' 

At the June session 1820, "The Commissioners proceeded to appro- 
priate the nine hundred dollars of the three per cent fund, appropriated 
for roads in this countv, by an act of last General Assembly, and to ap- 
point Commissioners to expend the same. On the Great State Road 
through the countv. $347.00, and Charles C. Hood is appointed to dis- 
tribute the same ; on the Cooper Road, $77.00, and Thomas Nesbit is 
appointed thereon ; on the road from Somerset to Thornville, $37.00, 
and Bernard Poorman is appointed thereon ; on the road from Somerset 
to Lexington, $67.00, and Smith Goodin is appointed thereon; on the 
road from Somerset, by Miller's Mill, to the west line of the county, 
$47.00 and Adam Binkley is appointed thereon; on the road from the 
White Bear Tavern, to John Skinners, $47.00. and Samuel Goodin is 
appointed thereon : on the road from Somerset b}' Hood's Mill, to the 
nortli line of the county, $47.00, and George Trout, Sr.,is appointed 
thereon ; on the road from Lexington road, near Brants, to Robert 
Pherson's, $31.00 and Jehu B. Jones is appointed thereon ; on the road 
from Rehoboth to the east line ot the county, $60.00, and Amos Roberts 
is appointed thereon ; on the road from Turke}- Run to Andrew Cusacks, 
Esq., $17.00, and Joseph Cookson is appointed thereon; on the road 
from Somerset to Witmer's Bridge, to the south line of the count3^ 
$93.00: of wiiich $48.00 shall be expended this side of the bridge, and 
$45.00 beyond, and Michael Bugh is appointed thereon ; on the road 
from Somerset, by Wood's Mill, to the north line of the county, $30.00 
and C. C. Hood is appointed thereon." The Commissioners adjourned 



54 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

sine die, after determining that their Clerk shall receive $72.50, for the 
ensuing year." 

The journal of the Countv Commissioners shows that four fifths of 
all their business, during the early years of the county, was in relation 
to the establishment or alteration of roads. The names of a large 
majority of the early land owners of the county appear on the records, 
in some way or other connected with roads. It can be readily observed 
that the value of roads was duly appreciated, and to the earl}^ and 
persistent efforts of the fathers, who have passed away, are the people 
of to-da}' indebted for the large number of roads that traverse the 
county in almost ever}^ direction. No county, perhaps, has more of 
them, in proportion to territor}-. It was sometimes difficult to establish 
a road, but it w^as far more more difficult to vacate one, after it had been 
located and traveled. Several of the leading roads, of course, were 
located and opened before the formation of the county of Peny. 

Public Buildings. — The first session of the Commissioners was 
held at the house of John Wilson, but the next and subsequent sessions 
for about two years, w^ere held at the house of John Fink, and the 
Commissioners ordered that the Courts be held at the same place, and 
they were held therefor more than a 3'ear. and until the "Jail,"' gen- 
erally so called, was built, which had a room in the second stor}^ for the 
use of the Court. 

"The house of John Fink" was a tavern, of good dimensions, sit- 
luited where the school house now stands, at the corner of Main and 
High streets, in Somerset. There may be a few persons still living, 
who were present and saw the Court of Common Pleas in session at 
Fink's Tavern, but none are absolutely known. The Court w-as prob- 
ably held in the large corner room dt the house, and there the " Hear 
Ye ! Hear Ye I The Honorable Court of Common Pleas, of Perry 
county, is now in session," was cried out b}- Leonard Ream, the first 
Sheriff" of the county. 

These facts entitle "John Fink's House," or so much of it as was 
used for Court purposes, to be considered a "Public Building," for the 
time being. This was convenient for the Judges and Attorneys, tor 
when Court was over, they did not have far to travel to their meals and 
beds. 

The first record in relation to the erection of a Jail or other Public 
Building, was on June 3rd, 1818, when this appears: "The Commis- 
sioners having digested a plan for a Jail, and having called for an in- 
stallment of the subscription for erecting Count}' Buildings, to be paid 
on or before the ist of July next, they adjourned to the ist of July 
next." 

The following is from the proceedings of the Commissioners oi 
Wednesday, July ist, 1818 : After auditing various accounts, and ex- 
amining the situation of the County Revenue, and the prospects of pay- 
ing for a Jail, they adjourned until to-morrow morning, at 8 o'clock 
A. M." 

It does not appear whether the sale was made by public outcry or 
otherwise, but in the recorded proceedings of the Commissioners of 
June 3d, 1 8 18, is found : "The Commissioners having sold the building 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 55 

of the jail to John Bugh, John Murray and George Jackson for $2,335. 
and entered into obHgations with them for their performance, with 
Daniel Lidey, George Richards and John Jonas as security for con- 
tractors, and having called for another installment of the subscription 
mone}^ to be paid on or before the 3d of September next," &c., &c. 

On Monday, September the 14th, 1818, the Commissioners gave the 
jail contractors an order for five hundred dollars in part pay on their 
contract. 

August 20th, 1819, Messrs. Thomas Anderson and Richard Grubb, 
of Fairfield county, to whom the contractors and Commissioners had 
agreed to submit the workmanship of the jail, reported that it was 
properly done, according to contract, and thereupon the Commissioners 
received the jail and gave it into the care and keeping of the Sheriff. 

The Jail, so-called in most places, was built of stone and brick, the 
first story being stone and the second brick. It was a jail more than 
anything else, and the Commissioners and other people did not like to 
call it a court house. Yet a court-room was provided in the second 
story, as well as room for some of the County Officers. It also was 
provided with Jury rooms. Court was held in this room for about ten 
years, or until the Court House was built on the public square. 

At a special session held June 20tii, 1825, it is recorded that ''The 
Commissioners purchased lot No. 11, in Somerset of George Trout, 
for the use of the county." At the December session, 1825, "The Com- 
missioners authorized the Auditor to have all repairs made to the Court 
House and Jail until the next session." Here the old stone and brick 
building on South Columbus street is spoken of as both a Court House 
and Jail. 

At the regular March session of 1826, "The Commissioners agreed 
to erect public buildings for offices for the county, and order the Audi- 
tor to give notice in the Perr^ Record that the said Commissioners will 
sell the erection of said buildings to the lowest bidder, and and at their 
option, on the 19th day of April, between the hours of ten o'clock a. 
m., and four o'clock p. m., on said da}^" This proposition w^as to 
erect buildings for public offices. At this time most of the County 
offices, probably, were in rented rooms, on Main street or near the pub- 
lic square. " The Commissioners met April 19th, 1826, and proceeded 
to the special business for to receive proposals for the erection of Pub- 
lic Offices for said count}', in accordance of a notice given by their 
order. They were offered and bid off at $897.25. The Commissioners 
refused to accept said offer." 

At the regular June session of 1826, " The Commissioners agreed to 
meet on the ist day of July next to receive plans for a Court House, 
&c., for Perry Countv and some day thereafter agree to sell out the 
building of the same." Nothing was accomplished at this meeting of 
July ist, but at a special meeting held August 8th, 1826, "The Commis- 
sioners received a plan for a Court House, drawn by James Hampson, 
Esq., and accepted said plan for a Court House for said Count}', and 
have ordered the Auditor to give notice for the sale of the build /ng of 
said Court House on the 29th day of August next, to be published in 
the Peny Record, in Somerset ; the MiisJcingum Messenger and Demo- 
cratic Republican, in Zanesville ; and Lancaster Gazette, \n Lancaster. 



56 HISTORY OK PERRY COUNTY. 

August 29th, 1826, the Commissioners "Proceeded to business and 
sold the building of the Court House for Perry County to Wm. P. 
Darst, and George Jackson tor the sum of three thousand four hun- 
dred and tifty dollars, they (the contractors) are to attend on Saturday, 
the 2d day of September, 1826, and give bond and security in the sum 
of six thousand six hundred dollars." 

At a meeting in September, 1826, the "Commissioners proceeded 
to business, which was to receive bonds and securit}' for the building oC 
the Court House, lor said County, to be tinished by the ist day of Sep- 
tember, 1828. Wm. P. Darst and George Jackson, contractors for the 
building of the Court House for said County, gave bond with Joel 
Beckvvith, Charles C. Hood, Peter Overmyer and Benjamin Eaton as 
securities for tiie faithful performance of said contract." 

At a special session in January-, 1829, the Commissioners found the 
Court House not yet finished, but being desirous that the next session 
of Court should be held therein, they agreed to accept the building so 
far as completed, and the next session of the Court of Commc.m Pleas 
was held in it. 

The Commissioners met in special session May 15th, 1829, and 
made an order as follows: "The Commissioners do hereby receive the 
Court House, final and forever, from the contractors, Jackson and 
Darst, the same being completed according to contract, to the full satis- 
faction of the Commissioners," and the Auditor was ordered to issue 
an order to the contractors for the amount remaining unpaid, and the 
transaction became, indeed "tinal and forever." 

The Court House of 1829 was a sqiuire, two story, brick building, 
ver}^ similar to man}^ others erected in ditierent parts of the State at an 
earh^ period. The lirst floor was for the Court Room, and the second 
was for jury rooms and public offices, though it was never altogether 
sufficient for the latter purpose. The old jail on South Columbus street 
continued to be used as a prison, and the Sheriff' sometimes had his 
residence and oflice in the upper stor\', where the courts were held from 
1819 until 1829. Some ot the public offices were situated in the second 
story of the new Court House as stated, and others were located in 
rooms built for the purpose, in the neighborhood of the public square. 
The old jail became very insecure, and was hnallv burned down, and 
a new jail became imperative. 

What has been usuallj^ termed the new jail was erected in 1846 and 
1847, north of the Court House, on Columbus street. Joseph Bell was 
the contractor and he received six thousand one hundred and ninety- 
five dollars, and ninety-two cents. This is a large stone structure, 
with a large court or open space next to the outer walls, and cells in the 
central part of the building. The offices of the Auditor, Treasurer, 
Recorder and Sherift' were located in the second story, and were 
reached by a stairway trom the outside. The Sheriff' did not use his 
room very much, as he found it more convenient to office with the Clerk 
at the Court House. This building was not accepted b}' the Commis- 
sioners until February 9th, 1848, at which time Joseph Bell, the con- 
tractor, was paid in full. The Court House and new jail were used, 
in the manner described, until the removal of the County seat to New 
Lexington in 1857. The old jail on South Columbus street was torn 



HISTORY OF PERRV COUNTV, 



57 



down and not a vesti_i:^e of it remains. The lot on which it stood was 
sold to private parties. A number of associated persons bought the 
Court House of 1829, and the new jail on North Columbus street, and 
a large and commodious town hall has been made in the upper story of 
the tw^o buildings combined. Other parts of the old public buildings 
are used as offices, business houses and for other purposes. 

The Court-house in New Lexington was, undl accepted b}' the 
County Commissioners, a private enterprise. Subscriptions were se- 
cured and the mone}' collected by a committee appointed b\- the 
'' Friends of Removal," and said committee entered into contract with 
Samuel Feigley, of New Lexington, for the erection of a suitable 
Court-house and Jail. The edifice was planned chieflv after a court- 
house at Circleville. Pickaway (Jounty. The building is principally of 
brick, but the part designed tor the Jail, on the first tfoor in the rear, is 
of stone. On the first floor there is a hall extending from the iront, 
through the center, as far back as the Jail. The offices for the Probate 
Judge, Auditor, Treasurer, and Recorder, are located to the right and 
left of the hall. The Jail has cells and an outer hall, which com- 
municates with the rnain hall, before described, by means of a double 
iron door. The principal portion of the second floor is occupied b}^ the 
court-room, though there are grand and petit jury rooms in the rear, 
and a Clerk's and Sheriff's office in front, at the head of the stairwa3^ 
The building is roofed with slate. It stands at the corner of Main and 
Brown streets. A section of the removal law of 185 1 provided that the 
" Friends of Removal" must erect,vfree of cost to the county, a suitable 
Court-house and Jail, which were to be accepted by the County Com- 
missioners before an actual removal could take place. The building 
committee formally presented the Court-house and Jail in 1857, and thev 
were duly accepted by the. County Commissioners and soon thereafter 
occupied. With sundry modifications and improvements, they have 
continued to be used until the present time. The ground on which 
they stand was donated to the town of New Lexmgton by James 
Comly, who laid out the village, and by the town was turned over to. the 
county. 

When the county records were removed from Somerset to New^ Lex- 
ington Henry C. Whitman w^as Judge of the Court of Common Pleas; 
Robert F. Hickman, Probate Judge ; John Beckwnth. Clerk: Nathaniel 
Skinner, Sheriff'; William Melo}'. Auditor : George Williams, Treasurer : 
Perry J. Ankney, Recorder; Leonard F. Muzzy, Prosecuting Attor- 
ney ; and Isaac Yost, Thomas Iliff", and Henry Greer, County Com- 
missioners. 

The Directors of the Poor purchased a quarter section of land of 
William Brown in 1836, said farm being situated one mile northwest of 
New Lexington. The Infirmary Directors decided to erect an infirmarv 
building, and in 1839 entered into contract wath Peter A. Vansickle and 
Patrick McDonald for the erection of such building. The house was 
erected in 1839 ^^^ 1840, and was built adjoining the farm-house already 
there, which old part was for a long time used and occupied by the 
Superintendent. A very large addition was made to the original build- 
ings a few years ago, in consequence of pressing demands for more 
room and better accommodations for the friendless and infirm. 

9 



58 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY, 



The County Commissioners have purchased of T. E. Morehead forty 
acres of land one-half mile west of New Lexington for a Children s 
Home It is an elevated, handsome location, and before this book is 
delivered to subscribers, in all probability, a suitable and commodious 
building will be erected, and the orphaned and inendless children ot 
Perry provided with a home. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUIsTY. 59 



CHAPTER VIII. 

THE SEAT OF JUSTICE. 

The bill providing for the organization of the county of Perry, which 
became a law in December, 1817, contained a provision for the appoint- 
ment of three Commissioners, whose duty it w^as to proceed to the new- 
ly organized county, make the requisite examination and investigation, 
and locate the seat of justice. The Commissioners named for the duty 
were, Daniel Converse, James Wilson, and David Shelby. 

As soon as practicable after the passage of the New County Bill, 
said Commissioners entered upon the discharge of the dut}- imposed 
upon them by the act referred to. When the Commissioners arrived, 
they found Overmyertown, Somerset, Rehoboth, New Lexington, Bris- 
tol, and it ma}^ be other places, candidates for the location of the county 
seat. Overmyertown was the oldest town claiming the honor ; but Som- 
erset was much the largest village, and contained several hundred in- 
habitants. Overmyertown, Bristol, Rehoboth and New Lexington, 
were indeed insignificant villages. New Lexington had very recently 
been laid out. The locating Commissioners in their travels, visited all 
these places, and probably a few other suggested points. Five-sixths 
of the southern part of the county was then a wilderness, and bears, 
panthers, wolves and deer roamed over the hills and through the dense 
thickets ; and it was a favorite hunting ground for many of the older 
settlers of the northern part of the territory composing the new county, 
and also for many of the pioneer hunters of Muskmgum, Licking and 
Fairfield counties. The Commissioners traveled on foot, and the writer 
hereof has often heard a pioneer describe their appearance as they jour- 
neyed along a newly cut out road, which led from New Lexington to 
Rehoboth. The Commissioners and pioneer sat down upon a "rail- 
cut " and entered into a long and interesting chat. They told him 
they had been to Bristol and New Lexington, and were on their way to 
Rehoboth. After inspecting the different places and points, the Com- 
missioners located the seat of justice at Somerset, and made an official 
report to that effect to the Court of Common Pleas. The location was 
acquiesced in by all parties, though there was much dissatisfaction ex- 
pressed by the zealous adherents of defeated places ; and in particular 
by those of Rehoboth and New Lexington. The people of these towns 
scarcely ever ceased to talk of the question as the years rolled on. 
These were rival villages, only two miles distant from each other. Re- 
hoboth was the oldest town, had the start and kept the lead until about 
1840, when it came to a standstill and New Lexington continued to ad- 
vance. They were rivals also in county seat aspirations. The efforts 
for compromise and united action were unwearied and unceasing, but 
for a long time, unavailing. In the winter of 1843-44, there was a large 
county seat removal meeting held in the old Presbyterian churchin 



6o HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTV. 

New Lexington, whicli was addressed b}' John Manly Palmer of Som- 
erset, George Redmond of Reading township, Dr. F. L. Flowers of 
Rehoboth. and by a number of citizens of New Lexington. This meet- 
ing was very large and enthusiastic ; but the most it did or could unite 
upon, was the adoption of a resolution that the count}" seat of Perry 
should be remoxed "• nearer its center. " It looked at first as though 
an aggressi\e county seat campaign had been inaugurated ; but the in- 
detinite phrase. '* nearer the center," was the hole through which the 
enterprise was dissipated, and the movement had no immediate success. 
But the friends of New Lexington never wholly ceased to press the 
matter until in 1S51, after years of great expense and unremitting effort, 
a remox'ai bill bi'came a law. 

Robert McClung of Pike township, a man of considerable intelli- 
gence and torce ot chaiiicler. was the fn'st Representative elected, who 
was expected to accomj)lish something in favor of a change of the seat 
of justice ; but he encountered greater difficulties than had been antici- 
pated, and the most he succeeded in effecting, was the passage of an 
act for the establishment of a " graded road " trom Lancaster to Mc- 
Connelsville, passing through the town of New Lexington. James J. 
Wilson, also of Pike township, a well informed man, of character and 
influence, was the next Representative from whom something was hoped 
by the friends of removal. But at this period. New Lexington and 
Rehoboth were in the bitterest of their rivalry, the leading men of the 
two places were at loggerheads, and could agree upon no practicable 
plan to reconcile their differences or decide between the places. Mr. 
Wilson's two terms rolled around and nothing was accomplished or 
even commenced. A later effort, earlv in 1844, has alreadv been de- 
scribed. As the years rolled by. between 1840 and 1850, Rehoboth 
continued to decline, and most of its leading citizens and business men 
"pulled up stakes " and removed to New Lexington, and this place 
increased in business and population rapidly. The Rehoboth people, 
after their change of residence, became fully identitied with New Lex- 
ington interests, and were eager to join their former rivals in a united 
and prolonged struggle for the seat of justice. The flrst objective point 
was the nomination of a democratic candidate for Representative, 
known to be in favor of submitting the question of the removal of the 
seat of justice to the qualified voters of the county, at an early day. 
Perrry was entitled to a "floating" Representative, to be elected b}' 
the counties of Perry, Fairfield and Hocking, in the vear 1849. The 
popular vote s\'stem for nomination prevailed that year with the Demo- 
crats of Perry, and the choice for district Representative was thus sub- 
mitted to the democratic voters. There were but two candidates for 
the nomination. Napoleon B. Colborn of Pike township was centered 
upon by those in favor of a vote upon the remov;il question ; and James 
Sheward of Reading, was supported by those o]:)posed to such vote. A 
few votes doubtless were swayed bv personal considerations, but the 
Removal question was the generally governing one. Colborn received 
a decided majorit\' of the popular vote in his ov\ n county, and went into 
the district convention held at Lancaster, with all the prestige of this 
indorsement. Shew ard and his friends denied that the vote in Perry 
was a fair expression of the popular democratic voice ; claimed that the 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 6l 

majority against him was fraudulent or unfair, and the names of both 
Colborn and Sheward were submitted to the district convention. The 
body patienth' b.eard botli sides, through leading spokesmen, and then 
confirmed the vote of Perry by t'ormally making Mr. Colborn the nom- 
inee cf the convention. He was duly elected in October following, 
securing the usual majority in all the counties of the district. Petitions 
for removal were circulated and signed, but nothing material was done 
until the following vear, and after Mr. Colborn had been re-nominated 
and re-elected. 

Early in the session of 1850-51, Mr. Colborn, the Representative from 
Perry, introduced the removal bill, which was referred to the Commit- 
tee on New Counties. Sometime in January, 185 1, the committee re- 
ported back the bill and recommended its passage. After its third read- 
ing, the bill passed without a dissenting vote. It was sent to the Senate, 
and there referred to the Committee on New Counties. Here the bill 
slept for weeks. It was finally in April reported back without recom- 
mendation. When the bill was read a third time, and put upon its pass- 
age, it was defeated by a close vote. But a reconsideration w^as moved 
and laid upon the table. When the bill was again taken up, it received 
a small m.ajority, and then became a law. Remonstrances were circu- 
lated and signed, and the most strenuous efl'orts made b}' the Somerset 
interest to defeat the passage of the bill ; but all in vain. The struggle 
in the Senate, for a time, was indeed a close and doubtful one ; but the 
final result was as has been stated. 

After the passage of the removal bill and the adjournment of the 
Legislature, came several weeks of absolutely painful quiet, for they 
onl}- presaged the coming storm. The friends of New Lexington 
bought one of the county newspapers early in June, and soon thereafter 
tTie county seat campaign began in earnest. Meetings were held in all 
parts of the county, and especialh^ on the debatable ground in Jackson, 
Clayton, Reading and Monda}' Creek townships. Speakers, brass 
bands, drum corps, glee clubs and conveyances, were in great demand, 
and the count}- papers were filled with literature on the count}' seat sub- 
ject. Excitement at times ran high, and threatened serious collision ; 
but, fortunately, nothing of the kind occurred. At length the eventful 
day came, the votes were polled, and the result showed that " For Re- 
m()\aL' had a majoritv of 292. Thus ended the first county seat cam- 

The next move of the Somerset interest was the institution of a suit 
in court, alleging that the county seat bill was not legally passed, and 
il legally passed, that, for alleged reasons, it was unconstitutional and 
void. The case came on to be heard in the district court in the fall of 
1852, in the District Court sitting at Somerset. Hon. Allen G. Thur- 
ma.n, then a Judge of the Supreme Court, and a member of the District 
Court, delivered tlie opinion and pronounced the decision, which was 
against the petitioners, and a refusal to grant their prayers. Thus was 
the law in controversy held to be constitutional and valid. 

The friends of Somerset next resorted to the legislative branch of 
the State government for relief, and to regain the ground thcA' had lost. 
Wm. E. Finck had been elected to the Senate in October, 1851, and 
John H. O'Neill to the House of Representatives : and, according to the 



62 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

State Constitution adopted in June preceding, held office for two years. 
When the suit in court was decided against them in the fall of 1852, the 
Somerset interest circulated petitions praying for the passage of a bill 
providing for the removal of the seat of justice from New Lexington to 
Somerset. The former had not yet become the county seat, in fact, for 
the county records had not yet been removed, but awaited the erection 
of a new county building. Early in 1853 the second removal bill was 
passed. The New Lexington interest made continual and persevering 
efforts to prevent the passage of this second bill, but were beaten. 

The County Seat campaign of 1853 was more warmly contested, 
and excitement ran higher than in that of 1851. Two democratic tick- 
ets were nominated on sectional lines ; the whig part}' was ignored, and 
every body and everything rallied to the support of one or the other of 
the "local democratic tickets. The democratic county committee di- 
vided, a new democratic paper was brought to the County to espouse 
the cause of one of the factions ; and nothing, apparently, was left un- 
done, that would contribute to widen the breach, or fan the flames of 
sectional warfare. The drums were beaten, the brass bands rallied 
again, the glee clubs were called out, the "Ciceros" put in training, 
and the campaign of 185 1 repeated, with many interesting, amusing, 
and exciting variations. 

The Cincinnati and Zanesville Railroad (then called the Cincinnati 
Wilmington and Zanesville,) and the Old Scioto and Hocking Valley 
Railroad, were, at this time, in course of construction ; the former pass- 
ing through New Lexington, and the latter through Somerset. The 
presence of man}' strangers, and numerous railroad laborers, many of 
the latter — and especially of those on the Scioto and Hocking Valley — 
of a violent, quarrelsome, and apparently uncontrollable nature, con- 
tributed much to the general fever of excitement and unrest, and inten- 
sifying the already angry feeling on the local issue. The election day 
finally came, the long agony was over and "for removal'' back to Som- 
erset carried the day ; but by such a vote and majority as all conceded 
to be, in a great measure, irregular and illegal. This spurious vote the 
operators in the Somerset interest justified, or excused, on the ground 
that New^ Lexington was doing the same tiling, and that it became neces- 
sary to fight tire with fire. The friends of New Lexington denied this 
allegation of fraud, as against them, and claimed their vote as legal. 
The friends of Somerset, although not disputing a large fraudulent 
vote, claimed that such existed on both sides, and that a majority of 
the legal votes cast was in favor of Somerset, and the seat of justice 
again re-established at that place. The friends of New Lexington 
claimed that they had a majoritv of the legal votes and that the elec- 
tion of 1853, when rightly considered, was but a confirmation of the 
vote of 185 1. But, of course, Somerset was credited with a majority, 
and as there was no statute by which a county sear vote could be con- 
tested, the disputed question remained unsolved and undecided ; and 
Somerset was left in possession of the seat of justice, the county 
records having not vet been removed to New Lexington, in pursuance 
of the vote of 1851". 

There was a contest of the office of Representative, which was vii 
tually the same vote as that of the county seat question. John H. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 63 

O'Neill had been re-elected Representative over Solomon Nunnemaker, 
by a majority substantiall}^ the same as the majority "for removal" back 
to Somerset. Nunnemaker inspired and aided by the New Lexington 
interest, contested and ousted O'Neill, and obtained the seat for him- 
self, as the legally elected Representative of the county. It is justice 
to state that O'Neill and friends, though admitting frauds were clearl}' 
shown, alleged that there was no such sifting' and canvassing of the 
votes as would satisfactorily show that Nunnemaker had received a 
majority of the legal votes cast. 

The leaders in the New Lexington interest, failing to discover any 
authorit}' for a contest of the county- seat vote of 1853, or fearing that 
it would lead to no practicable result, began to carefully and critically 
examine the removal act of 1853, with reference to its constitutionality, 
and determined to attack it in that wa}^, if found vulnerable, and there 
existed reasonable chances of a favorable result. They proceeded to 
raise money, and employed able lawvers, who gave it as their opinion 
that the law of 1853 was unconstitutional, and that the Supreme Court 
would so decide, when the question was properly brought before that 
tribunal. Suit was accordingly instituted, and the case fully argued 
before the Supreme Court of the State. An early decision, one way or 
the other, was anticipated ; but the case was postponed from time to 
time, and delayed for over two 3'ears. At last, in December 1856, like 
a clap of thunder from a clear sky, the decision came, imheralded and 
unexpected ; and was to the effect that the law of 1853 was, in several 
respects, unconstitutional ; and, of course all proceedings under it null 
and void. 

The effect of the Supreme Court decision was to leave the removal 
act of 185 1, and all proceedings under it, in full force and effect. The 
friends of removal had, in accordance with the provisions of the act of 
185 1, erected suitable countv buildings, and these had for a year or two, 
been read}^ for occupancy. When the final decision was promulgated, 
steps were immediately taken for the removal of the public records 
from Somerset to New Lexington. The County Commissioners met, 
made an examination of the new public buildings erected at New Lex- 
ington, and accepted them on behalf of the county, as good and suf- 
ficient, in compliance with the requirements of the removal law of 185 1 . 
Everything was now ready for actual removal, by a transfer of the pub- 
lic records from Somerset to New Lexington ; but the people of the 
former place plead and labored for delay, and some of the citizens 
went so far as to notify the count}' otHcers that any attempt to remove 
the records or other public property would be violently resisted. This 
was doubtless for the purpose of gaining time, in the hope that an in- 
junction might be obtained, to stop proceedings. In the meantime, the 
people of the New Lexington interest clamored for immediate removal, 
fearing an injunction or other legal process. The order for a transfer 
of records to the new Court House at New Lexington had been made 
by the County Commissioners ; but there was division of sentiment, 
and no concert of action among other county officers, and matters re- 
mained at a stand-still for quite a number of days. But, after a time, 
those acting for the Somerset interest failing to obtain any satisfactory 
legal redress, the people began to quiet down, and the county officers, 



64 HISTORY OK PERKY COUNTY. 

fearing that the}- might subject themselves to penalties, or dismissal 
from office, if they longer delayed, or disregarded the law of 185 1, 
and the order of the County Commissioners, finally decided upon an 
immediate transfer of their several offices, and all pertaining to them, 
to the new quarters at New Lexington ; and such transfer was made in 
the month of January, 1857. Some of the county officers, who were 
favorable to the interests of the new count}- town, had, b}- strateg)', 
made a partial removal, a few days previous to the general break up of 
the public offices at Somerset. There was then no railroad connecting 
the two towns, and all the records, and other movable public property, 
were conveyed in wagons, a distance of nine miles over roads in no 
sense good, at that season of the year. And thus it was, that, atlter 
years of almost continuous agitation and commotion, the Capital of 
Perr}' was removed tVom Somerset to New Lexington. 

When actual removal had taken place, under the provisions of the 
law of 185 1, in consequence of the act of 1853 being pronounced un- 
constitutional, and, therefore null and void, by the Supreme Court of 
the State ; and under which law the county seat had been voted back 
to Somerset in October, 1853 ; the friends of the Somerset interest 
claimed, and urgently demanded another vote, under a constitutional 
law, and immediately began to take steps to secure it. The legislature 
was in session, with Eli A. Spencer of Somerset, a member of the 
Senate, and Dr. F. L. Flowers of New Lexington, a member of the 
House oi Representatives. A new removal law was passed in the Sen- 
ate, but failed in the House, after a protracted struggle, both on the 
floor, and before committees, b}'^ the lobby. 

The Somerset people, by this defeat, did not however abandon the 
idea of another vote, as the)' expressed it, under a valid and constitu- 
tional law ; inasmuch as all their efforts of 1853 had been thrown away, 
in consequence of a worthless enabling act. Tliey were awake to the 
apparent necessity of having a member upon the floor of the House, 
and the county being Democratic, they adopted the tactics of the Lex- 
ingtonians 3^ears before, and made a point of naming the Democratic 
candidate for Representative. They succeeded in a delegate conven- 
tion in nominating T. B. Cox of Somerset, by a very small majority. 
Mr. Cox was elected, after an exciting canvass, b_y a vote that was 
nearly sectional, though not entirely so. His opponent was Horace C. 
Granger of New Lexington, who was the Republican candidate tor 
the same office. 

Petitions for a new Removal Law, and remonstrances against such 
an act, were again circulated and presented in the House of Represen- 
tatives. Nothing material was done at the regular session ; but, at the 
adjourned session of 1859, pi'incipally b}- the influence and untiring ef- 
forts of Mr. Cox, a new Enabling act was passed, providing for a vote 
in 1859. So the question of the Seat ot Justice was once more to be 
submitted to the qualified voters of Perry. 

There was a split in the Democratic part}^ this year, very much like 
that of 1853. T. B. Cox was nominated by the northern wing of the 
Democratic party, and Joseph Thompson, of Clayton township, by the 
southern wing. There were two full Democratic county tickets, both 
nominated and run on sectional or county seat lines. Active prepara- 



HISTORY OF PERRV COUNTV. 65 

tions were made by both sides, for the prosecution ot" the local cam- 
paign ; but, likely with less hope on the part of the Somerset people, 
and more confidence on the side of the New Lexington interest, than in 
the former campaigns, involving the same issue. The '"Demostheneses" 
and ''Ciecros'" were again put in training, and brought out ; brass bands, 
glee clubs, etc., once more came to the front, and the old battle-grounds 
of 185 1 and 1853, were once more fought over, and the debatable town- 
ships and districts treated to free harangues and music abundantly ; 
and everywhere echoed and re-echoed the din of conflict and the clash 
of arms. This must be taken as metaphoric, for, though there were 
some noisy and altogether lively meetings, on disputed grounds ; there 
was nowhere any serious collision, and all the sound and fur}^ did not 
seriously hurt. The local papers were again crammed with the peculiar 
County Seat literature ; an article that could not possibly be mistaken 
for anything else ; and if preserved for the benefit of futvire generations, 
cannot fail to be highly valuable as a curiositv. But the long, weari- 
some contest came to an end, as all things earthly must. Election dav 
was comparatively quiet, and when the returns were made and counted 
it was found that there was a majority of 300 against removal. Thus 
ended the third and last County Seat election. 

Some of the incidents connected with the much vexed question are 
deserving of special mention. In the month of May, 1853, a number of 
caucuses had been held in the Eli Smith building, at the north corner 
of the Public Square, New Lexington, having as an object the forming 
of a compan}' to purchase a newspaper press and other printing ma- 
terials with which to print a newspaper advocating the New Lexington 
interest, and to be published at that place. Diflerence of opinion arose, 
and formidable difficulties presented themselves. Some were in favor 
of a neutral paper, to be printed in New Lexington ; others were in 
favor of a Democratic paper, to be published in the same place ; while 
still others wanted to purchase the Democratic paper at Somerset, and 
remove it to New Lexington. S'till others thought it would be best to 
buy out the Democratic paper, but continue its publication at Somerset, 
at any rate, until after the election. Time and again the caucus met, 
counseled, clamored, and disputed, alwa3's failing to agree or effect 
anything tangible. At length came , discouragement, almost dismay, 
for precious time w^as flitting by, and the highly important, yea, abso- 
lutely essential newspaper enterprise, appeared to be absolutely broken 
down. But a week or two later, a portion of the men who had partici- 
pated in the caucuses previously held, with others who had not before 
been engaged, but chanced to be present, or within call at the time, 
met again in caucus, organized at once, and had a brief agreement of 
partnership drawm up. The necessary amount of stock was subscribed 
in a very short time, quite a number of persons taking part, from whom 
nothing had been expected. Considering the former dismal failures, 
the speedy accomplishment, at last, of the desired object, was a great 
surprise to all. It was at once decided to buy the Democratic paper at 
Somerset, if possible, then published by E. J. Ellis. A committee was 
at once sent to confer with him, who were intormed that he had just sold 
the office to some parties in Somerset. The New Lexington men then 

determined to purchase a new outfit in Cincinnati ; but, the next day 




66 ms'ioRV ov perky county. 

Mr. Ellis came to New Lexington, stating- that the sale to Somerset par- 
ties had proven a failure. In a very few moments, however, and before 
anything further was done, a young man came posthaste from Somer- 
set, with a note for Ellis, informing him that the Somerset parties would 
concede to all his terms. He had nothing further to sa^' to the New 
Lexington parties. He evidently was desirous of selling, but much pre- 
ferred selling to the men at Somerset. But, after all, the negotiations 
between Mr. Ellis and the Somerset parties were broken off, and Ellis, 
evidently much chagrined, wrote to the New Lexington Company, that 
they might have his office, and for one hundred dollars less than the sum 
formerly agreed upon. A committee was at once sent to effect the pur- 
chase. Tlie bargain was soon closed, cash and notes passed over, and 
the office passed into the hands of Vanatta, Forquer & Co., of New 
Lexington. 

This newspaper venture, and. the deal with Mr. Ellis, was in some of 
its aspects, in lights, shadows and comicalities, as interesting and excit- 
ing as a novel, and fully as ludicrous as the broadest farce. 

Some time in the fall of 1853, during the exciting campaign of that 
year, Wiliiam McKenna, of Jackson Township, who was a candidate 
on the Southern Democratic ticket, visited Somerset, as he said, to see 
the people and talk to them a little as a candidate. He tried to make 
himself agreeable, but quite a number of persons concluded to treat him 
as a "spy" from the Southern camp. Marshaled by a man of some 
military celebrity, they surrounded McKenna. led him to his horse, which 
had been brought from the hotel stable, and told him to get on about as 
speedily as he could. As soon as he was in the saddle they led his 
horse southward on the New Lexington road, over the Academy Hill. 
Mr. McKenna had a ver}^ considerable escort on this particular journey. 
He was a very good humored man, and his face was wreathed in smiles 
during most of the performance ; but, no doubt, smoldering somewhere 
underneath there was a respectable volcano of madness. Yet, he 
cracked jokes with the crowd, and appeared to be having a good share 
of the sport himself. When they left him they told him to ride on 
southward into his own countr}^ which he concluded to do. 

It was some time during the same campaign that a Mr. B., now a 
well-known business man of Zanesville, drove up into the little town of 
Saltillo, Perry County, with a one-horse wagon, following his legitimate 
occupation of peddling tinware. He was ^n unknown, smooth faced 
stranger, and on suspicion of being a " spy" of some kind, was per- 
emptorily arrested, his horse and wagon taken charge of, and himself 
somewhat rudely handled. He was duly catechised and thoroughly 
investigated, when, after considerable detention, he was suffered to 
proceed on his way into the inner precincts of Perry County territory. 
Mr. B. was then quite a young man, but will doubtless remember to 
his dying da}^, his rude, warm, and strange reception, more than a 
quarter of a centur}^ since, in the quiet little town of Saltillo. 

At the October election, in 1853, John H. Kelley, of New Lexing- 
ton, since Colonel of the 114 O. V. I., and Probate Judge of the county, 
who had been brought up in Madison township, concluded to visit the 
polls of that township. Although he was well acquainted there, and 
as he supposed, on the best of terms with "the boys ;" it was not long 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 67 

until he came to the conclusion that he had no further business at the 
Madison polls, and set his face resolutely in the direction of the south. 
Colonel John Ritchey, of Reading township, and one of the most 
trusted and popular leaders in that interest, was likewise a zealous 
Methodist, and made it a rule to attend Qiiarterly Meeting in New 
Lexington, and was in attendance at one before the excitement of 1853 
had full}' subsided. He put up at a hotel, attended the night meeting, 
was invited to spend the night at the house of a brother Methodist, and 
accepted the invitation. B}' the time church was over, a numebr of 
men had Mr. R's horse bridled and saddled, and awaited the appear- 
ance of the owner, at the hotel, intending to escort him out of town, as 
Mr. McKenna had been escorted out of Somerset. Ritche\- did not 
appear when church was out, and diligent search was being made for 
him. A well known citizen of New Lexington, and an active southern 
man, but a personal friend of Mr. R's, learning the condition of things, 
soon ascertained the private house at which the visiting brother had 
stopped, hurried to the place, and, as he approached, heard the well 
known voice of his Somerset friend, engaged in prayer with the fam- 
ily, previous to retiring for the night. Circumstances would not admit 
of much ceremon}^ ; a loud rap at the door cut short the prayer, and 
Mr. R. was hastily apprised of the situation, and told to go 
to a certain point on the Somerset road, where his horse, after 
a while, would be sent to him. The parties having the horse in 
charge, and intending the escort business, failing in the search for the 
owner, replaced the horse in the stable, from whence it was afterward 
taken to the designated place on the Somerset road, and delivered to 
the owner, who was near by in waiting. The parties who had origina- ' 
ted the intended escort and indignity, were not a little chagrined at the 
miscarriage of their undertaking ; and when they found out how they 
had been circumvented, were not ver}' well pleased with the person who 
prevented the performance of the original programme. 

Thomas O'Hallaran, a citizen of Pike township, and a zealous New 
Lexington man, just before the election of 1853, was sent, or concluded 
to visit the railroad shanties, at or near Somerset, to see what he could 
see, and hear what he could hear. He affected strategy, talked on the 
sly, and all that ; but, on the second or third da}^ of his visit, he was 
apprehended as a "spv," taken charge of as such, and subjected to 
numerous indignities, though unattended with any great degree of vio- 
lence. But his treatment was rough enough. He was walked, run, 
rolled and tumbled out of town, and started on his way toward New 
Lexington. Mr. O. was very much frightened, as well he might be. 
A narrative of his adventures, as related on the witness stand, in the 
O'Neill-Nunnemaker contest case, is ver^^ amusing, and sometimes 
highly ludicrous. 

An extreme southern township, at one of the elections, had a soli- 
tary Somerset voter, who publicl}^ announced his intention to vote in 
that interest. When he appeared at the polls, he was so emphatically 
made aware of his unpopularit}' aud proposed wrong-doing, that he left 
the polls and went home without depositing his ballot. The pressure 
for a "solid south," and a "solid north," in some places was verv strong, 
even in those ante-bellum days. 

Colonel Wm. Spencer, a highly respected citizen of Somerset, a 



68 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

man well and favorably known throughout the county, once attempted 
to make a county-seat speech at Straitsville, in an extreme southern 
township. He was greeted with a large meeting, but was told that 
tiiey wanted to hear no speech on the local question, from him. He was 
well acquainted with nearly all the men, but vainly assayed to proceed 
on the theme he was announced to talk about. The meeting would 
have none of it. Then Mr. S. told them he would talk to them con- 
cerning their great coal banks. That would be all right, his auditors 
said. So he made a long speech on coal banks, and matters of kindred 
character. But lie pleased them so well with his big coal talk, that he 
got to saN- about all he intended, on the county seat question. But 
Saltlick remained practically solid for the South. 

Enough has been said, perhaps, to convey a clear idea of the man}- 
and various struggles, lor the location and possession of the Seat ol 
Justice of Perry county. Many of those who took a conspicuous part in 
the numerous contests, have passed tVom earth, and most of the living 
have removed from the county, and cast their fortunes elsewhere. Of 
all the active participants who remain, the old bitterness has died out, 
and the former sectional conflicts are sometimes talked over with interest, 
and in the best possibl*^ humor. 

It took the people of New Lexington a great many years to find out 
that they had not gained all they anticipated, in securing the Seat of 
Justice ; it took the people of Somerset fully as long to learn, that they 
had not lost as much as they had supposed, when the county offices and 
courts went to New Lexington. A county seat, of course, is of some 
benefit to a place, and a county town has its advantages, which it is not 
the intention here to consider. Depending too much upon the advan- 
tages of a Seat of Justice, is a most effectual way of finishing and 
killing what, with the necessary enterprise and exertion, might become 
a thriving and populous town. Many instances outside of Perr^^ county 
might be cited in verification of this proposition. But discussion of this 
branch of the subject is not intended here. 

It is undoubtedly true that the long and varied contests, relative to 
the Seat of Justice, in the Legislature, before the people and in the 
Courts, and other questions closelv identified with it, contributed much 
to the general education of the people, in a number of ways, and notably 
in various matters pertaining to public affairs ; but it was a dear 
school, after all, to the great majority of all contestants. If a union of 
means, eflTorts and talents, which were expended upon the local ques- 
tion, had been directed to the development of the great coal andiron 
region, results might have been obtained, for all parties, which would 
have dwarfed into insignificance, the mere county town advantages 
of half a dozen county towns. This is no extravagant statement, but a 
now self evident and universally accepted fact. Public buildings, 
courts and county officers are, to be sure, some advantage to a town ; 
but churches, schools, newspapers, manufactures, and varied industrial 
interests, are of much greater value. And it may as well be admitted 
that remunerative employment for the people, of some kind or other, is 
the basis of all success worth mentioning, for either towns, communi- 
ties or States. These propositions, the correctness of which none will 
seriously question, are here presented, as a not inappropriate conclusion 
of this chapter on the Seat of ustice. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 69 



CHAPTER IX. 

AGRICULTUK?: AND COUNTY FAIRS. 

The first thing tlie pioneers did. after building the log cabin, was 
to clear and fence a few acres of ground and plant corn, potatoes, and 
a few garden vegetables, that could be grown on new land. After the 
tirst crop of corn was grown, the ground would, the same year, be 
sown in wheat, so as to be read}- tor harvest the ensuing July. But 
corn was, for the tirst few years, the staple product of the farm.' 

Without corn, hogs and pork, this new and heavil}' timbered coun- 
try would have settled slowly. Wheat, cattle and beef, are great and 
popular staples now, and it is even asserted that beef eating people are 
subduing and taking possession of all the best countries and places of 
the world. But corn and hogs had precedence, if not preference, 
among the pioneers of Ohio, and all heavily timbered countries. Hog 
and Hominy, to use a homely expression, generated the nerve power 
and formed the muscles by which the wilderness was in time subdued. 
Over fastidious persons of to-day, may object to the homely fare alluded 
to, but it is very certain that without the corn and pork ot early days, 
hundreds of thousands of these daint}' persons would have had no be- 
ing or name upon the earth. 

When the hrst cornfield was sown in wheat, the pioneer farmer would 
aim, before the ensuing May, to clear out another field to be planted in 
corn, etc., and thus the work of opening out a farm went on. Oats, 
buckwheat and flax also soon received their share of attention. Grasses 
and hay received attention later, for there was good pasture and plentv 
of it, on the "range" or "Congress land." The work horses and 
milch cows were, for a tew years, almost the only stock ; but this 
changed after a while. Almost every pioneer tarmer had a few sheep, 
of course, for the famih' had to be suitably clad for the winter. The 
first sheep were of the common or long-wooled varietv ; but this also 
changed, and the Merino was gradually introduced. 

Most of the first settlers brought apple seeds or seedling sprouts 
from the old home in the East. The first apple orchard would be prob- 
ably fort}- or fifty trees. comj:)rising. perhaps, nearly- as many varieties. 
Some of them would be quite good, others only tolerable, and others 
almost worthless. But the enterprising pioneer would saw off the limbs 
of the worthless trees, and graft better fruit upon them. About this 
time he would also plant new trees, budded at the root. Peach, cherry, 
plum and pear trees would also be planted. And in this way, in the 
course of time, the earh orchards became a thing of beautv and \'alue. 

As the years rolled on. and the culti\'ated portions of the farm grew 
larger, wheat was produced in large quantities for market; but some- 



70 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

times the price ruled very low. Zanesville was, for many years, the 
principal wheat market for Perry county, though a portion was disposed 
of at Newark, Lancaster, Logan and McConnelsville. Horses, cattle, 
sheep and hogs also began to be raised for sale and export, as the coun- 
try became cleared up ; but prices were low, and the markets unsteady 
and uncertain. 

From 182510 1845, a very considerable portion of the county was 
quite extensively engaged in the culture of tobacco. In many portions 
tobacco houses were more numerous than barns or dwellings, particu- 
larly^ in the southern and central parts of the county. These houses were 
mostl}^ of round logs, and built square and high. They were without a 
floor, of course, ior in most cases fires were built under the tobacco ; 
but sometimes it was air-dried. Rushville, Fairfield county, was the 
first tobacco market for the product in Perry ; but later, Rehoboth be- 
came a great tobacco market ; and there it was also packed in hogs- 
heads, then wagoned to Zanesville and shipped to Baltimore, Md, Jack- 
son, Pike, Clayton, Harrison, Bearfield, Monroe, Pleasant, Saltlick and 
Monday Creek were all tobacco townships; and ^ with many persons 
living on small farms, it was for 3^ears the staple product. But most 
farmers raised wheat, corn, oats, buckwheat and potatoes, as well as 
tobacco, and were kept very busy the year round, for raising and pre- 
paring tobacco for market was a slavish work, especially when added 
to the other manifold duties of the farmer. While Rehoboth was the 
great tobacco market for the county, it was not an uncommon thing to 
see a hundred or more wagons, loaded with the weed, drive into town 
in one day ; and sometimes the road from New Lexington to Rehoboth, 
two miles in length, was lined with teams, ranging from six horses 
down to one. There was not much money paid for tobacco, but the 
farmer managed to exchange it for large quantities of groceries, dry 
goods and hardware. After the local tobacco merchants broke up, 
some of the farmers continued to produce tobacco, and packed and 
shipped to Baltimore on their own account. But this gradually de- 
clined, and, after 1850, the industr}- almost entirely ceased. 

The year 1850 was, in many ways, a turning point in the agricul- 
ture of Perry county. Until that time, as a general thing, it had been 
the polic}^ of farmers to get all the}' could out of their land without re- 
turning an3'thing to the soil. Nearly all of them hauled and returned 
to the soil the barn-yard and stable manvu'e ; but no systematic effort 
was made to save the producing qualities of the soil, or to add to them. 
This line of action had to be changed, and was changed. In some 
cases it had been done at an earlier date than 1850. 

About this time it was determined to have a county fair. A county 
agricultviral society was accordingly organized and fairs held for three 
or four years. The first fair was held at the residence and upon the 
farm of Wm. M. Brown, one mile west of Somerset. There were no 
fair grounds proper, and the society labored under many disadvantages. 
Yet there was a respectable show of stock, farm and household pro- 
ducts. The fair was held in the same place in 1852, with about the 
same results as in the preceding 3'ear. In 1853, the fair was held at the 
court house in town, and at the larm of E. A. Spencer in the suburbs, 
the stock being left at the latter place. This was the last of a Perry 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 7 1 

county lair fur quite a number of rears. Several causes contributed to 
and brought about this result. 

These fairs, imperfect and unsatisfactory as they were, were produc- 
tive of good ; and no doubt their influence, direct and indirect, contrib- 
uted a good share towards turning over a new leaf in the agricul- 
ture of the count}", which took place about this time. Better plowing 
was done, more clover sown, new and better breeds of stock were intro- 
duced ; tine blooded sheep were brought in and the industr}- of wool- 
growing greatly extended, v.hile plowing and planting poor land began 
to be abandoned as unprofitable and wasteful. The county was in a fair 
wa}^ to agricultural prosperity, when it was struck by the destroying 
C3xlone of the great civil war. This was a severe blow to agriculture, 
and to man}^ other industries in the county. Three thousand men 
served a term of some length in the army, many came back disabled, 
and hundreds returned to their flocks and fields no more. 

It took several years to show that the count}^ and the country were 
even beginning to recover from the effects of the terible strife and waste 
of the war. Just as this recovery- began, to be fairly perceptible, steps 
were taken to reorganize the Perrj^ County Agricultural Society. This 
was accomplished in the summer oi 1869, and a fair held in that year, 
on suitable grounds leased from the infirmary farm, and adjacent to the 
town of New Lexington on the west. The fair was held after the mid- 
dle of October, and both fall and winter came unusually early that year. 
The first night of the fair it snowed to the depth of three or four inches, 
and everything presented an unpromising and dreary appearance. But 
the second day opened bright and cheery, the snow soon melted away, 
and the first of the second series of county fairs proved to be a success. 
The count}' fairs have continued yearly, upon the same grounds, until 
the present time, and they are in a profitable and satisfactory condition. 
Nearly all of them have been very creditable exhibitions, aad financi- 
ally a success. Some of them have been wonderful in the extent, variety 
and quality of articles exhibited, and have been very favorably noticed 
by journals published in neighboring or distant counties. 

The Perry County Agricultural, Life Stock and Mechanical Art 
Union Society was organized and a fair held at Somerset in 1870, and 
every year since, with one or two exceptions. These fairs have, in the 
main, been very creditable and successful, and have done their lull 
share toward improving and dev'eloping the various industries of the 
county. The managers of these yearly exhibitions have evinced great 
skill, energy and perseverance, and without county aid of any kind, 
have kept the enterprise afloat, rendering satisfaction to exhibitors and 
spectators. Grounds have been secured and duly fitted up, and it ap- 
pears to be the design of the management to keep up the fairs for an in- 
definite period, if they continue to meet the approbation of the public. 

As previously stated, the productive powers of the soil had seriously 
declined just previous to 1850, and wheat was no longer the certain and 
remunerative crop that it had been in former years, and the yield of 
corn had greatly fallen off. From 1850 to i860, there were about as 
many failures as successes in crops, and the outlook for the farming 
community was not encouraging, i860 w'as a fruitful year, but the war 
came on, and from that and other causes, wheat and corn fell short, and 



72 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

the millers of the county found it necessary to purchase thousands of 
bushels of wheat and other grain in Cincinnati, Toledo and Chicago, to 
make flour to sell to the resident people of the county, farmers included. 
The hrst wheat crop after the war, (^the sewing of 1865 '^^^^ '-'"^^ harvest 
of 1866,) was the most complete failure since the first settlement of the 
county, and farmers were under the necessity of purchasing wheat 
abroad, at three dollars per bushel, for seed as well as family use, and 
the price of flour run up to $17.50 per barrel. Wheat was necessarily 
sown sparingly for a year or two, with seed at such high prices ; and it 
was not until 1869 that a wheat crop of fair proportions was again har- 
vested. From that time on there was a gradual increase ot acreage 
and wh€at production until in 1880, there was probably the greatest crop 
ever produced. The 3aeld of 1^881 was not quite so large, but the berr}' 
was very good as a general thing. The millers of late years are not 
buying in distant markets ; at least not much in comparison with some 
former years. 

The culture of wheat, corn and other crops, too, has very much 
changed within the last few ^'■ears. Wheat is now nearly all planted 
with the drill, and the land top-dressed with barn manure, or commer- 
cial fertilizer sown upon it. The farmers have also turned over a new 
leaf with regard to corn. Instead of cultivating many acres of poor 
land, to little or no purpose, as man)' of them once did, corn is now 
usually planted upon good, productive soil, that will not wash, and is 
cultivated with great care. The ground is well pulverized, and com- 
mercial fertilizer or barn-3'ard manure is often used in the hill. There 
is a less acreage, but a larger yield, and, consequently, more profitable 
and satisfactory results. As much as one hundred and thirty bushels 
have been produced from an acre receiving special attention. This 
shows what it is possible to do. It is noteworthy that corn produced in 
this way is superior to the best that is shipped in from the black lands 
of Muskingum, Fairfield or Pickaway counties. 

Butter, eggs and poultry have, for many years, been a very consider- 
able item of trade. The country, lor the most part, is well adapted to 
these, and their production will necessarilj- increase, as the demand 
increases from mining and manufacturing towns. 

The cultivation of Irish and sweet potatoes, turnips, melons and 
garden vegetables, has also much increased, within the last few 3'ears, 
stimulated by the great demand from new and growing towns, which 
are scarcel}^ ever full}' supplied. 

There has of late years been a marked improvement in all kinds of 
stock. New and improved breeds have been introduced, and stock of 
all kinds has been better fed and cared for. Sheep husbandr}^ has not 
only increased, but the finest and best blood has been imported, and 
wool-growing brought to a high state of perfection. Man}' of the wool 
growers find no difficulty in securing the highest price for their clips. 
The greater part of the county is highly adapted to sheep raising and 
wool growing, and enterprising men are disposed to make the most of 
the advantages offered. 

Apples, peaches, grapes, plums, pears, quinces, and cherries have 
been a fairly remunerative crop throughout all the years, peaches and 
pears possibly excepted. Grapes have done well where planted in 



\ 



HISTORY OF PI^UkV COtJN'l'V. ^^ 

limited quantities about dwellings and gardens ; large vineyards have 
not, in many cases, been p]-olitable. Peaches have been pretty much 
abandoned, except upon the high lands and these are plentiful enough, 
surely, to produce a large supply. - Apples of certain leading varieties 
have been successful enough to encourage a much larger planting. 
Most ot the county is well adapted to the growing of apples. Damson 
plums do as well here as anywhere. The small fruits, such as currants, 
strawberries, raspberries, etc., have all had a lair trial and have done 
well. The blackberry and raspberr}' have no better home than much 
of this count}'. 

The original forests contained many maple and ''sugar" trees, so 
called, and sugar camps were among the belongings of the pioneers, 
and even the settlers of a later day. But the original trees have mostly 
passed awav. and sugar and molasses are no longer made in the little 
lone shanty in the woods. Some land owners are beginning to have 
sugar and maple groves of the second growth, and it is probable that 
they will largely increase in the future. 

The original forests in many parts of the county, contained chest- 
nut and walnut trees. Man}- of the farmers have left here and there a 
tree of these varieties growing in the fields or along their lanes, and 
they are beautiful and appear picturesque as well as furnishing shade 
for stock in summer, and nuts for the children of small and large 
growth in the long winter evenings. 

10 



74 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY 



CHAPTER X. 

THE NEWSPAPER PRESS. 

Tradition and authorities are a little conflicting as to the first news- 
paper published in the county. John M. Laird, yet living, at an ad- 
vanced age, and still engaged in the newspaper business, was one of 
the early printers and publishers of Perry county; In a letter published 
in the New Lexington Iribiuie, of May 14th, 1874, ^"'^ speaks of the 
"■Scorfion' and ''' Rattlesnake'''' as early newspapers published in Somer- 
set previous to his advent there in the spring of 1822. But, at the most 
these papers must have but fitful and irregular publications, issued b}- 
contending factions and cliques, as electioneering or defamator}^ docu- 
ments, and hardly entitled to the name of newspapers. 

It appears pretty well settled, by tradition and otherwise, that the 
first regular newspaper ever published in Perry county was established 
by John Lidey and E. P. Alford, at Somerset, the first isstie thereof 
being made March 28th, 1821, and was called '■'■T/ie Western World 
and Political Tic/cler.'' Evidently the pioneer journal did not lack for 
a name. The '•'Ticlder' was published about a 3^ear, and was a most 
violent and scurrilous journal, and the virulent and petty contests that 
had begun in the '■'■Scorpion'" and '''■Rattlesnake'" were transferred to 
the ever ready columns of the '•'-Tickler,'''' and served to keep the whole 
reading community in a state of constant uproar. Such were the tem- 
per and spirit of the times. 

In the spring ot' 1822, the "'■Tickler'''' was discontinued, and was suc- 
ceeded b}^ the Perry Record, printed and published by John M. Laird, 
though the names of John Lide}' and James Patterson were, at one 
time or another, used in connection with the proprietorship of the paper 
and it is probable that they furnished most of the printing materials, 
which, it is scarcely necessar}' to state, were neither extensive nor 
costly . 

The Perry Record was continued about three years, when Mr. 
Laird, who was the practical printer, returned to the east. The Record 
was succeeded b}- the Peoples Advocate, published by John Miller, 
probabl}.^ with the names of Henry Filler and Henr^- Crumrine as pro- 
prietors. The Advocate was purchased in May, 1831, by William F., 
and Louis J. Moeller who changed the name to Western Post and 
Perry Advertiser. They published the paper jointly a few months 
when Wm. F. Moeller assumed entire control and took oft' the ^^And 
Perry Advertiser,''' from the name, leaving it simply '•'■The Western 
Posty In January, 1835, Louis J. Moeller purchased the entire office, 
and changed the title to Western Post and Perry Democratic Advertiser. 
In April, 1837, Mr. Moeller sold the office to Samuel McAfee and 
Jonathan W. Ream, both young men who had served their apprentice- 



J 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 75 

ship in the office. The partnership of McAfee & Ream was discon- 
tinued in September, 1839. '^"" ^^^^ paper went in the name of S. H. 
McAfee, though John H. Shearer had a half interest in the estabhsh- 
ment. In August, 1840, Wm. F. Moeller bought the interest of Mc- 
Afee for a younger brother, Alexander Moeller, who, not liking the 
profession, gave it up in a few weeks, and his interest was purchased 
by A. T. M. Filler. In September, 1840, the firm name was changed 
to J. H. Shearer & Co., and afterward to Shearer & Filler. This 
partnership continued until the first of February, 1845, when Mr. 
Shearer purchased the interest of Filler and became sole proprietor. 
The paper from 1835 ^^ ^^45' ^"^'^^^ published under the name of IV^sl- 
e?'u Post and Perry Deuwcratic Advertiser \ but, on the ist of Novem- 
ber, 1845, Mr. Shearer having purchased a new outfit, changed the 
title to Western Post. The Post from the time of its first establishment 
until 1840, was a neutial paper, after which time it espoused the cause 
of the Whig party. In February', 1847, Mr. Shearer leased the news- 
paper and office to James W. Shirle}' and John W. Bugh, lor the 
period of two years. JVIr. Bugh retired in November, 1848, whereupon 
Mr. Shirley filled out the unexpired term of the lease, which closed in 
February, 1849, '^^ ^^^ expiration of which time, J. H. Shearer again 
assumed control of the office and conlined the paper until 1855, when 
he sold the establishment to E. S. Colborn, who merged the paper in 
the Perry County American, under the title of the Pctyy County Ameri- 
can and Somerset Post, 

This was the last of the Post as a distinctive newspaper, though it 
had lived for more than a quarter of a centur\' — a long existence for a 
country newspaper, in a small interior county, in those days. 

In August, 1836, E. J., Ellis, who had been publishing a small sheet 
at New Baltimore, Fairfield County, Ohio, moved his printing office to 
Somerset and began the publication of the Perry Democrat. This was 
' the first Democratic paper published in the county, and the first time 
that a second paper of any kind had been ventured. In 1837, when 
Samuel Medary bought the Western. Hemisphere office, in Columbus, 
and began his noted career with the Ohio Statesman, he sold to E. J. Ellis 
a Peter Smith press and some other materials, and the consequence was 
an enlargement of Ellis' paper and a partial change in name. It now 
became the Ohio Courier and Perry Democrat. In 1838 Mr. Ellis sold 
his printing office to John W. Davis and his brother, Henry M. Davis ; 
John W. had just been elected Clerk of the county, but Henry was the 
principal editor. Neither of them had any practical knowledge of the 
printing business. They had not been publishing the Democrat many 
months when along came a practical printer, Isaac Pepper, who first 
went into the office as foreman, and in less time than a year the whole 
concern passed into his control. In 1839 ^^*'- Pepper modified the title 
of the paper, and it became the Somerset (Ohio) Advocate and Perry 
Democrat. Thus the Courier was dropped finally and forever. About 
the first of April, 1841, Henry M. Davis became sole proprietor of the 
Democrat and Advertiser (as named by Pepper) until September, 1842, 
when Robert F. Hickman, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, bought the oflice 
and changed the name ol" the paper to the Flag of Seventy-Six. This 
paper was published by Mr. Hickman about two vears, when he sold 



76 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

Ihe office to Daniel Kelley. Mr. Kelle}^ had control of the paper about 
a year, when it passed into the hands of Hiram Shaw, who run it a year 
or so, when lie disposed of the concern to James Sheward, who had 
charge of the paper for two or three years, vviien, in 1849, he sold the 
establishment to K. J. Ellis, wlio ten years before had been editor and 
proprietor, and, as belbre stated, the founder of the first Democratic 
paper in the coantx'. Ellis now bought new t\ pe and some other ma- 
terials, enlarged the papei- slightly, and gave it a ver}- good appear- 
ance. He also changed the title to Perry Coiinly Denwcrat. Mr. 
Ellis was a good practical printer and successful business man, but he 
was not mucli of an editor, and made no pretentions to being a writer. 
But, at this time. Walter C. Hood, a talented and marvelously well in- 
formed 3'oung man, was much about the office, ostensibly as a com- 
positor or foreman, but also in the capacity of editor and writer. Hood 
had abundant resources just where Ellis lacked, and the latter was 
shrewd enough to to avail himself of the splendid talents of the former. 
Ellis was printing a good and fine looking paper, and making money, 
too, just as the mutterings of the county seat removal thunder developed 
into a fearful storm and threatened political parties and newspapers, and 
seriously disturbed for a time manv of the industries and enterprises of 
the county. 

Early in June, 185 1, E. J. Ellis sold the Perry County Democrat 
office to Vanatta, Forquer & Co., of New Lexington, with E. S. Col- 
born as editor and business manager. The first issue was made by the 
new firm June 12th, 185 1. The paper was continued by" Vanatta, 
Forquer & Co. for something over a year, when the office was sold to 
E. S. Colborn and W. C. Hickman : the latter continued only a few 
months, and then E. S. Colborn became sole proprietor. Mr. Colborn 
continued the publication of the Democrat until November, 1853, when 
the paper was discontinued. 

During all these \'ears, since the establishment of the paper in 1836, 
it and its legitimate successors, down to the last issue of the De?nocrat 
in 1853, were the Democratic organs (so called) of the county, except 
for a few months in 1853, when the Per?y Comity True Democrat dis- 
puted the claims of the De/mocrat to be so considered. In fact, the 
founding of the True Democrat, and party divisions and disaffections 
from various causes, were the principal reasons for the discontinuance 
of the Democrat. 

In the foregoing, a history is given of the original Neutral, then the 
old Whig, and of the old Democratic paper of the county. Atten- 
tion will now be given to newspapers of a less extended character, con- 
fining what is said, for the sake of convenience, and classification, to 
Journals published in Somerset. Those published in New Lexington, 
will be considered in a body by themselves, as they are principally of a 
later date, and will naturallv come in after the account of those in Som- 
erset is completed. Later 3'et those of other towns will receive atten- 
tion. 

in December, 1854, the old Perry County Dcinocrat office, was set 
up by E. S. Colborn, in u new building, in the town of' Somerset, and 
the first issue of the Perry County American was made January 3rd, 
1855, and the paper was published by Colliorn f'or precisely two years 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 77 

when, the ist of January, 1857, the American was discontinued, and 
the office materials removed to New Lexington. E. S. Colborn, who 
had been a Democrat, united, in 1854, with tlie new Republican party, 
and the Perry Coiinly American newspaper, was consequently Repub- 
lican in politics, and supported Salmon P. Chase for Governor, in 
1855, and John C. Fremont for President, in 1856. 

The Perry County True Democrat was established Ma}-, 1853, print- 
ed on a new press, and with new type. A. McElwee & Co.,- appeared 
as proprietors, and John II. O'Neill and Walter C. Hood as editors. 
The True Democrat was bought and started in the Somerset interest, 
was intenselv Democratic and claimed to be the true organ the of party 
in the county. It flourished for one campaign ; but as soon as the elec- 
tion was over, there was a great reaction, and the paper sickened and 
dwindled. It was, for a few months run b}' Dr. Martin Adams, but, 
early in 1854, ^^^^ Perry County True Democrat died, quickly toUowing 
its old antagonist. The Perry County Democrat, to the grave of news- 
papers. 

In 1855, the materials of the old True Democrat office came into the 
Dosession of James Sheward, and he commenced publishing a paper 
under the title of Democratic Union. A few months afterwards, he 
became associated with Dr. Martin Kagay, in the publication of the 
same paper, which partnership continued until the close of the Presi- 
dential campaign of 1856. The Democratic Union was continued with 
slight intermissions, during the years 1857 aud 1858. Soon after the 
October elections of 1858, George M. Dittoe purchased the office. Mr. 
Dittoe published the Democratic Union regularl}', until the spring of 
1864, when he sold it to Charles E. Magruder. Mr. Magruder run 
the paper about a vear, and then sold it to Charles D. Elder, who con- 
tinued its publication in Somerset, until May, 1866, when he removed 
the office and paper to New Lexington. 

About the ist of January, 1857, John II. Shearer repurchased from 
E. S. Colborn, the materials of the Somerset Post office, with the ex- 
ception of the news tvpe. Mr. Shearer purchased new news type for 
his office, and began the publication of the Somerset Review., a neutral 
paper. In 1858, Shearer sold the Revietu office, to W. C. Hickman, 
who run the paper a few months, and then discontinued it. 

TXiQ Semi-Weekly Piag\ a War Democratic paper, so termed, was 
published in Somerset, for a few months, during the summer of 1861, 
by Martin Kagay. 

The Somerset Advocate, a neutral paper, was established in the fall 
of 1866, and was published about two years, by Martin Kagay. The 
Advocate was specially devoted to the development of rnineral and 
railroad interests. 

The Somerset Triltune was founded by J. F. McMahon, in the fall 
of 1871. It was the first nine column paper in thecount3^ ^^ continued 
to be published in Somerset, until March, 1873, when it was removed to 
New Lexington, and became a Republican paper. 

T\\*i Somerset Press, purchased by an incorporated company, with M. 
J. Mains as editor aud publisher, was established in the spring of the 
year 1873. In the spring of 1879, ^^^^ ownership passed into the hands 
of W. P. Magruder, as editor and proprietor, under which arrange- 



78 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

merit the Press is still running. For the last few years, the Press has 
advocated the principles of the Greenback National party. 

In 1848, James Taylor bought an office in New Lexington, and 
commenced the publication of the j.Vc2V Lexington Visitor. The press 
was an old Ramage, and the materials much worn. The Visitor was 
published a year, and then discontinued. The later numbers were 
printed at the office of the Somerset Post. The l^isitor was an inde- 
pendent Journal. 

The Deinoeratie Organ was established in New Lexington, Decem- 
ber, 1853, by M. A. Boling. It was democratic in politics, as indicated 
by its name. The Organ was published about one year, and then dis- 
continued. 

The New Lexington Loeoniotive, with P. Bastian, prop^rietor, and 
James Taylor, editor, succeeded the Democratic Organ. The Locomo- 
tive was independent, with an imdisguised preference for the Republi- 
can side. The paper had an existence of about two years. 

The Democratic Sentinel hegan its existence in Ma}^ 1859, 'ind was 
published, with some slight interruptions, about eighteen months. P. 
J. Anken}', John R. Meloy, Robert G. Mossgrove, at different times 
proprietors. The Sentinel was a Democratic paper. 

The N'ew Lexington Amhrotyfe. bv^ E. S. Colborn, began publica- 
tion, early in 185/. It was continued two years, when the office passed 
into the hands of P. J. Ankeny, who started the Democratic Sentinel. 
In October, 1859, -^- ^- Colborn came into possession of the o\^ Ambro- 
type office, and, having purchased a new outfit of news type, started the 
Perry County Weekly. This paper was published by E. S. Colborn, 
under the above name, about ten years. It had one or two short sus- 
pensions, and, for a few months in the summer of 1868, was leased to 
and run by Dr. Jerome Oatley. In the spring of 1870, the name of the 
paper was changed to Mineral Region Neivs. E. S. Colborn continued 
to publish the paper under this name until August, 1872, when he sold 
the office to the New Lexington Publishing Company, The Perry 
County Weekly, Mineral Pegion JVezas, and Ambrotype, were Republi- 
can in politics. The Mineral Region ]\ews, for a few months previous 
to its sale, advocated the election of Horace Greel}^ founder of the N. 
P. Tribune., to the Presidency. 

The company who purchased the office, at once began the publi- 
cation of the Perry County Republican, with Robert F. Hickman as 
editor and business manager. The Perry County Republican was 
printed seven months and then discontinued, or merged in the New 
Lexington Tribune. 

The Democratic Union was brought from Somerset to New Lexing- 
ton, by Charles D. Elder, in May, 1866, and continued b}^ him until 
December, 1867, when he sold the office to Butler, Dufiy & Meloy, 
who changed the name to Democratic Herald. Butler sold his interest 
in a few weeks, to Lewis Green, and the paper was published by Duffy, 
Green and Meloy, until the spring of 1870, when the establishment 
was sold to George Henricks. After a few months, Henricks sold 
to the old firm, Duffy, Green & Meloy. The Herald was continued 
by this firm until in 1872, Duff}- purchased Green's interest. The 
paper was then published bv Dufiy tS: Meloy, until December ist, 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 79 

1876, when Lewis Green and J. R. Meloy bought out DufF3^ Since 
that time the Herald has been pubhshed b}' Green & Meloy. The 
Herald \^ Democratic in politics, and, with the exception of a year or 
two has been the only Democratic paper in the county. 

The Xezv Lexington Tribune, by J. F. McMahon, commenced in 
March, 1873, having at that time united with the Perry County Refuh- 
lican, and become the Republican organ of the county. It has been 
continued from that time until the present, without change of name or 
proprietor. 

Th.Q Perry County Democrat was commenced on September i ith, 
1879, ^y Jo^'i" H. Marlow & Co. It was published by this company ten 
weeks, and then sold to E. S. Colborn & Co., being E. S. ColboVn & 
Sons. E. S. Colborn had been the editor from the commencement. 
The Democrat was published b}^ E. S. Colborn & Co., and E. S. Col- 
iborn. until March, 1881, when it was discontinued. 

A number of campaign and otherwise transient sheets, were pub- 
lished at different periods. The Plain Dealer, in Somerset, by John 
Donavan, about the time of the war with Mexico; the Perry 'County 
Republican, by Taylor, McMahan & Co., in New Lexington, in 1857 ; 
and the Democratic Union, \>y Martin Kagay, in New Lexington, in 
the winter of 1857, are among the most notable of these, and were, for 
the time being, influential Journals. 

The Morning Call, by Otto Colborn, at New Lexington, was a 
sprigiidy little daily, pubhshed during the Perry County Teachers' In- 
stitute, in August, "^1877. Also the Daily Tribune, by J. F. McMahon, 
during week of county fair, in 1878. 

The Perry County Vidette was commenced in Junction Cit}^ in 1880, 
by James Haynes, published about one year, then discontinued. 

The Shawnee yournal wiis commenced in 1878, by Cook & Davy, 
was published about one year, and then discontinued. 

The Shawnee Banner was commenced early in 1880, and is still 
published. 

The Thornville iV^zf.s' was commenced in 1881, by George Kalb, 
and is still published. 

The Somerset F/5//or was commenced in 1881, W William Mains, 
published about six months, and then discontinued. 

The Independent was commenced in New Lexington in 1881, by 
Duzenberry & Moore. After a few months Moore sold out to Duzen- 
berry, who still publishes the paper. 

The Corning Times has been published about one year by Sopher & 
Weaver. 

A weekly newspaper, printed in another place, has been for a short 
time published in Junction City. 

A Mr. Cullinan, of Zanesville, bought Lewis Green's interest in the 
New Lexington Herald in 1881, and the paper has since that time been 
published by Cullinan & Meloy. 

It is believed the foregoing includes all the Journals which may be 
fairly classed as newspapers. 

The Collegian, a monthly periodical, was, for a year or two, about 
1854, ^"d '55» published at St. Joseph's College. The Collegian vidiS not 



8o HtSTORY OF PERKY COUNTY. 

devoted to politics or news, but discvissed, chieily. educationa] and re- 
ligious topics. 

Perry county was not a very promising field tbr newspapers, and 
but little money was made in the business, until within the last few years. 
In the first place, the county was small, and only the northern and 
central portions partially settled. Yet later, for various causes, the 
newspaper business was not prosperous. But within the last ten vears, 
some of the papers have been very well sustained. 

Ever}^ person who is conversant with all the facts will readily admit 
that no county is more indebted to newspapers for improvement and 
advancement than is the county of Perrj^. The newspapers, as a class, 
have labored for her interests, in season and out of season, with an 
assiduity and faithfulness well deserving mention, and not without a 
hi oil degree of success. 

The early papers were small, contained little or nothing of local 
news, and had no mail facilities to amount to anything. They were de- 
livered by carriers, commonly called " post-boys," who rode through 
the country on horseback and blew loud blasts from a bugle to announce 
their coming. Foreign news was considered a greater feature than 
local news, and they were usually much devoted to political literature. 
The first page matter did not differ much from the first page of the 
county paper of to-day. There was the inevitable story and poem, and 
short miscellaneous articles ; the fair sex and small boys had to be 
placated, and there was a suspicion among old-time editors that even 
men sometimes read those things behind the door or in a corner. The 
" New Year's Carrier's Address" was a feature of the early newpapers. 
The office "" Devil" negotiated with the " home poet" to furnish the 
material, and the address was printed and sold for the benefit of his 
Satanic Majesty aforesaid, who was ever an accommodating little chap, 
and would cheerfully sell for either a dime or a dollar. 

The first newspaper ( The Western World and Political Tickler) 
was very much of a curiosity. It was a dingy sheet, bitterly personal, 
and a part of the reading matter was set in large poster t3^pe. After a 
year or two there was a new outfit, in part, and the paper presented a 
more artistic appearance, and the overwhelming, pretentious title was 
dispensed wdth. 

One of the most remarkable things connected with the newspapers 
of Perry is the fact that John M. Laird, one of the early printers, who 
published a paper in Somerset in 1822, is still living (or was a short 
time since), and is editor and proprietor of the Greensburg Argies, at 
Greensbui-g, Pa. Alford, the original printer of 1821, was in Somerset 
a few years ago and searched diligently for a few old friends that he 
knew and loved so long ago. 

The history of the newspaper press of a county is in many ways a 
fair index to tiie connty itself. The newspaper history' of Perry is an 
eventful one, as any person will concede who gives it anything like a 
careful perusal. The newspaper world ma}- be likened to a stage, and 
the various journals have their entrances and their exits, like the char- 
acters in a play ; and all — good, bad, or indifferent — strut their brief 
hour, and sooner or later bow and retire. Very few of all the news- 
papers named are in the play or battle of life to-day ; and what is a 



MI.STOKV OF I'EKRV OOUNTV; 81 

more serious thought, many of those wlio wielded the poil or scissors 
have passed on to the unseen hmd, and know newspaper w^ars no more. 
The newspapers which hold the stage to-da\' are, indeed, few in 
number compared with the many which have been, but are not, and 
only appear as spectres or shadows behind the scenes, while the real 
play or tight of new^spapers goes on. The tingle will come of course, 
however remote, when the journals so active on the stage now will 
make their several exits, and, " gathering their drapery about them, lie 
down to pleasant dreams," or join the spectral column of worthies mar- 
shaled b}' the senior — Wcsfcni Jfhr/d a)id Political Tickler — and, un- 
known and unseen, flit through the halls and corridors of the active 
newspaper stage, gazing in silence upon the wa3'S and works of editors 

and newspapers to the present era unnamed and unborn. 
11 



82 HlS'l'Om' OF PERRY COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XL 

RAILROADS. 

Cincinnati, Wilmington and Zanesville Railroad. — The Gen- 
eral Assembly ot 1850-51, enacted a law chartering the Cincinnati, 
Wiltning-ton and Zanesville Railroad Co., which proposed to construct a 
road from Morrow, in Warren county, on the Little Miami Railroad, 
through the counties of Clinton, Fayette, Pickaway, Fairfield, Perry 
and Muskingum to Zanesville. The counties through which the road 
was to be made, were authorized to take a certain amount of stock in 
the enterprise, provided a majority of the people favored the measure 
and would so vote at a specified general election. All of them except 
Perry did, in fact, vote and subscribe stock : and it would doubtless 
have done likewise, had there been anything like agreement as to the 
route through the county. There was great diversity of opinion, and a 
majority of the people voted in opposition to the measure of subscribing 
stock as a count}^ A large minority voted in favor of stock, leaving 
the directors to select the route afterward : but a majority could not be 
obtained under these circumstances. The friends of the two principal 
routes, which were the New Lexington or Rush Creek Valley, and the 
Somerset route, each raised about one hundred thousand dollars, con- 
ditioned that the road be made on a specified line. The Board of Di- 
rectors had various meetings to consider the matter, but they appeared 
to hesitate, or were reluctant to decide ; and it was not until September, 
1852, that they, at a regular meeting at Zanesville, Ohio, formally de- 
cided to locate on the New Lexington or Rush Creek Valley route. 
Thus was at last settled a question upon which no little time, labor and 
mone}' had been expended by a large number of persons in Perry 
county. 

Work was commenced on the road in the spring of 1853, and was 
prosecuted throughout that season with considerable vigor and energy, 
after the manner of railroad building in those days ; but it was not un- 
til the summer of 1854, ^^^^^ ^^^^ ^'^^'^ ^^"^^ reached New Lexington from 
the west. There was for several months a transfer of passengers and 
mail at this place, from car to stages, which run temporarily between 
here and Zanesville. But it was not long until the tunnel, three miles 
east of New Lexington, was done and the east end of the road com- 
pleted, since which time the cars have run regularly between Zanesville 
and Morrow, the entire length of the line. 

The road passed out of the hands of the original stockholders long 
ago, and has been under various management ; but it w^as never so well 
equipped, as well managed, nor did so much business as since it became 
a part of the Pan Handle system. 



i 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 



83 



The completion and opening- of a railroad was quite an event in 
those days, and thousands of persons, men, women and children, gath- 
ered to see the first train come in. Excursions for several years along 
the line were very frequent ; the people ot the flat counties along the 
western part of the line, would come up into the rolling hills of Perry, 
and the people of Perry and eastern Muskingum would go down to the 
plains of Pickaway and Fayette. The novelty of this in time passed 
away, and the people learned to look upon the railroad and all its ad- 
vantages, as one of the common, every-day things of life. 




A MUSKINGUISr VALI.EY DEPOT. 



Scioto and Hocking Valley Railroad. — The old Scioto and 
Hocking Valley was chartered by an enactment which became a law 
in the winter of 1849, Newark and Portsmouth being given as the ter- 
minal points, and certain counties named, through which the road was 
to pass. Perry county was not named, or included in this original 
charter ; but at the legislative session of 1850-51, the law was so amend- 
ed as to authorize the location of the road through Perry, Hocking and 
certain other counties named, provided the directors of the company 
thought it best to do so. 

In December, 1852, a certificate was filed with the Auditor of State, 
increasing the capital stock of the company alread}^ organized, one mil- 
lion dollars, making the capital three millions. The final location of 
the road was determined by a meeting of the directors held at Poi^ts- 
mouth in the' winter or spring of 1853, and the route through Perr}', in- 
stead of Fairfield or Pickaway, was adoj-jted. The Fairfield county in- 
terests were very strongh- pressed ; but the Perry county men, backed 



84 HISTORY OF PEKRY COUNTY. 

by the great coal deposits, carried the day and went home triumphant. 
Eli A. Spencer, then a citizen of Somerset, being present at Portsmouth, 
telegraphed the news ol' the location to Somerset in this characteristic 
and pithv manner: 
*' T. n.'Co.y, Jr.: 

"Scioto and Hocking Valley Railroad located on the Perry county 
route, (jod and Liberty. E. A. Spencer." 

The peojile of Somerset and \icinity were much elated at securing 
the location of the Scioto and Hocking Valley. There .was an im- 
promptu but great celebration in honor of the event, which lasted nearly 
all night. Immense bonhres were made, tar barrels burned, speeches 
deli\ered, songs sung, and every demonstration of jov was made. 
The result was scarcely expected, and v^'hen assured was almost over- 
wdielming. 

The people of the northeim and western parts of the county went to 
work, without dehu', to obtain stock subscriptions : and there was sub- 
scribed along the line in Perry county, the sum of about one hundred 
and eight^-tive thousand dollars ; of this sum about one hundred and 
seventy-two thousand was expended upon the road before the w^ork 
ceased. That part of the line between Portsmouth and Jackson C. H., 
was completed in 1852, or early in 1853, and the part of the line be- 
tween Jackson C. H. and Newark, the northern terminus of the road, 
a distance of ninety miles, and which had been surve^'ed and located 
by J. W. Webb, chief engineer, was now let. to Seymour, Moore & 
Company. This firm consisted of Thomas Seymour, late Chief Engi- 
neer of the State of New York, a practical railroader, engineer and 
builder ; James Moore of Pennsylvania, who was also an experienced 
railroad man, and George A. French of Dunkirk, New York. This 
firm sublet the entire line. Ward and Taylor of New York State, took 
the tunnel contract near Middletown, and began work upon the same 
about the first of April, 1853 ; Fink and Dittoe of Somerset, took three 
miles of the line to build, including the deep cut at Somerset. This 
firm consisted of Adam Fink and Henry Dittoe. They broke ground on 
their contract in Februar\', 1853, and worked a large force of men and 
horses for six or eight months, when the\' were compelled to cease by 
reason of financial embarrassments. Fink and Dittoe sublet their north- 
ern section to John Sheridan, father of Gen. P. H. Sheridan. This 
section was finished by Mr. Sheridan. The next eight miles north were 
taken by W. S. French & Co. This firm consisted of Walter S. 
French of Dunkirk, New York, and T. Spencer Stillman of Wethers- 
field, Conn. They commenced work in April, 1853, and employed on 
an average about one hundred and sixty men and horses, and completed 
and turned over their part of the line in May. 1854. ^- ^^- Mills of the 
State of New York, and Samuel Aiken of Penns3lyania. had about 
three sections of this light work in the county, which they completed. 
James McArdle, late of New Lexington, had a section or two in the 
neighborhood of Thornville. The names of a few other sub-contract- 
ors are not remembered. 

In the tall of 1853, and before the work on the cut at Somerset and 
the tunnel at Middletown was anything like completed, Seymour, 
Moore &. Co. became greatly embarrassed. They were unable to 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 85 

sell their bonds, and failed to pay their sub-contractors on their esti- 
mates of work. Some of the sub-contractors suspended work in 1853, 
others having m.ore faith worked on until 1854 ; but one b}^ one they 
succumbed, until W. S. French & Co., who had taken a" new con- 
tract in Vinton county, were the only ones at work along the line, and 
they were dependent upon local subscriptions, where they were at 
work. 

Seymour, Moore & Co. did ever^^thing in their power to retrieve 
their fortunes and pa}' their sub-.contractors : the}- negotiated a purchase 
of iron sufficient to lay the track of twelve miles between Jackson C. H. 
and Ilamden, the latter being on the Cincinnati and Marietta railroad. 
It was confidently hoped, that by building this extension of twelve 
miles, and forming a junction with the Cincinnati and Marietta rail- 
road, that new credit would be secured, and that the bonds of the com- 
pany Vv'ould sell at a fair price ; but these hopes were not realized. 

With the failure of Seymour, Moore & Co., the Scioto and 
Hocking Vallev Company broke down and were unable to pa}^ the in- 
terest on bonds, outstanding, and other liabilities. In 1857 the mort- 
gagees filed a petition in the Court of Common Pleas of Perry county, 
praying for a foreclosure, which was finally accomplished in 1864, J. 
W. Webb being special Master Commissioner in the sale of the road, 
and the trustees of Arcade Bank at Providence, Rhode Island, became 
the purchasers at the sum of four hundred and eleven thousand dollars. 
The purchasers at this judicial sale, subsequentl}' sold all of the line 
between Portsmouth and the track of the Cincinnati and Zanesville 
road in Perr}' county, to the Cincinnati and Marietta Railroad Company. 
It is believed that the Arcade Bank would have sold the whole line to 
the Cincinnati and Marietta Company, had it not been for the special 
efforts and influence of J. W. Webb, who hoped to secure some future 
benefit to the original stock subscribers on the northern end of the line. 
That part of the line reserved by the trustees of the Arcade Bank, was 
held b}' them until December, 1869, when it was sold to the Newark, 
Somerset and Straitsville Railroad Compan}^ It must not be supposed 
that the Scioto and Hocking Valley Railroad Compan}' did not, be- 
tween the 3'ears 1854 '^^^^ 1861, make strenuous efforts to revive their 
credit and push on the road to completion. They made mau}^ efforts, 
both in this country and Europe, and were on the very point of succeed- 
ing through London, England, capitalists, when the country became in- 
volved in the great civil war, which suddenly closed all negotiations. 
An agent of London capitalists had been sent over here to investigate 
the road piopertv and general conditions, and he made a highly favor- 
able report ; but it all went for nought when Fort Sumter was fired 
upon, large contending armies raised, and Great Britain acknowledged 
the Confederate States as a belligerent power. 

Nkwakk. Somerset and Straitsville Railroad. — This com- 
pau}- was incorporated in 1869, and having purchased so much of the 
road-bed of the old Scioto and Hocking Valley as lay between Newark 
and the line of the Cincinnati and Muskingum Valley Railroad, pro- 
ceeded to business in a short time for the construction of the new road. 
Work was begun in a small way, upon the northern end of the line in 



86 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

1870, but it was not until the spring of 1871 that work was commenced 
on the deep cut in Somerset, the most difiicuk part along the route. 
Meanwhile the road liad been leased to the Baltimore and Ohio for a 
period of twenty Aears, and the task of its completion was henceforth 
pushed with all the energy that capital and skill could command. 
Work upon the deep cut at Somerset and the tunnel near Bristol went 
on uninterruptedly during the fall of 187 1, and the winter of 1871-72, 
and in the latter year the whole line was completed to the town of 
Shawnee, the southern terminus of the road. 

In making the new road, the old road-bed of the Scioto and Hock- 
ing Valley was used from Newark to a point a mile or two north of the 
Cincinnati and Muskingum Valley Railroad, whence the new road 
turned abruptl}' to the east, running almost parallel with the Cincinnati 
and Muskingum Valley track, crossing the same at Wolf Station, (now 
the town of Junction City,) then running up a water-course to the tun- 
nel, near Bristol, and through it over on to the head-waters of Monday 
Creek, and up Shawnee Run to Shawnee, where the road terminates. 

The building of this road was instrumental, either wholly or in 
great part in the making of the new towns of Glenford, Junction City, 
Dicksonton, McCuneville and Shawnee. The road has had a large 
coal canying trade ever since its construction, and its passenger busi- 
ness has not been inconsiderable. 

The sequel proved that J. W. Webb, Esq., was right in his prognos- 
tications. Though the stock subscriptions paid to the old Scioto and 
Hocking Valle}' Companj' were irrevocably lost, the road-bed resulted 
in serving as a basis for the Newark, Somerset and Straitsville, and 
brought a railroad to the people of Thorn, Hopewell and Reading 
townships, which they might not otherwise have secured, and certainly 
not on such t'avorrble terms. 

Straitsville Branch of the Hocking Valley. — This is a rail- 
way about twelve miles in length, reaching from Old Straitsville and 
New Straitsville in Perry count}^ to Logan in Hocking county, where it 
intersects the main line of the Hocking Valley. This branch road was 
the r-esult of large investments in mineral lands, by several companies, 
in the neighborhood of Old Straitsville — New Straitsville not being in 
existense at that time. The Railroad Company was incorporated in 
1869, and the road constructed and cars running in 1870. It is one of 
the most important twelve miles of coal road in the whole country. 
The output of coal from New Straitsville has been the largest from any 
one point tributary to the Hocking Vallev Railroad, and the passenger 
and other freight traffic of the road has been very considerable. One 
etfect of this road has been to build up the new and large town of New 
Straitsville, and to more than quadruple the population of Old Straits- 
ville. 

Atlantic and Lake Erie. — When capitalists began to invest their 
money in the coal regions of Straitsville and Shawnee, a number of en- 
terprising and })ablic spirited citizens of New Lexington, who knew 
something oi the geology of the coal measures', and also enlightened by 
several openings in the "great vein" on the waters of Sunday Creek, 



HISTORY' OF I'EKKV COUNTY. • 87 

came to the conclusion that the great seam reached its greatest maxi- 
mum in the Sunda^' Creek Valley, and lav in a solid block under the 
valleys as well as the hills, and must, therefore, be equal to, if not 
superior, to any other coal section of the coimtr\'. These wonderful 
coal deposits could be of no great use or value without a railroad to 
reach them, and how to accomplish this indispensable object was the 
next question. Both a northern and southern outlet was highly desira- 
ble, if not absolutel}^ essential. Hence a railroad map of the State was 
examined, and it was discovered that there was a section of country 
from Toledo to Pomeroy, not already supplied with railroads, to any 
great extent, through which a through line might be built, taking in 
New Lexington and the great Sunday Creek Valley coal region on its 
way. Hence the origin of the Atlantic and Lake Erie Company. 

The company was duly organized and incorporated in 1869, and the 
towns and country all along the Hue of the proposed road thoroughly 
stirred up upon the subject. Stock books were opened everywhere, 
and two or three corps of surveyors set to work to explore and locate 
the line. Stock was subscribed liberalh', almost all along the line. 
The installments necessary to complete the surveys and for other pre- 
liminary purposes, were collected and disbursed, and ever3^thing ap- 
peared to go on swimmingly. 

The first line surveyed from New Lexington north, was through the 
townships of Clayton and Madison, of Perr^' county, and by way ot 
Brownsville, Licking count} % to Newark ; but there were some heavy 
grades on this route, stock subscriptions did not come in very satisfac- 
torily, and the city of Newark, especiall}' appeared very lukewarm as 
to the success of the great enterprise. Consequently, the surveyors 
were put upon the line by the wa}^ of Bremen, Rushville, Pleasantville, 
Millersport and Hebron, which left Newark off the line of the road. It 
has been stated, and probably with a good foundation, that this demon- 
stration was at lirst intended as a feint ; but the people of the eastern 
part of Fairfield county received the explorers and surveyors so cor- 
dially, and went to work so promptly and raised such liberal amounts of 
stock that, together with a favorable report of the surveyors as to this 
route, converted the feint into a reality, and secured the great thorough- 
fare on this line. Had the road been located and made on the first 
route surveyed, it would have accommodated a greater portion of the 
people of Perry county, and the change of line, which circumstances 
seemed to render imperative, was regretted at the time by the projectors 
of the road and nearly all of its friends in this county ; but the directory 
builded wnser than they knew, for the new line made a good outlet for 
coal to Columbus, which the first proposed line did not, and it w^as the 
easy and desirable Columbus outlet that first resurrected the road alter 
its unfortunate collapse in 1877-78. Had the road-bed of the Atlantic 
and Lake Erie been made on the first surveyed route from New Lex- 
ington north, it is possible that the subsequent history and condition of 
the road might have been very different from what it novs^ is. 

The line was more costly through Perry county than an}' where else, 
and the private subscriptions were altogether inadequate to the expense 
that must necessarily be incurred. To meet this difficulty a number of 
Coal or Mining companies, so called, had been organized and their 



88 . IlISTO'i^Y O]'- PJiKK^Y COUNTY. 

stock placi'cl upon tlie market. Among them were "The Great Vein 
Comjiany/' "The Sunday Creek Valley Company," "The llurd Com- 
pany/' and various other ones. These companies suhscribed heavily 
to the stock ot the Railroad Company, and as fast as stock was sold, a 
large proportion of the mone}^ thus obtained \vas paid to the Railroad 
Company, and expended upon the tunnels that had to be made in order 
to reach the great vein region. 

Ground was "broke'' upon the Atlantic and Lake Erie line at New 
Lexington, June 2 2d, 1870. The day was one of great pomp and mag- 
niticence. A large meeting was held in Kellev's Grove, at a point now 
within the corporate limits. Speeches were made by Charles Follett, of 
Newark, Ohio ; D. B. Swigart, of Bucyrus ; Darius Taimadge, of 
Lancaster, and by various other gentlemen. Thomas Ewing, Sr., who 
had intended to be present and speak, but was unable to attend, sent a 
caretully written address, which Was read at the meeting. The meet- 
ing was extraordinarih' large, and its proceedings were telegraphed to 
leading newspapers in all parts of the country. The ceremou}^ of 
"breaking ground" took place precisely where the track is now laid, a 
few rods north of Water street. A few weeks later, work was com- 
menced upon the tunnel, one and a half miles southeast of New Lex- 
ington ; and a little later upon the one at Carter's Summit, near Oak- 
lield ; but money was not very abundant,, and the work proceeded 
slowly. 

Work progressed all along the line from Perry county to Toledo, 
during the years of 1871-72 and 1873, and when the great tinancial 
panic struck the country, the road-bed was nearl}^ completed trom the 
tunnel near New Lexington to the northern terminus of the road. Had 
not the financial revulsion come just when it did, the bonds of the 
road could doubtless have been sold at a fair price, and it could have 
been finished and equipped by its original owners. As it was, strong 
efforts were made, and iron bought and laid on a portion of the road, 
but all of no avail. The name of the road had meanwhile been 
changed to The Ohio Central, but neither this nor the new management 
to which the stockholders entrusted its fortunes, rrjade any perceptible 
change for the better. The company had one old wheezy engine and 
one car, wdiich plied between New Lexington and Moxahala — to which 
latter place the road had been hnished in 1874 — irregularly in the years 
1875-76 and 77, but at last gave it up altogether, and the old engine 
was thrown off the track near the tunnel, where it la}' for a long time, a 
monument of the former impecuniosity and bad fortunes of the now 
famous and rich thoroughfare, which will soon reach from the Ohio 
river to the Lakes, passing nearly through the center of this great State. 

The track had been laid by the old Ohio Central Compau}-, tVom 
the crossing of the Baltimore and Ohio, west of Newark, to Moxahala, 
but only that part between the latter place and New Lexington, had 
been put to use, and that, with very insufficient equipments, as stated 
above. 

The company could not go on with the work, could not dispose of 
its bonds, could not meet its outstanding liabilities, and, in March, 
1878, the entire property, franchises and privileges of the road, from 
Toledo to Pomeroy, were sold at Judicial sale, and thus passed out of 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 89 

the hands of the original stockholders forever, property upon which 
over tvs^o millions of dollars had been expended. Parties iVom the 
East became the purchasers, who sold so much of the road as lies be- 
tween Granville, Licking county, and Chauncey, in Athens county, to 
a syndicate, who organized a company for the construction of a road 
from Columbus to the Sunday Creek Valley, intersecting the Ohio 
Central Line, at Bush's Station, Fairfield count3^ 

Columbus and Sunday Creek Valley. — This company, in the 
course of a few months, put the line under contract, and, in the latter 
part of 1878, or January '79, the contractors got to work. The princi- 
pal job was the tunnel, at Carter's Summit, near Oakfield. This tun- 
nel is almost sixteen hundred feet long. Early in 1880, the tunnel and 
whole line was finished, and the cars running from Columbus to Corn- 
ing. The companj' or syndicate, about this time decided to complete 
the entire line Irom liush's station north to Toledo, and changed the 
name of the road and cars to The Ohio Central. 

Ohio Central. — It is understood that the organization of this new 
company included new' men, and heavy capitalists of the East, in ad- 
dition to those who had been interested in the Columbus and Sunday 
Creek Valley. Work was pushed vigorously along the northern end 
of the line, and early in 1881 the cars were running between Corning 
and Toledo, as well as between Corning and Columbus, intersecting at 
Bush's Station, now Hadley Junction, in Fairfield county. 

In the fall of 1880, an extension of the Ohio Central, from Corning, 
in Perry, to near Oxford, in Athens county, was begun, and also a 
switch, diverging from the main line, six or eight miles in length, up 
the west branch of Sunday Creek, to Buckingham and Hemlock, which 
extension and switch are both finished, and the cars are running over 
them. 

The compan}^ has also commenced work upon the southern end of the 
road, between Oxford, in Athens county, and Pomeroy, in Meigs count}-, 
on the Ohio River, and this extension will be finished during the year 
1882, and the cars running regularly between Toledo and Pomeroy, 

The Ohio Central Railroad and its predecessors, have made the 
towns of Corning, Moxahala, Rendville, Hemlock and Buckingham, 
and developed an immense coal trade, in the "Great Vein" Region. 
The road now ships about three hundred cars dail}^ and it expects to 
ship six hundred or more per day, when more shafts are sunk, and 
more mines opened, and a greater number of coal cars, and the requi- 
site additional rolling stock added. The passenger traffic is good now, 
and will be greatly augmented, wdien the road is completed through to 
the Ohio River, and connection made with the southern system of roads, 
to the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, which will surely be done. 

The Atlantic and Lake Erie, the forerunner of the Ohio Central, was 
organized and set on foot b}^ men residing at New Lexington, Peny 
county, Ohio. They, of course, sought the counsel and aid of men all 
along the line of the proposed road, and in the organization and man- 
agement of the several mining companies, w^ithout the aid of which the 

road could have made no progress, they solicited and secured the co- 
12 



go 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 



operation of men residing in various parts of the country. Whatevei' 
mav be the future success and gigantic operations of tliis great raih^oad, 
it is but simple justice to state in tliis vohime, and let the fact pass down 
to future generations, that the road had its origin in the minds of New 
Lexington men, and was pushed b}^ them with unusual energy, 
in the direction of final and complete success, until crushed by the ' 
great financial revulsion of 1873, which ruined so many enterprises, 
and crushed so many people. 

The Ohio Central now proposes an extension ot" a branch line from 
Rendville or Corning, through Bearfield township, to McConnellsville, 
Morgan county. There is also a projected line of railroad from Bre- 
men, Fairfield county, by the way of Maxville, Perry County, to 
Chauncey, Athens county, to be called the Monday Creek Valley. 

The Cleveland, Connotton Valley and Straitsville Railway Company, 
also proposes a line from McLuney, or Crooksville, Perry county, 
on the Cincinnati and Muskingum Valley, by way of Moxahala, 
crossing the Ohio Central here, to Straitsville, or elsewhere in the 
"Great Vein" region. A road is also talked of to come by way of 
Uniontown, Muskingum county, and Saltillo Rehoboth and New 
Lexington, in Perry County, to intersect the "Great Vein" Coal region, 
at some point between the Ohio Central and the Newark, Somerset and 
Shawnee roads. 

It is also thought that a road will be made from Thornport or Glen- 
ford in Perry county, by way of Mount Perry and Uniontown, to inter- 
sect the Cincinnati and Muskingum Valley, at or near Roseville. There 
is also the proposed Bellaire, Shawnee and Cincinnati Railway, which 
is designed to pass through the "Great Vein" coal section of Perry 
county. New Straitsville, Shawnee and Corning, are all sure to be in 
some way united by rail, and other roads, now unthought and undreamed 
of, will doubtless make their appearance sometime in the swiftly coming 
years. The very desirable and highly valuable coal deposits in Clayton 
township, are sure to eventually bring a new road, and the limestone of 
Hopewell, Madison, Reading and Clayton, will be in good demand in 
the not distant future. Short lines and switches too numerous to be 
conjectured, must inevitably be made, as they are gradually demanded, 
to reach after the iron ores and coal, situated more or less remote from 
the main lines. This state of things wall ultimately make the counry, 
and especially the principal mineral sections thereof, a network of rail- 
roads, the like of which exists in but few parts of the world. 

Since the foregoing was written, the Columbus and Eastern Rail- 
way Company, has surveyed a line and placed fifty miles under con- 
tract. The surveyed line is by the way of Millersport, Thornport, 
Glenford, Chalfant, Mount Perry, Uniontown and Saltillo, to Selby's 
Pass, a short distance east of New Lexington. Further than that the 
road has not yet been located. 

It is also announced on what appears to be good authority, that the 
Hurd Iron and Coal Company have decided to build, in the next 
eight months, a railroad from McLuney to Buckingham, passing through 
the possessions of the Hurd Company. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 9I 



I 



CHAPTER XII. 

POLITICAL MATTERS. 

At the time the county of Perry was organized, James Monroe was 
serving his hrst term as President, and not long after was re-elected, 
practically without opposition. He was, as president, probably the 
most universally popular of any man that ever held the office, and dur- 
ing his term of service, the old federal party, which had been vigorous 
and influential in the earlier days of the Republic, ceased to exist as 
an organization, and its light went out. Many of the talented sons of 
old Federalists, had united with the Democratic or Republican party of 
that day (it was called by both of these names) and when the Presiden- 
tial campaign of 1824 came on, all the candidates. Clay, Jackson, 
Adams and Crawford, were of this party, held the same political faith, 
and the struggle which ensued, though memorable in the history of the 
country, was a war of factions, and not between two great political par- 
ties, advocating different doctrines upon great public questions. Jack- 
son was very popular in this county, and when Adams was elected by 
the House of Representatives, though Jackson had the highest electoral 
vote, his (Jackson's) popularity and strength increased, and he carried 
the county in 1828 and 1832, by good round majorities, and the modern 
Democratic party, modern as compared with the parties previous to 
1820, became strong and dominant in Perry county. 

It should be remembered, however, that the Whig party, by which 
name the opposition to Jackson eventually became known, was strong 
and powerful in the country, and there was from the beginning to the 
dissolution of that organization, a strong and vigilant minority of that 
party in this county. Clayton, Madison and Harrison were Whig 
townships, and sometimes Reading and Monroe, by small majorities. 
Thorn, Jackson, Pike and Saltlick were the heavy Democratic town- 
ships, and the others gave small Democratic majorities. This was the 
status of political parties in the county from 1828 to 1853, a period of 
twenty-five years, and includes the time in which the Whig party lived, 
moved and had a being. The Democratic majorit}^ through all these 
years was from six to eight hundred. 

The year 1854 "^^^ ^^^^ ^^ political changes in Perry county. The 
old Whig party was expiring, the Democratic party was, in a measure, 
disintegrating, 'the new Republican party was forming, and all this was 
complicated by the so-called Know Nothing movement. The result 
was, the Democratic and Republican vote was pretty evenl}^ balanced 
in the county. In the succeeding year, 1855, Salmon P. Chase, the 
Republican nominee for Governor, received a majority of three hun- 
dred over his antogonist, Hon. Wm. Medill, who was Governor and a 
candidate for re-election. In 1856, James Buchanan, the Democratic 



92 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

candidate for President, had a majority of about four hundred over 
John C. Fremont, the Republican candidate, while about four hundred 
votes were cast for Millard Fillmore, the so-called American candidate. 
In 1857, Henry B. Payne, the Democratic nominee for Governor, re- 
ceived a majorit\' of about three hundred over Salmon P. Chase, the 
Republican noiuinee. From 1859 ^^ ^8^3, the Democrats continued to 
carry the county b}' majorities ranging from two to seven hundred. In 
1863, when there was a strong soldier vote in the army, John Brough, 
the Republican nominee for Governor, received a majorit}^ of one hun- 
dred over Clement L. Vallandigham, the Democratic nominee. In 
1864 the Republicans carried the county by a small majority at the Oc- 
tober election, but in November, George B. McClellan, the Democratic 
Candida e for President, received a majorit}' of twenty-live over Abraham 
Lincoln, the Republican candidate. In 1865, the Democrats had a ma- 
jority of about one hundred on the head of the ticket. The Democratic 
majority was gradually increased, and from 1869 to 1881, the Demo- 
crats carried the county on general issues by majorities varying from 
two hundred to eight hundred. Of late years, the Greenback or Na- 
tional party has cast a considerable vote, sometimes aggregating five or 
six hundred. The Prohibitionist part}^ has also kept up a small vote, 
probably never exceeding one hundred in the county. 

Though the Democrats had a majority in the count^^ the Whig lead- 
ers who were shrewd and popular men, succeeded in being elected to 
many of the local county offices, until county conventions were invent- 
ed, or rather imported from the East. This was about 1835. From 
this time forward, the Whigs were out maneuvered and overpowered, 
and with few exceptions, were obliged to take back seats, and the con- 
vention ticket was put through. Thomas J. Maginnis was the first to 
make a successful break. He had received the Democratic nomination 
and been elected to the office of Prosecuting Attorney in 1841, and was 
before the convention for re-nomination in 1843. J. Manly Palmer, a 
shrewd Yankee from the East, was also before the Convention, and the 
contest was a warm one. Palmer received the nomination b}^ a major- 
ity of one or two votes only. This created a tremendous row. Magin- 
nis and his friends complained of the improper filling ol vacancies from 
Monroe and Saltlick townships, whereb}- Palmer men were seated in 
place of Maginnis men. After the convention was over, Palmer and 
Maginnis both made speeches outside to large and excited crowds. 
Maginnis proclaimed that he was still a candidate, and would go before 
the people for endorsement. Thus began one of the most furious polit- 
ical contests ever waged in Perry county. The county was canvassed 
over and over again b}' both contestants, who were good speakers, and 
Palmer was noted as a political wire-puller. Maginnis, in opposition to 
the party paper and central committee, made a canvass that surprised 
his friends and almost astounded his enemies. He was a splendid political 
orator for the times, and would speak for three hours at a stretch. Pal- 
mer also did his best, but from the first appeared to be depressed and 
apprehensive of failure. Election da}' came, and Maginnis was success- 
(ul by a majority of two or three hundred. The Whigs had a candi- 
date, Henry Lovell, who received several hundred votes, but the major- 
ity of the Whigs voted for Maginnis. It was indeed a memorable local 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 93 

canvass. This was onh' an episode, however, and for years the con- 
vention ticket was elected. Once, Wm. Spencer, a Whig, was elected 
over L. M. Closs for Prosecuting Attorney. 

The county seat question finally came in to disturb the political ele- 
ments, and convention candidates of dominant parties were not always 
elected. The Republicans elected their entire county ticket in 1855, 
and again in 1863 ; and these were the only years in which they did so. 
In several other years, and as late as 1881, they succeeded in electing 
a part of their ticket. The Republicans elected Representatives in 
1855 and in 1863, when they also had a majority on the general ticket; 
and they elected the Representative in 1879, ^"^ re-elected him in 1881, 
when the county was heavily Democratic on the general ticket. No 
candidate of a Whig convention was ever elected to that office after 
the days of party conventions. 

There were speeches by candidates for Congress and others, of 
course, previously ; but political campaigns on a large scale came in 
with the memorable one of 1840, when General Harrison was the Whig 
nominee for President in opposition to Martin Van Biu^en. The Whigs 
held a large meeting at Somerset, then the county seat, and the old 
hero of Tippecanoe was present and made a speech. Other dis- 
tinguished speakers were also there. There was a free dinner, and the 
meeting was very large. The dinner was spread, and the speeches 
made, in a grove a little south of town, near the place now occupied by 
the Sheridan family residence. Some of the Democrats evidently 
feared the influence of the presence of the old hero, and induced an 
old German soldier of the war of 1812, who probably did not com- 
prehend what he was doing, to go before a magistrate and make oath 
that he pulled General Harrison out of a hollow log at the battle of 
Tippecanoe. This is a specimen of the electioneering done in those 
times. The Harrison campaign made some inroads upon the Demo- 
cratic party in Perry Countv, and some of those who voted for General 
Harrison never returned to their old party, though most of them did. 

The Democrats got up a mass meeting at Somerset during this cam- 
paign, which was addressed by Allen G. Thurman and John Brough, 
two verv able and popular speakers, but. the Court-house held all w4io 
came. The Democratic speeches were probably superior to those made 
at the great Whig demonstration, but the Democrats were manifestly 
pulling against a strong current, which made campaigning hard work. 
It is impossible, in words, to give a correct idea of the extraordinary 
campaign of 1840. It began before harvest and waged unremitting]}' 
imtil the ballots were in the box and the polls closed. 

The Presidential campaign of 1844 was also a memorable one in 
Perry count}'. The Whigs held their principal meeting of that year at 
Rehoboth, then a thriving village, and the chief Whig town of the 
county. There was a free dinner, with a roasted ox, etc., in Thrall's 
woods, a little south of towm. But for the inclemenc}' of the weather 
the demonstration would have reached or surpassed the one at Somerset 
four years pre\'ious. The incessant rain, however, dampened the ardor 
of the most enthusiastic. It poured down nearlv all day, ceasing for 
only a few minutes at a time. Thomas Corwin, Henry Stanberv, and 
Philadelph Van Trump, were the orators of the da}-. In consequence 



94 



HISTORY OF I'ERRY COUNTY. 



of the rain the meeting was held in the hirge tobacco warehouse belong- 
ing to John Ijams, but it would not hold half the people. Large delega- 
tions were present from Somerset, Uniontown, and other places, a 
twenty-four horse team being one of the attractions. The meeting 
inside the warehouse was orderly enough, but outside all was uproar. 
The Whig rowdies had possession of the grog shops during the greater 
part of the day, but toward evening the Democrat roughs outnumbered 
their antagonists and took possession. One man became raving wild 
by intoxication, and attempted to kick and knock to pieces the siding 
of an old house in which he was placed for safekeeping, and had finally 
to be tied down with a rope. The extreme inclemency of the day, no 
doubt, was the cause of much of the drinking and consequent riotous 
conduct. Had the weather been favorable the political demonstration 
would have been a grand one. 

The Democrats held the principal meeting of the presidential cam- 
paign of 1844 at New Lexington, which was addressed by Hon. William 
Allen, David Tod, and Hon. Isaac Parish. Allen was United States 
Senator, Tod was the Democratic nominee for Governor, and Parish 
for Congress. 

This meeting was held in Skinner's Grove, adjacent to town, on the 
south side. The day was fair, and there was a large assemblage. 
Allen and Tod made long and characteristic speeches. They rode in 
an open carriage along the crowded streets, and Tod continually smiled 
and bowed to the people on either side. Allen sat bolt upright, and 
looked neither to the right nor to the left. The whole demonstration 
was a quiet one, compared with the Whig display at Rehoboth. 

The Presidential campaigns v( 1848 and of 1852, were quiet affairs 
in comparison with those of 1840 and 1844. In 1852, the Whigs let the 
count}' go almost by default. Hon. William Dennison, candidate for 
Whig State Elector, was announced to speak at Somerset, but he did 
not come, and the meeting was addressed by Hon. Wm. E. Finck and 
Charles Borland. The court house was not one-third full, and the 
meeting was very dull. The Democrats did a little better, both at 
Somerset and New Lexington. The}^ raised a pole at the former place, 
and Hon. S. S. Cox made a speech. An eloquent Irish orator from 
Baltimore, Md.. spoke at New Lexington, and also at Somerset. The 
canvass however was a tame one. 

The Presidential Canvass of 1856 was a more lively one. especially 
on the part of the new Republican party. A large mass meeting was 
held at New Lexington, and also at Somerset. There was disappoint- 
ment at both places, on account of speakers, but the people were pres- 
ent. 

At the New Lexington lueeting there was a band of young 
ladies dressed in white, one for each State. The one who represented 
Kansas was dressed in deep mourning, and carried a small white flag, 
with a deep black border ; the others carried white flags with the name 
of the State which they represented inscribed thereon. Later in the 
campaign, there was a great Republican rally at Somerset. Large del- 
egations attended it from New Lexington and other places. The dele- 
gation h'om New Lexington was headed by a procession of ladies on 
horseback. The several delegations united at a point south of town, 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY 



95 



and preceded by a band of music, marched through the principal streets, 
making quite a display- 

The Democrats of the county also made a great effort, and with a 
better success : of the speakers, Ex-Governor Medill, Judge Whitman 
and others spoke at New Lexington, and later in the canvass, Allen 
G. Thurman, David Tod and H. J. Jewett all spoke from the same 
stand at the east end of the old court house, at Somerset. This was a 
strong array of speaking talent, but the meeting was not an unusuall}' 
large one. Thurman also spoke at night, and remained over the next 
day (Sunday) with his sister, the wife of Rev. Cornelius Remensny- 
der, then pastor of the Lutheran church, at Somerset. 

The campaign of i860 was conducted with considerable energ}- by 
both parties, and large meedngs were held at New Lexington, Somer- 
set and other places. Hon. John Sherman and Hon. Valentine B. 
Horton spoke at the New Lexington meeting. Judge D. K. Cartter, 
and Horton spoke at the Somerset meeting. The "Wide Awakes," or 
"Sons of Abraham," as they were called in this county, were out in 
great force in both places. 

Henry B. Payne and other speakers addressed a Democratic Mass 
Meeting at New Lexington, and meetings were also held at Somerset, 
Thornville and elsewhere. The Republicans made the most noise and 
greatest display. The Breckenridge and Lane, and Bell and Everett 
forces were weak, and made no demonstration. 

The campaign of 1864, ^'^^ conducted with considerable vigor by 
both parties, but the people were tired out by the war, which was then 
raging with great fury, and the so-called mass meetings were not very 
largel}^ attended, though many were held at New Lexington, Straits- 
ville, Somerset and other places. 

In the campaign of 1868, the county was thoroughly canvassed by 
both parties, and many small meetings held. The so-called mass 
meetings, held at the principal towns, were failures, as compared with 
those of more exciting years. 

The Presidential campaign of 1872 was one of very considerable 
activity. Large meetings were held in the principal towns, and a very 
spirited canvass was made by both the leading parties. Each party had 
at New Lexington a large company of uniformed and well trained men. 
with oil and lamps for night parade, and the}^ paraded the streets on 
various occasions. Large meetings, processions and parades, were the 
order of the time. Day and night meetings were held in nearly everv 
township in the county. 

The canvass of 1876 was not so noisy as that of 1872, but both par- 
ties worked with their accustomed energy, and man^- speeches were 
made in various parts of the county. It was not a campaign, however, 
for great central mass meetings. 

That of 1880 was a comparatively tame affair, compared with al- 
most any of its predecessors. Both parties found it difficult to organize 
clubs, or keep up meetings, and, in some places, wdiere clubs had been 
organized, they were abandoned, even before the October election. 
As a political campaign among the people, it was insipid and spiritless. 
The shouts for either Garfield or Hancock, were few and far between, 
though a tolerable full vote was polled. 



g6 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

There were some gubernatorial and congressional canvasses of such 
exceptional interest as to be worth}' of record. The first gubernatorial 
campaign of the Republican party, in 1855, is one of them. Wm. 
Medill was Governor, and had been nominated by the Democrats for 
re-election. Salmon P. Chase was put in nomination by the newly 
organized and only half disciplined Republican party. Medill was a 
good, strong man, against whom nothing personal could be urged. 
Chase was a giant, but his strength was not generally known. His 
nomination had been opposed in the State Convention by delegates 
from Perry county, and his candidacy was not over well received. He 
made a very thorough canvass of the State, but did not visit this 
(Perry) county. William H. Gibson, however, addressed two large 
meetings here, and, on both occasions, made powerful efforts in behalf 
of the new Republican party. Samuel Medary and Governor Medill 
came to the county and spoke for the Democrats, but neither of them 
in oratory and eloquence, could cope with Gibson. The county 
wheeled into the Republican column and gave Chase three hundred 
majority. Two years later, in 1857, Mr. Chase personally visited the 
county and spoke to a large meeting at Somerset, and also at New 
Lexington, remaining over night at the latter place. PI. B. Payne, the 
Democratic candidate, however, received a majority in the county of 
three hundred and thirty, making a change of over six hundred in two 
years. 

The congressional campaign of 1862 was a most remarkable one, 
so far as relates to Perry county. Carey A. Trimble was the Republi- 
can, and William E. Finck the Democratic candidate. Trimble person- 
ally visited and spoke in every township in the county, and had good 
meetings almost everywhere. At some points they were very large. It 
was the county of Mr. Finck's residence, and he canvassed it well, but 
not so thoroughly as Mr. Trimble did. Trimble labored as long and as 
earnestly, as though he had a prospect of being elected, which he had 
not. The county gave an increased Democratic majority, but it would 
have been still further increased, had it not been for the earnest and 
persistent efforts of Mr. Trimble. 

The gubernatorial canvass of 1863, in the midst of the war, wherein 
John Brough was the Republican candidate and Clement L. Vallan- 
digham the Democratic candidate, is distinguished as being the most 
exciting one that ever occurred in the county. Before either party had 
made nominations, Mr. Vallandigham had been invited to speak at 
Somerset. He came and addressed what many regard as the largest 
political assemblage ever convened in the county. It was, indisputably, 
a great demonstration, and was one of the events that indicated the 
rising popularity of Vallandigham with his part}-, and his probable 
nomination for Governor. 

Previous to the assembling of the Republican State Convention, 
Governor Tod had received and accepted an invitation to attend a 
Fourth of July celebration at Somerset. Between the time of the ac- 
ceptance of his invitation and the anniversary, the Republican State 
Convention had been held and John Brough substituted for Tod at the 
head of the ticket. Governor Tod was a little chagrined, as well he 
might be, under the circumstances, for most of the Perry county dele- 



HISTORY OF I'ERRV COUN'i'V. g7 

gates had voted tor Brough ; Ijut true to his promise. Tod came on ac- 
cording to appointment. A committee of arrangements, with the de- 
sign of meeting the Governor some distance from town with an escort, 
wrote to ascertain at what time he would arrive, and on which road he 
would come. He promptly replied, snubbing the committee, and ex- 
pressing his ability to get into town without so much trouble. He came 
to Tiiornville the evening of the 3d of July, remained there over night, 
and the result was that when he reached Somerset in a private conve}'- 
ance, nobody knew who he was, and he had visited a barber shop, and 
was in town some considerable time before his presence was known. 

The meeting was held in Parkinson's grove, and was a very large 
atTair. Gov. Tod and T. J. Maginnis spoke at length in the forenoon, 
then the meeting was dismissed to partake of the basket dinner. A 
most remarkable thing followed. The da}- had been extremely warm, 
the sky clear, and the sun had been shining brightly. The people had 
scattered through the grove, and most of them had finished their din- 
ner, when, with the sun shining through the tree tops, and no sign of a 
cloud anywhere, a few large drops of rain began to fall. The gentle 
falling of these drops continued for several minutes, and was enjoyed 
by all, for the heat had been oppressive. But after a little while the 
rain increased, and at last came harder and faster, until it seemed to 
pour down in torrents ; and in less than ten minutes there could not 
have been a dry stitch in the large assemblage. The people were com- 
pletely drenched. For half an hour the rain continued, and when the 
shower was over, the people, men, women and children, were a sight 
to behold. Many of the ladies were dressed in white, and all looked 
as though they had just emerged from a bath at Saratoga or Cape May. 
The afternoon speeches were never heard. There was another remark- 
able thing connected with this meeting. While Maginnis was speak- 
ing, before noon, or just about noon, he announced that some one had 
just told him "Grant had taken Vicksburg," and "• Meade had whipped 
Lee like the devil at Gett3^sburg." This news had come by the " grape 
vine line," so often heard of during the war ; for Somerset was not then 
a railroad town, and had no telegraph. 

In the latter part of August, of the same 3'ear, Judge Backus of 
Cleveland spoke to a large crowd in the coin-t house ^-ard at New Lex- 
ington. On the tenth of September, John Brough, John Sherman and 
T. J. Maginnis, addressed an immense mass meeting in " Fowler's 
Grove," near New Lexington. The people came in long processions, 
with banners flying and drums beating. A large procession of ladies 
on horseback met and escorted most of the delegations into town. The 
meeting itself was highly enthusiastic. The Democrats had also an 
overwhelming meeting in this grove in September, addressed by Hon. 
Daniel Voorhees and other distinguished speakers. The delegations 
made their preparations wath great labor and not a little expense. A 
number of huge conveyances on wheels, constructed for the occasion, 
and other novelties were features of the great procession which moved 
through the principal streets of the town and out to the grove. A large 
number of ladies on horseback headed the procession. 

Early in October of the same year, Benjamin F. Wade spoke for 
three hours to a large concourse of people at Somerset, in the edge of 



C^8 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

an old orchard on the site of John Fink's tavern of long ago. Wade 
came through in a private conveyance, and was in his best mood. It 
had rained in the morning, but the afternoon was unusually nice and 
pleasant. No reporters were present, but persons who were somewhat 
familiar with the old Senator, said that it was one of the greatest efforts 
of his life. Political friends and enemies alike stood for three hours 
and heard him through. 

Col. McGroarty also spoke at various places in the county during the 
canvass, and meetings were held in all the townships by both parties. 

The visit to a little county like Perry, in a single political campaign, 
of Senator Wade, Senator Sherman, Gov. Tod, John Brough, C. L. 
Vallandigham, Dan. Voorhees and Col. McGroarty, to say nothing of 
other speakers more or less distinguished, is certainly very remarkable. 
Considered altogether, it will not be seriously questioned that the gub- 
ernatorial campaign of 1863 was the most noted one that the county of 
Perr}^ ever knew% and has seldom if ever been surpassed by any in 
other counties of the State. 

The gubernatorial canvass of 1867 was also one of great interest. 
The Republicans had taken an advanced position favoring negro suff- 
rage, and they felt that they must work hard to maintain their ground. 
Ex-Governor Dennison and Gen. Moses B. Walker spoke in August at 
New Lexington, in the little park at the public square. Robert C. 
Schenck and William H. Gibson spoke later in the public square at 
Somerset. Schenck and Gibson were men very unlike, but together 
made a strong team. Later still, and early in October, Gibson, and A. 
S. McClure of Wooster, spoke at New Lexington, in a little grove near 
the depot, to a very large crowd. 

The Democrats had a large rall}^ at the little public park, in New 
Lexington, where speeches were delivered by Allen G. Thurman, the 
Democratic candidate for Governor, Hon. H. J. Jewettand Hon.Wm. E. 
Finck. Numerous other meetings were held throughout the county. It 
was a spirited campaign on the part of the Democrats, and they succeeded 
in making a very considerable gain over the vote of the preceding year. 

In the Congressional canvass of 1864, William E. Finck was the 
Democratic candidate, and Job. E. Stevenson, the Republican candi- 
date. Finck resided in Perry, and Stevenson in Ross. Stevenson was 
one of the most eloquent speakers in the State, and spoke to large au- 
diences in New Lexington, Straits ville, Somerset and various other 
places. Mr. Finck, also a trained and popular orator, did not, of course, 
neglect his own county. It it is not often that two better speakers are 
pitted against each other, in a Congressional race. The result of the 
election was a little curious. Stevenson received a small majority in 
Perry, his opponent's own county, and it was the only one that he carried. 

Perr}^ has had only four terms in Congress, since the organization 
of the county. Two, in the person of Gen. Thomas Ritchey, of Mad- 
ison township, and two by Wm. E. Finck, of Reading. Ritchey was 
first elected in the old Perry, Morgan and Washington district, and af- 
terwards in the district composed of Perry, Fairfield, Athens, Hocking, 
Vinton and Meigs. Finck was twice elected in the district composed 
of Perry, Fairfield, Pickaway, Ross, Hocking and Pike. The county has 
never had an elective State officer, nor a Court of Common Pleas Judge. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 99 



CHAPTER XIII. 

THE MILITARY IN TIME OF PEACE. 

The war with the Indians in Ohio and Indiana, subsequent to the 
close of the revolution, and the bloody part that the red man took in 
the war of 1812, was inducement enough to cause the emigrants in 
what is now Perr}'^ county, Ohio, as well as elsewhere, to keep and 
guard well their trusty rifles, and learn to use them in squads and com- 
panies, in case emergencies might arise. Hence, with or without 
statute requirements, many of the pioneers organized into military com- 
panies, and had their place and times of regular drill. The uniform of these 
early military companies, was the ordinary hunting shirt of the times, 
and a fur cap. The men were armed with a rifle gun, usually of large 
bore and long range. These hunting suits were gotten up with consid- 
erable care, and made quite a nobby dress. As a military uniform, 
they corresponded with the times and surroundings, and were both pic- 
turesque and handsome. There was one or two of these companies 
about Rehoboth, and New Lexington ; the same number about Somer- 
set and Overmyertown, (New Reading). The hunting shirt, when new 
and bright, was worn to church, and man}^ of the elder sons of the 
first settlers, wore this comfortable garment, trimmed with variegated 
homespun fringe, when they called upon their sweethearts on Sunday 
evenings, and afterwards were married in the same suit. 

These hunting shirt companies, as they were called, lasted some ten 
or twelve years, when the times required a change. A law had also been 
enacted authorizing the organization of Light Infantry companies, which 
were armed with heavy flint lock muskets, with bayonets attached, at 
the expense of the State. Some of the old rifle companies re-organized 
under the new^law, and were furnished with the State arms ; other new 
companies were organized and equipped in accordance with the provis- 
ions of the new military law. 

The Perry Guards declined to organize under the new order, and 
stuck to their old arms, the common domestic rifle. The members of this 
company lived mostly in Clayton and Harrison townships. The Perry 
Guards became known and spoken of as the "Old Rifle Company." 
It mustered for ten or twelve years along with the Light Infantr}' and 
Militia. The company laid aside the hunting shirt uniform however, 
and adopted a suit of mingled white and red, that was very showy and 
quite comfortable in the summer season, but would not do so well in cool 
weather. 

Under the new State law, authorizing the Light Infantry and furnishing 
arms, there were organized and equipped, the Somerset Guards, Reading 
Guards, Thornville Guards, National Guards, New Lexington Guards, 
Rehoboth Guards, Jackson Guards, and possibly others. Each com- 



lOO HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

paiu' had a ditrerent imilbrm. They had their regular da3's lor drill, 
and, once a year, were required to meet and muster as a battalion or 
regiment, though there was probably never a sufficient number of com- 
panies for a full authorized regiment. Somerset, New Lexington and 
Rehoboth, were the usual places for battalion or regimental muster. 

These companies were never thoroughly drilled, but, nevertheless, 
with their varied unilorms, drums beating, flags waving, and bayonets 
glistening in the sunshine, they made a tine display on battalion or reg- 
imental parade. 

A militar}' company called the Keokuks was organized at Somerset, 
about 1842 or 43, which adopted a nice black uniform, with black caps, 
trimmed with ostrich plumes. The company, under command of Capt. 
Fletcher Noles, became very proficient in drill, and was the nucleus of 
several companies, of like uniforms, that were organized in the county, 
or reorganized trom old ones, tbrming a battalion, which lasted several 
years. According to the amended military laws, these companies were 
required to hold a two days camp muster, which they did, one year at 
least, in Ma3^'s woods, one mile south of Somerset. There was a gen- 
eral collapse of the Military in 1849. "Tl^e Corn Stalk Militia had col- 
lapsed several years previous. 

In accordance with a statute enacted at an early date, all male mem- 
bers between the ages of eighteen and fortv-flve, who were not mem- 
bers ot volunteer companies, were required to be enrolled, organized 
into companies, and drill two days each year ; for company muster, on 
the flrst Friday of September, and for regimental muster, on Wednes- 
day after the second Monday of the same month. 

The militia of Perry were organized into two regiments. The men 
of militar}^ ^.ge, of Reading, Thorn, Hopewell and Madison townships, 
constituted one regiment, and those of Pike, Clayton, Harrison, Bear- 
field, Monroe, Saltlick, Monday Creek and Jackson, made up another. 
The regimental muster of the former, was held yearly at Somerset, 
the latter at New Lexington. The company musters were held in the 
several townships. When the militia was first organized, every man 
that could, obtained and carried a domestic rifle on drill days, but the 
number of rifles in the ranks yearly grew less, and the corn stalks more, 
until the time came when there was scarcely riflemen enough for guard 
duty. 

The regimental muster days of the militia weic-, nevertheless, red 
letter days for many, and in addition to eight hundred or a thousand 
militia men, there was a' large assemblage of spectators. Early in the 
morning of muster days, the clans would begin to gather. Guns or no 
guns, there was always martial music, and plenty of it. The man who 
could beat the long roll the best, w^as the admired of the hour. At ten 
o'clock sharp, the Captains w^ould form their companies upon the village 
green. Regimental and staft' officers, sitting on restive steeds, with 
plumes waving, drawn swords and scabbards rattling, proceed to form 
the regimental line. The several companies receive their orders, 
file out on to a principal street, and take their appointed place in the 
line. The columns close up, the men being rather ilensely formed in sec- 
tions of four, six or eight. At last all is readv. 'l^lie music is ordered 
to strike up, and the colonel gets in his heaviest work ot the day. Ris- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. lOI 

ing straight up in the stirrups, he opens his mouth, and in clarion 
tones, calls out "Attention the Regiment! Forward March!" and the 
grand column moves along. As the regiment countermarches, 
the corn stalk militiamen get in their jokes as they pass and 
repass each other. The regiment is marched out of town, to a 
convenient held, where the militia spend the day in ranks, except 
an hour of recess for dinner. About four P. M., the regiment is march- 
ed back to town, where it is dismissed by companies, somewhere again 
on the village green. The officers of the militia, as w^ell as those of the 
^'olunteer companies, were required to meet once a year for camp mus- 
ter, which ^^'as usually' held at Somerset. This was designed as a sort 
of Military school. The laws requiring militia muster, were repealed 
about 1842 or 1843, and the business collapsed. 

There were tw^o companies of Cavalry in the county, at an early da}^ 
and for a great manj-^^ears. One of these belonged to the north, and 
the other to the south end of the county. The members of these com- 
panies were unitbrmed, and carried immense swords and pistols. These 
accoutrements would, be great curiosities, if preserved until this day. 
Some of the old swords and pistols are, like enough, in existence at 
this time. 

There was a universal collapse of all military companies in the 
county, about 1849 or 1850, so that in 1853, when the "Hippodrome 
War" broke out, military companies from other counties had to be call- 
ed upon to quell the disturbance. 

There was a companj- organized at New Lexington, in 1857 or 1858, 
but it did not last long. 

There was one organized at Straitsville, in i860, but nearly all of its 
members went into the war in 1861, and the home company was dis- 
banded. 

A company was organized at New Lexington in 1862, which in 1863 
reorganized as one of the National Guard. 

The orij^anization of the National Guard was authorized bv enact- 
ment of Legislature in 1861-62, and in a few^ months, seven or eight 
companies thereof were organized and e'quipped in Perr}^ county ; one 
at Somerset, one at New Reading, one at New Lexington, one 
at Oaktield, one at Straitsville, one at Maxville and one in 
Clayton and Madison townships. They all wore the army blue 
and were equipped by the State. They w^ere required to drill 
at stated times, in time of peace. They were all called into active 
service in 1864, an account of which is given in another chapter. 

Soon after the close of the war, the militar}^ laws were again chang- 
ed, and the National Guard Companies disbanded, and for ten years 
there was no organized military company in the county. It was, of 
course, full of citizen soldiers, who had proved their valor, b}^ long, ac- 
tive and faithful service, where hardships and dangers were the common 
lot. But, as previousl}- stated, there was no organized bod}- of military 
in the covmty. 

The Ewing Guards were organized early in 1876, and made their 
hrst public appearance, uniformed, armed and well drilled, on the fourth 
of Jul}', 1876, to participate in a Centennial Celebration. The Captain, 
T. J. Smith, had been a boy soldier in the w^ar of the Rebellion, and 



I02 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

had seen and taken part in many of its deadliest battles, including Get- 
tysburg. The First Lieutenant, J. M. Holmes, had been in the war, 
and an inmate of Southern prisons. Several of the non-commissioned 
officers and privates, had also seen the hardest of military service ; but 
many of the members of the company were boys, or quite young men, 
who could remember but dimly, if at all, the stirring and alarming 
scenes of 1861. 

The Ewing Guards have been very faithful in drill, and prompt to 
appear on all public occasions. They are reqviired by the law to spend 
a week in camp muster every year. They camped at Thornport in 
1877, Zanesville, in 1878-79, Newark in 1880, Lakeside, on Lake Erie, 
in 1881, and last at Coshocton, in August, 1882. The Company was 
called into active service in the "Corning War," an account of which 
is given in another place. The name has latel}^ been changed, and the 
company is now called the New Lexington Guards. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. I03 



CHAPTER XIV. 

THE WAR OF l8l2 AND MEXICAN WAR. 

The War of 1812. — At the time of this war, Perry had no existence, 
and the townships afterwards incorporated into Perry, were but thinly 
settled, several of them being entirely unsettled. The principal settle- 
ments were in Thorn, Reading, Hopewell and Madison. Very few 
persons were living in Jackson, Clayton, and Bearfield townships, and, 
at the breaking out of the war, Pike, the township in which New Lex- 
ington is situated, had but one settler, a bachelor, John Fowler. But 
what is now the county, furnished its quota of troops. They were most- 
1}^ assigned to companies organized in Fairfield or Muskingum counties, 
several of them serving under Captain Sanderson, of Lancaster. They 
were sent to the northern part of the State, and served with the army 
operating along the Canadian frontier. Some of them were at Hull's 
ignominious surrender. Others served under Generals Scott and Cass. 
But most of them were assigned to General Harrison, and sent to Fort 
Meigs, which withstood two memorable sieges ; and where the British and 
Indians combined, failed to dislodge the brave men who defended it. 
The besieged soldiers lost seriously, in killed and wounded, and endur- 
ed almost incredible hardships and privations, but the fort was held. 

John Fowler, the solitary inhabitant of Pike township, when the war 
broke out. went to the army, serving two terms as a substitute for draft- 
ed men, and paid the government for his land with money earned in the 
militar}^ service. Mr. Fowler afterward married and raised five sons, 
all of whom served in the Union Arm}^ during the Rebellion. The old 
original settler of the township lived to be quite aged, and died only a 
few years since. His gun and fishing rod were the companions of his 
old age ; and only a short time previous to his death, it was a common 
occurence to see him in the dusk of the evening wending his way home- 
ward with a bunch of squirrels or a string of fish. 

John Lidey, a soldier of the war of 18 12, became a prominent man 
in the county, was frequently elected to office, and was a member of 
the Constitutional Convention of 1851. He had also been State Sena- 
tor and Representative. 

The soldiers of the war of 18 12, of this county, as far as known, are 
now all dead. The last one, Henry Hazletcn, of Saltlick township, died 
only about three years ago. 

The war checked emigration to the county for several 3'ears, and in 
fact seriously afiected the whole country. After peace was declared, 
what is now Perry county began to fill very rapidly, and the question 
of a new county was pressed upon the people and legislature, and the 
act finally passed in December, 1817. 



I04 HISTORY OF PEKRY COUN'J^V. 

The War with Mexico. — When Congress formall}' declared that 
" War existed by the act ot Mexico," and Ohio was called on for its 
quota of troops, early steps were taken in Perry count}' for the raising 
of volunteers. Fletcher Noles of Somerset, who had been captain of 
an independent military company, known as the Keokuks, in time of 
peace, was very active and zealous in recruiting ; and being considered 
a good and efficient military man, was, when the company was raised, 
duly elected and commissioned Captain. Isaac De Long, a lawyer, 
also of Somerset, assisted in recruiting the company, and became Lieu- 
tenant. Men were enlisted from all parts of the count}^, but principally 
from the neighborhood of Somerset, then tlie county seat. The two 
militia regiments of Perry county were to assemble and parade at Som- 
erset, and also all the volunteer companies of the county, for the pur- 
pose of being harangued on the war question, with a view of getting 
volunteers tor active service in the army. The militia were massed in 
a solid square in Dittoe's woods, west of town, and John Lidev, the 
Major General, seated on a spirited charger, made a fervent and char- 
acteristic speech, urging the militia-men to volunteer and tight for their 
countr}^. A creditable number of volunteers was obtained that day. 
After the dismissal of the militia, Daniel Humphreys of Newark, John 
H. O'Neill of Somerset, and others, harangued the masses in the court- 
house square. It was late in the evening before the people dispersed to 
their homes. Volunteering continued, and Captain Noles completing 
his enlistments, marched the men to Zanesville, where they went into 
camp on Putnam Hill. Here a number of recruits were obtained and 
the company fully organized. After several days' drill, the company 
left camp, went aboard a boat, and sailed down the Muskingum and 
Ohio to Cincinnati, where it was assigned and organized as Company 
" H " of the Third O. V. I., under the command of Colonel Curtis of 
Mount Vernon, Ohio. After remaining in Cincinnati a short time, the 
troops descended the Ohio and Mississipi rivers to New Orleans, where, 
alter a few da3's, they embarked for the mouth of the Rio Grande. 
They landed at Poin Isabel, and went into camp. After a short time 
the regiment was ordered up the river to Matamoras, where it went in- 
to camp, and did garrison duty for several months. Then it was or- 
dered to Camargo, where it remained awhile, and then was ordered to 
Monterey, and afterward to Buena Vista. The regiment was not in the 
battles of Monterey or Buena Vista. These battles occurred while the 
Third regiment was yet stationed at Matamoras. After remaining for 
some time at Buena Vista and neighborhood, the regiment was ordered 
to march to Matamoras. Its term of service having expired, it was 
soon sent home. It took boats at Matamoras lor New Orleans, which 
place was reached safely in due time. There the men were mustered 
out, paid and discharged. The men had been in no pitched battle, but 
they had seen guerillas enough and endured many hardships. There 
was much sickness and several deaths in Captain Noles' company. A 
number died after reaching home, from disease contracted while in the 
service. 

The war continued, and the government was calling tor more volun- 
teers. Warren Filler and Thomas Ross, w4io had been with Captain 
Noles' company in the first year of the war, went to work and enlisted 



historV of perky county. 105 

a company for another year's service. A few of the members of the 
company were from Hocking and other counties. Warren Filler be- 
came Captain and Thomas Ross a Lieutenant. The company rendez- 
voused at Somerset, and then marched to Lancaster, where they went 
aboard a canal boat, which took them to Portsmouth. At Cincinnati 
they joined the reorganized Third Regiment O. V. I., and went down 
the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans. From this city the 
regiment embarked for Vera Cruz, on the coast of Mexico. They were 
with the column under General Scott, but the regiment with others was 
detailed to guard posts and keep open the line of communication. Con- 
sequently, Captain Filler's company did not participate in any of the 
pitched battles, but had numerous encounters with guerilla troops. Af- 
ter the fall of the Mexican capital, the regiment to which the Perry 
companjr belonged, was ordered up and stationed awhile at the capital 
and in the neighborhood, doing camp and guard duty, and looking after 
guerrillas. But peace came, and the regiment was ordered home. It 
marched back to Vera Cruz and took a vessel for New Orleans, where 
the troops were paid and. discharged. The Perry county company left 
behind them a number of dead comrades, whose dust reposes beneath 
the sod of the now friendly Republic. Others came home sick and dis- 
eased, some of whom died in consequence, in a short time, and others 
never fully recovered. 

At the time of the war, Mexico seemed a great way ofT, and going- 
there ''to soldier," appeared like going out of the world. The mili- 
tary service there was no play. Fighting the Mexicans on their own 
soil, was in many cases a serious undertaking. The sanguinary battles 
of Monterey, Buena Vista, Cerro Gordo, and the struggles around the 
Capital, showed that the Mexican soldiers were no cowards, though 
they could not compete with the United States troops. 

Many soldiers from Perry served in other companies than those 
named, but they were also in other regiments, and their services can- 
not be traced except to record the fact that they participated in several 
of the important battles of the war, which not only secured Texas to 
us, but gave other large accessions of territory. 

14 



I06 HISTORY OF PERKY COUNTY 



CHAPTER XV. 

THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 

All through the winter of 1860-61, the country here as elsewhere, 
was in a feverish state of excitement, consequent upon the dissatisfac- 
tion existing in many of the Southern Stares, and their avowed inten- 
tion of secession. Such action, when carried to its logical conclusion, 
could only end in civil war ; consequently, the minds of the people were 
in some degree prepared for the intelligence that Fort Sumter had been 
fired upon, and that war had actually begun. 

Sunday, April, 1861, was a dark day, as the wires told of the bom- 
bardment of Sumter by the rebel forces under Beauregard, and the 
final surrender of Major Anderson and the brave men under his* com- 
mand. The attack startled and alarmed the people like the ringing of 
fire-bells in the night. Monday morning brought the news of Presi- 
dent Lincoln's Proclamation for volunteers ; and soon after came word 
of the firing on the Sixth Massachusetts, as it was marching through 
Baltimore, on its way to defend the beleaguered National Capital, and 
the death of two or three of its men. " Handle the bodies tenderly," 
telegraphed Governor Andrew ; " Give them every needful care and at- 
tention, and all expenses will be paid by the Commonwealth of Massa- 
chusetts." These words were read out at New Lexington as well as in 
almost every other telegraph office in the land, and at once introduced 
to the people everywhere, the great and popular war Governor of the 
East. 

Lyman J. Jackson, Prosecuting Attorne}^ of Perry county, who had 
not been a supporter of President Lincoln in the contest of the preced- 
ing 3^ear, asked and obtained leave of Governor Dennison to enlist a 
company, in compliance with the proclamation of the President. A 
muster roll was made out and a meeting held at the Court House at 
night. Speeches were made by Mr. Jackson and W. H. Free, after 
which they signed their names to the muster roll. Other speeches were 
made, and other names secured to the roll. The next morning enlist- 
ing still went on. Volunteers began to flock in from Somerset, Straits- 
ville, and other parts of the county. Meetings were held at the Court 
House almost every day and night. Judge Whitman, of Lancaster, 
came over and made a memorable two hours speech at the Court House, 
urging the right and necessity of maintaining the integrity of the Union 
at every hazard and to the last extremity. 

In a few days, the roll of the military company was full, and the 
enlisted men assembled at New Lexington and elected Lyman J. Jack- 
son, Captain; Wm. H. Free, First Lieutenant, and Benjamin S. Shir- 
ley, Second Lieutenant. The company after organization, remained 
at New Lexington several days ; the men were constantly drilled by the 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. IO7 

Captain and Lieutenants, and other persons. A large quantity of red 
flannel was purchased, and a shirt made for each man of the compan}-. 
The ladies met at the Court House, and with shears, needles, thimbles, 
and sewing machines, soon had all the garments completed. These, 
when donned by the boys, and worn without coats or vests, made quite 
a striking uniform. The weather was warm, and the company was 
drilled, dressed in this style, and, when oft' duty, the boys walked 
about the streets, or stood in groups, clad in the same novel and pic- 
turesque costume. The sound of the fife and drum was almost inces- 
sant, and the very air appeared to be full of the pomp, grandeur and 
circumstance, if not the woes and horrors of war. The town was full 
of people from the country, mostly the friends and relatives of the 
volunteers. One Sunday was spent in New Lexington after organiza- 
tion. It was passed in drill and warlike preparations, very much the 
same as other days, with the exception that on the green, in front of 
the M. E. Church, at the regular hour of service. Rev. L. F. Drake 
preached to the soldiers and people from the text : "In the name of the 
Lord we will raise up our banners." A copy of the New Testament 
was here presented to each member of the military company. Take it 
all in all, this was the strangest and most memorable Sabbath ever 
spent in the town. 

Captain Jackson's company was ordered to report at Camp Ander- 
son. Lancaster, Ohio, at which place it was mustered into the service 
for three months, as Company E of the Seventeenth O. V. I. A very 
large crowd was present at the depot when the boys left for Lancaster, 
and the scene was truly a memorable one. The boys gave a long, con- 
tinued cheer, as the cars moved away. The regiment was soon after 
ordered to join the forces under General McClellan, then operating in 
Western Virginia." The members of Company E first stepped upon 
the "sacred soil" at Benwood, opposite Bellaire, and were successively 
stationed at Clarksburg, Grafton, Buckhannon, and other neighboring 
towns ; and barelv escaped being in the battle of Rich Mountain. Just 
before this battle. General McClellan called for the Seventeenth Ohio, 
but the regiment had been divided and separated, and when that fact 
was reported to him, he ordered the Nineteenth Ohio in its place, 
which regiment was engaged in the battle. Company E participated 
in a number reconnoissances, and a memorable expedition to Ravens- 
wood. The compan}^, in connection with others of the Seventeenth, 
was engaged in breaking up rebel camps and recruiting stations, and 
driving recruiting officers out of that part of Virginia. In this way it 
did good service. They were in a number of skirmishes, and on one 
occasion encountered a force under O.Jennings Wise, son of Governor 
Wise, and worsted it. Young Wise was glad to get awa}'. On one of 
these scouting expeditions. Lieutenant Free and a detachmant captured 
a number of influential and active rebels who were taken to Camp 
Chase under Free's charge, and consigned to the military prison there. 
In a number of ways, these three months men did effective service. 
At the expiration of about four months, instead of three, as enlisted 
for, the Seventeenth regiment was withdrawn from the field, and mus- 
tered out at Camp Goddard, Muskingum county. These raw troops 
returned to their homes bronzed, fatigued, and almost worn out by the 



I08 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

service ; but no deathvS or casualties occurred in the company from 
Perry county. A majority of the company soon after enhsted in three 
year regiments, and served in all parts of the country, where the war 
waged. The men of the old original Company E are dead or widely 
sundered now. Of the hundred men or over, who marched down the 
hill to the depot on that April day in 1861, probably less than a dozen 
could now be mustered together in Perry county. The living are 
widely scattered, but man}- are dead, and their graves are about as 
widely separated as the abodes of the living. 

The following is a correct copy of the muster roll of the Company : 

Officers — Lyman J. Jackson, Captain ; William H. Free, First 
Lieutenant; Benjamin S. Shirley, Second Lieutenant. 

Ser^jfeants — Oliver Eckles, William S. Briijht, William G. Williams, 
Thomas F. Hammond. 

Corporals — Henry L. Harbaugh, Levi Bowman, Levi Burgoon, 
William R. Hays. 

Privates — Adams, Calvin : Adams, John, Jr. ; Alexander, Aaron ; 
Berkey, George W. ; Beck, John ; Bradshaw, James ; Baisore, John D. ; 
Butler, Alexander; Buchanan, James ; Connor, Fernando; Colborn, 
James P. ; Cooksey, Obed S. ; Colborn, John H. ; Carroll, James R. ; 
Conlon, Thomas ; Colborn, Sylvester C. ; Curran, Patrick F. ; Cavinee, 
John ; Drury, Henry B. ; Dumolt, Martin : Denny, Robert H. ; Delong, 
Joseph ; Dolan, James T. ; Doughty, John W. ; Dupler, Solomon ; 
Edwards, William ; Frantz, Hiram ; Freeman, John W. ; Gruber, John 
W. ; Gu3/ton, Benjamin ; Guyton, David ; Goodin, Moses ; Hickman, 
Thomas N. ; Hickman, R. Fletcher ; Haggandorn, Stephen; Hartsel, 
Smith; Harbaugh, Daniel; Henderson, James ; Jackson, William S. ; 
Ketchum, Newton ; Keeley, Terrence ; Little, William ; Lovebury, 
Jonathan : Lidey, J. Warren ; Lucas, Peter P. ; Liddy, Andrew ; Lari- 
mer, James ; Larimer, Samuel B. ; Moriart, John ;' Martin, John ; Mus- 
selman, Henry ; McMullen, Daniel ; Mulharon, John ; Mason, Horatio 
N, ; Morgan, Reuben H. ; McGonagle, Hugh; Nichols, George; 
Oatley, Jerome; O'Halloran, Thomas, Petit, Levi L. ; Palmer, Ira; 
P.iindable, Thomas ; Rambo, Austin : Ricktor, Oliver ; Rugg, Samuel ; 
Stanbus, James ; Sousley, George ; Sousley, John ; Studer, William 
A. ; Saladee, John W. ; Spencer, Henry W. ; Smith, Thomas ; Spencer, 
Osborn ; Sanders, John ; Saffell, Richard C. ; Sheldon, William ; 
Tharp, Jackson ; Tharp, Asa ; Thomas, Simeon ; Tharp, Alfred ; 
Wright, Francis M. ; Witmer, Daniel ; Whitmer, Franklin ; Williams, 
Columbus L. ; Whipps, Andrew J. 

TuiKTY-FiKST O. V. ]. — When President Lincoln issued his first 
call for volunteers for three years or during the war, John W. Free of 
New Lexington was doing business at Straitsville, and had been elect- 
ed Captain of an independent military company, organized at that 
place under the laws of Ohio. He promptly asked and obtained leave 
to raise a company for the three years' ser\'ice, went at once to work, 
and in a few da3s had his muster roll full and running over. A major- 
ity ot the members ol the home military company' enlisted, embracing 
nearly half of the three years' company as enrolled for the war. The 
celerity with which this body of brave men was enlisted for the service. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. I09 

is almost incredible. Not many persons knew the fact that Mr. Free - 
was authorized to raise a company, until it was announced that it was 
full The men were enlisted principally in Salthck, but Monroe, Fike 
and Monday Creek townships also contributed. It should be remem- 
bered too that the company was raised just after the Bull Run disaster, 
when 'the whole country was depressed and it was known that enlisting 
for the war meant business, and that of the most serious nature Cap- 
tain Free came up home on Saturday evening, announced that the ranks 
were full, the enlistment roll completed, and that his men would be m 
New Lexington the ensuing Tuesday morning to take the cars lor Camp 
Chase Columbus, for active service. That a full company, for so long 
a term' of service could be raised in so short a time, it was almost im- 
impossibleto believe: and many, no doubt, were impressed with the 
idea that matters were exaggerated. But the sequel proved t^iat every- 
thing reported was solid fact. Many of the people ol New Lexington 
knew nothing of the enhstment of the company, and those who did 
know something of it, were wholly unprepared to witness such a de- 
monstration as followed. . r ^ . 

About ten o^clock in the forenoon, a great cloud of dust was seen _ 
to rise in McClellan's lane, about a mile south of town. It was^pro- 
duced by the members of Captain Free's company and their Irienas, m 
bucrrries: expresscs, carriages, wagons, on horseback and atoot, pre- 
ceded bv a good martial band, altogether making a procession ot nearly 
two miles in length. In many cases, not only fathers and brothers, but 
mothers, sistersi cousins and "sweethearts accompanied the boys to this 
place. As the imposing and altogether unprecedented procession 
moved into town, windows, doors, balconies and sidewalks were hlled 
with spectators, handkerchiefs and flags were waved and cheer upon 
cheer was criven for the Union and the starry banner that symbolized it. 
lust such a demonstration the town never saw before or since, and prob- 
ably never will again. When the volunteers got aboard the cars, there 
were many tearful words and sad farewells, as well as many a jovial 
lauo-h and cheerful, kind goodby. As the tram slowly moved away 
from platlorms and car windows came a half tremulous yet loud and 
exultant cheer, that will Hnger long in the memory of those who heard 
it Many of those brave boys never saw home or friends again ; and 
of those who did, on furlough of some kind, many died afterward m 
hospitals, on the march, in their tents, or amid the awful carnage and 
• surroundings of the battle held. Many of them repose m unknown 
graves. Captain J. W. Free's company reported promptly at Camp 
Chase, and was at once assigned as Company A ol the Thirty-First 

^^Tfew days later, and early in September, 1861, W. H- Free, who 
had iust been mustered out of the three months' service, obtained au- 
thority to enlist a company of three years' men, and m a week or two 
he reported at Camp Chase, with his command full, and his company^ 
was assigned as Company D of the Thirty-t irst. Oliver Eckles ot 
New Lexington, was commissioned as First Lieiitenant. 

This company was recruited principally in Pike, Saklick, Monroe 
and Clayton townships, in Perry county. A few of the men were Irom 
over the border in Athens and Hocking counties. 



no HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

Before the three months' troops had been mustered out, Henry Har- 
per of Somerset had enlisted part of a company for the three years' ser. 
vice ; but when Captain Jackson, of the three months' company, reached 
home, Harper gave way to Jackson, who, assisted by Lieutenant Henry 
C. Greiner and James W. Martin, tilled up the company, which came 
to New Lexington and took the cars for Camp Chase, where it was as- 
signed as Company G of the Thirty-first. 

On the 2 1 St of September, the regiment was ordered to the field. 
Companies A and B had been previously detailed for duty at Gallipolis, 
Ohio, but they were also ordered to join the main body of the regiment 
at Cincinnati, from which place it soon after went to Camp Dick Rob- 
inson, in Kentucky, where it remained several months, preparing by 
drill and discipline for more active and dangerous service. The regi- 
ment was ordered to Mill Springs, to assist Gen. Thomas ; but the 
roads were very bad, the rivers were swollen, and it failed to reach 
Thomas in season to participate in the battle fovight at that place. After 
this the Thirty-First went down the Ohio and up the Cumberland river 
to Nashville, Tennessee, where it was among the first Union troops to 
march into that city. It then moved southward with Buell's army, and 
the boys trod the bloody field of Shiloh ; but the fight was over and the 
rebel troops in full retreat. 

The Thirtv-First was engaged in various service in Tennessee and 
Alabama, until the race between Buell and Bragg for the North opened, 
when the regiment marched through Murfreesboro northward to the 
Ohio river at Louisville, From this point the regiment again turned its 
steps southward. At the battle of Perry ville, the division to which it 
belonged was partially under fire, and could plainly see the bursting 
shells and hear the awful roar of battle, and stood anxiously waiting 
the order to advance into the fight. But the order never came. This 
was perhaps one of the most trying hours the boys of t;)ie regiment ever 
experienced. 

The Thirty-First was actively engaged at Stone River, but the en- 
em)' on this part of the field gave wa}^ before a bayonet charge, and 
there were no severe losses. The regiment was next engaged at Hoov- 
ers Gap, where it behaved splendidly and assisted in driving the rebels 
from a strong position. Chickamauga Cclme not long after, and the 
Thirty-First was sharply engaged on both days, and suffered severely, 
especially on the first day of the fight. Company A was fearfully de- 
pleted. The other companies from Perry suffered almost as much. A 
battery that had been captured by the rebels, was recaptured by a de- 
tachment of the Thirty-First Qhio, led by Captain W. H. Free. On 
the second day of Chickamauga, after the disastrous rout and disorgan- 
ization ofmostof the Federal army, many of the Perr}- and Fairfield boys, 
members of the Seventeenth and Thirty-First, kept together, as well as 
they could, and when orders were given by General Thomas, command- 
er of the army of the Cumberland, to which they belonged, to form a 
second line of battle, and throw up temporary breast-works, they joined 
heartily in the movement. Captain J. W. Stinchcomb, born and 
brought up in Thorn township. Perry county, but in command of a Fair- 
field county company, was very active and conspicuous in the formation 
of this famous second line of battle. So much so. in fact, that he is men- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. Ill 

tioned by General Thomas in the official report of the battle. His loud 
hoarse voice was heard above the din, rallying the scattered soldiers, 
and his stalwart form almost tottered beneath an incredible load of rails. 
A private soldier of the Thirty-First facetiously remarked that he "nev- 
er had the most distant idea how many rails were a load for a man, un- 
til he saw 'Jim' Stinchcomb in the business at Chickamauga." Colo- 
nel Moses B. Walker, of the Thirty-First, was under arrest that day, 
and without a sword, in consequence of some red tape disobedience ; 
but when the army was disorganized he appeared to have as much 
command as anybod}^, and worked bravely and effectively for the estab- 
lishment of the second line of battle. The successful forming and hold- 
ing of this second line was what saved the remnant of Rosecrans' army 
Chattanooga and all south of the Ohio. Had that line been given up, 
and Thomas' army defeated, the seat of war would have been transfer- 
red from the South to the States north of the Ohio. Thousands of 
soldiers, of course, formed on this famous second line, but the author 
only attempts to sketch the part taken by a group of Perry soldiers and 
those acting directly with them. Longstreet's men who, only a little 
over two months before, had fought so bravely in a vain endeavor to 
storm the heights at Gettysburg, made charge after charge upon the 
line here, and several times appeared to be on the verge of driving the 
"Boys in Blue" back ; but at short range they received such a deadly 
fire as no troops on earth could withstand. The side of the hill was 
strewn thick with the dead, wounded and dying. General Longstreet 
has lately said that when this assault failed, the Confederate cause was 
about the same as lost. No Union soldier who witnessed or encountered 
the charge of Longstreet's men on this memorable Sabbath afternoon, 
ever had or expressed any doubts of their heroism. The Federal sold- 
iers after the rout, and retreat of several miles, had become desperately 
cool, and the deadly volleys they fired into the approaching columns of 
the foe, were among the most fearfully destructive of the whole war. 
As night drew on, and Longstreet's commarid failed to take the ridge, 
the dream of invadincj the North forever vanished from the minds of 
the Southern Generals. 

Two young neighbor boys, members of Company A, not fully com- 
prehending the reason for rapidly retreating to a better position, and 
vexed and crying at the condition of affairs, declared that the}^ did not 
go to war to run this wa3^ and that they would not run from those men 
any longer. In spite of all remonstrances they lingered behind, loading 
and firing at the advancing foe, until they were shot down, at the same 
time. Their two graves, with head-boards giving their names, name 
of Company and number of regiment, to which they belonged, situated 
some distance from any other graves, have been seen by more than one 
traveler and newspaper correspondent. Their remains were afterward 
disinterred and transferred to a national cemetery. 

Soon after Chickamauga came Mission Ridge. The Thirty-First 
Ohio was one of the first regiments to ascend this eminence, in advance 
of order by the Commanding General. The firing w^as heavy and con- 
tinuous, but the boys pushed up the hill ; the rebels first overshot and 
then became panic stricken, and the loss was not severe. It is well to 
remember that the successful battle of Mission Ridge was fought and 



112 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

gained without orders, and the credit or discredit of it belongs properly 
to the enlisted soldiers and line officers. 

Soon after Mission Ridge the Thirty-First re-enlisted and came home 
on veteran furlongh. Tiie reception of the Perry county Companies 
will not soon be forgotten. A telegram from Columbus gave the time 
they would arrive. ' Colonel M. B. Walker, of Findlay, Ohio, wishing, 
as he said, to visit the county that furnished more men for his regiment 
than any other, accompanied by some other officers of the regiment, 
came home to New Legington with the boys. The National and Reg- 
imental colors were in the hands of soldiers from Perry, and the flags 
also came along. Hundreds of people assembled at the depot, short as 
the notice had been. The veterans at once formed, and preceded by a 
band of martial music, and the color-bearers holding aloft the torn and 
tattered flags, marched up the hill and into the Court House, where a 
reception speech was made by Judge R. F. Hickman. Colonel Walker 
responded on behalf of the veterans in a thrilling and eloquent speech. 
The Court House was full to overflowing, and altogether it was a very 
memorable occasion. The soldiers then broke ranks for a bountiful 
supper that had been prepared for them by the ladies of New Lexington. 
For thirty days the veterans had a good time at home, where the regi- 
ment received about as many recruits as it had veteran members. 

When the regiment returned to the held, with ranks well fllled up, 
it almost immediately entered upon service in the Atlanta campaign 
under the general direction of General Sherman. In a few days after 
reaching the front it was in the assault upon Resaca and encountered 
serious losses. The regiment subsequently took part in all the im- 
portant battles of the Atlanta campaign, with the single exception of 
Jonesboro. 

When Atlanta was gained the regiment marched into Alabama in 
pursuit of Hood, but the chase was given up and the National troops 
returned to Atlanta. 

On the i6th of November, 1864, the Thirt3^-flrst left Adanta and 
started with Sherman on his "March to the Sea." It participated in 
the many vicissitudes of this grand march and the campaign up through 
the Ccirolinas. After the surrender of Lee and Johnson it marched 
with the main army to Richmond and then to Washington City, where 
it took part in the general review. After this it was transferred to Louis- 
ville, Kentucky, where it was mustered out, July 20th, 1865. The 
The regiment was at once sent to Camp Chase, Ohio, and the men paid 
and discharged. 

The Perry soldiers of the Thirty-flrst O. V. I. have a militar}^ record 
of which they, their friends, and the county may be justly proud. The 
names of Stone River, Hoover's Gap, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, 
Resaca, Atlanta, Kenesaw, and numerous other battles, tell the story 
of the conflicts through which they passed. 

As previously stated, the regiment received many recruits while at 
home on furlough, and the Perry companies obtained more than their 
full quota. Company A, especially, had been fearfully decimated in 
the service, and came home on veteran furlough with thin ranks. This 
Company received man}^ recruits, but they were mostly boys, many of 
whom were not over thirteen or fourteen years of age, and several of 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. tl^ 

them younger brothers or sons of men who had died in the service. 
Company A received about thirty young recruits. When on their way 
to Newark to enlist the group of young striplings looked very unlike 
soldiers, but when they returned in the evening, dressed in soldier 
clothes, they did not look like the same squad of boys. They were 
mostly small, as well as ^^oung, and became known as the "Babies of 
the Thirty-first." Members of other companies were in the habit of 
twitting those of Company A about the time and trouble they must have 
to wash and dress their " babies." But these "babies" learned to fight 
bravely, and several of them were killed in battle or died in hospital, 
and their bones repose in Southern soil, which the sacrifice of their 
young lives contributed in restoring to the dominion of the old flag. 

An incident which occurred in the earh- part of the war, at Camp 
Dick Robinson, is worthy of preservation. The Thirty-first Regiment, 
at that time had a splendid band, and Captain Bill Free and others 
thought they would get up a serenade for General Sherman, Accord- 
ingly, twenty or thirty soldiers, under the direction of Captain Free, 
repaired to Headquarters and blew a melodious blast of music upon the 
stillness of the night air. General Sherman was more prompt than the 
serenaders anticipated, and appeared before the sweet and captivating 
strains of music had ceased. "What do you want?" he demanded. 
Some one timidly answered, " A speech." "A speech, a speech!" 
yelled the General. " Do you think I am John Sherman, and want 
to make a speech ? Who are you, anyway?" " Soldiers of the Thirty- 
first Ohio," Captain Free responded. And then, as the Captain used 
to say, some idiot added, "Principally from Perry County." " Go to 
3^our own quarters immediately," roared Sherman, "and quit stealing 
Dick Robinson's rails, or Fll have you all put in the guard-house." 
The serenaders unceremoniously left quite crest-fallen. 

Just about that time General Sherman was reported crazy, and the 
detachment at first thought there must be some truth in the report, what- 
ever their opinions may have been later. Sherman himself saw new 
light on the " rail " and kindred questions before the close of the war. 
He also learned to make a creditable speech, as the world knows. 

The Thirtieth O, V, I.. — When the late Rebellion commenced 
John W. Fowler was Captain of an independent military company 
at New Lexington, but at the time absent from home, and consequently 
took no part in the organization of the three months' volunteers. How- 
ever, when President Lincoln issued the proclamation for volunteers for 
three years or during the war. Captain Fowler, who in the meantime 
had returned, applied for and obtained permission to raise a company ; 
and assisted by James Taylor and William Massie, who were commis- 
sioned Lieutenants, went heartily to work, and in a few weeks the com- 
pany was raised, and promptly reported at Camp Chase near Columbus, 
and was mustered into the service as company D of the Thirtieth O. V. 
L Two days alter the regiment was ordered to the field. On the sec- 
ond of September, 1861, the regiment reached Clarksburg, Virginia. 
It then marched from Charleston to Weston, and there received its first 
camp equipage. September 6th, the regiment joined the command of 
General Rosecrans, at Sutton Heights. Company D, Captain Fowler's, 
15 



114 ttlSTORV OF PERRY COUNTY. 

and two othei' companies, were ordered to remain there and the rest of 
the regiment and command marched off on other expeditions. The de- 
tachment at Sutton was not idle. The men were kept constantly on the 
alert, and were frequently engaged in sharp conflicts with the bush- 
whackers. The skirmishes were almost continual, and the force was 
none too strong to hold the position. Two or three of the detachment 
were killed and several wounded, while at Sutton. 

On the 23d of December, the companies that had been stationed at 
Sutton, joined the regiment at Fayette ville, and went into winter quar. 
ters. In April, 1862, it broke up winter quarters and went to Raleigh. 
After this the Thirtieth, with the first brigade of General Cox's divi- 
sion, fell back to Princeton, and then went into camp on Flat Top Moun- 
tain. About the middle of August, the regiment with Cox's division 
was ordered to join the army in Eastern Virginia. The troops were 
conveyed in transports to Parkersbvu^g, there boarded the cars, passed 
through the National capital and joined the army under command of 
General Pope. The regiment was under fire at the second battle of 
Bull Run, though not very actively engaged. After this disaster to the 
National cause, and the subsequent crossing of the Potomac by the 
rebel army, the regiment marched through the city of Washington by 
the way of the city of Frederick, and on toward South Mountain. At 
the battle of South Mountain, which quickly followed, the division to 
which the Thirtieth belonged, was among the first to be engaged. Com- 
pany D was in the hottest of the fight and suffered severely. Five or 
six of the compan}^ were killed outright, and twice as many wounded, 
several of whom died in a few days in consequence of their wounds. 
The company was subsequently in the hottest of the fight at Antietam, 
but did not meet with such severe losses as at South Mountain. Cap- 
tain Fowler was wounded in the battle, and one private instantly killed, 
being shot in the head. 

After remaining a few days near the Antietam battlefield, the Thir- 
tieth, with the division of which it was a part, was ordered back to West 
Virginia. Here it remained until about the first of December, when 
the command to which it belonged, was ordered to join the great army 
under General Grant, operating with a view to the capture of Vicksburg. 
It moved down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, and joined the Western 
Army at Young's Point, where it went into camp. This was an un- 
healthy locality, and there was much sickness in consequence, from 
which the Perry bo3^s did not escape. Captain Fowler was seriously 
sick for several weeks. When the time for action had come, the Thir- 
tieth moved down the western banks of the Mississippi, and crossed 
with the army at Grand Gulf. During the investment of Vicksburg, 
the Thirtieth participated in the preliminarv battles and in several assaults 
on the enemy's works, and suffered considerable losses. It was there 
at the surrender of the place. Soon after this the regiment was trans- 
ferred to the army at Chattanooga, and bore an honorable part in the 
successful and decisive battle of Mission Ridge. 

In March, 1864, ^^"'^ regiment re-enlisted, and, like other regiments, 
was sent home on veteran furlough, to have a good time and fill up its 
thinned ranks with recruits. Captain Fowler's company was warmly 
welcomed upon its arrival at New Lexington. There was a 'reception 



HISTORY OF PERRY GOUNTY. II5 

and addresses at the court house, and a supper afterwards. After the 
memorable thirty days at home, and ranks greatly strengthened by re- 
cruits, the Thirtieth boys bade friends good-by and returned again to 
the front. They were in the long and arduous Atlanta campaign, and 
joined in the pursuit of Hood's forces into Alabama. In the battle of 
jonesboro, the Thirtieth lost heavily. It was one of Sherman's regi- 
ments in the famous march through the heart of the confederacy to the 
sea, and was of the attacking force that stormed Fort McAlister. The 
regiment marched up through the Carolinas and took part in the battle 
of Bentonville, one of the last engagements ot the civil war. Lieuten- 
ant Benjamin Fowler and others were wounded in the battle. The 
Thirtieth marched on with Sherman, up through Virginia, including 
the late rebel capital, and on to Washington, D. C, vvhere it partici- 
pated in the great review. Soon after the regiment was ordered to 
Louisville, Ky., and afterwards to Little Rock, Arkansas. On the thir- 
teenth of August it was ordered to Columbus, Ohio, where the men 
were paid and discharged on the 22d of the same month. The regi- 
■ment was in the service about four years, and it is estimated that, during 
its term of service, it traveled a distance of thirteen thousand miles. 

Lieutenant W. S. Hatcher of Company D in this regiment, had some 
remarkable episodes in his military life. He was captured in the neigh- 
borhood of Vicksburg, early in 1863, and with others forwarded to Rich- 
mond, and placed in the celebrated Libby prison. He had not been 
there long until, as he states, a fellow prisoner came rushing down stairs 
and inquired : " "Where is the man from New Lexington, Perry coun- 
ty, Ohio ? " Hatcher said he was the man, and the interrogator an- 
nounced that his name was Henry Spencer, and he was born and 
brought up in Somerset, Perry count}'. Of course they shook hands 
heartily, and had much to talk over. The}' had never seen each other 
before, but their fathers were acquainted ; they came from the same 
county, and could talk over familiar things. This Spencer was Captain 
in a Wisconsin regiment. He was a son of E. A. Spencer, formerly of 
Somerset, and State Senator in 1855-56. Hatcher and Spencer both 
remained in Libby for several months in the year 1863. They were 
both singers, and when the inmates of Libby learned by the colored 
grapevine line, that Vicksburg had~fallen and Gettysburg was won, they 
were of those who crowded around the prison windows, and roared out 
in song, under the lead of Chaplain McCabe of Delaware, Ohio, Mrs. 
Howe's glorious Battle Hymn of the Republic. Hatcher and Spencer 
afterward, with other officers, were sent to Charleston, South Carolina, 
and placed under the fire of the bombarding fleet, in retaliation for some- 
thing done on the Federal side, alleged to be in controvention of the 
laws of war. When this confinement and exposure was over, they were 
put on the cars to be removed to Salisbury or Andersonville, as they 
supposed. Hatcher, Spencer and three other officers, determined to 
make an effort to escape. They were being transported in box cars, 
and were not running at a very high rate of speed, and it was after dark. 
At an agreed signal. Hatcher and comrades pushed aside the guards 
and jumped out. The shots of the guards hurt no one, and the whole 
five escap>ed, with only slight bruises, while the train passed on. The 
five escaped men moved ofl:' at a rapid pace. They had to flank a dwell- 



Il6 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

ing, some time in the night, and Hatcher and two comrades went to 
the right of it, and- the two others to the left; they were to come to- 
gether after the house was safely passed. The two parties failed to 
meet as expected, and they did not dare to make any outcry. After 
waitincjf and searching around for some considerable time, with no suc- 
cess. Hatcher and painty resumed their journey. 

They had a weary, painful tramp of about forty days. They walked 
at night and secreted themselves in daytime. They lived on corn from 
the tields, or walked into the negro cabins in the night session and got 
corn bread and bacon. They hesitated, at first, but hunger drove them 
and they walked boldly and trustingly into negro quarters, and were 
never betrayed. On one occasion they were delayed in finding a good 
hiding place, and were seen by a white man, a little after daybreak. 
They hurried on and concealed themselves the best they could. It was 
not long until they heard a commotion, and saw armed men riding 
about in search of them. Some of the men and dogs came uncomforta- 
bly near, but the boys were not discovered. When Hatcher and com- 
rades reached the Tennessee river, they knew not what to do, and were 
almost in despair. There were no boats available, and their negro aids 
were also disheartened at the prospects. Finally, a negro came who 
thought he could procure a boat some distance away. The fellow run 
a great risk. He had to take it clandestinely, and return it before day- 
break. The boat was secured, and, in company with four or five blacks, 
the three wear}^, half-starved men crossed to the northern side. Stand- 
ing on the northern bank of the river, the boys began to feel that they 
would once more reach the Union lines and see "God's country." They 
shook hands with their black deliverers and bade them good by. They 
told them that they had no money or anything else to give them ; even 
the brass buttons from their coats had been presented, one by one, to 
other negroes, until all were gone. The colored men said they did 
not expect or want anything, and were glad to be able to help the sold- 
iers on their way North. But the boys had now reached a part of the 
country much infested by rebel guerillas, and where numerous Union 
prisoners, almost "Out of the jaws of death and the gates of Hell," 
had been recaptured and taken back to prison. The weary, discouraged 
boys once more had recourse to the blacks. Seeing an intelligent 
looking negro, one of the party accosted him and asked how he thought 
they might reach the Union lines. "Yes, massa, I can take yous to 
whare there is a Company of cavalry." "That is just what we do not 
want to find," was the quick reply. "But dey is Union cavalry," per- 
sisted the darkey — "white Southern men." Now came the most anx- 
ious consultation of the long trip. At last it was decided to trust the ne- 
gro and go with him to the camp of the "Union Cavalry." They found 
the cavalry just as reported. They were citizens of Northern Georgia, 
who adhered to the Union. The Commander, with a number of his 
men, escorted Hatcher and companions to the Union lines. 

Their two comrades, from whom they became separated the first night 
of the long tramp, came in the next day, about thirty miles farther 
down tlie line. The two parties had only been from twent}' to thirty 
miles apart all the way through, but heard and knew nothing of each 
other, until they reached the Union lines. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. II7 

Sixty-Second O. V. I. — The Sixty-Second Regiment recruited 
more men from Perry than any other one in the service, unless possibly 
the Thirty-First. There were three distinct companies trom this county 
and two other companies ol the regiment were composed of men about 
half of whom were from this county. Captain A. M. Poundstone re- 
signed his position as Superintendent of the New Lexington schools, 
- and, in connection with Lieutenants Harry S. Harbaugh, of Saltlick, 
and Samuel B. Larimer, of Mondavcreek township, recruited Company 
C of the regiment. The enlisted men of the company came chiefly 
from Pike. Saltlick, Mondaycreek and Clayton townships. 

Company D was recruited principally in Reading township, by Cap- 
tain B.A. Thomas, assisted by the Lieutenants. Company H was raised 
by Captain N. D. Huftbrd and Lieutenants, the most of the men prob- 
abh' coming from Saltlick, but several other townships also contributed 
men. A few of the men were enlisted over the border, in Hocking 
coimty. Company A was recruited by Captain Edwards, of Roseville, 
Muskingum county, and the Perry county portion of its men came 
principally from Harrison, Clayton and Bearfield townships. The Lieu- 
tenants were probably from Perry. The Perry men in Compan}' K 
were recruited mosth' in Pike, Clayton, Jackson and Monda3'creek 
townships, by Lieutenant James Palmer. 

The Sixty-Second rendezvoused at Camp Goddard, near Zanesville, 
and was there organized and mustered into service in November, 1861. 
The regiment remained in camp drilling and waiting until January, 
1862, at which time it was ordered to report to General Rosecrans, 
commanding a body of troops in Western Virginia. It was not long in 
responding to the order, and was soon in actual service at the front. 
The regiment supported a battery in the first battle of Winchester, in 
which engagement Stonewall Jackson's men were worsted. After- 
wards for months the Sixty-Second marched and counter-marched 
through Western and Northern Virginia. It was near at hand at the 
battle of Port Republic, but not actively engaged. 

The last of June, 1862, the Sixty-Second was ordered to join Gener- 
al McClellan's defeated army, at Harrison's Landing, which it did, go- 
ing by wav of Fortress Monroe. In August, it was in the retreat down 
the peninsula to Yorktown. In Januar}^, 1863, the regiment was sent 
first to Beaufort, and then to Newberne, North Carolina. Afterward to 
Port Ro3'al, South Carolina, where it lay in camp at Helena Island. 
Folly Island and then at Morris Island. 

July i8th, 1863, came the ill-advised, desperate and bloody assault 
upon Fort Wagner. In the unavailing and disastrous charge, the regi- 
ment lost one hundred and fift}' men, in killed, wounded and prisoners. 

A few facts in connection with the death of an enlisted soldier, kill- 
ed in this charge, is worthy of relation here. Henr}- Sands, of New 
Lexington, was an educated and accomplished young man from the 
north of Ireland, who marrying here, left a wife and one child to risk 
his life for his adopted country. His letters, published in the Perry 
County Weeklv at the time, and giving an interesting and graphic pic- 
ture of the doings of the regiment up to the date of his death, were read 
by many who will read this sketch of the Sixty-Second. The pictures, 
keepsakes, memorandas and other writings, found in his pockets, touch- 



Il8 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

ed the hearts of the rebel soldiers, and under a flag of truce, these things 
were given into the keeping of the comrades of the dead soldier, to be 
sent to his bereaved family. But the dead body of the young patriot 
was buried in a trench with many others, on the spot where they met 
their heroic death. 

In January, 1864, the Sixt3^-Second, having re-enlisted, came home 
on veteran furlough. The writer witnessed the arrival of the regiment 
at Zanesville amid the welcome plaudits of assembled thousands. 
With the steady, systematic tread of veterans, the regiment marched 
up Market and down Main streets to a point opposite the court house, 
where reception speeches and responses were made. After these cere- 
monies were over, a public dinner was given the returned veterans. 
The Perry county companies were to reach New Lexington about 4 
p. m., where reception ceremonies were to take place at the court house 
and afterward a public supper. But the moving of the train was for 
some cause delayed, and it was nearly midnight when the cars reached 
New Lexington. At four o'clock, and for hours thereafter, the neigh- 
hood of the depot was crowded with an expectant throng of people ; but as 
the train did not come, and there was no news irom it, the large assem- 
blage dwindled awav, and not a great many were present to receive the 
returning braves. But the court house was quickl}^ lighted up, the bell 
rang, the drums beat, and before the veterans had marched up the hill 
from the depot, the court house was nearly filled with people. Dr. F. 
L. Flowers made the reception speech and Qiiartermaster Craven W. 
Clowe responded in behalf of the soldiers. After this came the supper. 

When the veteran furlough expired the regiment was ordered to 
Washington City, and next to the front, near Petersburg, Virginia. 
During the summer of 1864 ^^^^ regiment was almost constantly under 
fire, participated in frequent engagements and general battles, and 
nearly always suffered severel}". 

Deep Bottom was a conflict that does not stand out very conspicu- 
ously in the Nation's annals, but it was a place of serious import to the 
Sixty-second Ohio and to friends at home. Man}^ of the brave sons of 
Perry were there laid low. The action was at first a successful ad- 
vance, then it was not supported as intended, and the Union soldiers 
were compelled to fall back under a murderous fire. How much of it 
was bad generalship, and how much the unavoidable fortune of war, 
will probably never be known. A soldier just from the burial of his 
dead comrades at Deep Bottom, surrounded by the wives, mothers, and 
children of those so lately killed in battle, was one of the most distress- 
ing scenes in Perry county during the war. After the sorrowing friends 
had withdrawn some one ventured to inquire of the soldier if he thought 
" they could take Richmond." " Take it ; I guess we will ! Its a hard 
road to travel ; but we'll go there." This remark illustrated the spirit 
of the soldiery and the times. 

In the spring of 1865 the Sixty-second participated in the unsuc- 
cessful assault upon Petersburg. It was, also, in the charge upon Fort 
Gregg, where the regiment suffered severel3\ It was, also, a partic- 
ipant in the engagement at Appomattox Court-house, the last conflict 
between the veteran troops of Lee and the National forces. 

About the last of August, 1865, the Sixty-second was consolidated 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 119 

with the Sixty-seventh, and the consoHdated regiment was mustered 
out of service in December, i<S65. the Perry veterans being in the service 
a little more than four ^^ears. 

The Sixty-second can bear upon its banners Winchester, Morris 
Island, Fort Wagner, Deep Bottom, Petersburg, Fort Gregg, Appo- 
mattox Court-house, and numerous other engagements, named and un- 
named, along the lines in front of the rebel capital during the last year 
of the war. 

Ninetieth O. V. I. — The organization of this regiment was 
completed at Circleville, Ohio, in July, 1862, under the auspices of the 
military committees of Perry, Fairtield, Hocking, Vinton, Pickaway, 
and Fayette counties. Company H of this regiment came from Perry 
county. It was enlisted by Captain N. F. Hitchcock and Lieutenants 
Feeman and Selby. The men of which it was composed came, nearly 
all, from the townships of Monday Creek, Pike, Reading, Hopewell, 
Thorn and Madison. The regiment was completed and mustered into 
service August 28th, 1862. The next da}' it was on its way to the seat 
of war, and reported without delay to the commanding officer at Lex- 
ington, Kentuck3^ Soon after the regiment joined Buell's army and 
entered upon a forced march through heat and dust, and almost with- 
out water fit to drink, which was very hard upon new recruits. The 
regiment had a little rest at Louisville, and then followed after Bragg 
southward through Kentucky. It was near the battle of Perryville, but 
through some mistake the division to which it belonged was not ordered 
into action. 

After the battle of Perryville the Ninetieth did much marching and 
counter-marching through Kentucky and Tennessee, often skirmishing 
with the enemy, and at one time taking over two hundred prisoners. 
In November, 1862, the regiment went into camp near Nashville, 
Tennessee. In the latter part of December it moved with the main 
army in the direction of Murfreesboro. On the morning of the 31st of 
December, the first day of the Stone River fight, the Ninetieth became 
hotly engaged and behaved very gallantly, but the Federal forces were 
overpowered and obliged to fall back. The Ninetieth in this, its first 
engagement, suffered a loss of one hundred and thirty men in killed, 
wounded and missing. The regiment was also in the second day's 
fight, but fortunately the loss was not heav3^ On the same day it oc- 
cupied the hill on which was massed the forty pieces of artillery which 
drove the last considerable body of the rebel forces over Stone River. 
The Ninetieth lay in camp near Murfreesboro until about the last of 
June. When General Rosecrans again moved in the direction of the 
enemy, the regiment did its full share of hard marching that resulted in 
flanking the rebel army out of Tennessee. It was engaged both da3's 
at the sanguinary battle of Chickamauga, and lost about ninety men in 
killed, wounded and missing. The regiment was engaged in various 
scouting duties, building fortifications, guarding rebel prisoners, etc., 
until the commencement of the Atlanta campaign. For over one hun- 
dred days, and throughout this harrassing and eventful campaign, the 
Nineiieth was constantly on duty and participated in nearl}^ all the im- 
portant battles which eventually resulted in the fall of Atlanta. This 



i20 HISTORY OF FERRY COUNTY. 

regiment, unlike most of the others made up in part of Perry county 
men, instead of going with Sherman on the march to the sea, was left 
with the National forces which were to look after General Hood, and 
the safety of Nashville and the North. The regiment returned almost 
over the very ground gone over during the advance toward Atlanta. 
It was engaged in the battle of Franklin, one of the Mercest and most 
desperate struggles of the war. The Ninetieth was also in the san- 
guinary and decisive battle of Nashville, where General Thomas and 
the brave men who composed his command, gave Hood and his forces 
the fearful staggering blow that not onl}- badly defeated, but almost 
annihilated his army, thus saving Ohio and Indiana from imminent 
peril, and making Sherman's march to the sea a brilliant success, which 
otherwise might have been of no advantage, if not a general disaster 
to the Union cause. After the defeat of Hood the Ninetieth followed 
in pursuit as far as the Tennessee River. After this the regiment was 
successively encamped at Huntsville, Alabama, and Nashville, Ten- 
nessee, until the collapse of the Southern Confederacy in the surrender 
of Lee and Johnson, and the close of the terrible civil war. The regi- 
ment was ordered to Ohio and mustered out at Camp Chase. 

One Hundred and Fourteenth O. V. I. — This regiment was or- 
ganized at Camp Circleville, in August, 1862, and came from the coun- 
ties of Perry, Fairfield, Pickaway, Fayette, Hocking and Vinton. 
Companies G and I were enlisted in Perry county. Company G was 
raised by Captain Ephraim Brown and Lieutenants Hiram Thomas and 
others. The men composing this company were chieflv from Pike, 
Monday Creek and Jackson townships. Company I was raised b}^ Cap- 
tain L. F. Muzzy and Lieutenants J. D. Coulson and W. H. Goodin, 
the men coming principally from Pike, Reading, Clayton, Hopewell 
and Madison townships. 

The regiment was mustered into service September nth, 1862, and 
remained at Camp Circleville until about the 20th of September follow- 
ing, when it marched across the countr}^ to Chillicothe, and there took 
the cars for Marietta, at which latter place it was stationed until the first 
of December, 1862, in the mean while occupied in drilling and taking 
other lessons in the science of war. 

In the latter part of December, the regiment started on transports 
down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to Memphis, Tenn. Soon after it 
joined Sherman's army in the first expidition against V^icksburg. The 
regiment landed at Chickasaw Bluns, and was soon hotly engaged in 
the battle that ensued at this point, losing several men in killed and 
wounded. The assault was unsuccessful : the Federal troops were re- 
pulsed and ordered aboard the boats. Returning from Chickasaw Bluffs, 
and no longer menacing Vicksburg, the army moved up the river and 
on up to Arkansas Post. A landing was there effected, the Post at- 
tacked, and after a brief but sharp engagement, it surrendered. After 
the reduction of Arkansas Post, the regiment was ordered to Young's 
Point, Louisiana, and went into camp at that place. This camp was 
very unhealthy, and while lying there, the regiment lost about one hun- 
dred men from malarial diseases. In March, 1862, a removal was made 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 121 

to Milliken's Bend, and the regiment remained in camp there until Gen- 
eral Grant ordered the movement against Vicksburg. 

The One Hundred and Fourteenth was in all this campaign, and 
participated in the batdes of Thompson's Hill, Champion Hill, Black 
River Bridge, and the long, painful siege of the beleagured city. The 
regiment lost a number of men at Thompson's Hill, Black River Bridge, 
and in the charge at Vicksburg, on the 22dof May. During the siege, 
Colonel Cradlebaugh, the regimental commander, was very severely 
wounded. 

After the fall of Vicksburg, Jul}- 4th, 1863, the One Hundred and 
Fourteenth marched and countermarched, or moved by rail on a num- 
ber of minor expeditions into the State of Louisiana. In November, 
1863, the regiment embarked at New Orleans and sailed across the 
Gulf to Texas. This proved to be a somewhat stormy voyage, and 
most of the men soon became very sea-sick. Captain Ephraim Brown 
of New Lexington, felt so well on the water for a while, that he was 
disposed to make a little sport of his comrades for collapsing so easily ; 
he declared the sensation was just '• splendid," and strikingly remind- 
ed him of riding over a corntield at home on a load of hay. It is 
enough to sav that the Captain's " riding on a load of hay," failed to 
hold out according to promise, and he could not have comprehended a 
joke, if that article had floated around, as plentiful as blackberries on 
'" Brier Ridge." 

The regiment and accompanying troops w^ere the first National 
forces that occupied the State of Texas during the war. It remained 
at different points in Texas until April, 1864, when it re-crossed the 
Gulf, and formed a junction with General Banks at Alexandria, to 
which point his command had fallen back, alter its disastrous expedition 
up the Red River country. The One Hundred and Fourteenth joined 
the National forces in the general retreat from Alexandria toMorganza, 
Louisiana, on the Mississippi. This was one of the severest and most 
trying marches of the war, as the retreating forces were constantly har- 
assed by the enemy on flank and rear. 

In Januar^^ 1865, the regiment was ordered to Barrancas, Florida, 
from which point it participated in the investment and capture of Mo- 
bile, the last battle of the war, for the place was captured on the day 
that Lee surrendered. 

John H. Kell}^, of New Lexington, who was Major of the regiment, 
was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, and then to Colonel of the regi- 
ment. When acting as Lieutenant Colonel, he was frequently in com- 
mand of the regiment, as Colonel Cradlebaugh had been severely 
wounded at Vicksburg, and eventually resigned. Captain V, M. Ogle, 
of New Lexington, served for a while as Qiiartermaster, but resigned 
before the close of the war. Rev. Theodore Stowe, also of New Lex- 
ington, served as Chaplain, and was mustered out with the regiment. 

Rev. Stowe was perhaps the most abstemious and exacting Chaplain 
in the whole army. Colonel Kelly once invited his brother officers, 
including the Chaplain, to a good, sociable dinner in his tent. Colonel 
Kell}^ being a strictly temperate m.an, used no stimulating liquors, but 
did not taboo tobacco, and consequently the tent soon after dinner, be- 
gan to get pretty well filled with tobacco smoke. Chaplain Stowe be- 

10 



122 .tttSTORY OF PERRY COUNTY, 

gan to remonstrate, whereupon the Colonel took him to one side and 
gently told him that the tent was his house, the officers there were his 
invited guests, and he did not want him to make remarks that might be 
considered offensive. The mild looking Chaplain, raising his hand and 
pointing his long, bony hnger in the direetion of the tent, slowly re- 
plied : " Colonel, I know that rag is yours, but no man has a proprie- 
torship in God's pure air, and it is both ungentlemanly and wicked to 
pollute it." This closed the debate, and the Chaplain retired from par- 
ticipating in the after dinner festivities. 

As previously stated, the Perry companies of the regiment suffered 
greatly from malarious diseases while encamped in the neighborhood of 
Vicksburg ; and at the time the movement upon that place was ordered, 
the sick men were directed to besent home. About twenty men of the 
Perry companies reached New Lexington by special train one Sabbath 
morning, without any previous announcement whatever. They were 
all weak and emaciated, and had to be placed on beds and hauled up 
into town, and to their several homes. Some of them were too weak 
to hold up their heads. They remained at home several weeks, and 
some of them months; but they nearly all finally recovered, and re- 
joined their companies. The arrival of these very sick men, in such a 
weak and debilitated condition, was a distressing and pitiful sight. But 
even these sick men were more fortunate than others ; for many a stout, 
hardy son of Perry died and was buried on the banks of the Missis- 
sippi. 

One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth O. V. I. — Company K of this 
regiment was enlisted in Peny county, from the townships of Thorn, 
Hopewell and Madison, and chiefly from the first named township. 
Captain Reuben Lampton of Thornville. was authorized to raise the 
compan\% and enlisted the men, though D.J. Callen, a native of the 
county, and afterward a somewhat noted polititian of Mercer county, 
assisted him very much. The compan}' came to New Lexington to 
take the cars, accompanied by quite a procession, headed by the ven- 
erable Rezin Franks, and marching to the lively strains of martial 
music. The company first went to Circleville, Ohio, to be organized 
as a part of the Ninetieth, but was afterward transferred to Steuben- 
ville, and became a part of the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth. The 
regiment was mustered into service about the first of September, 1862. 
It was stationed for a few weeks at Parkersburg, and afterward, for 
about the same length of time, at Cumberland, Maryland. In the 
spring and summer of 1863, the regiment served in West Virginia, and 
suffered much from sickness. In June of this year, the One Hundred 
and Twenty-Sixth was in the aftair at Martinsburg, a surprise to the 
Union forces, which resulted in the capture of the place, and a victory 
for the enemy. Soon after this the regiment was ordered to join the 
Army of the Potomac. It was subsequently detached therefrom to go 
to New York to assist in enforcing the draft. After the draft troubles 
were over the regiment rejoined the Army of the Potomac. Before the 
opening of Grant's campaign against Richmond, in the spring of 1864, 
the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth was taken from the Third and 
placed in the Sixth Corps, took part in every important battle from the 



i 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 1 23 

crossing of the Rapidan, early in May, unil the crossing of the James, 
in the latter part oi June, including The Wilderness, Spotsylvania 
and Cold Harbor. At Spotsylvania, Captain Reuben Lampton was in- 
stantly killed, and thus perished a brave and generous soldier. The 
One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth lost heavil}' in those great encounters 
with the Army of Northern Virginia, commanded by General Lee. In 
July, 1864, the regiment was detached from the Army of the Potomac 
and sent into Maryland, where it fought in the battle Monocacy, and 
subsequently took part in the pursuit of General Jubal Early's Army. 

In September, 1864, the One Hundi^ed and Twenty Sixth, with the 
Sixth Corps, having been ordered to join General Sheridan's command 
in the Shenandoah Valley, moved against the rebels and participated 
in the battle of Winchester, losing heavily in officers and privates, 
killed and wounded. Captain Williams of Madison township, was sev- 
erely wounded in this battle. The regiment was also in the battle of 
Fisher's Hill. It was also engaged at Cedar Creek, and was with the 
advance, when General Sheridan, a Perry county boy, came on the 
ground, and turned what seemed to be a serious disaster, into one of 
the most glorious and decisive victories of the whole war. 

In December, the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth, with the whole 
Sixth Corps, were again transferred to the Army of the Potomac. In 
April, 1865, the regiment went in wdth the old Sixth Corps in the charge 
upon the Rebel fortifications. This was an awful struggle, but at last 
the enemy was driven from his entrenchments, and the fall of Rich- 
mond became certain. The regiment was engaged in the pursuit of 
Lee's army. After the surrender, the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth and 
Corps were ordered to push through to Danville, to assist in the capture 
of General Johnson's army. But when they reached Danville, Johnson 
had already surrendered to General Sherman. Soon after the surrender 
of the rebel armies, the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth marched 
through Richmond to Washington city, and was mustered out in the 
latter part of June. 

Few regiments saw more hai'd service and did more lighting than 
the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth. Martinsburg, Bristow Station, 
The Wilderness, Spotsylvania," Cold Harbor, Monocacy, Winchester, 
Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, Petersburg — these tell their own story, in 
terms more eloquent than the tongue of orator or pen of historian. 
While the memory of the terrible civil war remains, the struggles, suf- 
ferings and heroic fighting for the flag by the Perry boys of ihe One 
Hundred and Twenty-Sixth can never be forgotten. 

Seventeenth O. V. I. The line officers from Perry county, and 
their friends, who had been in the Seventeenth in the three months ser- 
vice, for some reason, did not take kindly to the reorganization of the 
regiment for three j^ears, but preferred other regiments, that were also 
in course of formation. Yet the Seventeenth contained about one com- 
pany, in the agregate, of Perry county men, enlisted by Captains 
Stinchcomb and Rickets, and Lieutenants Benjamin Showers and 
Owen Brown, the men coming chiefly from the townships of Thorn, 
Monday-creek, Pike and Saltlick. Lieutenant Showers, who was a 
citizen of New Lexington, had been a private of compang A of the 



124 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

First, O. V. I. in the three months service. ^As Captain Stafford's com- 
pany from Lancaster came through New Lexington, he joined it and 
went to Columbus, and was with it until mustered out, including a par-^ 
ticipation in the Bull Run battle. He was the first soldier to leave 
Perry count}^ for the war. Captain Showers and Lieutenant Brown 
were citizens of Perry, and Captain Stinchcomb, was, also, formerly a 
• citizen of the count}'. Captain Ricketts was a citizen of Hocking, but 
recruited a number of men in the neighborhood of Maxville, Perry 
county. 

The seventeenth was organized in September, 1861, and reported at 
Camp Dick Robinson, early in October. It was soon after engaged in 
the battle of Wild Cat. It also participated at Mill Springs. It was on 
its way to Shiloh, but arrived o^n that historic ground after the battle 
was over. It afterward, with BuelFs command, pursued General Bragg 
through Kentucky, and was close at hand, but not engaged at Perry- 
ville. It participated, actively, in the battle of Stone River. It was in 
the thickest of the fight at Chickamauga, both days, and lost heavily, 
in killed and wounded. It was also in the storming force at Mission 
Ridge. In the latter action, when Major Butterfield fell, mortally 
wounded. Captain Showers of New Lexington, next in rank, took 
command of the regiment and successfully completed the charge that 
Butterfield had so bravely begun. 

In the latter part of January, 1864, the Seventeenth re-enlisted and 
came home to enjoy veteran furlough, and recruit depleted ranks. 
Upon the expiration of veteran furlough the regiment, with ranks well 
filled, returned to its place at the front. It was engaged at Resaca, 
Kenesaw, Peach Tree Creek, and Jonesboro, the last battle of the 
Atlanta campaign. Colonel Ward having resigned, Captain Showers 
(now Lieutenant Colonel) assumed command of the regiment, and led 
it under Sherman on the great promenade to the Atlantic, at Savanah. 
The regiment was in the campaign of the Carolinas, and took part in 
the battle of Bentonville, one ot the latest of the war. It then marched 
through Richmond and on to Washington taking a part in the grand 
review of veteran troops at that place. The regiment was mustered 
out at Louisville, Kentucky, in July, 1865. 

Rev. James H. Gardner, who was chaplain of the Seventeenth 
Ohio, more than two years, was born and brought up in the town of 
Rehoboth, Perr}^ county, and has many relatives in the county. When 
the war broke out, he was in the south, at the head of an educational 
institution, of some kind. The war broke up the college, and Rev. 
Gardner joined a conference and was' appointed to a circuit, a part 
of which was inside of the union lines. He took the appointment with 
a view of finding a way out of the Southern Confederacy. As soon as 
he got inside the Union lines, he abandoned his horse and saddle-bags, 
reported in the proper way, and was soon among Iriends and relatives 
in the tents of the Perry county boys of the Thirty First Ohio. He 
soon came North, spent a few weeks and returned to the front as Chap- 
lain of the Seventeenth Ohio, in which position he remained until the 
muster out of the regiment. 

Lieutenant Colonel Showers was captured in the Atlanta campaign, 
but succeeded after many hardships in making his escape from a rebel 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 1 25 

prison, and reached the Union lines in time to lead his regiment in the 
great "March to the Sea." 

The distinguished bravery of Captain J. W. Stinchcomb, of this reg- 
iment, and the leading part he took in rallying on the second line at 
Chickamauga, are more fullv stated in the sketch of the Thirty-First 
Ohio. It is enough to sa}^ here that he was not unnoticed by brave old 
General Thomas, being handsomely mentioned in his official report of 
the battle. 

Sixty-First O. V. I. — The principal part of Company G, of this 
regiment, was enlisted in Perry county, the men coming mostly from 
Pike, Jackson, Reading and Monroe townships. The Companv was 
mainly recruited by Lieutenant Young, though Colonel S. F. McGro- 
arty visited the county, made a number of rallying speeches, and gave 
his personal efforts and influence to the raising of the men. A brother 
of Colonel McGroarty became Captain of the Company, when organ- 
ized. 

The Sixt3^-First w^as organized at Camp Chase in April, 1862, and in 
May left the camp for Western Virginia, soon after joining General Fre- 
mont's army, who in a short time was succeeded by General Pope. 
The regiment was on hand at Cedar Mountain, but w^as not actively 
engaged in the fight. It was engaged at Second Bull Run, and was 
with the forces that covered the retreat, along the Centerville pike, in 
the direction of Washington. It was also sharply engaged at Chantilly. 
It was ordered to join General Burnside, in his operations against Fred- 
ericksburg, but before its arrival the battle had been fought and lost. 
The regiment was warmly engaged at Chancellorville, losing five 
men killed and a large number wounded. The Sixty-First was of the 
troops that opened the fight at Gettysburg, being thrown out as skirm- 
ishers, met in force, and compelled to fall back in great haste and con- 
fusion to Cemetery Plill. The regiment lost heavily in killed, wounded 
and prisoners. Thomas J. Smith, of New* Lexington, Captain of the 
Ewing Guards, and Commander of the troops in the "Corning War," 
was taken prisoner at Gettysburg. He was then only about sixteen 
years old. 

In September. 1863, the Sixty-First, along with the Eleventh Corps 
was transferred to the Western army, under General Grant. It left 
Brandy Station, West Virginia, September 26th, and arrived at Bridge- 
port, Alabama, October ist. Soon after the regiment got into a fearful 
fight at Wauhatchie Valley, in which action Captain McGroarty, the 
Commander of the Perry County Company, was killed. It also was in 
the battle of Mission Ridge, after w^hich it was sent to the relief of the 
National forces at Knoxville, Tennessee, but soon after again rejoined 
the main army. 

In March, 1864, the regiment re-enlisted and came home on veteran 
furlough, of thirty days : after its expiration, much strengthened b}^ new 
recruits, it returned to the front and joined the army at Rocky Face 
Ridge, May 7th, and immediately entered upon the Atlanta campaign.. 
The regiment was engaged at Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw, Peach Tree 
Creek, and in a number of minor affairs, some of which were serious 
enough to the Sixty-First, at least. After the fall of Atlanta, the regi- 
ment promenaded with Sherman to the sea. It was on the campaign 



126 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

through the Carolinas, and engaged at the battle of Bentonville. 
At Goldsboro, North CaroHna, the Sixty-First was consolidated 
with the Eighty-Second Ohio, the consolidated regiment taking 
the name of the latter. The Perry county boys, with the consolidated 
regiment, joined in the march through to Richmond, and the grand re- 
view at Washington. 

September, 1865, the regiment was mustered out, paid oft' and dis- 
charged at Columbus, Ohio. 

The ^^erry soldiers of the Sixty-First, though not so numerous as 
those of some other regiments, have a military record unsurpassed by 
any. Cedar Mountain, Second Bull Run, Chancellorville, Gettys- 
burg, Mission Ridge, Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw, Peach Tree Creek, 
Sherman's March to the Sea, the Campaign of the Carolinas, Benton- 
ville and other minor engagements tell in part the story of the trials, 
perils and sacrifices of the regiment, a full history of which can never 
be written. 

One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth O. V. I. — Company K, of the 
One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth — a six months regiment — was enlisted 
in Perry county, by Captain A. D. S. McArthur and Lieutenant James 
Taylor, the men coming principally from the townships of Pike, Pleas- 
ant, Madison, Monroe and Saltlick. The regiment was organized at 
Camp Tavlor, Cleveland, in August, 1863, and was promptly ordered 
to active duty, and assigned to the Ninth Army Corps. The regiment 
left Camp Nelson for Cumberland Gap, joining the forces already oon- 
gregated at that point, under the command of General Burnside. Cum- 
berland Gap was a strongly fortified position, but when a demand was 
made for its surrender by the commander of the National forces, the 
demand was readily complied with, and the whole garrison fell into their 
hands. The Perry soldier boys were of the opinion that the blood- 
less victory was due to the strategy of General De Courcy, who paraded 
his men and batteries in a circle, so as to mislead the rebel' Commander 
to believe that there was a very large force investing his position. Af- 
ter the surrender of Cumberland Gap, the regiment remained in the 
vicinity until about the first of December, when it left and had repeated 
skirmishes with the enemy. The regiment operated in East Tennessee 
all winter, suffering greatly from lack of clothing, provisions and other 
necessary supplies. But the Perry soldiers endured the hardships and 
privations better-than many of their companions. 

From East Tennessee the regiment went to Camp Nelson, Kentucky, 
and from there to Cleveland, Ohio, where it was mustered out of the 
service in March, 1864. Like all the other short time regiments, it will be 
observed that the time for which this regiment enlisted was considerably 
extended. Many of the Perry boys after reaching home, in a few days, 
or weeks, enlisted in other regiments and again entered tht service. 

One Hundred and Sixtieth O. N. G. — The Legislature of Ohio, 
at the session of 1863-64, passed a military act providing for a home or- 
ganization of the Ohio National Guard, for the purpose of protecting 
the State from actual or threatened invasion. Companies were organized 
under this law with great rapidity, in nearly all the counties of the 



HISTORY OF PERRV COUNTV. 127 

State. In May, 1864, Governor Brough issued a proclamation calling 
this large body of men into active service. At the time of the call to 
the field, there were six full companies of men organized under this 
statute in Perry county. The Perry county companies were ordered into 
camp at Zanesville, Ohio. They all reported promptly, on a wretched- 
ly inclement day, at New Lexington, and immediately took the cars for 
the place of rendezvous. These companies, with a number of others 
from neighboring counties, were organized into the One Hundred and 
Sixtieth regiment. The Lieutenant Colonel, D.W. D. Marsh, the Ma- 
jor, Henry L. Harbaugh, the Adjutant, Robert F. Hickman, jr., and the 
Chaplain, Rev. James White, were elected from the Perry county com- 
panies. Samuel Lyons, Andrew J. Tharp, David C. Fowler. Wm. H. 
Spencer, Henr}^ C. Greiner and George Ritchey were the Captains ; 
James T. McCormick, John T. Ball, Levi Bowman, Francis M. Wright, 
James F. McMahon, John H, Huston, Simeon Hansley, Thomas J. 
Post, Andrew J. Whipps, Abner M. White, William Stalter, and Aus- 
tin J. Watts were Lieutenants. These were the line officers from Perry. 
The companies were all strong in numbers, and, previous to being call- 
ed out, had been duly equipped, as well as fully uniformed in the Na- 
tional blue. 

The regiment remained in camp at Zanesville but a few days, when 
duly mustered into the service, it was soon on its way to Harper's Ferry, 
the place to which it had been ordered. It was not suffered to remain 
idle, but was at once sent to work guarding supply trains along the 
Shenandoah Valley. These supply trains were frequently attacked by 
Mosby's men and other guerrillas, and skirmishes were at times, of 
almost daily occurence. In one engagement with Mosby's command, 
several men in the One Hundred and Sixtieth were wounded, but for- 
tunately none were killed. Thomas Jackson of Somerset was one of 
the severely wounded. The men of the One Hundred and Sixtieth 
behaved very gallantly. Fourteen rebels were killed in the action. 
Mosby learned by dear experience, that it was no fun to capture supply 
trains in charge of the One Hundred and Sixtieth O. N. G. 

The regiment was required to march and countermarch, up and 
down the Shenandoah Valley, most of the time exposed to the fire of 
skulking bushwhackers, and in continual apprehension of attack by 
guerrillas in force. Ohio in the War says : "That of all the Ohio National 
Guards, the One Hundred and Sixtieth, probably, can show the most 
continued service in the field." 

Andrew J. Wright, of New Lexington, died in his tent at Mar^-land 
Heights. Nathan S. Kelley, also of the same place, took sick and died 
at Maryland Heights. He was the Republican nominee for County 
Auditor at the time, and had he lived, would doubtless have been 
elected. Wright and Kelley were both highly esteemed citizens, and 
the news of their death dispelled the illusion that the "Hundred Day's 
Service" was mere play. Private Marlow, of Captain Fowler's com- 
pany, was captured, and never heard from, and probably died in a 
rebel prison. 

On one of the trips down the Shenandoah Valley, the One Hundred 
and Sixtieth brought along a number of young girls out into "God's 
Country," as the soldiers were wont to call the North. These girls did 



128 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

not have a very elegant conveyance, but they got "Out of the Wilder- 
ness" safely, nevertheless. One of these girls afterward married a 
well-known citizen of New Lexington, and yet resides in that town. 

The One Hundred and Sixtieth was mustered out and paid off at 
Zanesville, September 7th, 1864, having been in the service four months 
lacking three days. 

The conscription of these Hundred Days men worked great hard- 
ships in many communities. The men belonged principally to the same 
localities, that had already contributed heavily in volunteers to the 
three years service, and, in many cases, there was no one left to plow 
the corn or save the harvest; but women — wives, sisters and mothers of 
the absent soldiers — took the farm wojk in hand, and pushed it with 
an energy and success, that was one of the many wonderful things ot 
the war period. 

When the men reached home, after the muster out at Zanesville, it 
was eas}^ to see that the "Hundred Years War," as sometimes called, 
had been no holiday, Many of the men were sick and disabled, and 
those who were not, looked fatigued and haggard, resulting no doubt 
from irregular and insufficient sleep, as well as almost continual harass- 
ments, and apprehensions of attack, while guardingsupply trains through 
an enemy's country, where guerrillas and bushwhackers were almost as 
thick as blackberries. 

The One Hundred Da3'S men were not volunteers in the strictest 
sense ; but they turned out cheerfully and promptly at a gloomy period 
of the war, served their country faithfully and well, and are justly en- 
titled to consideration in any important history of those eventful and 
perilous times. 

Miscellaneous — A historical outline has been given of the com- 
panies from Perr}^ county which served in the war of the Rebellion. 
But, in the very nature of things, the full details of this war, as of other 
wars, must forever remain unwritten. And it should be further kept in 
mind, that numerous other soldiers from Perr}'- served in the war of 
1861, who were not members of any of the companies the history of 
which has been herein sketched. There were detachments of men 
from Perry in the Sixteenth, Eighteenth, Thirt3^-Second, Forty-Sixth, 
Seventy-Fifth, Sixt3^-Eighth, One Hundred and Twenty-Second, and 
perhaps other infantry regiments. There were also individual soldiers 
from Perry in man^^ other infantry regiments. There were detach- 
ments of men from Perry in several of the cavalry regiments, notably 
in the Ninth and Tenth, and individual soldiers in others who enlisted 
from this county. The county was also represented in the Sharp 
Shooters, Heav}'^ Artillery, and quite a strong detachment from New 
Lexington and neighborhood served in the Signal Corps. It is not pos- 
sible, even were it desirable, to follow these men apd their commands 
through the long, wear}^ and tortuous civil war. 

Perry count}' furnished its share of Generals, Colonels, Lieutenant 
Colonels, Majors, Adjutants, Qiiartermasters, Chaplains, Surgeons, 
Captains, Lieutenants, and about three thousand men in the ranks, who 
fought, and bled, and suffered, on almost every battlefield and hard 
march of the great war. They fought in the early battles of the war at 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTV. 1 29 

Bull Run, at Rich Mountain, at Wild Cat, and at Mill Springs. Perry 
boys were also with the noble General Lyon at Wilson's Creek, and 
afterward made that long wearisome retreat under General Sigel to 
Rolla, Missouri. Perry soldiers marched with the Regulars in McClel- 
lan's advance up the Peninsula, and participated in the series of disastrous 
but bravely contested battles that surged around the rebel capital in the 
summer of 1862. They fought at Fredricksburg, at Chancellorsville, 
at Second Bull Run, at South Mountain, at Antietam, and at Gettys- 
burg. They were engaged at Shiloh, at Perryville, at Stone River, at 
Chickamauga, at Mission Ridge, at Chickasaw Blufts, at Arkansas 
Post, at Thompson's Hill, at Champion Hill, at Black River Bridge, 
-and in the long, wearisome siege of Vicksburg. They fouglit at Rocky 
Face Ridge, at Dallas, at Resaca, at Kenesaw, at Peach Tree Creek, 
and Jonesboro. They charged at Fort Wagner, at the Wilderness, at 
Spotsylvania, at Cold Harbor, at Deep Bottom, at Hatcher's Run, at 
Five Forks, at Fort Gregg, and at Petersburg. They trod the blood v 
fields of Monocacy, of Winchester, of Fisher's Hill, and Cedar Creek. 
They Were at Franklin, at Nashville, at Bentonville, at Appomattox, 
and at the capture of Mobile, the closing battle of the war. As mem- 
bers of cavalry regiments, they rode and raided with Sheridan, Stone- 
man, Wilson, Pleastanton and Kilpatrick. 

They suffered and died, or endured incredible hardships at Libby, 
Belle Isle, Andersonville, Salisbury, Lawton and other rebel prisons. 
They — some of them — made their escape from those prisons, and hiding 
by day, and walking by night, fed and otherwise assisted by the faith- 
ful negroes, after toilsome days and nights of peril, once more reached 
in safety the Union lines and the starry flag. They died in battle, in 
camp, in hospitals, on the march, in rebel prisons, every where, and 
many of them occupy nameless and unknown graves, far distant from 
home and friends, and all that they loved so well. The}" cheerfull}' 
sacrificed their lives that there might be but one country from the Lakes 
to the Gulf, and from Ocean to Ocean, and that the Republic established 
by their fathers might live. 

The Morgan Raid. — The celebrated John Morgan and his troopers, 
in the famous raid through Indiana and Ohio, took in Perry county on 
his way. He only raided through two townships, however, coming in 
on the Sunday Creek road into Monroe township, and going out in 
Bearfield township, near Porterville. This was in July, 1863. It was 
in consequence of Morgan's invasion of the North, that Governor Tod 
oi-dered out the Militia of Southern Ohio. Morgan, in his northward 
journey through Athens county, appeared to be heading for New Lex- 
ington, and, in fact, he gave out the word that he intended to visit and 
plunder the town. A citizen of Vinton count}- , who had for a while re- 
sided at New Lexington, followed up the raiders, mingled and talked 
with some of them, and believing that they really intended to sack the 
town of New Lexington, made a detour around Morgan's command, 
and being splendidly mounted, urged his steed along the ridges and 
valleys, and over the hills, determined to give his friends warning of the 
threatened danger. The weather was warm, the Vinton county friend 
had left his home in a hurry, not dreaming of taking so long a ride, and 
17 



130 HistorV of perky county. 

was minus coat, hat and shoes. Barefooted and bareheaded, with his 
flowing locks streaming in the breeze, he pHed the whip, and his mag- 
nificent charger, in a foam of sweat, and with nostrils distended, dashed 
furiousl}^ on. The chivalrous rider's trousers, by the swift motion of 
the galloping horse, had worked up to the knees, and leaning forward, 
horse and rider might almost be mistaken for one being. They dashed 
into town at the south end of Main street, and the entire length of the 
street was speedily traversed, while every few rods, in a stentorian 
voice, came the terrifying words, "John Morgan is coming! John 
Morgan is coming! !" The people of the place, by the daily journals, 
and private telegrams, were apprised of the movements of Morgan, 
and knowing that he was not far off, were prepared to believe that he 
might be coming this way, and they feared that the cry of the friendly 
horseman might be realized. The men of the town were nearly all in 
the army. The few^that remained held a brief consultation, and two 
leading citizens were sent out on the road on which Morgan was to 
come, instructed to surrender the town, with the view of thereby saving 
a useless destruction of life and property ; as, under the circumstances, 
it was agreed on all sides that no successful resistance could be made. 
Money and other valuables were hastily" secreted, horses were hurried 
off to supposed places of safety, and numerous persons left town and 
took refuge in the countr3^ There was anxiety, of course, but no gen- 
eral panic occurred, and most persons calmly and quietly awaited 
events. But nine o'clock — ten — eleven — twelve — came, and no Morgan 
and men put in an appearance, and it began to be evident that the great 
raider had given New Lexington the go-by. But many people remain- 
ed up all night, and others procured horses and sallied out to learn, if 
possible, what direction Morgan had taken. It was ascertained, the 
next da}^, that when Morgan reached the neighborhood of Sunday Creek 
cross-roads, he filed square to the right, gave Millertown a visit, and 
then passed on to Chapel Hill. From this place he went to Porterville, 
and near this point passed out of Perry into Morgan county. Morgan 
and his command camped all night on Island Run, near Porterville. 
From Sunday Creek cross-roads to New Lexington, is about the same 
distance as to Island Run, where Morgan encamped, and had he not 
changed his course, and possibly his original intention. New Lexington 
or neighborhood might have had the doubtful honor of entertaining him 
and his band over night. 

The general character of Morgan's raid is well known, and only some 
of the incidents that occurred in Perry county will be related here. The 
stores in Millertown and Chapel Hill were sacked, all the whisky that 
could be found was confiscated, and the farce of buying and paying for 
a few articles went on, while wholesale robbery and destruction occurred 
without rebuke or interruption. 

A plucky lady ot Monroe township, who was riding along the road, 
gave the raiders a piece of her mind. They did not retaliate in words, 
but gently lifted the lady fi'om the saddle and appropriated her horse. 
Dr. W. H. Holden, of Millertown, then on a tour of visits to his patients, 
was promptly relieved of his horse, but was kindly permitted to retain 
his saddle-bags, which he carried the remainder of the way on his arm, 
as he trudged homeward on foot. A farmer was hauling a load of hay 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. I3I 

along the road. His team was halted, the harness stripped from the 
horses in a twinkling, and there the farmer sat upon his load of ha}^ a 
much astonished and bewildered individual. There was a wool-picking 
part}^ at the house of a farmer ; quite a number of ladies was there and 
supper was just announced. Morgan's men came in uninvited, appro- 
priated all the seats, and remarked that it was very impolite to take pre- 
cedence of the ladies, but they were in a great hurry and could not 
aftbrd to wait. What the}^ left in the way of eatables was hardly worth 
mentioning. Good fresh horses were ever3^where picked up, and the 
jaded animals turned loose. The raiders also sent out scouting parties 
right and lett, to gather up a fresh supph^ of horse-flesh. 

On the night that Morgan was expected in New Lexington, D. W. 
D. Marsh, Sill Colborn and James R. Carroll, rode out for the purpose 
of discovering the whereabouts of the rebel force. They struck the 
trail, followed it up, and just at daybreak, without being aware of- the 
near proximit}^ of the enemy, rode in to the camp at Island Run, near 
Porterville. They were ordered to halt by some of the band who were 
on the alert. Marsh laid whip to his horse and dashed oft' through the 
woods. Colborn and Carroll thought it would be safer to stay. They 
parleyed with the raiders, who told them they were prisoners and must 
go along. Colborn and Carroll were taken some forty miles, and turn- 
ed loose in Guernsey county. Their horses were, of course, taken b}' 
the raiders. They were with the raiders in the skirmish at the crossing 
of the Muskingum, near Eaglesport, where one citizenuvas killed, and 
several of the raiders wounded, one severely. Colborn and Carroll 
reached home in due time, reporting that ^hey had been treated to a 
very invigorating ride, though they acknowledge it to have been a 
rough one. 

One of the Morgan men got sleepy and fell behind, within the limits 
of Peny county, and was "gobbled" up as a prisoner. He was brought 
to New Lexington, and, under all the circumstances, was something of 
a curiosity. The populace crowded around him, and some remarks 
not complimentary were made. He did not like the looks of things, and 
said that all he asked was to be treated as a prisoner of war. He was 
sent to the military prison at Camp Chase. The raider who was so se- 
verely wounded at Eagles'port, on the Muskingum, lay for some weeks 
at a hotel in Zanesville, but finally convalesced and was sent to a mili- 
tary prison. 

Hobson's Cavalry were on the trail of Morgan, and only two or three 
hours behind. Several of the soldiers gave out, came to New Lexing- 
ton, and slept a day or two in the court house yard. The most the}' 
needed was rest and something to eat, which they got, and soon went 
on their way. Hobson's Cavalry seized fresh horses, but Morgan, com- 
ing along first, had the pick. But the pursuers gained on the raiders, 
nevertheless. 

This was the last of John Morgan in Perry count3% but not the last 
of the John Morgan scare. Some days after this, and while he and his 
band of men were 3'et in Ohio and uncaptured, late one evening, a '' sol- 
itary horseman " came into New Lexington, announcing that Morgan 
had been driven back across the Muskingum, and that he was making 
his way in this direction, this time burning houses, barns and other 



132 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

propert}'. The horseman referred to had heard of the approach of the 
Morgan band, seen the fire of the burning buildings, and had indispu- 
table information that it was the Morgan raiders who were doing the 
dreadful incendiary work. 

When the astounding news reached New Lexington, Colonel Lynch 
of Circleville, and a battalion of Pickaway county Morgan pursuers, 
were at the depot conferring with Governor Tod as to discharge from 
further service. The command had been around in the wake of Mor- 
gan, but being infantr}^ could do nothing effective in the work, and 
Colonel Lynch very sensibly asked that they might be discharged. 

When the messenger brought the report that Morgan was surely 
approaching, Colonel Lynch hooted at the idea, and said it was impos- 
sible. The order discharging the Pickaway battallion was received, 
but Colonel Lynch, without announcing it, decided to remain overnight, 
organized his command and marched it up the hill. He established a 
sort of military head quarters in Butler & Marsh's law office, and sent 
out pickets on all the principal roads leading to town. These faithful 
sentinels remained out all night, and the people of New Lexington, for 
the most part, slept in quiet and security. But no raiders made their 
appearance. The whole thing was a "bugaboo," of the hugest kind. 
There was no intentional deception, and how the false news of the sec- 
ond coming of Morgan originated, was never satisfactoril}' 'ascertained. 

The Pickaway county volunteers, after their night's vigils, were 
breakfasted by the ladies, and entertained in the most hearty and hos- 
pitable manner, and they were as much honored and respected as though 
the enemy had been really in the vicinity, and the town in the most im- 
minent danger. The Pickaway boys did, indeed, deport themselves 
handsomely, and were well treated in return. The next morning they 
took the train for home. 

Some little time after this last fright, Morgan and his men were cap- 
tured in the eastern part of the State. The leaders were not treated as 
ordinary prisoners of war, but, for a time, found a home in the Ohio 
State Prison. Morgan and some of his officers escaped therefrom and 
succeeded in reaching the South. But the great raider did not survive 
the war. He was shot and killed when on one of his characteristic ex- 
peditions, while trying to make his escape from a house where he had' 
remained over night, which was surrounded by Union soldiers, for the 
purpose of capturing him. He tried to make his exit and was shot 
dead. 

The Marietta Campaign. — In July, 1863, David Tod, Governor 
of Ohio, called upon the independent military companies and militia of 
some fifteen or twenty counties of South-Eastern Ohio, to rendezvous 
at Marietta, to protect the southern border of the State. The State 
Militia had recenth' beeii enrolled and organized under a statute sup- 
posed to meet the emergencies of actual war. This was a wholesale 
conscription, and the entii'e militia force of a majority of the townships 
of Perr\- promptly reported at New Lexington to take the cars for 
Marietta. 

The militia were neither armed nor equipped, but they were deter- 
mined to obey orders. New Lexington had an independent military 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. I33 

compan3^ commanded by Captain D. W. D. Marsh, and of course it 
was included in the call, and responded. The conscripts poured in and 
fairly overwhelmed the town of New Lexington. The " troops" trav- 
eled by rail to Zanesville, and then by boat down the beautiful Mus- 
kingum, some of the "boys" pathetically singing "The Girl I Left 
Behind Me." There was much discomfort aboard the boats, but all 
safely arrived at Marietta, the objective point. The like of the militia 
camp at Marietta was probably no where else seen during the war. 
There were no Mre-arms and few equipments or conveniences of any 
kind. But the men lay in camp there two weeks and did the duty re- 
quired of them. There were several good-sized scares during the short 
campaign, but no rebel gunboats came up the dark ravines, as some- 
times announced, and John Morgan and his troopers did not put in an 
appearance, though anxiously expected. At length the militia were 
mustered out, and embarked on boats up the Muskingum, and then 
traveled by rail to New Lexington. The whole campaign was without 
casualty, but abounded in fun, if the stories of participants are to be 
fully credited. The whole demonstration was no doubt designed as a 
scare, and it probabl}^ was not without effect on the notorious John Mor- 
gan and other raiders. At any rate, as the events of the war grow 
dim, many a man will remember that he, at least, was in the Marietta 
campain, and a soldier in the service of his country. And it is possible, 
in the distant future, that men may draw pensions from the United 
States government, in consideration of their "fourteen days' " service 
during the great war of the rebellion. 

The Barn Burning Scare. — In July, 1863, a barn was burned 
in Madison township, and at the same time one was burned in Hope- 
well township. These barns were full of grain and the loss was heavy. 
In the first case there was writing on the walls of the house, threaten- 
ing to burn it, also, and do sundry other dreadful things. It was al- 
leged that the barn was burned by persons w^ho were disguised and 
wore masks, and after frightening the lad}^ of the house nearly out of 
her senses, until she ran across the fields to a neighbor's, the masked 
men retreated to the woods and became lost to sight. It was just in the 
twilight of evening that the affair took place, and nothing was done 
that night, but the next morning the whole country was aroused, and 
when it was learned that another good barn had been burned, a few 
miles distant, the alarm was great among farmers, and they all rallied 
and joined in the effort for the apprehension of the incendiaries. The 
people of the townships of Madison, Hopewell and Reading, turned 
out in great force, and large numbers of men were also present from 
the southern part of Licking county, and the western part of Muskin- 
gum. There were miles of men in line, stationed along roads, and 
many of them armed with such weapons as the country afforded. The 
fields, woods, ravines and all good hiding places were searched, but no 
suspicious characters were found. It is possible, of course, that the 
guilty pei'sons ma}' have mingled in the throng, and even joined in the 
search. For many nights farmers watched their houses and barns, and 
scouting parties were constantly on the alert ; but as no more burning 
was done, the interest and dread gradually died away. At this distant 



134 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

day, and after the lapse of so many years, it is impossible to conceive 
of the general and widespread excitement that prevailed at that time. 
The incendiaries were never discovered, and the question of who did 
set fire to the buildings, is yet shrouded in mystery. But, in some way 
or other, the burning is believed to have been directly or indirectly con- 
nected with the war, and therefore a part of its bitter fruits. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COtJNTY. I35 



CHAPTER XVI. 

REUNION OF VETERAN SOLDIERS. 

For a year or two after the close of the war, Reunions of veteran 
soldiers were ver}^ common in Perry county. These, however, were 
usually originated and managed by ladies, and were mostl}^ held in 
the country or in the vicinity of small villages. There was, on these oc- 
casions, always a good dinner, and in some cases the lay out of eata- 
bles was most extraordinar}^ All the labor and expense was cheerfully 
incurred by the ladies, in order that the returned veterans might have 
a good time, and as a manitestation of their good will toward them. After 
a year or two, however, this style of Reunion gradually ceased, and ex- 
cept for the pinching times that came, as a consequence of the war and 
an undue inflation of currency, it seemed almost forgotten that a great 
war had occurred, and that in almost every household, were carefully 
filed away scores of tender missives from brave boys in blue, whose 
hands would never write again. 

As the years rolled away and the ranks of the returned veterans began 
to thin out by death, military reunions revived, in all parts of the coun- 
try, and in this county. A few years since there was a Reunion of the 
ex-soldiers of Perry county, on the County Fair Ground, near New 
Lexington, during one of the days of the annual County Fair. There 
was a large attendance of veterans, who formed in front of the court 
house, under command of Colonel L. J. Jackson, from which place they 
marched to the Fair Ground, where the entire bodv was admitted free 
to the exhibition then in progress. There was not much opportunity 
for ceremony, speeches, or business, and little was had, but the Reunion 
was large and successful. 

The Thirty-First Ohio Regimental Reunion is the only one of this 
kind ever held in the county ; but it was highly successful, and held in 
September, 1882. The following account of the Reunion is from the 
New Lexington Tribune^ of October 4th, 1882: 

Reunion of the Thirty-First Ohio Volunteer Infantry. — 
The Annual Reunion ot the Thirty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantrv w'as 
celebrated in this place on Wednesday, September 26th. Many busi- 
ness houses and quite a number of private dwellings were handsomely 
decorated, as was also the court room, where the Reunion exercises 
were held. Several pictures of army scenes were hung behind the 
Judge's stand, including one representing the charge made by the bri- 
gade of w^iich the Thirty-first Ohio w'as a part, at Stone River. 

The Veterans formed at the C. & M. V. depot, about 11 a. m., and 
under the escort of the New Lexington Guards and a fine band of 
martial music, marched up Water and Main streets to the Court House, 
where Colonel Moses B. Walker, of Findlay, promptly called the meet- 



136 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

ing to order, after which an appropriate and eloquent speech of wel- 
come was delivered by his Honor, Mayor J. E. Johnston. Colonel L. 
J. Jackson responded in behalf of the veterans in appropriate terms. 
Then a recess was taken for dinner. 

Upon reassembling, in the afternoon, the roll of the living members 
of the veterans of the regiment was called by companies. Ever}' com- 
pany was represented, though some of them, from the more distant 
parts, b}' only a few members. Three of the companies, A D and G, 
went out from Perr}' county, commanded respectively by J. W. Free, 
William H. Free and L. J. Jackson. Licking and Hocking each had 
a company. The others were from more distant parts of the State. 
There was one company from Union, one from Clark, and one from 
Auglaize. Delaware also furnished a company, or part of one. 

After the roll call, Colonel Walker delivered the Oration, according 
to programme. It was an able and eloquent effort, and brought out 
much applause. Walker is a brainy man and eloquent of speech, but 
he is growing old, as are many of the veterans, and he did not make such 
a finished and classical speech as he did from the same platform, eigh- 
teen years ago, when the Thirty-first was home on veteran furlough, 
lor thirty days. 

After the regular oration, letters were read from absent members, 
iind then speeches were made by Captain H. C. Greiner, Colonel L. J. 
Jackson, Major J. W. Free and, Comrade J. P. Frances, of Newark, 
Ohio. Frances said that Colonel Walker and other speakers had been 
entirely too modest. He then eulogized Colonel Walker in the highest 
terms, and asserted that there were in the Thirt3'-first Ohio, and troni 
this very town of New Lexington and neighborhood, as brave men as 
ever trod a battle-field in either ancient or modern times. 

Most of the speakers had amusing or pathetic anecdotes of the war 
to relate. Two of them are brief, and are here given : Captain Greiner 
said that on one occasion a cannon ball had gone through a mule, and 
quick as thought Garrett Hayden, a member of Company A, from Salt- 
lick township, said, " there was a d — d good place for a window !" At 
Jonesboro the Colonel of the Thirty-eighth Ohio was shot dead in the 
battle. Just after the fight, when the body of the Colonel was being 
taken from the field, and all about was still as death, John Anderson, a 
private in the Thirty-eighth, half crying, said to a squad of Thirt}-- 
first soldiers, " That is two young Colonels the Thirty-eighth has had 
killed, and you have your d — d old Colonel yet." 

Major J. W. Free was fixed up for a good speech, and was about to 
begin speaking of the one hundred and one men of his original com- 
pany who left this count}^ in August, i86i,when he broke completely 
down, and could not say another word. 

The night session was devoted to business aftairs principally, but 
more good short speeches were made and other good arm}' anecdotes 
related. The committee appointed to report upon a place of meeting 
for the ensuing year divided, the majority report being for Logan and 
the minority report in tavor of Mt. Gilead. After some discussion, the 
minorit}' report was adopted, and Mt. Gilead agreed upon as the place 
for a Reunion, to be held on the second Wednesda}' of August, 1883. 

The Reunion was a success in every way. The battle flags of the 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. I37 

regiment had been sent down from Columbus, and were carefully un- 
covered and placed around the speaker's stand. They were mute but 
eloquent historians* of the awful conflicts through which the regiment 
passed. 

The name of Payton Shields, a private of Captain Bill Free's com- 
pany, was received with great enthusiasm. Mr. Shields was one of 
General Thomas' most efficient and reliable scouts, and put his neck in 
jeopardy hundreds of times. He w^as at one time during the war blown 
up on a steamboat on the Mississippi, was two hours and a half in the 
water, floated seven miles, and narrowly escaped drowning. Ever 
since that dreadful night he has been to a greater or less degree afflicted, 
and at times has nervous fits, in which he involuntarih' strikes with his 
hands and feet like a drowming man, as he did that dark night in the 
cheerless water of the Mississippi. Mr. Shields was present, one of 
the most modest, retiring men in the assembly. It was with difficulty 
that he could be persuaded to stand up a moment that the audience 
might see him. 

Several of the veterans came hundreds of miles to attend the Re- 
union ; one traveled over a thousand miles to get here. The far away 
States of Kansas and Iowa had their representatives. It was good to 
see the old veterans meet, shake hands and talk over the old times. It 
was also painful to see some of them fail to recognize each other, in 
consequence of the changes of so many years. 

The Thirty-first left Camp Chase, ten hundred and forty strong, 
September 26, 1861. It received three or four hundred recruits during 
the war, and yet was mustered out in 1865 with only two hundred and 
ten men. It probably did as hard fighting and marching as an}^ i"egi- 
ment in the service. 

General Walker said he could only speak generally of the dead, yet he 
must name the intrepid Colonel W. H. Free, who was loved by every 
man in the regiment, and was as brave as any that ever shouldered a 
musket or drew a sword. 

Most of the veterans remained over night and attended the night 
session. Many ladies graced the Reunion with their presence. 

The following is the list of comrades present : 

Officers — President, M. B. Walker: First Vice President, Major J. 
W. Free ; Second Vice President, James P. Frances ; Secretary, James 
C. Walker; Colonel Lyman J. Jackson, C. C. March. 

Company A— G. Hayden, G. W. Gordon, D. Mariart, S.W.White, 
Captain H. C. Greiner, M. Barnes, A. D. Hemry, A. J. Gordon, J. A. 
Grant, Captain W. F. Bennet, J. Powell, H.J. Strait, Asa Harbaugh, 
J. Shrieves, E. G. Spurrier. Alf Wilson, Samuel Longstreth, Eli Strait, 
Samuel Stainbrook, P. P. Stotler. 

Company B— R. C. Kitsmiller, W. H. Martin, Ben Bond, J. L. 
Rouse, T. D. Wood, D. B. Whitcraft, J. W. Campbell. 

Company C — Captain W. S. Carlisle, D. C. Henrv. 

Company D— J. F. Whipps, G. W. Watts, W. M: Sanders, L. L. 
Norris, T. W. Tracy, Payton Shields, A. Brown, J. B. Selby, W. E. 
Norris. 

Company E — J. Culver, A. H. Cutter, Joseph Hennis, Captain L. M. 
Cunard, A. H. Cunard, J. A. Closson. 

18 



138 HISTORY OF I'ERRV COUNTY. 

Company F — H. N. Simmons, Joseph Rice, B. Brown, Dr. Jerome 
Oatley. 

Company G — Horatio Sowers, Jacob Carnicour, Charles Hatenfels, 
David Brown, Captain C. L. Williams, Dick Brown, W. H. Russell, 
J, Ridenour, H. W. Lasure, George Essington, F, T. Smith, George 
Nichols, James O'Neal, Isaac Souslin, J. M. Dodd, J. H. Boling. 

Company H— Theo. Warthen, W. M. Parkinson, D. H. Barrick, 
William Spence, H. Allspaugh, John Jones, G. B. Woodcock, C. E. 
DarHngton, W. Vanasdal, D. G. Mills, H. C. Burch. 

Company I— W. W. McDonald, R. Stringfellow. 

Company K — Captain A. S. Scott. 

Regimental Band — D. Oblinger, T. H. Battan. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 1 39 



CHAPTER XVII. 

THE CENTENNIAL. 

The one hundredth Anniversary of the birth of the American Re- 
pubHc was everywhere celebrated with great eclat, and no where with 
more enthusiasm and parade than in Perry county, Ohio. Early in the 
spring the subject began to be discussed and preliminary steps taken. 
The people of the old town of Somerset were the first to move in the 
matter, but New Lexington soon followed suit and other places took up 
the strain. 

There was some talk of the entire county uniting in an obser- 
vance of the great day at old Overmyertown, (New Reading,) as the 
first permanently settled village in the*county ;butthe idea was not verv 
favorably received, for the reason that there could be no adequate ac- 
commodations at that place for the very large number of people who 
were sure to be present. Finally, Somerset and New Lexington de- 
cided upon having separate celebrations, and then Shawnee and New 
Straitsville came to the same conclusion. The Odd Fellows of New 
Lexington had previously announced a celebration for July 4th, 1876, 
and the veteran soldiers had likewise determined on that day to dedi- 
cate the soldiers' monument, and these facts were considerations that 
prevented the people of New Lexington from uniting with those of 
Somerset in a Centennial Celebration. 

The following accounts which are from the New Lexington Herald 
of July 6th, 1876, give a fair and correct idea of the great Centennial in 
Perry County : 

The Centennial at Somerset — 1776-1876- — The celebration of the 
Fourth, in Somerset, on last Tuesda}^, was the occasion of bringing to- 
gether the largest crowd of people witnessed in the county "since Work 
w.ashung." Every township in the county was represented, besides a 
delegation from Rushville nearly a thousand strong, and parties from 
Licking and Muskingum counties. In numbers and in point of display 
the celebration was a grand success — "the biggest crowd and biggest 
day" ever known in our history. 

The coming of the Fovuth was indicated in the earh* evening b}^ the 
Small Boy, with his hand cannon, his torpedo and his universal fire 
cracker. Main street from the school house to Pig Foot Square w^as 
occupied by the boys, pickets on the advance line, and a rattling fire 
was kept up along the entire street, checked occasionally only by the 
explosion of a whole pack by some more adventurous cuss, when each 
little chap would pocket for the moment his own single cracker and 
rush to the spot where the fascinating explosion was taking place. This 
rattle and clatter and din kept up till about eleven o'clock, when the 
boys, tired and sleepy, went to bed. 



140 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

At midnight the sleeping town and coiintr}' were awakened to the 
Centennial by the booming of cannon, the tiring ot" musketry, the ring- 
ing ot bells and every instrument and device of noise that could be call- 
ed into requisition. A steam whistle, the very incarnation of discordant 
voice, was turned loose from a planing mill, and this infernal thing got 
down on its hind legs, as though at the doors of Pandemonium, and 
howled and screamed and 3^elled until men swore, babies cried and wo- 
men fainted. The Small B03' again came to the front with his fire 
cracker, adding to the sublimity of the noise. Occasionally the steam 
whistle, which without change of note, modulation or inflection, over- 
powered all other noises, would stop for a few moments to catch breath 
or gather steam, and in the lull" could be heard the melod}' of the town 
bells, the music of organ, piano and bands, and occasionally the deep 
and mellow tones of St. Joseph's big bell borne on the waves of the mid- 
night winds. The advent of the Centennial was aggravating at first, 
but inspiriting, and from midnight until day the town slept but little, and 
the commotion and bus}^ preparation in house and on the street kept 
nearly every body awake and expectant. 

With morning came on a heavy rain storm, which, however, cleared 
off about eight o'clock and the streets began to fill up with people from 
the country. Delegations began to arrive from the townships at about 
ten o'clock, and were formed into procession by Captain Greiner, Chief 
Marshal, and his assistants. 

Mr. W. S. (Bee) Ream personated George Washington, and was 
dressed in a suit of the old Colonial time, his breeches being more than 
Centennial in age, coming into possession of his family from Mrs. Ream. 
Mrs. Tom Stillman represented Martha Washington, and did it finely. 
Accompanied by a military band, Mr. Ream called upon Mrs. Stillman at 
her residence, and escorted her to the place assigned them in the column. 
The procession formed at the public square, passing up Main street 
and returning by North Columbus street, thence down Main street and 
along the pike to Dittoe's grove, about a mile distant from town. 
The following is the order of the procession : 
Somerset Brass Band. 
Officers and orators of the day. 
Band of martial music. 
Cannon and gun squad in uniform. 
George and Martha Washington in costume. 
Elderly ladies in costume representing the thirteen Colonies. 
Thirty-eight young ladies representing the thirty-eight States. 
Goddess of Liberty in costume. 
Township delegations in carriages. 
Delegations on horseback. 
Citizens from town and countr}' on foot. 
The procession was the finest display ever made in the county. The 
wagons containing the ladies in costume were large and commodious, 
festooned with vine and foliage and flowers, patriotic emblems and de- 
vices. Flags and pennants nodded from horses heads and waved from 
tile liands of the thousands, as they sped to the grove amid the thunder 
of cannon, the thrilling music of the bands, and the cheers of the densely 
peopled sidewalks. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. I4I 

A group of ladies represented the colonies and states. Each was a 
beautiful and fitting representative of the sovereignty — the highest, 
greatest, purest lype of nationality, and in her virtues the absolute as 
well as ideal guardian and protector. 

Mrs. George Brown in tasteful costume and adorned with appropri- 
ate emblems, personated the Goddess of Liberty. As the cortege con- 
taining this group of magnificent beaut}' in the gayest trappings of 
modern taste and culture passed along the streets, cheered and applauded 
bv the thousands of enthusiastic Perry countians, we thought no inci- 
dent was more expressive, no feature more appropriate in contrasting 
to-day and its living scenes with the historic memory of the century that 
has passed. 

Nearly a hundred 3-ears ago Ebenezer Zane and Jonathan Zane 
passed almost identically over the line taken by the procession, in mak- 
ing the "Zane trail" from Wheeling to Maysville. Then there was not 
a house in the county — not a white man — all a wilderness — all in savage 
nature, unbroken except by the discordant tones of wild animals, or the 
yells of Indians as wild. Neither refinement nor comfort, neither pro- 
tection from the storms nor safet}^ from the savage ; and a descendant of 
one of those pioneers represented the Goddess of Liberty, surrounded 
bv all that refines and ennobles, and emblematic not onlv of a free and 
enlightened county and community, but of the change of a century 
made by the force of free opinion in a free government, and it was only 
the more strong in contrast by the circumstance that with magnificent 
beauty, clothed and crowned as a Goddess, surrounded by a bevy that 
might have awakened the jealous}^ of Juno and Jove. 

The delegation from Jackson township, led by the Junction City 
band, was universally conceded to be the largest from any township and 
the flag was awarded them. The procession numbered five hundred 
and fift3'-eight carriages passing the American House, and it is esti- 
mated that an equal number came in from north and south on Columbus 
'street, which are not included in the count. 

As the procession was leaving town the delegation from Rushvile 
arrived. This delegation made a very fine appearance, and was wel- 
comed b}^ the Somerset people in the most heart3^and enthusiastic style. 

Immediately on arrival at the grove the exercises were opened by 
Rev. M. White b}^ prayer. Next followed the reading of the Declara- 
tion. The stand was occupied by the officers, S'George and Martha 
Washington," and a number of aged citizens. The oration, by Hon. 
W. E. Finck, followed the reading of the Declaration, and was in this 
gentleman's best style. 

Just as Mr. Finck was closing, the clouds which for an hour had 
been gathering burst upon the crowd, and every thing in a moment was 
complete demoralization, and the occasional showers following at half 
hour intervals culminated in a terrific storm at about four o'clock in the 
afternoon, disarranged the programme agreed upon, and all the exerci- 
ses following were conducted under the most dispiriting circumstances. 
A bountifurfree dinner was spread, and although the dry bread 
got a little too wet, the wants of all who were hungry were amply 
supplied, and every one seemed satisfied. 



1^2 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

Immediately after dinner Mr. E. S. Colborn was introduced to the 
crowd and delivered a valuable and interesting Historical Address. 

Following the Historical Address were a number of toasts read by 
Dr. Willard. 

Mr. W. E. Finck, Jr., responded in very happy style to "Washing- 
ton,"' combining historic facts and pathetic sentiments in a masterly 
manner, showing a thorough knowledge of the history of our country 
and a true conception of the lessons to be learned from it. 

The "Soldiers of the War of the Rebellion," was the subject of the 
next toast. Colonel L. J. Jackson being called upon made the follow- 
ing response : 

"It would require more time and, in view of the coming storm, a 
more auspicious occasion to do justice to the toast given. No man can 
imagine, without actual participation, the dread and gloom that over- 
hung this country at the inception of the late war. It was like the storm 
that we hear now in the distance. We hear the distant thunder, we 
know it is freighted with wondrous force and livid lightning ; we know 
it has the elements of danger and destruction, and we wonder in fearful 
suspense where its lightnings may strike and where its waters may fall. 

"So was the dread and danger then — we knew the storm was in the 
air and that if it came upon us there would be mourning and desolation 
in the land ; that some, at least, of us and ours would be called to die 
in the shock of battle, and be laid in the last sleep under a strange sky 
by stranger hands, without woman's gentle hands to soothe the parting 
struggle or lead to the life eternal. 

" Well I recollect standing by the telegraph operator at New Lexing- 
ton, on April 14, 1861, waiting in fearful suspense, as the whole world 
was waiting, to hear the news from Carleston. And while so waiting 
there came that historic and portentous dispatch : " Fort Sumter is on 
fire and enveloped in smoke, but the Federal flag is still waving over 
it." As if the emergency and sublimity of the moment had evoked the 
spirit of prophecy, it announced to the world that with lurid flames be- 
low it, and war's terrors surrounding it, and death's most potent instru- 
ments assailing it, the God given emblem of Freedom still floated and 
was safe in the hands of Him who made our country free. And that 
sublime incident, under God — the soldiers and sailors of the late war. 
His instruments — foretold the vicissitudes and results of the war. The ter- 
rible defeat at Manassas came, but the Federal flag did not go down. 
The blood-stained fields of Shiloh, and Donelson, and Chickamauga, 
and Stone River, and Atlanta, and Gettysburg, and Antietam, and 
Fredericksburg, and a hundred others came, and the Federal flag still 
waved ; three hundred thousand true and gallant soldiers died around 
it, but its stars still shone and its stripes still gleamed in the sky. It was 
still between us and Heaven in the battles of the Wilderness, on the 
ocean and our rivers, in the swamps of Louisiana and Mississippi and 
Carolina— the mountains of Virginia and Tennessee. No matter how 
lurid the flame nor how deadl}- the moment, the boys in blue still car- 
ried it until it waved in triumph over the capital of every State, the 
grave of every dead hero, and threw its cheering gleam through the 
bars of every prison, until Libby and Andersonville threw ofT their gloom 
and ended their horrors. 



HISTORY OK PERRY COUNTY. I43 

"And to-day beyond danger, triumphant over all enemies, it waves 
above us in peace, and tliose that fought for it as well as those who 
fought against it, together celebrate the Centennial year of the exist- 
ence of the Nation it represents. And that commemoration is not as of 
enemies having opposing interests and hostile purposes, but as friends in 
a common countr}^ under a common flag, having a common interest 
and common purpose for all coming time. Yes, all are brethren now ; 
those that fought for it and those' that fought against it. No ill-starred 
traitor can ever divide ns again ; and for the future we share together 
the fortunes of a common country. Not admiring their cause, but con- 
scious of the fact that braver men never lived — not remembering in ven- 
geance the errors of the past, but looking only to the future ; we the vic- 
tors take the hand of the vanquished and from our hearts say, we are 
rivals now only as one people looking to the good of one country." 

Altogether, it was a "big day," and many a man tottering in his 
old age, as well as the youthful and vigorous in his prime, will treasure 
its recollections as one of the eventful incidents of our local history ; the 
little boy, big-eyed in wonder, and perfectly overcome with what he 
saw and felt, will make this day and this celebration the starting point 
i*n the misty memories of future life, and measure his recollections from 
this milestone. 

Jackson township claims a delegation of sixteen hundred. Other 
townships had large delegations ; none however equal to Jackson. The 
crowd was estimated at from eight to ten thousand. 

The day closed in Somerset by a brilliant displa}^ of fire works, and 
the ascension of thirty-eight balloons, representing the several States — 
with the firing of cannon, the explosion of rockets, the bursting of fire 
crackers, with din and clang, and clatter and confusion. ' And so it 
should. The pageant to-day was no idle show ; the explosion of can- 
non and crackers not an empty noise ; the flaming rockets spangling 
the heavens with stars and streams of light, not an empty, transient 
glory. It is the voice, the spirit, the inspiration of '76, running down 
through the ages. And when the Fourth of July again comes, let re- 
curring celebrations be made with the same spirit as has crowded the 
demonstration of to-day with such sacred recollections, and crowned 
it with such magnificent success. 

Celebration at New Lexington. — On the evening of the 3d of 
July, the "universal small boy," whose normal and original home ap- 
pears to be New Lexington, with several townships to hear from, seemed 
determined to begin the celebration early, and with whoops and yells, 
and something less than a million fire crackers, it was plain that the 
coming events of the morrow were casting their shadows before. At 
midnight pandemonium, duly modified for the occasion, of course, broke 
forth in uncontrollable fury. All the bells in the city were rung, the 
cannon blazed and pealed away, jarring the houses, windows and nerves 
of people, nobody could sleep, and the pavements and streets were alive 
with people. The universal small bo}^ aforesaid, unsuppressed and 
irrepressible, was in all his glory, and gravely impressed with the idea 
that the future destiny of this country was resting, or soon would rest, 



144 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

on his shoulders, was indifferent as to whether his suspenders were off 
or on. 

When the noise ol" the shrieks, and shouts, and yells would subside, 
as they occasionally did, the concert of the city bells was very fine, in- 
inspiring, and quite endurable, not to say musical and harmonious. 

The morning of the Fourth came bright, clear and joyous. The 
city was gaily decorated, and banners and flags waved and flapped in 
every breeze. Early in the morning, people began to flow into the cit\' 
from all directions, on foot, on horseback, in wagons, in carriages, bug- 
gies, and, a little later in the day, by the railroads. By ten o'clock the 
town w^as overflowing with people. 

A little before ten the procession was organized at the public square, 
under the direction of General J. H. Kelly, Chief Marshal of the day. 
The procession was termed in the Ibllowing order : First, Ewing 
Guards ; second, soldiers of the war with Mexico, and of the war of 
1861 ; third, the New Lexington Lodge of the L O. O. F ; fourth, citi- 
zens on foot, on horseback, and in carriages and other vehicles. The 
procession, preceded by the Roseville Cornet Band and the New Lex- 
ington Military Band, moved southward as far as the intersection of 
Main by Mill street. Here it countermarched and proceeded north- 
w^ardly on Main street. The pavements on either side, and the court 
house yard, were lined with people, and from windows, balconies, and 
the front yards on the line of march, women and children looked and 
gazed upon the inspiring scene. The Catholic Church was very hand- 
somely and appropriately decorated, and the morning services of High 
Mass had just concluded ; and, as the head of the procession passed 
the church building, the choir appeared in the front 3'ard, singing in a 
highly creditable manner, the song of "The Star Spangled Banner," 
and continuing to sing as the procession moved bv. It moved on north- 
ward, crossed the iron bridge, and halted at Monument Space, near 
Broadwa}^ wdiere the inaugurating ceremonies took place. 

The battle-scarred and riddled flags, which had been borne in the 
procession by veterans, were deposited on the terrace of the monument, 
and saluted by the militarj^ A brief and appropriate address was then 
made by Wm. A. Hale of Lancaster, after which the following letter 
was read by General J. H. Kelly, from General Hugh Ewing, the flrst 
commander of the Thirtieth Ohio : 

"Lancaster, O., July 2, 1876. 
"Colonel James Taylor. — I sincerely regret to say that an at- 
tack of inflammatory rheumatism, under which I am suffering, will 
render it impossible for me to accept the invitation of your committee. 
" I beg you to present them my acknowledgments for the honor of 
the invitation, and through them to present to our old comrades, who 
assemble to do honor to our immortal dead, my profound and heartfelt 
sympathy. Truly your friend, 

Hugh Ewing." 

L.J. Burgess, of New Lexington, then made some brief and appro- 
priate remarks. 

Major John W. Free, of New Lexington, who had been selected to 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. I45 

give a history of the flags that adorned the terrace of the monument, 
spoke as follows : 

"Soldiers and Fellow Citizens — I have a duty to perform in present- 
ing to you these tatterted flags, with a short history of each, which I al- 
most feel incompetent to do, for the past is so full of recollections that it 
crowds m}'^ memory, and almost chokes my utterance. This is an oc- 
casion of the inauguration of this Monument to the memory of the dead 
of the Thirtieth Ohio. We have thought it appropriate to bring togeth- 
er the flags of the different Regiments that have at one time or another, 
done duty in the same Division, Corps, or Department of the army, 
during the war for the Union. General Hugh Ewing, who wrote the 
letter just read in your hearing, was the first Colonel of the Thirtieth'to 
which this tattered flag belonged. For want of time I shall not attempt 
to name the battles through which this flag has gone, for it is his- 
tory well known to you all. Several color-bearers fell dead carrying it 
to victory. At Antietam these colors were badly torn with bullets. 
Two color-bearers fell here — Sergeant White fell never to rise again, 
and immediately Sergeant Carter grasped the flag stafl' so firmly in his 
death agony that it could with difficulty be taken from his hands. To 
men as equally as brave as these this monument is erected to their mem- 
ory. This regiment did duty in the army of the Potomac and in the 
Western army ; joined in the march to the sea, came through Richmond, 
was at the grand review at Washington, and what was left of these 
brave men returned to their homes. Some maimed, some diseased, 
and others robust and ready to do or die for the old flag. 

"Next in order is the flag of the Thirty-First. Under this old flag 
I had the honor to serve. Eleven bullets struck this stafl", many through 
its folds. Five color-bearers were killed and several severely wounded. 
This regiment did service in the Western army, joined in the march to 
the sea, was at the grand review at Washington, and soon thereafter 
discharged. 

"Next is the Sixty-First. This regiment, like the Thirtieth Ohio, 
did duty in both the Eastern and Western armies ; joined in the march 
to the sea, and soon thereafter was discharged. The brave Colonel of 
this regiment, Stephen J. McGroarty, had twenty-seven wounds upon 
his body received in battle, and died some two years ago on account of 
the same. This flag has been in some twenty battles ; the regiment 
fought three days at Gettysburg and five days in the Wilderness, and 
it is a befitting emblem to be present at the inauguration of this beauti- 
ful monument. 

"Next is the Sixty-Second. The gallant Colonel of this regiment, 
F. B. Pond, who came home like many of his men, all covered with 
wounds, was the right man to lead the brave boys who carried this flag 
to victory. This regiment, unlike the others spoken of, did duty in the 
Eastern army only. Its tattered flag and spliced staff' speaks louder 
than words of the awful carnage it has passed through. Several color- 
bearers fell carrying it on to victory. This old flag was in the assault 
on Fori Wagner, July i8th, 1863, and many gallant boys went down 
and now sleep in unknown graves. 

"Next is the Hundred and Twenty-Sixth. This flag has been in 
many engagements ; its history is written, and you all can read. It is 

19 



146^ HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

enough when I tell you that during the term of service of the 
Hundred and Twenty-Sixth it lost nineteen officers and 490 men killed 
and wounded. The flags of the Ninetieth and Hundred and Fourteenth 
Ohio were expected here to-day, but had been engaged for other places 
which we all regretted. 

In sending our invitations to the soldiers of the different wars for 
our union, no invitation was given to the soldiers of the Revolution, for 
we knew they had all passed away ; but we invited the soldiers of the 
war of 1812 and of the Mexican war ; and I know of but two soldiers of 
the war of 181 2 3^et living in our county — Henry Hazleton, sen., of Salt- 
lick, and John J. Jackson, of Reading, father of Lyman J. Jackson, of 
New Lexington — and they are too aged and feeble to leave their homes. 
And I see here to-day but three soldiers of the Mexican war, Captain 
Ralph Spencer, Hugh McGonagle and Frederick Hoffman, and they 
also are fast passing from among us." 

After the history of the flags. Colonel Wm. H. Free, of New Lex- 
ington, came forward and made an appropriate and eloquent little 
speech, as follows : 

"Comrades and Fellow Citizens — When I first looked on these tat- 
tered, torn and riddled banners, this morning, I could not refrain from 
tears ; for many who followed them from the Ohio and the Potomac to 
the Gulf and the Atlantic, through smoke and fire and blood, now sleep 
in honored, but unmarked graves, on the fields where they fell, and in 
the fence corners, on the hills, and in the Valleys of Virginia, Kentucky 
Tennessee, Mississippi and the Corolinas, as well as on the shores of the 
Gulf and the ocean ; but still, thank God, under the old flag, and within 
the sacred domain of our free and united Republic. And here, to-day, 
I thank God that this nation, aye, and this county, had so many brave 
and true men who were willing to die ; so many, whose deaths were not 
merely the spilling of so much blood ; but whose memories are esteemed 
worthy of this memorial shatt ; (combining the holy emblems of Relig- 
ion and Liberty,) whose names will be remembered everywhere, in 
hamlet, village and city, so long as memory shall perform her office — 
so long as this polished marble shall last, or time endure." 

Upon the conclusion of the ceremonies at the Monument, the pro- 
cession re-formed and moved up Broadway, to near Arnold's Miff ;then 
crossed the bridge over Rushcreek, and marched into the beautiful 
grove belonging to Robert E. Huston. 

Arriving at the stand in the grove, the first thing was the reading of 
the Declaration of Independence, which was admirably done, by Prof. 
H. F. Acker, of New Lexington. 

After the reading of the Declaration, came the regular Oration of the 
day, by Wm. A. Hale, of Lancaster. This was a masterly effort, of 
over an hour in length. Mr. H. is onl}^ twenty-nine vears of age, but 
is one of the finest and most accomplished orators in the State. He 
traced the histor}' of the country throughout, and commented forcibly, 
eloquently and grandly, upon the most important events of our national 
history. Mr. Hale was also a soldier, a member of the Eightith O. V. I. 

Now came the recess and general picnic dinner. Families, ac- 
quaintances and groups organized throughout the grove, and did ample 
justice to the many good things prepared bv the ladies at home. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 



147 



After recess and dinner, the first thing in order was the Historical 
Address, by James Taylor, of New Lexington. Mr. Taylor had not 
proceeded far until the rain began to fall, and he asked to be excused 
from the further reading of his speech, as it was quite lengthy, and 
would appear in lull in the newspapers. 

The assemblage was widely scattered by the heavy shower of rain, 
but when it was over, undaunted, the hundreds and thousands reassem- 
bled in the neighborhood of the stand, and again were called to order, 
and the reading of the responses to toasts was the order of the day. 
Of all this order of business, by some mishap or other, we are furnished 
only the following : 

Toast — "Thirteen Colonies (response by E. H. Heagler) — Virginia, 
Massachusetts, Rode Island, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, 
Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, 
Delaware, Connecticut. 

"Muster Roll of an infant Republic ; waked by the reveille of Lib- 
erty in the gre}^ light of the morning of the first century." 

"Patriot battalion, stepping to pulsations of hearts quickened by Him 
whose presence giveth liberty." 

"A constellation in the Zodiac of God's works, lingering till the 
Prince of Peace loves the nations into one. He reigns over all blessed." 

Other toasts were read and responses given, but they were prboably 
lost or demoralized in the heavy shower of rain that followed. At an^^ 
rate, they have not been furnished us, and we of course can not give 
them. While the toast and response business was in full progress, 
there came up the heaviest shower of the day ; the assemblage reluc- 
tantly broke up, the vehicles began to move hurriedly and in long lines 
out of the woods, and the vast assembly poured over and in upon the 
city, filling private houses, stores, shops, offices and public buildings. 
But all were jolly, and kept in the best humor and plight possible, and 
gradually, quietly and orderly, after the rain was over, the people from 
the country set out- for their respective homes. The night of the Fourth 
was beautiful and serene, but warm and sultr}^. Soon after dark, there 
was a fine exhibition of fire works at the public square, and rockets and 
balloons were sent up. The streets and pavements were alive with 
people ; and there was great danger of accident, but happily none oc- 
curred. 

One great attraction of the Centennial Fourth at New Lexington, 
was the bullet-scared staffs, and the tattered flags of the 30th, 31st, 
6ist, 626. and 126th O. V. L The veterans and men and women did 
not design to weep, but as they gazed upon the emblems of country and 
death, the tears came unbidden, and the emotion, with many, was un- 
controllable. These mute messengers awakened or revived many a sad 
thought, and retouched the wounded and stricken hearts of hundreds 
upon hundreds of people. Orphans, little children when made so, now 
young men and women ; and fathers and mothers who had laid their 
darling sons upon the altar of their country, crowded around, and with 
tear dimmed eyes, intently gazed upon the historical banners, which the 
loved and lost had bravely followed to victory or death. 

The number present has been variously estimated at from five to ten 
thousand, and we cannot, of course, decide even if we wished to, as to 



148 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

the number of people present. It was a grand and memorable time, 
and so let it be recorded, and so let it pass down, to be read and pon- 
dered by the generations which are to come after us. 

Celebration at Shawnee. — The Odd Fellows of Shawnee and 
citizens of the place celebrated their Fourth by a pic nic in a grove one- 
half mile north west of that village. Prayer was offered by Robert 
Weedy, the Declaration of Independence was read by William Davy, 
Mayor of Shawnee, and an address was delivered by Dr. R. B. Wood- 
ward, of Somerset, which was listened to very attentively. 

National airs were sung by the Welsh choir ; and also music by an 
excellent string band. The occasion passed off" very pleasantly, agree- 
ably and orderly, till about 2 o'clock, when a very violent rain and 
storm drove the crowd from the grove. 

Celebration at New Straitsville. — The celebration at Straits- 
ville on the Fourth was a grand success. The Hibernians and Odd 
Fellows, in uniform, with full regalia, formed in procession, and made a 
splendid display. The day passed oflf pleasantly, and everybody had a 
good time. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. I49 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

CYCLONES AND FLOODS. 

Cyclones, or Wind Storms. — Different parts of the county have, 
at one time or another, been visited with wind storms of greater or less 
severity ; but two were of such exceptional character and violence as to 
merit special mention. They are known as the storms of 1832 and 
1845. It is a common saying that lightning does not strike twice in the 
same place, and hurricanes or cyclones scarcely ever do ; but those of 
1832 and 1845 did, and the centers of these storms, where the destruc- 
tion was greatest and the violence of the contending elements the most 
fearful, were only about two miles distant from each other. The cy- 
clone of 1845 seemed to reach its greatest violence at a point about one 
mile east of Rehoboth, and the storm of 1832 at a point some two and 
a half miles southeast of the same village. There are differences of 
opinion about the direction from which the cyclone of 1832 came ; some 
claiming that it came from the south, and others that it came from the 
west or northwest. Such storms usually come from north of west ; but 
the one of 1832 may have been an exception. This hurricane unroofed 
buildings, blew fences where they were never found, and converted 
heavily wooded forests into labyrinths of broken, twisted, and slivered 
timber and brush. This "fallen timber" district, along the head waters 
of Bear Run, subsequently became the home and hiding place of large 
numbers of rabbits, and though most, if not all, of the tangled timber 
has been cleared away, Bear Run is noted as a rabbit hunting ground 
until the present day. At the time the cyclone came up, a circus show 
was exhibiting at Rehoboth. The wind broke the center pole and 
blew over the canvas, creating a panic among showmen and spectators. 
No houses were blown down, though many were unroofed, and many 
families living in the line of the storm took refuge in their cellars or 
other supposed places of safety. This storm, in its greatest severity, 
was confined to small portions of Pike, Clayton, Bearfield and Harri- 
son townships. 

The storm of 1845 indisputably came from the northwest. Persons 
standing a little out of its line describe it as having a grand, majestic. 
and yet frightful appearance. Dark, murky clouds were rolled, whirled, 
tossed ind driven in every direction, whilst the body of the great mass 
moved swiftly and and steadily forward. The cyclone had its origin 
only three or four miles west of Rehoboth ; and it spent its force three 
or four miles east of that village. Several houses were unroofed in Re- 
hoboth, and many others to the eastward. The dwelling, a large log 
house, of Benjamin Banks, situated one-half mile north of Rehoboth, 
was blown so that scarcely one log was left upon another ; the house- 
hold goods scattered in every direction, and some of the articles were 
never found. Strange to say, the inmates of the house all escaped with 



150 HISTO: Y OF PERRY COUNTY. 

very slight bruises. At a number of places in the vicinity of Rehoboth, 
all kinds of trees were blown down, and not one left standing. Many 
of the trees were blown up by their roots ; but most of them were broken 
off a few feet above the ground. It was the work of days to clear open 
the public highways, through some of this fallen timber. Saddles, bri- 
dles, harness and" other articles, were carried off, and many of them 
never recovered. No lives w^ere lost in either of the storms of 183-2 or 
1845, though many marvelous escapes were made. 

Three Great Floods. — About 1834 ^^ ^^35 — ^^^ oldest inhabi- 
tants differ as to the exact year — there was a tremendous flood at New 
Lexington and vicinit}'. It was in July, and the farmers were cradling 
oats. The wonderful deluge was not preceded by any warning : many 
people were caught in it, and some of them were in danger of drown- 
ing, though no such calamit^^ occurred. It had been a clear, calm day, 
and between four and five in the afternoon, a light cloud began to ob- 
scure the sky, and, unexpectedly to all observers, the rain was soon de- 
scending in torrents, though apparently not a breath of air was stirring. 
The rain lasted nearly an hour, and then ceased as suddenly as it be- 
gan. The streams became marvelously swollen ; horses and men were 
swimming where an hour before had been dry land. Rush Creek was 
booming, and spread over all the bottom, from the New Lexington hill 
to the hills half a mile and more northward. Great damage was done to 
crops and fences, but no buildings were washed away. 

Another notable flood of somewhat similar characteristics, occurred 
Saturday, August 5th, 1882. 

The New Lexington Tribune, of August loth, after speaking of the 
flood at Corning and Rendville the previous Thursday, thus describes 
the flood at New Lexington and vicinity : 

The wonderful rain-fall and flood of Saturday night, we will more 
particularl}' describe. From a New Lexington point of observation, 
the cloud was light, and approached slowly and gently from a westerly 
direction, and gradually the whole heavens became overcast, and the 
big rain drops began to fall. It rained hard and steadily for about an 
hour, but not harder than it had frequently done before, in former years. 
As soon as the long shower was over, it was discovered that Oxawoosie 
or Fowler's Run was raising very fast, and, at the west end of town 
was soon out of banks and overflowing the low lands adjacent. Soon 
after, Yerger's Run, which empties into Rush Creek. a few rods beloW 
the mouth of the Oxawoosie, was observed to be still higher than its 
neighbor on the other side, and the great flow of water from these tw6 
tributaries, began to back water up Rilsh Creek, and the novel features 
of logs, boards and other drift, flowing up stream, was for sortie time 
exhibited. The back water extended for more than a fourth of a riiil6 
from the Junction of the two streams named with Rush Creek. A nurn- 
ber of citizens were looking upon this novel back water scene, when a 
tremendous roar was heard up the creek, which is also up the track of 
the C. & M. V. R. R. One person suggested that it was an ap- 
proaching train. Another said no, it is the roaring of water. True 
enough, and in a very few minutes the floods came, which meeting 
and uniting with the back water from Yerger's Run and Oxawoosie, 



JilSTORY OF PERRY COUNTY, 1,5 1- 

rose three feet higher than was ever before known, and caused the 
water to flow into some fort}- or fifty dwelHngs ; and in some of them it 
was three or four feet deep. The night was tolerabl}' dark, and the 
sudden influx of water upon dweninijs was verv alarmincj. The de- 
gree of danger could not at once be known, and the screaming of 
women and children was frightful enough for a while. All, however, 
safely waded or were carried to higher grounds, and not a life was lost. 
The flow of water was so sudden and bewildering, that carpets and 
many other articles of household goods were seriously damaged. The 
waters were booming for hours, and did not recede much until after 
midnight. 

The Ohio Central Railroad bridge across Rush Creek was carried 
awa}', and some of the adjacent track washed out. The passenger 
train was standing near the Ohio Central depot, and a good part of the 
railroad bed was washed from under it. The iron bridge that spanned 
Rush Creek at the north end of Main street, was carried away. It 
floated oft' beautifully at first, with the street lamp attached to it, light- 
ing up the scene ; but fifteen or twenty rods down the stream the floating 
bridge was dashed against something, and the lighted lamp disappeared 
beneath the waves. The principal bridge, leading from up town to the 
C. & M. V. depot, escaped. The bridge north of town, near Arnold's 
Mill, was for a time under water, but safely weathered the storm. The 
railroad bridge of the C. & M. V., across Rush Creek, about three- 
fourths of a mile north ol lown, was carried oft', and the track for about 
a quarter of a mile washed out. The water and drift had evidently 
gathered and dammed up at this point, on the north side of the railroad 
track, and when the break was made, everything went with a rush. 
The Ohio Central depot, though in an exposed situation, and thorough- 
ly bumped and punched with drift wood, stood the racket well, and did 
not receive any serious injury. 

The great rain and flood at this place have been sufficiently described, 
but some of the accessories to the flood are deserving of mention. The 
gathering of waters and drift three-fourths of a mile above town ah-eady 
referred to, did much to swell the flood at New Lexington — just how 
much it is impossible to determine. When the new channel for the 
creek was cut out, along the north side of the railroad, it was probably 
sufficient to carry all the water ; but a thicket of willows and other 
young timber has gradually accumulated along the banks, and reaching 
out over and into the creek bed, until the channel is far from what it 
should be. Here the water and drift dammed up, and when the bridge 
and track broke, everything went at once, and this damming up of the 
water of Rush Creek was the cause, in part, of the unusual back 
water from Fowler's and Yerger's Run, as well as the extraordinary 
rise of Rush Creek at New Lexington. There is another reason for 
the unprecedented back water, at this place. The channel of Rush 
Creek, just below town, is very crooked, and is, at this time, much ob- 
structed by logs and other dritt, so that the great surplus of water had 
no sufficient outlet. 

There was a marvelous flood at Rendville and Corning on Thurs- 
day, August 3d, 1882. A correspondent of the New Lexington Tribune, 
who was a witness of the whole affair, as nearly as one person could 



IC? HISTORY OF PERRV COUNTY. 

be, gave the following description of the unprecedented flood and the 
consequences resulting from it : 

On Thursday afternoon we were visited by the most destructive flood 
that ever occurred on Sunday Creek. In about half an hour's time the 
water had risen fifteen feet, and was destroying everything in its course. 
Every bridge, county and railroad, was washed out between Moxahala 
tnnnel and two miles south of Corning, with the exception of the depot 
bridge at Corning, and it was saved by the torrent of water breaking 
over the track above the depot and running down the east side. 

At Mine No. 2 the entire side track and about five hundred feet of 
main track was carried some distance down the stream. Six coal cars 
that were on the side track were scattered along the creek for some 
distance, two of them lodging against a tree about one-quarter of a 
mile below. At Middletown the water was up to the second floor of 
the houses nearest the creek. One house was moved from its founda- 
tion. Both bridges at this place were swept away. At No. 3 bridges 
and the side track from the hill to the main track were swept out. The 
main track for some distance below the depot was washed from the 
road bed. The water was from one to three feet deep in nearly all the 
houses in Rendville. The majority of the stores are losers to some ex- 
tent — some of them quite heavy. The damage to the Sunday Creek 
Company's store is not less than $1,000. Shepperd & Co. lose about 
$800. Cliflbrd's saloon was the first building to go from Rendville. It 
went to pieces on the railroad bridge, carrying the bridge with it. Two 
houses belonging to Cliftbrd were in great danger, with their occupants, 
who had not time to get out of the water as it rose so rapidly. A house 
was washed from the foot of Main street and lodged on the railroad 
track. Two houses belonging to William McBride were washed away ; 
one of them, which was occupied by a family by the name of McMahon, 
having eight persons in it, fortunately lodged long enough against No. 
9. bridge tor them to be rescued before the house and bridge both went 
to pieces. Two house belonging to George Venning were washed from 
their foundations and lodged against the hill. Mrs. Burns was in one 
of the houses, sick, and was rescued while the house was in motion. 
The Sunday Creek Mine side-track was partially washed out and a 
number of loaded cars drifted some distance into the meadow. Between 
that point and Corning nearlv all the main track is carried from the 
road-bed. Frank Rogers had his entire stock of lumber floated off; 
also, the Jones Brothers, at Corning. About two miles of track below 
Corning is swept away. A number of small houses from the lower end 
of Corning were carried off. Two large houses were floated right 
across the end of Valley street. The Corning depot was flooded, and 
the boys abandoned it in a hurry, all striking for high grounds, except 
Agent McKay, who made for the platform of the old depot, and as the 
waters rose he mounted on a pile of beer cases and was thus enabled 
to defy the flood. Jim Cody, for the time, lost all interest in telegraphy, 
and took a sudden notion that he had business up town. Our Rend- 
ville agent, H. C. Bowles, although he thinks Rendville is no such a 
place as his old home in Virginia, did not want to leave on a floating 
depot, and made a rush for the passenger train wnich was caught here 
by the flood. Mr. J. H. Harsh started from the store to his home near 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. I53 

the mine when he saw the flood coming, and succeeded in getting to 
his house just before the water began to rush around it. He thinks he 
could have outrun the Champion Valley. Rend & Co. and No. 11 
shaft were partly filled with water. Si Nelson, from Porterville, was at 
the mill with two horses and an express wagon, which were swept away. 
Considerable stock was drowned. 

It is impossible to give anything near a correct estimate of the 
damages of the flood in this valley, but it will not fall much short of 
$150,000, It will be several weeks before the mines are in full opera- 
tion again. It will be several days before trains can get here. 
20 



1^4 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

OLD settlers' association. 

A Pioneer Association has been one of the things long talked of in 
Perry county, but, for various reasons, never inaugurated until quite a 
recent date' A few weeks previous to the annual County Fair of 
1882, a notice was published in the county papers, requesting the 
Old Settlers of the county to assemble at the fair ground, on the 
second day of the fair, for the purpose of organizing an Old 
Settlers' Association. A fair degree of interest was at once manifested 
in relation to the matter, and the simple announcement referred to 
brought together at the appointed place and time a respectable number 
of persons, men and women, from various sections of the county. It is 
presumable that meetings will be held annually or oftener hereafter. 
The annexed account of the Old Settlers' meeting, and the organization 
of the society, is from the New Lexington- Tribime: 

Agreeable to a call through the press, quite a number of the old set- 
tlers met at the Perry County Fair, at two o'clock p. m., Thursday, 
September 28th, 1882, and organized an "Old Settlers' Association," by 
appointing D. C. Fowler as temporary Chairman, and E. Teal, Esq., 
temporary Secretary. 

On motion, a committee of five was appointed to draft apian of or- 
ganization, consisting of the following gentlemen : R. E. Huston, E. 
S. Colborn, Wm. Story, Robert Bennett and J. K. Milligan. 

After due deliberation the committee reported the following, and 
recommeded its adoption : 

Articles of Agreement. — This Association shall be known as the 
Old Settlers' Association of Perry county, Ohio. Its object to be for 
mutual enjoyment, socialities, and the collection and preservation of 
historical incidents, etc. It shall hold its meetings at least once a year, 
or as often as the society shall direct. 

Any person, male or female, having resided in the county fifty years 
or more, may become a member of this society by subscribing their 
names hereunto. 

The officers of this society shall consist of a President, and one 
Vice President from each township within the county, and one Secre- 
tary, together with what assistance he may choose. Also an Executive 
Committee of five. The officers shall be elected viva voce, annually, 
at a regular meeting of the society. 

The duties of the President shall be the usual duties ot Presidents of 
deliberative bodies. The oldest Vice President present at a meeting, 
in the absence of the President, shall preside. The duties of the Secre- 
tary shall be to keep a record of the names, date, and place of birth and 
death, together with such incidents in the lives of the members as he 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. I55 

may be directed by the President and Executive Committee from time 
to time. 

The Executive Committee, together with the President and Vice 
Presidents, and Secretary, shall constitute a Board, with power to make 
all needful rules and regulations for the government of the Association, 
subject to the approval of the society. 

On motion the report of the committee was unanimously adopted. 

On motion a committee was appointed to report permanent officers 
for the Association for the ensuing 3^ear. The committee reported as 
follows : 

President, Peter Overmyer. Vice Presidents — Pike, R. E. Huston ; 
Clayton, Eph. Teal ; Reading, Martin Scott ; Thorn, John Good ; 
Hopewell, Bernard Mechling ; Madison, Alex Melick ; Harrison, Har- 
vey Allen ; Bearfield, John K. Milligan ; Pleasant, James Fowler;. 
Monroe, Benjamin Sanders ; Monda}^ Creek, Alex McLean ; Coal, 
Harrison Hazelton ; Salt Lick, Henr}^ Hazelton ; Jackson, Daniel 
O'Harra. Secretar}-, J. J. Johnson. 

Executive Committee — Robert Bennett, Ephraim Teal, D. C. Fow- 
ler, Jehu Jones, Brice J. Welch. On motion the report was adopted. 

The temporary Chairman then introduced the Permanent President, 
who, after thanking the organization for the honor conferred, gave a 
clear, straightforward, historical statement oi the early history of the 
county, connecting therewith a short synopsis of the war of 1812, at the 
conclusion of which the societ}^ extended a vote of thanks for his very 
satisfactory inaugural address. 

By general consent, the subscription for membership was presented, 
and the following membership obtained : 

Peter Overmyer, born in Northumberland county. Pa., August 24. 
1799 ; came to Perry county in 1802. 

Robert E. Huston, born in Somerset, Perry county, O., March i6, 
1815. Wesley Biff, Jos. Snider, Mrs. N. B. Colborn, Andrew Moore, 
James Fowler, Henry Wilson, Susana King, Mary Ann Wilson, David 
Brookhart, Mary A. Brookhart, Rual Sayres, John McBroom, Thomas 
Selby, James Martin, Solomon Longstreth, James Longstreth, Israel 
Watt, Jos. Stoneburner. Thomas S. Mains, Peter Cochran, Jane Van- 
sickle, Daniel O'Harra, William Rose, William Story, William J. King. 
Robert Bennett, Benjamin Sanders, S. H. Milligan, George W. Moore, 
Lucinda Aid, Lydia Feigley, Isaac Brown, John Jonas, Matthew Clay- 
ton, E. S. Colborn, James Clark, James Taylor, Charles Vanatta, Jos- 
iah Grimes, Ephraim Teal, J. K. Milligan, Alexander McLean, D. C. 
Fowler, William Bennett. 

The Association then adjourned, to meet at the call of the President 
and Executive Committee. 



1^6 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XX. 

MISCELLANEOUS SUBJECTS. 

The Zanesville and Maysville Turnpike. — This public im- 
provement was made in 1839-40, and, though the road passed only- 
through the townships of Reading, Madison and Hopewell, merely 
touching the latter, the improvement was regarded as one of consider- 
able note at the time, and the splendid line of coaches, which rolled 
over it, from Zanesville to Lancaster, and vice versa, was the pride of 
the county in those days, prior to the advent of the railroad. Though 
the pike passed only through one end of the county, it was, in some de- 
gree, a benefit to all ; for the grain-haulers from the southern end of the 
county, were accustomed to strike the pike at either Uniontown or 
Rushville on their way either to Zanesville or Lancaster. The great- 
est drawback for a long time was six miles of unfinished road west of 
Somerset, but, in course of time, this was completed, making a contin- 
uous line of pike through the county, and from Zanesville to Lancaster 
and beyond. 

Churches and Sabbath Schools. — Religious worship came in 
with the first pioneers, or quite soon after them ; and no matter of what 
denomination, the circumstances and surroundings were very much the 
same. First, there would be preaching at private houses, in double log 
cabins and in barns ; then the old style log church went up, where the 
people, on stated occasions, were accustomed to assemble. At a later 
day came the frame and brick church edifice, with tower and steeple 
reaching and pointing heavenwards, and with bell to call the people to 
the house of God. 

Sabbath-schools came later, and they are as compared with the 
churches, of modern origin. Somerset and Rehoboth were the pioneer 
Sabbath schools of the county. There is not much difference, in point 
of time, between their establishment in the two places. Other villages 
and communities organized their schools in course of time. A wonder- 
ful change and improvement have been made in Sabbath-schools, since 
their first introduction in the county, and almost every church has such 
a school connected with it. 

The Methodist Episcopal denomination has the most churches, and 
probably the greatest membership. This denomination has churches 
in every township in the county. The Catholics probably rank next in 
point of numbers. They have strong churches in Reading, Jackson, 
Fike, Harrison, Pleasant, Monroe, Saltlick and Coal. The Lutherans 
probably come next in order of numbers, and have churches in Thorn, 
Hopewell, Reading, Jackson, Monday Creek and Pike. The Baptist, 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. I57 

Presbyterian, Reform and United Brethren denominations, are some- 
thing nearly equal in churches and numerical strength. The Baptists 
have churches in Thorn, Pike, Hopewell, Pleasant, Monday Creek, 
SaltHck and Coal; the Presbyterians in Clayton, Pike, Harrison, Pleas- 
ant, Bearfield, Madison and Saklick ; the Reform in Reading, Thorn 
and Hopewell, and the United Brethren in Reading, Jackson, Pike, 
Monday Creek, Harrison and Monroe. The Methodist Protestants, 
Disciples of Christ, Bible Christians and Dunkards, (German Baptists,) 
also have one or more churches. There are two colored churches, 
one Baptist, the other Methodist. Both are at Rendville. A more de- 
tailed account of churches is given in the historv of townships. 

Schools and Teachers' Institutes. — The pioneer schools are 
all very much of the same character. A roving ''Master" of the old 
style would come along, go around and obtain a few pupils for a short 
term of school, and on a given day begin work. The school would 
probably be held in an old abandoned cabin, with the roughest kind of 
a puncheon floor. Then came the Md log school houses with immense 
fire-places, and long windows filled with greased white paper. Then, 
still later, came a coal or wood stove and glass panes for the windows. 
This made the school room now almost a paradise, compared with the 
old way. Then, in course of time, came the fram.e and brick school 
houses, and abetter kind of school-room furniture. Teachers also grad- 
ually improved in knowledge and methods of teaching. As time rolled 
on it ceased to be regarded as masculine, or out of her sphere for a girl 
to be seen with a slate and pencil. This prejudice, however, wore 
away slowly. After many more years came the uniform school books, 
and graded schools for the larger towns and villages ; and the general 
public school system, as it exists at present. The old log school houses 
have disappeared, and brick or frame edifices have taken their places, 
most of them with something like fair sun-oundings. Applicants for 
certificates are required to pass a tolerabl}' rigid examination in all the 
common branches, and United States History, and also in the theory 
and practice of teaching. 

Teachers' Institutes are of comparatively modern origin. They 
were organized in Perry county about 1868-69, t>nt did not make any 
great progress, or become generally attended by teachers and students, 
until 1874-75. Since this date the Institutes have been numerously 
attended and generally regarded as successful, though not always com- 
ing up to the full expectation of teachers and spectators. Nevertheless, 
it is unquestionable that the Institutes, of late years, have been highly 
useful and instructive. 

Patrons of Husbandry. — This order, a few years since, had 
Granges established in most of the townships of the county, and in some 
of them two or three. They flourished for a season, and interesting 
public meetings and parades of the order were had at New Lexington, 
Somerset, Thornville and other places, but the Granges have not been 
kept up, except in a few instances, and the order has consequenth' 
died out. While in active operation, the Grange meetings were report- 
ed to be of much interest, and the source of considerable information to 



158 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

the farming community. Farmers' Clubs, not connected with the Pa- 
trons of Husbandry, have been organized at several points, and flourish- 
ed for a season, but none of them proved to be very long-lived. Farm- 
ers' Institutes are now agitated, and are looked upon with considerable 
favor by tlie farming communinty. 

Lyceums and LiTEkARV Societies. — These organizations have 
received more than ordinary attention in this county. New Lexington, 
Somerset, Rehoboth, Oakheld, Maxville, and most of the villages and 
country school districts, have had their societies of this kind. New Lex- 
ington had a verv large and flourishing one, especially from 1842 until 
the beginning of the war, in 1861. The "graduates" of this institution 
were very numerous, and the}" are scattered far and wide over the earth. 
Several of the participants in the village and country L3'ceums, have 
since held high positions in church and State. Many Lyceums are now 
existing, but they are mostly confined to the country school districts and 
smaller villages. They do not appear to prosper in the atmosphere of the 
larger towns. 

The Great Snow Storm. — The memorable snow fall of 1833 
was altogether unprecedented in this section of country. .It came un- 
heralded and unexpected, in the night season, and fell to the depth of 
three feet. There was no wind, and the snow did not drift, but lay as 
level as a floor, and was almost as smooth as a pane of glass. The in- 
habitants necessarily kept within doors the next day, and it was several 
days before the roads were much broken. Men went out on horseback 
breaking the roads so they could be traveled. The snow^ was soft and 
wet, and the big boys of 1833 tunneled along under it like a ground 
mole, though not breaking or disturbing the surface of the snow. It is 
difficult to see where the fim consisted, nevertheless many snow tunnels 
were made in the manner herein described. This was the deepest snow 
ever experienced in Perry county since its first permanent settlement 
by the white people. 

The Names of Streams. — Rush Creek is generally believed to 
have been named from the numerous bulrush swamps that existed along 
its banks at the time the county was first. settled. It was probably first 
named below the junction at Bremen, and, accordingly, above that 
place the two forks took the names respectively of East Rush Creek 
and West Rush Creek. Several men bv the name of Rush were pio- 
neer settlers in the neighborhood of this stream, but it is said that the 
creek was known by the name of Rush Creek when these men came to 
the country. 

Sunday Creek and Monday Creek are said to have received their 
names in this wise : An expedition, sent out by the authority of the 
Virginia Colony to treat with the Indians on the Pickaway Plains, en- 
camped one Sunday evening on the banks of a large creek, which the 
commander of the expedition wrote down in his journal as Sunday 
Creek. The woods were dense, the members of the expedition did not 
travel fast, and the next night tents were pitched upon the banks of an- 
other large stream, and it was in like manner named Monday Creek. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. I59 

The expedition referred to, doubtless, passed through south of the pres- 
ent border of Perry, but the circumstances alluded to gave the names 
to the creeks, both of which have their sources in Perry county. Sun- 
day Creek, in the southern part of the county, has several branches 
nearly equal in size, and they are all called Sunday Creek, This con- 
dition of things has led to some confusion. Monday Creek has con- 
ditions somewhat similar, but the two principal branches of it are known 
as Big Monday and Little Monday. 

Buckeye Creek was named from the buckeye trees that grew along 
its banks. McLune}' Creek is said to have derived its name from a 
roving explorer or hunter, who at a very early day made it his abiding 
place. Nothing else appears to be known of him, except that he gave 
his name to the stream, where he hunted, tished and had his temporary 
abode. Bear Run was named from the fact that it was once the well 
known habitation of this animal. The early settlers often tracked or 
chased bears into the dark and lonely region of Bear Run. Bear Wal- 
low, a tributary of Rush Creek, was also named from the fact that it 
was a bear haunt. Turkey Run was so named because in early times 
it was famous tor the wild turkeys that clucked, gobbled and roosted in 
the neighborhood of its banks. Honey Creek, a tributary of the Res- 
ervoir, was so named for the reason that it was long a disputed question 
whether the bee-trees adjacent to it were the property of the bears or 
the pioneer settler. Oxawoosie, a tributary of Rush Creek, and run- 
ning through the town of New Lexington, was so named by some per- 
son, but is often called Fowler's or Skinner's Run, from early settlers 
who lived near it. A great many of the smaller streams are named 
after early settlers. 

Moxahala was named by the Indians. The name signilies, in In- 
dian language, " Elk's Horn." The aborigines had followed it from 
the Muskingum river to its forks, and up both of them to their source, 
no doubt, and thus learned that the creek and branches resembled an 
elk's horn. The creek, especially the northern branch, has also re- 
ceived the name of Jonathan's Creek, and this name is accounted for 
in this way. The late Rev. Cornelius Springer of Muskingum county, 
relates that in his young days he conversed with men who related that 
the}" were on a hunting expedition in what is now Licking and Mus- 
kingum counties, about the year 1792. The name of one of the hun- 
ters was Jonathan Evans. The hunters separated during the day, and 
returned to their camp at night. One evening Evans was missing, and 
could nowhere be found when night set in. The search for him was 
continued the following day, and he was at last discovered encamped 
on a high hill near the north bank of the Moxahala, not far from where 
it flows into the Muskingum. Rev. Springer sa3"s, that from this cir- 
cumstance the stream became known as Jonathan's (Evans) Creek. 

There is also another story as to the origin of the name, w^hich tra- 
dition or legend, has been duly celebrated by the poet, Charles Edgar 
Spencer of Somerset, Ohio, in his "Legend of the Moxahala," pub- 
Hshed by the house of J. B. Lippencott & Co., Philadelphia. Spencer's 
story, in brief, is this: A man, whose Christian name was Jonathan, 
was born and bread in the East. He wooed and won a beautiful and win- 
some maiden, whom he made his wife. Jonathan was brought up a 



l6o HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

Christian, and was a farmer, hunter, fisherman and much of a lover. 
He built a cottage near the shore of Otsego Lake, to which he took his 
wife; there they lived, and loved, and there their children were born. 
One night Jonathan was attacked by an overwhelming Indian force, his 
wife and children were butchered, his cottage burned, himself badly 
wounded and left for dead, but the sharp blade of the tomahawk had 
not penetrated deep enough to accomplish its deadly mission. After 
Jonathan had regained his health and strength, which required a long 
while, with an awful vow he turned his face to the West, made a long 
journey, stopping at last on the northern branch of the Moxahala, in 
what is now Madison township, Perr}^ county, Ohio. There he sought 
out the rockiest, wildest place he could find, and built a rude hut near 
a cavern of rocks. Here, with only his gun and faithful dog, he made 
his permanent abode His mission was to slay all the Indians he could, for 
this was the wretched man's strange vow. He wreaked his vengeance, 
and scores of Indians fell beneath his rifle's unerring aim. But Jonathan 
could not forever conceal himself, and at last his red enemies hunted and 
tracked him to his labyrinthian abode. Let the poet, in his own words, 
relate the story of 

"THE LAST CONFLICT." 

The sun had set; the crescent moon 
With halo wan had followed soon; 
And Moxahala shadowed o'er 
By buckeye, beach, and sycamore, 
Flow'd gurgling 'neath the gloom of night ; 
And, 'tween the leaves that rippled light, 
Look'd, trembling, here and there a gleam 
Of starlight on the dimpling stream. 

With piercing glance and noiseless tread, 
Quick from his hut the hunter fled, 
(While Don, as stealthful, keeping nigh 
Glared fiercely round with savage eye), 
For, having cross'd the woody vale, 
He came upon an Indian trail, 
And all his deadly peril felt : 
Well did he know the place he dwelt 
Was sought by Indians far and near — 
To wreak revenge — for many a year. 

The Shawnee Chief had tracked the bear, 
At last, e'en to his hidden lair. 
And, stealing from the bosky glen 
With half a hundred ruthless men. 
Before 'twas his the foe to take, 
He mentally burned him at the stake 
For many a murder'd warrior's sake. 
The red men, feeling sure the prey 
W^as in his fastness brought to bay, 
Closed round the hut on every side; 
And some the firey brand applied, 
While others, yelling, turn'd to bind 
The dreadful foe they thought to find,^ 
And rush'd within with tiger-bound — 
But, lol no captive there they found. 

Hark ! ringing on the midnight breeze 
Afar 'neath labyrinthian trees, 
A rifle shrieks with sulphurous breath 
Sending its message dire of death — 



21 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. l6l 

Tlie Sliawnep Chief with dying wiioop 
Falls, quivering, midst the uiotiy group. 
Ha! now amazement dumb appalls — 
A sharp report, another falls — 
O paleface Chief, away! away! 
Loud, fierce, resouiwls the deep-voiced bay 
Of ghoulish forms, a horrid pack, 
That, howling, bound upon your track 
With bow and spear, and gun and knife, 
And tomahawk to take your life! 
Away— away— go, seek the cave 
Where oft before, your life to save, 
With mystery deep, you did elude 
The hordes that at your back pursued. 
Ah, hark! they come with sounding tread 
And whoops that echo wild and dread ! 

Dewy, and fragrant breath'd and pale, 
Came morn, with wakening voice of bird 
And bee, and cool leaf-stirring gale. 
And squirrel's chirp, mid branches, heard. 

'Twas on a hill-side's bluffy edge. 
Where rocks stuck out witii mossy ledge, 
Where wavy-scallop'd ferns between 
The fissured rocks grew rich and green. 
And delicate flowers, to us unknown 
Save — hid from man — in forests lone, 
Bioom'd 'neath the trees that, arching*high 
Shut out tlie azure summer sky. 

Where ivy wild and grapevines clung 
To drooping shrulis that overhung 
The lichen'd rocks and shady ground, 
Beneath the ledge a passage wound, 
That, to a cavern dark and small, 
Led through a jagged, narrow hall. 
There Jonathan the night before 

Esca])ed the Indians in his flight; 
He seem'd to vanish — be no more! 

And they, with awe and sore affright 
And superstitious fancy fraught 
Deem'd 'twas a demon they had fought, 
And hied them homeward full of thought. 

But .Jonathan lay cold and dead, 
The cavern-floor his rocky bed; 
And on his bosom, clotted o'er 
With oozy drops of blackish gore, 
A ball had left its circle red; 
And in his back an arrow-head, 
With shaft i)rotruding, broke in two. 
Had proved its fatal guidance true. 
Yes, Jonathan, the pale-face Chief, 
Had found at last tiiat sweet relief — 
Nepenthe for each earthly grief. 
And e'en o'er him one mourner kept 
His vigil — yea, and, haply, wept; 
For think not man alone can know 
The bliss of love, the pang of woe : — 
With paws upon his master's breast 
And plaintive howl of deep unrest, 
His lonely dog, though all unheard, 
Implored a look, a loving word. 
And lick'd his master's cheek and hand, 
And seem'd to vaguely understand 
His soul was in a happier land I " 



1 62 history of perry county. 

Interesting Recollections of an Octogenarian Printer. — 
John M. Laird, now editor of the Greensburg (Penn.) Argus, and one 
of the earliest printers and newspaper men in Perry county, wrote not 
long ago the following recollections to the New Lexington Tribune: 

" In the Spring of 1822, Mr. James Patterson, a merchant of Somer- 
set, Perry county, Ohio, came to Pittsburgh to purchase a suppl}' of 
goods. He was also empowered to purchase materials for a printing 
office. He called on John M. Snowden, Esq., who then published the 
Mercury, a prominent and influential Democratic paper, with a view of 
purchasing type and other materials to equip a printing office. Mr. 
Snowden was agent for Johnson's Type Foundry in Philadelphia. Mr. 
Patterson purchased one hundred and twenty pounds of long primer 
and about forty pounds of English job type, and a font of canon for 
head-lines for posters. Mr. Patterson asked Mr. Snowden to assist 
him in securing a practical printer to manage the paper.. Mr. S. rec- 
ommended (me) his nephew, who had graduated in his office the pre- 
vious fall, I was not in the cit}^, but after corresponding with Mr. Pat- 
terson, I left Pittsburgh, for Somerset, Ohio, on the first week of May, 
1822. I took the stage (a rough two horse wagon)by way of Washing- 
ton and Wheeling — there were no tuiTipikes in those days. The roads 
were muddy and the passengers had to walk a great part of the way, 
and frequentl}^ to confiscate rails from neighboring fences to pry the 
wagon out of mud holes. We were to be landed in Somerset on Sat- 
urday noon, but owing to the bad roads we did not get there till Sab- 
bath afternoon, when I landed at Eaton's Hotel, where I remained a 
boarder for eighteen months. On Monday morning I called on Mr. 
Patterson, and found that he had no more idea of the material neces- 
sary^ for a printing office than a child. Pie had provided but a small font 
of long primer, a small font of job type, and an old dilapidated Ramage 
press, and two bundles of paper, royal size. We gathered up three old 
cases, and set up outside matter. Found that the new type was notsut- 
ficient to set up one side. John Lidey and Rev. Andrew Henkle, a 
Lutheran Minister, who was also a prett}^ good engraver, had purchas- 
ed some type at the sales of the Scot f ion and Rattlesnake papers, 
came to the rescue, and I was enabled to get out the first number ot the 
Perry Record, without having a single subscriber. The citizens of 
Somerset and adjoining neighborhood generally subscribed, with the 
full understanding that the paper was to be free from the influence of 
any of the factions by which the communit}' was distracted. The 
friends of the enterprise assured all timid persons that the reason for 
procuring a stranger to manage the paper was that he might be im- 
partial to all factions. I concluded, in this state of affairs, to accept 
"wages" instead of partnership, or becoming sole proprietor. 

"There were only three post offices in the county. One in Thorn- 
ville, Somerset and New Lexington. There were some post offices at or 
near the lines of adjoining counties. An exciting Congressional elec- 
tion took place, in which D. Chambers of Muskingum, General Mc- 
Connell of Morgan and W. W. Irvin and Lyman Beecher of Lancaster, 
were candidates. Beecher was successful. Jacob Catlin, and some 
one in one of the other counties in the district, were candidates for 
Senator. Catlin was elected. A Presidential election was approach- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUI^TY. 1 63 

ing. Jackson, Clay, Adams and Crawford, were the candidates. The 
voters of Perry county were chiefly divided between Jackson and Clay. 
There were but two lawyers in the county — John B. Orton and Peter 
Odlin, the latter now of Da^^ton, Ohio. Orton was a warm Clay man. 
Odlin and a merchant named Hanna, were the only supporters of Adams 
in the county. The excitement on this national question, in a great meas- 
ure, overshadowed all local issues. 

I supported Jackson. The only Jackson papers in the State were 
the Cincinnati Republican, Cincinnati Advertiser by Moses Dawson, 
the Batavia Sun, by Sam Medar}^, the New Lisbon Patriot, by W. D. 
Leaper, and m}^ paper. John Harmen published an English and Ger- 
man paper in Lancaster, Ohio. The English paper was of demi size, 
and although a Jacksonian, took no part in the contest except to publish 
the official proceedings of all parties. I was made chairman of the 
Jackson county committee. The State Committee raised funds and 
sent each week to the chairman of County Committees from two to four 
hundred copies of the two Cincinnati papers, and the Jackson party in 
Pennsylvania sent me large packages of the Columbia Observer, pub- 
lished in Philadelphia, by Simpson & Conrad. My postage on these 
documents was from two to four dollars per week. The packages of 
the two last weeks before the election did not arrive until after the elec- 
tion, when I refused to pay the postage, amounting to eight dollars. 
Perry county gave Jackson a majority of four hundred or five hun- 
dred. Clay carried the State by less than one thousand. One town- 
ship in Perr}' county voted one week too late, casting the entire vote for 
Jackson. Alter being in Somerset about one year, I took t3^phus fever, 
in May, and was not in the office until October. G. W. O'Harra, of 
Coshocton, conducted while I was coniined b}" sickness. The paper 
was never remunerative. 

The people of Perry county, in that day, were proverbially hospitable. 
My sojourn among them was most pleasant. I found many Westmore- 
landers among the earlier settlers — the Trouts, the Bowmans, Mech- 
lings, Bughs, and others. There were many Pennsylvanians from 
other counties. Jonathan Babb was sheriff', then Benjamin Ream. — 
Harper was Presiding Judge and John Trout and C. C. Hood, Associ- 
ates; J. Lidev, Auditor; and John Beckwith, Clerk. Mr. Odlin re- 
moved to Davton. Mr. Orton married Matilda Reynolds. He is long 
since dead. The Reynolds, Yost, Spencer, Skinner and Ream families 
were numerous and highly respectable. After remaining in Somerset 
about three years, I was solicited by my friends in Pennsylvania to 
join another party in establishing a Democratic paper in Steubenville, 
which I accepted, and left Somerset with many regrets." 

The Rescue of the White Squaw. — This section of Ohio was, 
from 1750 to 1800, the theater of many of the most thrilling incidents 
and some of the most interesting romances that the world ever witness- 
ed. White men, women and children, were frequently captured along 
the frontier in Pennsylvania and Virginia, and carried to the homes of 
the Indian tribes along the Muskingum and Hocking rivers. Where 
the captives were children or young people, the}' were taught the ways 
of Indians, and brought up as nearly like savages as possible. Most 



164 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 



of these captives, however, longed to escape trom captivity and return 
to the East. The footsteps of scores of these captives were fiimiliar 
sounds here, long before the land surveyors lighted their camp fires, or 
the boldest pioneer blazed his way into these primeval solitudes. 

The case of the rescue of a white girl from captivity among the In- 
dians, is here related and illustrated, because the principal scene is not 
far from the border of Perry, and there is a tradition, upon what evidence 
is not known, that tlie captive girl and deliverers rowed in a dug-out 
canoe across "i^ig Lake," while making their escape from the hostile 
Indians who were in i)ursuit. 




COLD SERHsTG JRESCUEi 



The girl was a captive at the Indian town then existing on the pres- 
ent site of Lancaster. The Indians were at the time all hostile, and 
two noted scouts, for some unknown purpose, came up the Hocking, 
and from a place of concealment on ''Standing Stone." (Mount Pleas- 
ant) watched the movements of the Indians on the plain below. The 
white scouts were compelled to come down to a place called "Cold 
Spring" to procure water to drink. On one occasion, while one of the 
scouts was after water, he suddenh- came upon two squaws at the 
spring or pool, and instantly comprehending his danger, if they were 
permitted to escape, he seized the two women, with the intention of thrust- 
ing their heads under water until they were drowned. One of the squaws, 
who was young and active, struggled seveerly, and. to the surprise of 
the scout, pathetically addressed him in English. The scout made sure of 
the death of the old Indian squaw, and then he and the white girl cap- 
tive, hastened to the hiding place on Mount Pleasant. The prolonged 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 165 

absence of the two squaws was observed by the Indians, search was 
made, the lifeless body of the squaw was discovered in the pool, after 
which there was an unusual commotion in the Itttle Indian town on the 
the plain, among the Indian braves. The retreat of the scouts and the 
rescued girl were at length discovered, and finally, in the night season, 
there was an attempt made to storm the heights ; but the intrepid 
scouts, with their unerring rifles, picked oft' Indian after Indian, as the 
red warriors advanced up the narrow defiles, whereupon the remaind- 
er of them prudently concluded to try and starve out the enemy above. 
There was a possibility of doing this, of course, but the vigilant scouts 
watched their opportunity, and favored one night by great darkness 
eftected their escape at an unexpected point, taking the rescued white 
girl with them. 

This is the substance of the story, as related by the late General 
Sanderson, of Lancaster, in a lecture before a Literary Institute, in 
1844. Sanderson was acquainted with the earliest pioneers, and with 
many of the Indians as well, and he considered the story authentic. It 
is also stated, upon what appears to be good authority, that the rescued 
girl had a sister in captivity, who was also restored to her friends at a 
subsequent time, afterwards married, and that some of her descendants 
yet reside in Fairfield county. The fact has already been referred to, 
that the adventures of the rescued captives have in some way been con- 
nected with "Big Lake" (Reservoir), but upon what authority cannot 
at present be ascertained. 

As marvelous as the foregoing story ma}' appear, it is not more so 
than scores ol others, well authenticated, connected with this section of 
Ohio during the latter part of the last century. 



l66 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

SOME "perry county BOYS." 

General Philip H. Sheridan, born and brought up at Somerset, 
Ohio, was sent to West Point, graduated, and subsequently became, 
as General Grant once said, as great a soldier and General as any of an- 
cient or modern times, capable of managing or maneuvering the largest 
armies. It is not expected that any thing here said can add or detract 
from the fame of General Sheridan, yet it is quite certain that he has 
not, in many respects, received the credit and honor that is justly due 
him. It has been frequently said that he saw the backs of more rebels 
than any other Federal General ; this is doubtless true, and, of itself, 
expresses as well as implies a good deal. It is known that he was 
about equally skillful in the command of artillery, cavalry and infantry. 
He commanded in the East as well as in the West, and was popular 
and successful with both armies. He changed the cavalry arm of the 
service Irom an inefficient, unreliable force, into a well diciplined, in- 
vincible, victorious army. He brought his division — all there was left 
of it — intact out of the deadly struggle in the tall cedars at Stone River. 
Though badly cut up with General McCook's Corps at Chickamauga, 
Sheridan rallied the remnant of his division and proceeded to march in 
the direction of the sound of General Thomas' guns. It was Sheridan 
who changed the valley of the Shenendoah from a valley of humiliation 
into a land of triumph. After the Shenendoah was cleared of the en- 
emy, he was called back to the main army in front of Richmond. 
Grant's whole operations, during the summer of 1864 and the early 
part of the year 1865, had been little less than a series of bloody disasters, 
and, as offensive movements, were certainly not successful. Eventually, 
Grant decided to make a last desperate attempt to break the rebel lines, 
and General Sheridan was selected to lead the momentous expedition. 
About three o'clock one morning Grant called Sheridan from his bed, 
and told him what w^as to be done. "I want you to break the rebel 
lines," says General Grant, "and if you fail, go and join Sherman." 
"I'll make the attempt," replies Sheridan, ''but I'll notgo to Sherman ; 
I propose to end it right here." Right there, in the breast of little Phil 
Sheridan, was the crack of doom for the Southern Confederacy. Sher- 
idan's command charged at Five Forks, the hitherto invincible lines 
of General Lee were broken, and Richmond doomed. Lee's army was 
routed, retreated in great confusion, and the Confederate Administra- 
tion hastily deserted the rebel Capital, as rats desert a sinking ship. It 
was a great victory for the Army of the Potomac ; but few dreamed 
— not even General Grant — that the war was virtually over. It was 
Sheridan who, with his accustomed habit of following closely upon the 
backs of the defeated rebels, at once discovered the true condition of 
things, and dispatched back to Grant: "Hurry up the troops; Lee 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 167 

must surrender if closely pressed. I am sure of it." Meanwhile Sher- 
idan had a sharp engagement at or near Hanover Court House, the last 
stand Lee's ragged and brave veterans ever made. Grant "Hurried 
up the troops," and Appomattox was the result. Sheridan is a Major 
General in the Regular Army, with headquarters at Chicago. His 
aged mother still resides at Somerset, in this county. 

Janairus A. McGahan was born and brought up in the neighborhood 
of New Lexington, Perry county, Ohio ; afterward attended school at 
Notre Dame, Indiana, and before he was twenty-one was a reporter 
and correspondent of the daily press at Saint Louis. In a year or two 
he went East and secured a position on the New York Herald, where 
he suddenly arose to the front rank among newspaper men. In a short 
time he was sent to Europe as a war correspondent of the Herald. He 
also made a similar engagement with the London News. As a cor- 
respondent of these journals, McGahan was in all the wars of Europe 
for eight or ten years previous to his death, including the great French- 
Prussian war. McGahan was in Paris during the reign of the Com- 
mune, and gave vivid but faithful pictures of that exciting and eventful 
period. He was arrested and imprisoned by the Commune, and would 
have been summarily executed but for the intervention of powerful and 
influential friends. McGahan was with one expedition of the Czar of 
Russia into the heart of Asia, and at another time he accompanied an 
exploring party to the Arctic ocean in search of the North Pole — all in 
his capacity of newspaper correspondent for two of the greatest journals 
of the world. It was McGahan who penned the faithful descriptions of 
the Turkish atrocities in Bulgaria, and he then told the suffering people 
that he would be back there in a year with the army of the Czar ; and, 
sure enough, he was. McGahan is known over the civilized world as 
the deliverer of Bulgaria, and the Bulgarians so regarded him ; and 
when he was there the second time the people — men, women, and chil- 
dren — crowded around him, kissing his bridle, spurs, and even the 
horse that he rode. McGahan was no common man. He was a states- 
man and philanthropist, as well as newspaper correspondent. He had 
the ability to be first writer on any newspaper on either side of the 
Atlantic. He fell in love with and married a Russian lady of rank, 
though no man was more democratic in his notions than he. McGahan 
died about four years since at Constantinople from a malignant fever, 
which he contracted while nursiug a friend who was afflicted with the 
disease. McGahan died at the age of about thirty-three years, and his 
mortal remains were consigned to their mother earth near the bank of 
the Bosphorus, hard by the ancient citv of Constantinople. His widow 
and baby boy, not long since, visited the boyhood home of the lamented 
husband and father. 

James M. Comly was born and brought up at New Lexington, Ohio. 
He went to Columbus to learn the trade of a printer, and was suc- 
cessively " devil," "jour," foreman, local editor, and finally editor and 
proprietor of the Ohio State yoiirnal. He was Colonel, then General 
in the army, postmaster of Columbus, and was subsequently appointed 
by President Hayes as Minister to the Sandwich Islands, from which 
country he has recently returned to his home in Columbus. 

J. M. Rusk was brought up in Bearfield township. Perry county, 



1 68 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

Ohio ; worked as a day laborer on the old C. W. & Z. R. R. at McLuney 
in 1853 ; went to Wisconsin, became a General m the Union army, 
subsequently served three terms in Congi^ess, and is the present Governor 
of the State of Wisconsin. 

Jacob Strawn, one of the early settlers of Thorn township, remained 
a citizen of the same until he had accumulated considerable property, 
sold out and left, with the stereotyped remark that he would be the first 
in his State or nothing. He did become the largest land owner in the 
State of Illinois, to which he went, and was at the time of his death the 
greatest cattle owner in the world. 

John W. Ilift', born and lived to man's estate in Harrison township, 
near McLuney, went to the Far-west at the age of about twenty-one ; 
went into the cattle business on the Plains ; raised, sold, and speculated 
in cattle until he became very wealthy ; and at the time of his death, 
which occurred a few years ago in Denver, Colorado, was the largest 
cattle owner in the world, and was known far and wide as the " Cattle 
King." His estate is estimated to be worth about two million dollars. 

Thomas C. Iliff, a cousin of John Wesley Iliff, the Cattle King, born 
and brought up in Harrison township, near McLuney, served in the 
war while in his 'teens ; went to school and graduated at Athens Uni- 
versity ; subsequently became a minister in the Ohio Conference of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church, then was sent to Helena, Montana, and 
finally to Salt Lake, where he is now in charge. Though onl}^ a Pre- 
siding Elder in rank, Ilift' is practically a Bishop throughout all Utah 
Territory. One of the Bishops, in presenting Iliff, in a late session of 
the Ohio Conference, announced that he would now introduce to them 
*'The successor of Brigham Young." Ilift' is an able and eloquent 
preacher, as well as organizer and explorer. He visited the Old World, 
not long since ; spent a year in Palestine, and rode all over the Holy 
Land on horseback. 

Walter C. Hood, born and brought up at Somerset, Ohio, clerked 
in his father's store, learned the tiade of a printer, taught school, be- 
came editor of the Perry County Trtte Democrat, Ironton Tinier, Ports- 
mouth Times, Marietta Times, and was one of the best political writers 
in the State, and, in some respects, had no peer. He was said to be a 
walking library and dictionary, and scarcely ever made a misstatement 
of anything. He was a nephew of the celebrated Charles Hammond, 
a distinguished old-time editor of the Cincinnati Gazette. Mr. Hood 
was appointed State Librarian by Governor Allen, a position for which 
he was eminently qualified, and he died in the city of Columbus, while 
holding that office. 

Rezen Debolt, son of Rev. George Debolt, brought up in Thorn 
township, learned the trade of a tanner, afterward studied law, went 
West, and subsequently became a District Judge and member of Con- 
gress for the State of Missouri. 

Stephen D. Elkins, a native of Thorn township, has, for several 
terms, been a delegate in Congress from the Territory of New Mexico, 
and would have been one of the United States Senators, had New 
Mexico been admitted as a State. Mr. Elkins is married to a daugh- 
ter of Senator Davis, of West Virginia. 

Fifteen or sixteen members of the Ohio Conference of the Method- 



I 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 169 

ist Episcopal Church hail from Perry county. Of these, Isaac Crook, 
James F. Gardner, Wellington Harvey, and several others, are very 
distinguished. Crook has now been transferred to a Michigan Confer- 
ence. Harvey served quite a number of years as Presiding Elder, 

Joseph Carper, of Reading township, Jesse Stoneman, of Thorn, 
and Samuel Harvey and Samuel Plamilton, of Madison township, were 
all, in their lifetime, itinerants in the Ohio Conference. Jesse Stone- 
mon, with James Qiiinn as a colleague, was appointed by the Baltimore 
Conference, in 1800, to what was then called the Muskingum and 
Hocking circuit, embracing Marietta, Zanesville, Coshocton, Mount 
Vernon, Lancaster, Athens, and all the country lying between ; and 
they rode this extensive wilderness circuit in 1801, as the Church record 
shows. The mortal remains of Rev. Stoneman repose in the Methodist 
Episcopal Cemetery at Thornville. 




STATE CAPITOL.. 



\ 



L PART VI. 

tow:rship histories 



I 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. I7I 



TOWNSHIP HISTORIES. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

BEARFIELD TOWNSHIP. 

Bearfield is one of the original townships of Perry county, Oliio, and 
was organized in 1818. It is situated one township north of the south- 
east corner of the county, and, with Monroe township, forms the most 
eastern portion of the county. At the time of its organization it was a 
full township, containing thirty-six sections, and remained so up to 
1850, when there were nine sections taken from the southwest corner of 
it to form a part of Pleasant township, thus leaving it with twent3^-seven 
sections, or seventeen thousand two hundred and eighty acres of land. 
It is bounded on the north by Harrison township, of Perry county, and 
Harrison township, of Morgan county; on the south, by Monroe and 
Pleasant townships, of Perry county; on the east, by Harrison and 
Dearfield townships, of Morgan county, and on the west, by Pleasant 
and Pike townships. The township is nafurally divided into two parts, 
or slopes, by a ridge passing in a northeastern arid southwesterly direc- 
tion, the northern slope dipping toward the Muskingum valley, and 
occupying about two-thirds of its surface. The southern slope dips 
toward the Hocking valley, and contains about one-third of its area. 
The streams are all small, and from this natural division flow both north 
and south, the greater number rising within its own borders. The 
largest stream is that of the south branch of Jonathan's Creek, which 
flows from the central northern part of Pleasant township, in a north- 
eastern direction, and flows out at its northern boundary, near McLu- 
ney, in Harrison township. The township is all underlaid with a stratum 
of the best of soft coal, four feet thick. This coal is mined iu the north- 
western part by drifting ; but if it were obtained in the southern and 
eastern parts it would necessaril_v have to be by shafting, so rapidly 
does the stratum dip. Iron ore and Are and potter's clay are found in 
many places. The iron ore is of the black band mineral, and yields 
about forty per cent of iron. The potter's clay is of the best quality, 
from which all kinds of common stoneware are successfully manufac- 
tured. 

The surface of this township may well be said to be everywhere 
undulating. It has so small a portion of valley land that it is scarcely 
worth a mention. The hills are not so high, but a great many of them 



172 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 



are rather steep ; yet there is not much of the hind that is not arable, 
and its fertiHty is beyond dispute, as many an inchistrious farmer, who 
now enjoys a full competency for his declining years, can testify. Coal 
mines, iron ore deposits, potter and tire clay banks, and farm products, 
are seldom more happily united than in Beartield township. 

It is said that James Black was the first settler in this township, who 
must have come before 181 2, but how long before is unknown. He 
settled near where Porterville now stands. As early as 1815 came the 
father of Jacob Hearing and settled, a neighbor to James Black. The 
following is a list of the first setders, as could best be obtained from 
available records: Benjamin Tatman, Bartholomew Tatman, John G. 
Hearing, David Worley, Charles Crook, Samuel Ogburn, John B. 
Holcomb, Benjamin Morgan, Lawson Teal, Samuel Worley, James 
Palmer, Edward Conner, James Montgomery, Isaac Kent, Michael 
Longstreth, William Lashley, Andrew Woods, John Younkin, Thomas 
Tatman, John A. Hearing, Samuel Younkin, William J. Moore, Elisha 
Palmer, Matthew Palmer, Leon Strait, William Tatman, John Mont- 
gomery, John Thrapp, L. J. Baker, Ezekiel Rose, John J. Jackson, 
David Little, Lloyd Teal, and John Handsley. These people came 
from the Eastern States and the Old Country ; consequently, were a 
mixture of various nations. 

Upon their arrival, all the hardships and realities of a pioneer life 
were upon them. The "Giant Oak" stood king of the forest, and 
defied the "Woodman's ax." At once it was to be seen that there 
was life for a struggle, and prosperity for continued efl:brt. Making 
bare their muscles to the labor, and with wills determined to know the 
best or worst of it, log cabins sprang up like mushrooms from a hotbed, 
and passed away like fairies in the morning dew-drops, giving place to 
the hewed log-house, and eventually to the unique frame and brick 
architectural dwellings of the present day and generation, as the har- 
vest of the fallow, broken by the wooden mouldboard as it was direct- 
ed by the muscle that received sustenance from the hand and horse 
grist mill, and toated upon the pack saddle, together with the venison, 
the bear and the turkey, nature's provision for man's coming. In those 
pioneer da3^s, the sickle was thrust, the flail was wielded or the oxen 
trod out tiie grain, which was fanned by the sheets of pioneer couches, 
for twenty-five cents per bushel, in trade. 

Corn was plowed with the rudest plows for twelve and a half cents 
in trade. Tea and coffee were luxuries that was too expensive to be 
often indulged in ; upon Sunday or a holiday they might be allowed. 
Yet at their log rollings and house and barn raisings we still can catch 
a breath of their hilarity and neighborly feeling, and we are often con- 
strained to say, "They enjoyed themselves more than we do now%" 
never taking a thought that then they had no time to quarrel with each 
other, or look up the intricate points of law and ])ush a law suit. They 
were busily employed. 

The most of the land in this township was entered directly, by the 
citizens themselves, at $1.25 per acre. Some of the southern part came 
through the hands of Buckingham and Sturgess. 

It is creditably stated that of those who took up land through Buck- 
ingham, manv were unable to pay for it, and some could no more than 



» 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 1 73 

pay the interest on the money thev borrowed from him, or was dvie on 
back payments, the enormous interest of twenty per cent, being charged 
by him for money invested, or upon back pay for their tarms, purchas- 
of him at from $5.00 to $10.00 per acre. In consequence of this they 
were obhged, many of them, to sell out the very land they had doubly 
earned and made fruitful by their toil, in many cases saying a mere 
pittance from years of hard labor. Hence it comes that, few of the first 
settlers or their children remain to this da^' in the southwestern part of 
the township. 

It is difficult to tell now, where the first mill was built, but it is quite 
likely it was upon South Fork creek, in about 181 7, by Frank Harris. 
That part of the township was afterward made a part of Pleasant town- 
ship, where a more complete historj^ of the mill is given. 

Levi Little, who once lived upon the present site of Porterville, in an 
early day had a hand mill where they used to grind all night, and in 
that length of time could grind about two bushels of corn, three or four 
bushels of buckwheat, or one and one half bushels of wheat. The burr 
was small and turned by means of a pin fastened near the edge upon 
the top. They turned with one hand and fed it with the other. It was 
afterward turned to a horse mill. 

It is claimed by some that the first mill w^as built upon the head 
watens of Black's Fork creek, by a man by the name of Fate, who after- 
ward sold it to Petit. At this mill the}^ ground corn, buckwheat and 
wheat, and sawed lumber. A man by the name of Underbill once had 
a horse mill on the line between Perry and Morgan counties. One of 
the oldest mills was built by Levi T. Deaver, near the edge of the 
township, not far from Deavertowm, of Morgan count}-. 

There is now no mill running in the township, all having gone 
down. 

For a better class of work, and quicker returns, the farmers often 
went to Zanesville on horseback to mill, via the cow paths, riding one 
horse and leading another, which wore the pack saddle and carried 
most of the grain. 

In 1818, as above stated, this township held its first election, and the 
names given as the first settlers, were the first voters, or at least most 
of them were voters here at that time. Then the ballot was cast for 
the first Justice of the Peace, who in all probability was Samuel Ogburn. 
At that time the votes were polled as they have been ever since, some 
place, and in some kind of a building, upon the sixteenth and school 
section of the township. If Ogburn was not the veiy first, he was 
among the first to hold that office. Upon the sixteenth section they 
now have a township house where the votes are polled. The number 
of votes cast in 1882 w^as two hundred, not varying but little from that 
number at any time. It is said that David Hearing was the first man 
married in this township. 

This township has no railroads nor pikes. The Cincinnati & Mus- 
kingum Valley, a branch of the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis 
Railway, passes near its northern boundary at McLuney. 

As James Black is considered the first settler, it is altogether prob- 
able that around him gathered the first neighborhood, and thereby the 
first schools were held in that neighborhood, on a farm owned at the 



174 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

time by Jesse Simmer, and now owned by Ephraim Bennett. Tiie first 
school teachers there were, first of all, Abraham Striker. Samuel 
Younkin soon after. Robert Sandburn taught in 1820, and Thomas 
Petit in 1821. They all taught in the log cabin school house, so fre- 
quently described in this histor3^ that a repetition here would be to in- 
crease the monotony of the story. The public school system was adopt- 
ed as soon as practicable, and as is shown in the county history. 

There is now in this township six sub-school districts, and in each 
there is a good, substantial frame school house, where at least an aver- 
age term of school of six months is kept up each year, the teachers re- 
ceiving their pay from the public school fund. There are one hundred 
and fort3^-eight male and one hundred and fort3^-eight female scholars 
enrolled. 

Churches. — Fletcher Chapel is of the Methodist Episcopal denom- 
ination, and is commonly known as the Holcomb church. It is the 
oldest church we now have any knowledge of in this township, and was 
probably organized in about 181 5, and met in private houses previous 
to 1820 to 1825, at which time they built a log church on Joseph Hol- 
comb's farm. In private houses they meet at Geoige Reed's, John 
Fate's and Joseph Holcomb's. The first members were John Fate and 
and wife, Joseph Holcomb and wife, Mrs. George Reed, Patton Person 
and wife, Thomas Hollingshead and wife, Asher Holcomb, who was 
the first class class leader, and a few others. The first preachers were 
Rev. Samuel Hamilton and Rev. Cornelius Springer. They were after- 
ward supplied by the Ohio Conference, and were known to be in the 
Zanesville district, and in Deavertown circuit until 1882, wdien a change 
was made, and it became one of four appointments of which the Rev. 
Raymond Griflith is pastor, but is still in Zanesville district. Previous 
to the change they for many vears past had preaching once in three 
weeks, but since that they have preaching alternate Sunda3^s. I'he old 
log church was supplanted in 1846 by a frame building that is now 
standing. 

The first Sunday school met in the log house and was kept up until 
about 1867, only during the summer season ; since that time they have 
continued during the whole time, and now number about fifty scholars, 
with M. G. Sayre as Superintendent. Charles Crider, Ephraim Ben- 
nett, Bartholomew^ Longstreth and William Sayre are class leaders of 
the church, and there are about seventy members. 

Pleasant Grove M. E. Church is commonl\' known as the Tatman 
Church, and is situate in the southeastern portion of the township, near 
Joseph Wallace's farm. It was organized in about from 1832 to 1837, 
and first met in Bartholomew Tatman's house on the farm now owned 
by Joseph Wallace. Bartholomew Tatman and wife, one McClanna- 
hau' and wife, Samuel Ogburn, one Mr. Iden and some others, were 
the first members. B. Tatman was likely the first class leader. The 
first ministers were Samuel Harvey and Samuel Hamilton, and have 
since been supplied by the Ohio Conference. 

Soon after their organization, they built a hewed log church hard 
by the site of the present frame church, which took its place in about 
1861, built under the pastorate of Rev. Joseph Barringer. There are 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 1^5 

now about sixty communicants, with John M. Holcomb and Isaac 
Cooper as class leaders. 

The first Sunday school was organized in about 1867, and met only 
during the summer season until 1881, when it was continued during the 
year, and up to the present time. There are now about fifty scholars 
enrolled. 

This charge belonged to the Deavertown circuit until 1882, when it 
was changed and put into the Millertown circuit. 

Bethel M. E. Church was organized about 1837, with James Moore, 
Elias Moore, William Moore, Urias -Moore. John Handsley and family, 
Alexander McClannahan, and some of the Petits as first members. 
James Moore was the first class leader. The first preachers were John 
Reed and Samuel Hamilton'. They first worshipped in a log school 
house near where they afterward built a hewed log church. 

That house stood until about 1845, when the society having removed 
to Porterville charge, the house went down or was moved away, but 
the cemetery is still kept up. 

In a very early day there was a class organized in the vicinity of 
where the United Presbyterian church now stands, and near which 
the}' built a church, now remembered as the Teal church ; but for some 
unknown reason, and at a date unknown, they disorganized.' It was a 
pioneer church, no doubt. Some time previous to 1854 ^^^ Methodist 
Episcopal church organized a class in section 16, and met at first at 
private houses. Rezen Hammond and wife, James Allen and wife, 
Alexander Burgess and family, Bernard Smith, who was the first class 
leader, Eliza Koons, and others, were the first members ; about twelve 
or fifteen in number. In 1854 ^^"^^7 moved the Teal church from where 
it stood and rebuilt it on the farm of Rezen Hammond, where they 
worshiped until the time of the late rebellion, when differences of opin- 
ion split the society, and it became disorganized, some joining at the 
Holcomb church, while others went to near Poterville, and, with oth- 
ers, formed what is known as the Christian Union church. The Ham- 
mond church, by which name it was usually called, held Sunday school 
for several summer seasons, daring its organization. 

ZioN. — In about 1847, there was organized a Disciple church, near 
Poterville, with Daniel Rusk at the head, which continued for a few 
years, when it was changed and became a Christian denomination. 

The Disciples, and other Christian people, had built a log house, 
for general church purposes, but it appears that a deed for the lot was 
made to the Christian denomination, who still hold the deed. How 
long either the Disciples, or Christians kept up their organization, is 
unknown, but together the}' held meetings until the time of the late re- 
bellion, at which time the Christian Union church was organized, tak- 
ing the place of the others. In 1868 they supplanted the log church by 
a neat frame building, where they still hold services. It was changed 
to the Christian Union denomination, with Rev. Ammon Biddison as 
their pastor. Simultaneous with the organization of the church Sunday 
school was commenced, arid is still continued with an attendance of 
twenty-five or thirty persons. 

Porterville Methodist Episcopal church was organized in the old log 
church, where the Zion now stands, under the pastorate of Rev. Ben- 



176 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

jamin Ellis, in 1855, and in 1856 they built a frame church edifice in 
Porterville, under the direction of Rev. Sheets and Rev. Jno. Gregg. 
The first organization consisted of about thirt}^ members ; among whom 
were Jno. Bell, who was the first class leader, and his wife, one Bullick 
and wife, Jacob Brock and wife, Mrs. Abi Butt, Mar^- Skinner, Adam 
Dennis and wife, and at that time, the Bethel charge, west of this place, 
was disbanded, and most of that membership moved here. The first 
church-house stood until 1881, when a neat new frame church was built 
in its stead, at a cost of $1,975.00. Rev. G. P. Fry was pastor during 
its building. They now have a membership of about eighty, with Rev. 
R. H. Griffith as pastor, and George Holcomb, J. S. King and Marian 
Newlon as class leaders. Sunday School was organized at the time 
they first occupied their own church, with Jno. Ball as Superintendent, 
since which time it has been continued, and for several years past, dur- 
ing the whole year, and now has an average attendance of about 
thirty or forty scholars. Levi Aler is now Superlendent. 

Goshen United Presbyterian Church. — In 1827. a society was 
formed in the vicinit}^ of where the above church stands, known as the 
Associate Church, which so continued until 1868, at which time that 
body and the Associate Reform Church were united, and formed the 
United Presbyterian Church. 

The Associate Church was organized by Rev. John Walker. In 
1839 ^^^^y built a church-house, under the pastorate of Rev. David 
Lindsay, which stood until 1877, when a larger frame house was built 
in its stead, which still stands, the ground being leased by W. C. 
Moore for as long as it is used for church purposes. 

W. C. Moore and wife, Nancy Moore, Mary Moore, James Beard 
and wife, Mrs. Jane Rusk, Miss Feckner, Mrs. Margaret Adams, 
Robert N. Moore and wife, Martha Moore, Margaret Moore, Susannah 
Moore and Robert R. Moore, were first members. From 1827 to the 
time of building the first church, thev met in houses and barns, and 
man}' times at Robert Moore's, sen. W. C. Moore was the first Elder. 
There are now twenty-two members, with Jno. Taylor, James L. 
Moore and Robert N. Moore as elders. The largest membership they 
have ever had was about fifty or fifty-five souls. Sunday school was 
first organized in 1877, when James L. Moore was Superintendent, and 
had about thirty scholars. They now have about sixt}- scholars, and 
Jno. Taylor is Superintendent. Previous to 1877 they had Sunday 
school only a part of the time. They now have school every summer, but 
do not continue during the winter season. 

Porterville. — The town was laid out by John Porter in 1848, in the 
treme eastern edge of the township, and on the dividing ridge, before 
referred to, from which the water sheds both north and south. 

This is a village, or hamlet rather, of about forty souls, beautifully 
situated, in which health, the greatest temporal blessing vouchsafed to 
humanity, is abundantly enjoyed. It is surrounded by the most desir- 
able farming community of the township, as the hills seem not quite so 
rugged. From here to every point of the compass, stretches out before 
admirers of nature, hill and dale, forming ever\^ variety of scenery. 
Soon after it was platted, Jno. Adams opened, in Porterville, a general 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. l*J*J 

merchandise store, and a postoffice was established, receiving mail by 
horseback carrier from McConnellsville ; the mail now is carried in the 
same manner but from Rendville, in Monroe township. The stores have 
changed hands several times since Adams first opened the business. 
There is now one store of general merchandise kept by P. W. Newlon, 
and a furniture and undertaking room, kept by E. Hearing. It has one 
church and blacksmith shop. 

In 1870 there was erected, in the extreme north edge of the town- 
ship, near McLune}', a potter shop, where all kinds of common stone 
ware is manufactured. It emplo3-s several hands, and makes seven 
hundred gallons of ware per week. A great deal of the first ware made 
here was shipped to Maryland and Virginia, but it is now wholesaled 
at McLuney Station. 

The facilities for manufacturing in this vicinity are not excelled any 
place, as everything is found near at hand, except salt. 

There is a claim made that a pioneer by the name of Dusenberry 
settled on Bear Run, in Bearfield township, in 1802. If this be correct, 
it is undoubtedly the first settlement in the township, and one of the first 
in the county. 

James Moore, of Bearfield township, was the inventor and operator 
of the first portable steam saw mill ever run. He had an eight-horse 
power saw mill, and employed a firm in Zanesville to build him a light 
engine, such as he directed. He invented the attachments, set up the 
machinery, and operated the mill for eight or ten years. It was the 
first portable steam saw mill in the world. William Moore, a brother 
of James, also had an interest in the mill. The well-known Zanesville 
mills, which have been shipped all over the world, are all of a later 
date than the Moore mill. The portable mill w^as not only the concep- 
tion of a Perry count}^ man, but it did its first work in Bearfield 
township, Perr}^ county. 

The population of Bearfield in 1880 was 997. 

22 



178 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

CLAYTON TOWNSHIP. 

Clayton township, which before the formation of Perry, belonged to 
Muskingum, was organized as a political township about 1810, and was 
named in honor of one of its early settlers. It was originally six miles 
square, and of course embraced thirty-six sections ; but when Perry 
county was organized, or a short time thereafter, four sections were taken 
from it and attached to Harrison. The divide between the Muskingum 
and Hocking rivers runs through Clayton, leaving about two-thirds on 
the Muskingum slope and the remaining one-third on the Hocking 
slope. The land on the Muskingum side is drained by the waters of 
Buckeye, McLuney, and other tributaries of the Moxahala, while that 
on the west side is drained by the head waters of East Rush Creek. 
More than one half of the township is good laying land, while the re- 
mainder ol it is hill}^ and some of it extremely rough. Some of the 
most enterprising and wide awake farmers in the State reside in Clay- 
ton township. Its wool-growers are especially distinguished. Fruit 
growing also receives considerable attention. About three fourths of 
the township is underlaid with two seams of valuable bituminous coal, 
respectively four and five feet in thickness. These seams are known as 
5 and 6 of the geological series. Number 4, another good seam of coal, 
is also found in some places, but it is not thought to be so persistent as 
the other two seams. Considerable iron ore also abounds in nearly all 
parts of this township ; limestone, chert, and sand rock are also plenti- 
ful. Potter's clay of good quality is abundant, and several potteries are 
in successful operation. Coal has been mined in Cla3^ton for fifty years 
or more, and there are numerous openings, in both numbers 5 and 6, in 
various parts of it. The old Dr. Poujade mine — now the Isaac Denny 
mine — near the southern border of the township, was one of the first 
regularly operated mines in the county. The coal of all the open mines 
is of a desirable quality. 

Clayton township was first settled about 1806 or 1807. It~is difficult, 
in most cases, to determine who was the first settler of a township, and 
in attempting to do so inaccuracies are liable to occur, and injustice is 
often unintentionally done. There is no doubt, however, that the Clay- 
tons, Thralls, Wilsons, Pher^ons, Gardners, Browms, Bennetts, Kings, 
Goodins, Rhodes, Teals, Sellers, Skinners, Crosbys and Cooksons, 
were among the first settlers of Clayton. It is stated that Robert Pher- 
son settled in Clayton township in 1806; if this be correct, it is safe to 
presume that it was one of the first permanent settlements in the town- 
ship. The following named persons were all citizens of the township 
as early as 1817, or very soon thereafter: 

John Moore, Amos Roberts, Christian Barnd, James Wilson, Wm. 
C. Martin, John Rodman, Jeremiah Reed, Moses Goodin, Arabram 
Bennett, John Sellers, Samuel Heath, Joseph Cla3'ton, William Clay- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 1 79 

ton, Daniel Cusack, James C. Wallace, James Rusk, Sen., Isaac De- 
Long, Samuel Rusk, Jacob Hightshoe, Joseph Cookson, John Bradley, 
John Hough, John Gibson, Henry Shaner, Thomas King, Charles 
Wizvvell, George Moore, Thomas Wilson, James K. Wilson, Wm. 
Rodman, Joseph DeLong, Solomon Dusenberry, Daniel Pugh, Andrew 
Cusack, Tuba Ta^dor, Jacob Emerick, William Larkins, Michael 
Cooper, John Rusk, Samuel Thrall, John Hartsel, Wm. McCormick, 
Caleb North, John Clayton, Benjamin Hull, John Gardner, Jacob Hol- 
lenback, Henry Shaner, Andrew Wright, Lewis Shreeves, George 
Skinner, William Thompson, Absalom Chenowith, John England, 
Edward Crosby, James Wright, John Grove, Frederick Amrine, Rob- 
ert Love, George Gardner, Joseph Mills, Samuel England, Thomas 
Dusenberry, Joseph Claypool, James Shreeves, James Crosby, William 
Hammond, Isaac Brown, John Hull, Ruel Sayre, Ebenezer Davidson, 
Samuel Hull, John Skinner, John North, Levi Burgoon, John Yarger, 
Jacob Acker, John Crosby, Jacob Pace, John Clayton. 

These early settlers came mosth^ from Pennsylvania, Maryland and 
Virginia, though a small number of them were from other of the older 
States and a few from the Old World. There were not so many Penn- 
sylvania Germans among them, as in Thorn, Hopewell, Reading and 
Jackson. 

Clayton is as yet intersected by no railroad, but the Columbus and 
Eastern is surv*j3^ed through its territory, and is under contract to be 
finished by the first day of August, 1883. Though touched b}^ no rail- 
road, Clayton even in the past has not been very distant from railroad 
facilities. A part of the township is not far from Somerset, on the 
Newark, Somerset and Straitsville road ; and other parts are near New 
Lexington, McLuney and Crooksville, on the Cincinnati and Mus- 
kingum Valley. Previous to the railroad era, all the surplus products of 
the township were marketed at Zanesville. After the building of th'e 
Zanesville and Maysville Turnpike, it was reached by mos^ of the 
Cla3'ton township grain-haulers, at or near Uniontown. The wheat 
was hauled either to Putnam or Zanesville, and was mostly disposed of 
at Whipple's, Reaves' or Dillon's Mills. 

Most of the eastern part of Clayton township was originall}- cover- 
ed with large poplar timber, of a very superior quality. Logs from 
these trees kept several local mills busy for many years, and a large 
quantity of lumber was sawed, which found a ready market. Not 
much of this good poplar timber is now left. There were, also numer- 
ous sugar groves in this part of the township, and much good maple 
sugar was made for many 3'^ears alter the first settlement of the 
country. . ' 

Martha Wilson, wife of Judge James Wilson, one of the earliest set- 
tlers, was born in Alleghany county, Maryland, Feb. 1786, and died 
March, 1880, in the ninetv-fifth year of her age, and was the last of the 
pioneer women in Clayton township to pass from time to eternity. She 
came to the neighborhood where she lived and died, in 181 1, when 
neighbors were few and far between. Bears, wolves and panthers, 
were frequently seen. Once, during the war of 1812, when her husband 
was absent at Zanesville, there was an alarm that the Indians were com- 
ing across the coimtry and murdering the white people. Many families 



l80 HISTOl'-Y OF PERRY COUNTY. 

loaded up and fled. Mrs. Wilson having no way to go and take her three 
children, converted her cabin into a fortress and prepared for battle. 
She barricaded the door with timbers, prepared her gun and ammuni- 
tion, and with the great dog at her side, stood with gun in hand all 
through the night and until dawn of day ; but no Indians came. On 
another occasion when her husband was awa}-^ from home, the wolves 
attacked her only sheep, before she had put it in the pen for the night. 
She heard her faithful dog fighting and striving to drive the wolves away ; 
but they were ravenous and would not be driven off" by the dog. Mrs. 
Wilson lighted a torch, rushed out, frightened awa}' the wolves, and 
rescued the sheep. The savage animals remained so near that she 
could distinctly hear their teeth gnash and grind together as the}' thus 
gave vent to their unavailing rage. For many years previous to her 
death she had been blind, but she was cheerful, resigned and happy. 
Most of the time during her later years, she fancied and believed that 
she was living with her husband and children who had long been dead. 
Again she would recognize and converse intelligentlv with her living 
sons and daughters at her bedside. Mrs. Wilson was a religious 
woman ; she united with the Methodist Episcopal church in 1809, at her 
old home in the State of Maryland. The Methodists held camp meet- 
ing for a number of years in a grove upon her husband's farm, and a 
church (Wesley Chapel) was subsequently erected near the old camp 
ground. 

The M. E. Church organization in Rehoboth is about the second 
oldest in the county, and one among the oldest in the State. The 
original class was organized in 181 2 or 1813, by George Gardner, who 
was soon after ordained as local preacher. Gardner and wife, James 
Thrall and wife. Grandmother Carroll, Hannah Carroll and one or two 
others, were the members composing it. Rev. Martin Fate preached 
the first sermon, at Gardner's house, which was a preaching place for 
some time, and until the log church was built, about 1818, on the front 
part of the cemetery lot, a few rods south of the present site of Reho- 
both, on the New Lexington road. The old church was in regular use 
until about 1832, when the brick edifice was erected, near the east end 
of the town. The earl}'^ preachers on the Rehoboth charge were the 
same who served Somerset and other charges, of whom a sketch is 
given in another chapter. School was also held at the old church men- 
tioned, and as regular preaching always took place on a week day, it 
was a common occurrence to dismiss school for an hour, that religious 
worship might be held. The circuit preachers, as they were called, 
would come from the direction of Uniontown or Somerset, sing, pray 
and preach, and after shaking hands with the congregation, would 
mount their well-fed and well-kept horses, and move on westward, dear 
knows where, for there was no church in New Lexington or neighbor- 
hood, at that time. 

The Rehoboth Church has had some up and downs, but it always 
has been a strong society, and remains so at the present day.. Two or 
more eminent preachers have gone out from its portals into the life w^ork 
of the ministry. It maintains a flourishing Sabbath school, and has 
during almost its entire existence. The Sabbath school was organized 
previous to 1820, George Gardner probably being the first superintend- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. l8l 

ent. The Rehoboth circuit, at one time, and for quite a number of 
years, included the New Lexington, Uniontown and Somerset churches, 
along with man^^ others, and three ministers were assigned to its ser- 
vice. The old circuit has been divided into stations and smaller cir- 
cuits. Rehoboth church is now attached to New Lexington station, 
and is only two miles distant therefrom. 

Unity Church is one of the oldest in the county, and is the mother 
Presbyterian Church. On the occasion of the dedication of the new 
sanctuary in 1875, Rev. Henry Beeman delivered a carefully prepared 
and highly interesting historical discourse, from which the following is 
taken. It will be readily observed that the history of the Unity Church 
also embraces the history of three or four other Presbyterian churches : 

" The early settlers, few and scattered, were eager for and appreci- 
ated divine service. It was the golden link connecting them with their 
ancestral homes in the Eastern States. Clergymen passing westward 
and eastward, along the great highway, often stopped for a night in the 
settlement and preached. This began as early as there were any con- 
siderable number of settlers. As early probably as 1808-9. These 
transient services continued two or three years before any stated ser- 
vices began. An aged church member says that when she moved into 
the settlement in 181 1, Rev. James Culbertson, pastor of the Second 
Presbyterian Church, Zanesville, came regularly once a month and 
preached in private houses or barns ; the people gathering from a cir- 
cuit of many miles. He preached to them for the last time in 1814, in 
Isaac Sellers' barn, from the text "• Remember now thy Creator in the 
days of thy vouth." — Eccl. 12, i. 

At the close of the service he went into the road and held out his 
hand. The people tiled past him in a long procession to say farewell. 
He was greatly moved. He said, "Had I known this parting would 
be so painful, I would not have come out to you from Zanesville on this 
occasion." The aged narrator, sister of Isaac Brown, first elder of 
Unity, said, '* I cried all the way home, then I went out yonder," 
pointing to a retired spot in the. forest, "And there I prayed on and on 
until there came into mv heart such peace and comfort as I cannot ex- 
press." She had been distressed in view of her sins tor several years, 
and this was the hour of her conversion. Two years afterward, at the 
first sacrament of the Lord's Supper, administered by Rev. Moore, she 
with two others, were admitted into the communion. 

Through the labors of Mr. Culbertson, numeroiis churches were or- 
ganized in Ohio. His death occurred about 1850. Isaac Sellars, a 
warm-hearted Christian, in whose barn this farewell sermon was 
preached, died in 1818, aged forty-nine years. 

Unity is the mother, tier children are scattered over the western 
plains, and are found in many States of the Union ; were they and their 
immediate descendants here to-day, respectable as is this congregation 
'in numbers, it would be exceeded five to one. Unity ! Fond recollec- 
tion of their boyhood and girlhood has not died out of their hearts. 
Here they were born into the world ; here they were given, at this 
sacred altar by their parents to God in the rite of baptism ; and here 
they were born again, and here they were married ; here in Unity's 
church-yard lie fathers and mothers, husbands and wives, brothers and 



102 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

» 

sisters. And, to-day, Unit}' is fondly cherished by many, who, learn- 
ing its liistory from their fathers, yet have never seen it. 

Not only individuals, but w^hole churches rise up to call her blessed. 
Seven daughters are hers: Bethel,' Bremen, Somerset, New Lexing- 
ton, Roseville and Uniontown. 

In the year 1816, Rev. Mr. Wright of Lancaster, Ohio, on his way 
to the Synod at Pittsburgh, was interviewed and urged to come and organ- 
ize the scattered followers of the Savior into a church. Isaac Brown, 
afterward the first elder, guided Mr. Wright from Somerset through 
the dense forest to this hallowed place. September 2d, 1816, in the old 
log school house which stood within a few feet of the present edifice, 
fourteen persons were organized into a church of the blessed Lord and 
Savior Jesus Christ. A vote was taken and they called it ".Unity." 
" Because we are all of one mind," they said. Happv name when it 
expresses a fact. It reminds one of the trite but famously true adage, 
" United we stand, divided we fall." One Lord, one faith, one bap- 
tism, one God and Father of all. And for nearly two generations, 
through all the vicissitude of time and changing fortunes and peoples, 
Unity still bears her name, giving it to the neighborhood around for 
many miles. Then no human habitation was visible from her altar. 
The forest seemed illimitable ; no roads for vehicles, only bridle paths 
blazed through the wilderness. Now before the march of improve- 
ments, the red man has disappeared toward the setting sun ; beautiful 
farms, well stocked and cultivated, pleasant dwellings and happy homes 
are seen in all directions. 

Rev. Mr. Wright, the founder of this church, died in 1855, at Lo- 
gansport, Indiana, well nigh one hundred j-ears old. 

In the same month and year of the organization. Rev. Thomas 
Moore became the first pastor. He was a graduate of Dartmouth Col- 
lege, studied divinity at Yale Theological Seminary. Previous to set- 
tlement at Unity, he preached for several years in Pennsylvania. His 
pastorage continued sixteen years. During it the old log church, (di- 
mensions thirty-five feet by twenty-seven feet,) was built in 1826. The 
neighbors assembled to roll the logs ; the women spun cloth and sold it 
to purchase glass ; one good lady said she gave her cow ; and thus with 
loving hearts and willing hands, they built a house. One hundred and 
twenty souls were added to the church during this long pastorate. An 
argument in favor of a permanent ministerial settlement. In our theory 
of church polity, the unity existing between pastor and people, is like 
that of the marriage relation, until death shall separate them. In 1832, 
because of the increasing infirmities of age, a successor was called, 
though the aged pastor continued to officiate occasionally until the day 
of his death. At times his feebleness necessitated his sitting instead of 
standing in the pulpit to address his congregation. 

The remains of Mr. Moore lie beside those of his aged companion in 
Unity Church yard. And on the large flat stone covering his grave 
j-^ou may read this inscription : 

"In memory of Thomas Moore, who died August 24, 1840, aged 78 
years, 11 months and 21 days. He was 52 3'ears a Minister of the 
Gospel." 

In 1832, Rev. Francis Bartlett succeeded Mr. Moore in the pastorate 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 183 

of Unity. He received his theological training at Princeton, and 
while a student of theology, he was associated with Mr. Nettleton, the 
great revivalist, for six months. And fresh from those great revival 
labors he came to Unity and New Bethel. And in live months twenty- 
five persons were received into the church. And during his pastorate 
of two vears forty were added. Through his labors at New Bethel the 
roll of church members increased until it reached the surprising number 
of three hundred and seventy-five. Thus the years of his pastorate to 
both these churches were 3^ears of the right hand of the most High. 
Through all the region where he labored so successfully, the name of 
Francis Bartlett is spoken with veneration. In October, 1837, he and 
Roswell Tenny and Edmund Garland were a committee of Presbytery 
to organize New Lexington church. 

After the departure ot Mr. Bartlett, Rev. Roswell Tenny became 
the pastor. During his pastorate of three years two additional Elders 
were elected and ordained — Robert Ewing and John North, in 1835. 
These, together with Isaac Brown, Isaac Reynolds and David Pugh, 
Sen., constituted the Session. Seventy persons were added to the 
church, making the membership no. There were thirty infant baptisms ; 
$65.50 were contributed to the various causes of the church. Septem- 
ber I, 1837, t^^6 Session dismissed twenty-three persons to unite in the 
organization of the New Lexington church, which organization was 
effected the next day by authority of Lancaster Presbytery. 

Mr. Tenny gave one-third of his time to New Lexington, one-third 
to Unity and one-third to Somerset, which was held at this time as a 
mission station ; as had been New Lexington, from an early period, up 
to the time of organization. 

In the latter part of Mr. Tenny's pastorate, through no instrumental- 
ity, however, of his own, the date of the waning period of Unity may 
be fairly placed. For a score of years unexampled prosperity attend- 
ed the church ; accessions on profession of faith were almost constant for 
twenty years, until the membership reached the large number of two 
hundred. The moral and spiritual condition was equal to the ad- 
ditions. The Holy Spirit's influence seems not to have been withdrawn 
during all this happy period. A jubilee period; a score of years that 
should be celebrated by Unity's people. But now Unity's 12 o'clock 
had struck. Her sun had reached its zenith, then began slowly to de- 
scend. At times, like Joshua's sun on Gideon, it seemed to stand in 
the midst of the heavens, until the people had avenged themselves upon 
their enemies, but soon resumed its declension until in 1866, it was just 
visible above the horizon. In other words, from May 1835 to May 
1866, Unity's history was exceedingl)^ checkered. There were times 
when the ebbing tide stayed and gathered only to burst tjie barriers and 
run lower. 

There were additions, but at the end of scarcely a single year, dur- 
ing all that waning period of one score and ten or eleven years, did the 
accessions keep pace with the deaths and removals. 

There were causes, however, for this declension, besides those found 
in the records. The mountain stream pours down into the basin, filling 
it, rolling back upon its course, overflowing and passing on. So the 
stream of emigration pouring .along the great thoroughfare, filling Perry, 



184 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

overflowing and passing on farther westward. Children of the early 
settlers, and in some instances, the oldest inhabitants themselves sought 
new homes in the west. With each migration Unity lost her sons and 
daughters. 

Mr. Tenny passed the last ten years of his life in Marietta, laid aside 
from the work of the ministry by an affection of the throat. After suf- 
fering three years with paralysis he died in August, 1866, in the seven- 
tieth year of his life. 

Unity's fourth pastor was the Rev. Edmund Garland. His pastorate 
extended from, the autumn of 1837 ^^ 1840, three years. At the begin- 
ning of his labors he made an examination of the records, and after 
careful inquiry found that out of the vast number on the register of 
communicants only fifty remained as active members. A rapid decrease 
in a very few years. It will be remembered, however, that a colony of 
twenty-three had just gone out to organize the New Lexington church, 
and others later were dismissed to unite with the same church. 

A year and a half subsequent — February 25, 1839 — another colony 
left Unity to organize the Somerset church. So that during this period, 
the aggregate membership of the three churches was still about one 
hundred. The three formed one parish. But the old hive never again 
swarmed. One of Mr. Garland's sermons from the text, "What think 
ye of Christ?" preached, probably, at the organization of the Somerset 
church, is still remembered. Mr. Garland is yet alive, residing upon 
his farm in Licking county, in comfortable circumstances. Too aged 
for active service in the ministry, but faithful and devout, giving of his 
means to the cause of Christ, thus preaching by proxy. During his 
pastorate Unity gave about $75 to the Boards of the church. 

Mr. Garland's successor was unhappy in his relations with the 
churches. He continued, however, something more than a 3'ear. And 
there were some additions to the church. Among the number Mr. Noah 
Moore, who afterward became a ruling elder, and his wife. 

His successor was Rev. John Forbush. He remained about two 
years ; but judging from the meagre records during his ministration 
but little was accomplished. 

After Mr. Forbush, Rev. A. S. Avery labored nearly two years. 
The records show one case of discipline and suspension, but no addi- 
tions. Mr. Aver}' died at the residence of his daughter, in Lawrence- 
burg, Indiana, in the summer of 1867. 

From July 1848 to July 1852; during these four years there were 
some accessions to the church, Margaret A. Acker, Mary Leach, Juliet 
Sellers, D. Stokely and the lamented James Wigton. The two latter 
elders of Roseville. Wm. Cookson, David Fulton and Noah Moore 
were ordained to the office of Ruling Elders. The church at Somerset, 
though promising well in the beginning, having bought a house of wor- 
ship, convenientl}'^ located, from the Methodist Episcopal Church, hard- 
ly had an organized existence ten years. After Mr. Garland's depart- 
ure, becoming t'eeble and greatly distressed, mother Unity took back 
her daughter under the maternal roof with her accumulated property. 

The Somerset church property was sold for about $300. And with 
the proceeds, in 1849, Unity, originally built of hewed logs, chinked and 
daubed, was weather-boarded, ceiled, plastered and painted at an ex- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 185 

pense of $280. Somerset was lost; Roseville was gained. Several 
members of Unity. Thomas Beard and wife, Jane Beard, James Wigton 
and wife, and D. Stokely were dismissed, and a number of other per- 
sons, living in the vicinity of Roseville, united in the organization ot 
the Roseville church, October 20, 1849. From that time until the pre- 
sent, Roseville, Unity and New Lexington have constituted one parish. 
Their interests and history have been intimately connected. 

After a vacancy of a few^ months Rev. Warren Nichols began his 
labors at Unit}^ in November, 1852. He continued about two years. 
The records show a few additions. 

Mr. Nichols died some years since in the w estern part of this State. 
His widow, much loved bv all intimately acquainted with her, fell 
asleep in Jesus some years ago, at the I'esidence of her daughter, near 
Jackson, Illinois. 

Rev. Samuel Westcott Rose was the successor of Mr. Nichols. Mr. 
Rose's pastorate extended from September, 1854, to January, 1857 — about 
three years. As had done his two predecessors, so he ministered to the 
three churches, preaching also in private dwellings and school houses 
through his extensive parish, sometimes preaching three times a day- 
Abundant in labors. Said a good woman to him one day: "Mr. 
Rose, you will kill yourself." He smiled as he replied, "I wish to die 
in the service of the Lord." And so, after a brief illness, he fell asleep 
in Jesus at his residence in New Lexington. 

Two pastors thus have fought the good hght, finished their course, 
and kept the faith in this held of labor. 

Mr. Rose was a man of earnest piety, a faithful and laborious pastor 
and unimpassioned preacher. Had the esteem and confidence of his co- 
presbyters, once moderated Presbyter}-. He devoted much time to the 
study of the prophecies. Lectured upon them. It is said that some of 
his interpretations concerning the visible church and the country, have 
been remarkably fulfilled. He is the author of one or two published 
sermons ; one a Thanksgiving discourse, finds its theme in "The stone 
cut out of the mountain without hands," which broke in pieces the great 
image of Nebuchadnezzar. He makes the stone the United States, 
which, if true, is certainly very flattering ; and just now, with rottenness 
in almost every branch of the Government, very encouraging. 

While I cannot accord with this interpretation of prophecy, his argu- 
ments to establish it are ingenious. 

Rev. Samuel Loomis followed Mr. Rose, in March, 1857. He 
served the church less than a vear. Mr. Loomis is now, and has been 
for many years, a successful Missionary among the Freedmen at Ches- 
ter, South Carolina. 

Rev. James Lamb labored irregularly at Unity for less than a year. 
Mr. Lamb came in the spring of 1859, fresh from the Seminary. He 
is now pastor of Bethany Church, Utica, New York. 

Rev. Theodore Stowe came next in the spring of i860. His labors 
extended for over a period of about two years. Mr. Stowe resigned to 
accept a Chaplaincy in the service of the country. 

This gentleman, having found a new home a 3'ear ago in Saginaw, 
Michigan, and a new wife, ministers to two little churches in that 
vicinity." [Rev. Stowe is since deceased. — Compiler.] 



l86 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

No record is made in the Sessional books of Unity of the services 
of these four ministers. During all these ministrations, covering a per- 
iod in the aggregate of about seven years, there is no record of any 
Sessional meetings ; no additions, nothing to show that any thing was 
done. It is probable that, except during the time of Mr. Rose, the ser- 
vices were irregular. 

I find, however, several records in November, 1857, to the effect 
that the Rev. Mr. Hildreth, leaving his own pulpit vacant one Sabbath, 
visited Unity and held a series of meetings, da}^ and night, administer- 
ing the sacrament of the Lord's supper, and received one person. Miss 
Mary Cookson, into the church ; also, ordained Jacob Sellers as Ruling 
Elder. Mr. Ebenezer Reynolds was elected to -the same office at the 
same time, but there is no record of his ordination. Most likely this 
meeting of ten days, encouraging the feeble membership, saved the 
church from extinction. 

Rev. Mr. Stuart followed Mr. Stowe, a gentleman who never had 
a regular connection with the church. He continued not more than a 
year. 

The three churches had now been vacant tVom one and a half to two 
years, supplied occasionall}-, in the meantime, by appointment by the 
Presbytery. Members of Unity were hopeless and out of heart — re- 
duced to a handful, the houses of worship neglected, the possession of 
bats ; birds built their nests and brooded their young over God's quiet 
altars. One of the three — the New Lexington edifice — had disappeared 
entirely, its very foundation plowed up. 

Such was the mournful state of affairs when your pastor appeared 
upon the scene in May, 1866. 

The Uniontown Church, then and for some years subsequent O. S., 
made application for his services. From that day to this her interests 
have been intimately connected with these. Her historv is theirs and 
theirs hers. 

He came fresh from his first 3'ear in the seminary, " not with excel- 
lency of speech or wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God ; 
for he determined not to know any thing among you save Jesus Christ 
and him crucified. And he was with you in weakness and in fear, and 
in much trembling ;" and his speech and his preaching were not with 
" enticing words of man's wisdom." He was with you tor four months 
in each of two years, spending the remaining time in pvu'suing his theo- 
logical studies. Having finished his course at Union Seminary, New 
York city, he returned, and on the nth and 12th of November, 1868, 
was installed pastor of Unity, New Lexington and Roseville churches, 
Revs. D. Tenny, of Newark, S. P. Hildreth, of Dresden, and D. E. 
Beach, of Granville, officiating. Continuating the stated supply of 
Uniontown till 187 1, when the New Lexington church, growing so 
rapidly, having built a church edifice at a cost of twenty-five hundred 
dollars, it was deemed expedient to hold services there every Sabbath 
day. But alas ! for the chequered life of that chinxh. Its congrega- 
tion ran down almost as fast as it ran up. So, after an interval of two 
years, the old relations were resumed September, 1873. 

Unity's elders have now reached the apostolic number — twelve : 
Isaac Brown, Isaac Reynolds, David Pugh, Sr., Robert Ewing, John 



I 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 187 

North, William Cookson, Sr., David W. Pugh, Jr., David Fulton, 
Noah Moore, and the present incumbents, Jacob Sellers, John Welch, 
and William R. Cookson, Jr. Isaac Brown, David Pugh, and William 
Cookson, Sr. sleep in Unity church-yard. Isaac Reynolds and David 
W. Pugh, Jr.. found a peaceful grave in White county, Indiana. Of 
Ewing. North, Fulton, living or dead, I know not. I cannot say that 
those who have \et\ us here and departed to the land of pure delight can 
see or hear or know what their friends and children are doing. But if 
they can, these fathers and spiritual guides of old Unity, along with 
the Great Head of the Church, have seen their posterity, to the second 
generation, gathering around this sacred altar, heart worshippers of the 
God of their fathers. It is pleasant to think, at least, these fathers of 
Unity are to-day rejoicing and singing the G/oria /^«/r/c?, that " the 
glory of this latter house shall be greater than the former." 

The dedication of the new church at Unity was a memorable occa- 
sion, and the services of more than usual interest. The annexed ac- 
count of the dedication and description of the new house of worship is 
from the New Lexington Tribune : 

"The dedication of this little rural temple of worship took place 
last Saturday and Sabbath. On Saturday morning a well-filled house 
listened to an appropriate preparatory sermon, full of the unction from 
on high, b}^ Rev. H. Kingsbury, of New^ark. The afternoon was given 
to the Sabbath-school cause. Sabbath was the Pentecostal day. As 
early as seven o'clock in the morning vehicles were in motion over the 
hills and along the valleys, having Unity as the objective point. There 
were there dwellers in Newark, Zanesville, Somerset, New Lexington, 
Roseville, Uniontown, Bremen, and Rushville. And the whole neigh- 
borhood seemed to be poured out, filling the classic grounds of. old 
Unity. The edifice is Gothic in design, thirty b}^ fort3^-five feet, and to 
the tip of the spire seventy-five feet. Entrance through the tower at 
right corner, forming a vestibule ten feet square. The church was ele- 
gantl}^ furnished with three Gothic chairs, upholstered in maroon terry, 
and an elaboratel}^ wrought litde communion table. The pulpit is of a 
chaste design, white pine finished in walnut. The carpets, matting, 
and chandeliers gave the house a coz}', rich, and attractive appearance. 
The whole cost was twent3'-four hundred dollars. The debt was seven 
hundred and sevent3'-fivc dollars, every dollar of which was secured 
belore the services of dedication. Mr. Jacob Sellers, a large-hearted 
Christian, carried oft' two hundred dollars' worth of the prize. The 
young gave nobly. Then, in the presence of that concourse of people, 
this house was solemnly dedicated to the service sf Almighty God, 
henceforth separated from all unhallowed, ordinary, and common uses. 
The oflSciatjng clergymen were. Revs. Dr. A. Kingsbury, of Zanesville ; 
E. H. Heagler, Methodist, of New Lexington; Z. II. Adams, Method- 
ist, of Uniontown; Beacham,of the United Brethren Church, Rush- 
ville, and A. H. Amrine, of Mount Perry." 

Some of the earliest setders in the county were Presbyterians, and, 
in the pioneer days, members or adherents of Unity church. 

There was a popular superstition for a long time connected with the 
old log Unity church. It was a current report that one of the great 
double doors of the edifice would not remain closed, and it is a fact that, 



l88 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

for a long time, it nearly always stood open. It is asserted that some- 
times during divine service it would remain closed for a little while, and 
then mysteriously swing open. All the singular action of this door 
could, no doubt, have been accounted for, had an investigation of the 
premises been made by a competent mechanic and builder. 

Wesley Chapel, a Methodist Episcopal congregation, was organized 
and a church built about twenty years since. Stated preaching, and 
other church services, bave been sustained until the present time. 

A Catholic log church was built in the eastern part of Clayton town- 
ship, near the Zanesville road, at an early day, and it was used as a 
place of public worship until about 1832 or 1833, when a church was 
located at Rehoboth, and the old log church was abandoned. Dr. 
Poujade, a Frenchman, who had built a large frame structure, near the 
south end ot Rehoboth, intended for a grist-mill, which he proposed to 
run by means of a sort of perpetual, endless pump, an invention of his 
own, upon realizing that the machine would not work, effected a sale of 
the premises to the Catholics, and the large frame edifice was converted 
into a house of worship. It was thus used for about twenty years, the 
congregation most of the time being very large. The communities now 
accommodated by the churches at New Lexington, McLuney, and 
South Fork, nearW all worshiped there. At last the building was 
removed to a back lot, with a view of erecting a new and commodious 
brick edifice on the spot where the old frame house stood. This inten- 
tion, for some reason, was eventually abandoned, and the congregation 
built the McLuney church, just over the line in Harrison township. 

The Methodist church at Saltillo was built in 1849. ^^ "^'^''^■'^ ^O"^- 
posed, to a large extent, of those who had been members of the Mount 
Horeb church, in Harrison township, which appointment was discontin- 
ued after the establishment of the church at Saltillo. The Saltillo 
church was, in effect if not in fact, the successor of the Mount Horeb 
church, though some of the members of the latter probabh^ united with, 
other congregations. The Saltillo church first belonged to the Somer- 
set circuit, and then for a series of years to the Rehoboth circuit. It 
is now a part of the Uniontown circuit. 

The village of Rehoboth was laid out about the 3^ear 1815, by 
John and Eli Gardner. • The record is imperfect, and this may not 
be the exact date ; but, if not, it is ver}^ near to it. Rehoboth, like 
almost all the towns in the woods, grew slowly at first, but it was not 
long until it had its store, post-office, tavern, blacksmith and shoe 
shops. From 1830 to 1842 it was a considerable village, and one of 
the best business points in the county. During most of these years it 
had two hotels, two or three stores, school-house, post-office, a phy- 
sician or two, half a dozen shops, and a large tobacco warehouse. The 
latter establishment brought more business to the town than everything 
else together. Soon after 1842 the tobacco trade began to wane, the 
town lor a while barely held its own, and then rapidly declined for 
several years. Of late, however, Rehoboth has been regaining lost 
ground, to some extent, and is again a village of some life and business. 
It has, at present, a post-office, school-house, one church, one store, 
one grocery, several shops, and a population of one hundred and sixty- 
two, in June, 1880. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 189 

Saltillo was laid out in 1849, by F.Bradshaw, and is situated on Buck- 
eye Creek. Tliere had been a tavern there for many 3'ears before the 
town was hiid out, which had been a general stopping place for travelers 
and grain-haulers. Saltillo has at present a post office, M. E. church, 
schoolhouse, store, a number of shops, and a population of 80 in 1880. 
The Columbus and Eastern railroad is located along the Buckeye 
Valley, near the village. The name of the post office is Buckeye Cot- 
tage, and at present receives its mail twice a week from New Lexington, 
a distance of seven miles. 

The population of Claj^ton township, including villages, at time of last 
enumeration was 1 164. 



190 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

COAL TOWNSHIP. 

Coal township was originally a part of Saltlick, and was struck off 
into a seperate township in 1872. It contains only thirteen sections and 
borders on Hocking county. The early history of Coal is inseparably 
connected with that of Saltlick, and the early history of that township 
necessarily includes that of Coal also, except as hereinatter related. 

The building of the Straitsville branch of the Hocking Valley rail- 
road, and the establishment of the tow^n of New Straitsville, were the 
causes which led to the organization of the township of Coal. 

New Straitsville was laid out in 1870, by the Straitsville Mining 
Compan}^ and at once began to grow with a rapidity that no other new 
mining town in this section of the State had equaled. Large coal 
companies were organized, and the shipping of coal engaged in on 
a large scale. Coal-works, stores, shops, dwellings, and churches grew 
up as if by magic. Miners, mechanics, general laborers and business 
men, gathered from nearly all quarters of the globe. The population 
of the place increased wonderfully, and in a short time it appeared to 
be almost a city. It was" duly incorporated, and otherwise prepared tor 
permanent growth and lasting habitation. It contains a bank, post 
office, railroad station, telegraph offices, turnace, and stores, shops, etc., 
corresponding with the population and business of the place. It also 
has a large union school-house of eight rooms, four churches and a num- 
ber of costly private residences. The population of New Straitsville, 
according to the census of 1880, was 2782, and now probably exceeds 
3000. 

Straitsville (the old town,) situated about one mile from New Straits- 
ville, was laid out in 1835 ^y Jacob and Isaac Strait. The village is 
pleasantly situated on a broad and commanding ridge, overlooking 
much of the surrovmding country. It grew^ slowly, however, and for 
many years, had simply a postoffice, store or two, tavern, and church, 
and less than one hundred inhabitants. Though onl}' an unimportant 
country village, it is historic ground, for there the first three years 
company of volunteers in the county rendezvoused and drilled, before 
the}- came to New Lexington to take the cars for the seat of war. 
Straitsville and surrounding country was a favorite recruiting ground, 
which kept far ahead of its quota, and the dark shadow of a draft never 
fell upon its homes, though no part of the State, so far as is known, 
gave a greater percentage of its population to fight for the Nation's life, 
and the mortal remains of a large number of them sleep in the soil 
which their valor helped save to Liberty and Union. Ti'uly, these con- 
siderations should make the old village of Straitsville historic ground. 
The old tavern mentioned is gone, but the village now has a good 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. I9I 

schoolhouse of two large rooms, a Baptist church, and post office, which 
is now called Sheldon. A branch of the Hocking Valley railroad comes ~ 
up to a mine about a lourth of a mile from the town. Straitsville had, 
by the census of 1880, a population of 308. 

The Methodists organized a society, and built what was long known 
as the "Harbaugh Meeting House," at an early day. It was a regular 
appointment in the Ohio Conference, and was, for many years, a strong 
and influential congregation. The Harbaugh church stood in what is 
now the suburbs of New Straitsville. After the town was laid out, the 
congregation decided to build within the town limits, and the old 
"Meeting House" was abandoned and torn down. 

The Baptists organized a society, and erected a log church in Old 
Straitsville, at a very early day. After a few years, the old log church 
gave place to a new frame building, which is yet in use. 

The churches in New Straitsville are, of course, all of more recent 
origin. The Catholic church, which is a large brick structure, was 
built in 187 1. The M. E. church, a frame building of good dimensions, 
was erected in 1872. The Welsh Baptist and Disciple churches were 
built in 1880. The society of Primitive Methodists have not 5ret built, 
but worship at Odd Fellow's Hall. The Methodist Protestant congre- 
gation have no building of their own, but hold regular services at Kohn's 
Hall. All of these churches have Sabbath schools connected with 
them, which schools are said to be in a flourishing condition. 

New Straitsville has a Masonic Lodge, an Odd Fellows' Lodge and 
a Lodefe of the Knicrhts of Labor. The last named has an extraordin- 
ary list of members, said to embrace four or five hundred persons. 

Coal township abounds in iron ore as well as coal. There is a good 
market for the ore at Bessie Furnace, situated in the suburbs of New 
Straitsville. 

The Straitsville coal has a reputation equal to any in the State, and 
the output is most of the time very large. The statement is made, which 
is doubtless correct, that New Straitsville ships more coal than any 
other one point tributary to the Hocking Valley railroad. 

For a small, inland township, the population of Coal is very cos- 
mopolitan. It consists chiefly of English, Irish, Welsh, Scotch and 
American born ; with a considerable sprinkling of other nationalities, 
including a comparatively small number of persons of African descent. 

There were, a few years ago, very serious troubles at New Straits- 
ville between the miners and operators, but latterly strikes have been 
of infrequent occurrence and of short duration. As a general thing, 
capitalists, operators and miners appear to work together with a fair 
degree of harmony. 

New Straitsville is a flrst-class market for much of the neighboring 
country in Peny, Hocking and Athens counties : but, after all that can 
be done, much of the produce consumed by the people is shipped in 
from other parts of the countrv. There is little attention given to agri- 
culture, in the near vicinity of^ the town. The land is not adapted to 
such a pursuit, and if it were, it is now nearly all the property of coal 
companies, and has been thrown out as commons. The population of 
Coal township in 1880 was, including villages, 3836. 



192 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY 



CHAPTER XXV. 

HARRISON TOWNSHIP. 

Harrison township was named in honor of General Wm. H. Harri- 
son, and was organized as a separate political township, in 1820. Pre- 
vious to that time it was attached to Clayton. The territor}^ comprising 
it, befoi-e the organization of Perry county, belonged to Muskingum. 
Harrison is not a full township, and contains only twenty-four sections. 

The territory comprising it lies wholly on the Muskingum slope, and 
is drained by the waters of the South Forkof Moxahala and tributaries, 
chief of which are McLuney, Black's Fork, Buckeye, Burley's Run 
and Wigton's Run. About one-third of the township is extremel}^ hilly, 
the remainder principally level or gently rolling. The greater part of 
the soil is fairly productive, and the land is well watered. The land- 
holders are mostly engaged in general farming, stock raising and wool 
growing. Some of the best sheep in the county are in Harrison 
township. 

It is rich in minerals. Coal No. 5 and No. 6 underlie nearly the 
whole township, except in the low valleys. Coal mining has been ex- 
tensively carried on, at and near McLuney and Crooksville for several 
years — at the first named point for quite a long time. The coal has 
been shipped far and near, stands well in market, and has a good sale. 
Much of the township is also rich in iron ore, but there has not been 
much practical development of this mineral. A considerable portion of 
Harrison has a valuable seam of potter's clay, which has been well 
tested and worked for a long time. The manufacture of potter's ware 
is a very considerable mdustry at various points in the township. 
There are also seams of fire clay, but these have been but little de- 
veloped. 

The first permanent settlement appears to have been made in Harri- 
son about 1806, several families coming about the same time. It is 
claimed that James Clark, who owned land on both sides of what is now 
the count}^ line, came in 1799 or 1800, and built a cabin on the Perry 
county side, residing there for a number of years before settling on the 
Muskingum side, "Clark, afterward, was a State Senator, Justice of the 
Peace, and kept a tavern at Roseville, (then called Milford,) at an early 
day. The Ilift's, Brumages, Burle^^s, Dusenberries, Roses, Hol- 
combs, Dennis', Hightshces and Hitchcocks were among the first set- 
tlers. The following named persons were living in the township as 
early as 1816 or 1817 : John Iliff', William Ilift', John Dusenberry, John 
Burley, John Brumage, W. McCaslin, John C. Cox, James Spurgeon, 
William Combes, Joseph Ta3dor, Hugh Lennington, Jacob Reed, James 
Mumford, M. Plummer, William Turner, James Ilift', Nicholas Hitch- 
cock, James Rose, Tubba Taylor, John Hough, Israel Hitchcock, Wm. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 



193 



H. Herron, Jeremiah Rose, Aaron Dennis, Sen., Aaron Dennis, Jr., 
John Barcrott, John Melick, John Moore, John Reed, John Rose, Alex- 
ander Brumage, Wilham Cox, Jacob Holcomb, John Carr, Robert Al- 
len, George Moore, Robert Moore, Thomas Taylor, Sen., Thomas 
Taylor, Jr., John Taylor, George Taylor, John Combes, Israel Combes, 
Stephen Owens, Bennett Woods, Isaac Hitchcock, Jacob Richards, 
John Hitchcock, George Wolf. 

The first church in the township was the Iliff church, a log building 
erected in 1819 or 1820, by the Methodist Episcopal denomination. A 
class had been previously organized, which met mostly at the house of 
Jacob Holcomb, who resided on the sixteenth section. The Iliff church 
prospered, and about 1852, built a new frame church. Rev T. C. Iliff, 
a prominent minister of the M. E. Church, is from this place. The 
next church in the township was built at Roseville, for the use of all de- 
nominations of Christians, and was so used for a long time, and until 
the several sects erected their own houses of worship. 

The Bible Christians built a brick church at Roseville, on the Perry 
side of the line, in 1844, which is still in use. 

A society of the M. E. Church was organized at Reeds, and a 
church was built in 1846, which is still a regular charge. 

The Presbyterian Society at Roseville was organized in 1849, ^^ ^^^^ 
old house on cemetery hill, which was open to all denominations. The 
society was organized b}^ a committee appointed by the Presbytery of 
Pataskala, and continued to worship at the house named, until the erec- 
tion of their own church in 1859. This building was dedicated free 
from debt, and a large congregation was present to hear the dedicatory 
sermon, preached by Rev. Kingsbury of Putnam. Rev. Henry Bee- 
man of New Lexington has been pastor of the church since 1866; pre- 
vious to that date, the pastoral connection had frequentl}^ changed, and, 
at certain periods the pulpit was vacant, except when visited by a cler- 
gyman of some neighboring charge. 

The Methodist Protestants organized a congregation and built 
a churcii at Roseville, about tweiity years ago, which is still in use, and 
a regular appointme:!t ot' the denomination. 

The Methodist Episcopal denomination erected a church edifice, 
known as Mount Horeb, in the northern part of Harrison township, 
about 1832, which was a regular appointment of the church for about 
twenty-five years. The congregation, in connection with other persons, 
finally built a church in Saltillo, Clayton township, and the Mount Horeb 
charge was discontinued. 

The Catholics erected a fine brick church edifice near the northern 
border of Harrison township, in 185 1. The principal portion of the 
congregation had previously worshipped at Rehoboth, in C]a3'ton town- 
township. The congregation is a large one, has a resident pastor and 
regular services. There is a ver}' numerous Catholic population in the 
vicinity. 

A United Brethren Church, near McLuney Station, has been in ex- 
istence some twenty or thirty years, has a neat, commodious house of 
worship, and maintains regular church services. 

McLuney, a village situated in the western part of the township, on 
the C. & M. V. R. R., was established in 1855, and takes its name 



23 



194 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

from McLuney Creek. It has a railway station, post office, stores 
and church. A number of potteries are in the town or near vicinity. 
There are also mills in the suburbs or near vicinity. The coal mines at 
this point are extensively worked and coal shipped to distant markets. 
The mines are principally in seam No. 6, but No. 5 is also mined to 
some extent. The coal of both seams is a good marketable commodi- 
ty, though differing somewhat in quality from each other. McLuney 
had in 1880 a population of sixty-six, though with the suburban inhab- 
itants would doubtless count considerably more. 

Crooksville, situated two miles east of McLuney, on the C. & M. 
V. R. R., was established about 1874, ^"^ soon became a considerable 
point for coal mining. It has also several potteries, and a large quantity 
of potters' ware is manufactured there, most of which is sold in distant 
markets. The town has a railway station, post office, store, etc. 
Crooksville does not appear in the census reports as a separate village, 
but it is justly entitled to recognition as such, and has a population of 
about one hundred inhabitants. 

Roseville is situated chiefly on the Muskingum county side, but the 
railway station, several churches, a number of potteries, and twenty or 
thirty private dwellings are on the Perry side, in Harrison township. 
The population of Roseville is about five hundred, of which the census 
returns ninety-six as in Harrison township, Perry county. Most of the 
buildings on the Perry side are new, and if Roseville continues to im- 
prove, it is likely to extend still further on the Perry county side. 

The population of Harrison township, in 1880, including villages, 
was one thousand five hundred and sixty-two. 



I 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. I95 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP. 

Hopewell was originally organized as a political township, about 
1810. The source from whence the name was derived, does not appear 
to be known, but it is worthy of note, that two neighboring townships 
— one in Licking and the other in Muskingum — bear the same name. 
A majority of the early settlers were Pennsylvania Germans, who were, 
in religion, Lutherans, German Reformed and Tunkers or Dunkards. 
Lr- There is a claim that one Ridenour, whose first name has not 
been obtained, was the first settler of the township, but this is by no 
means certain, and it now seems to be impossible to determine with 
any considerable degree of accuracy, who was, in reality, the first per- 
manent settler. It is evident, however, that the Ridenours, Zartmans, 
Swineharts, Cooperriders, Skinners, Strawns, Helsers, Bowmans and 
Basores, w^ere among the earlier settlers. The following named per- 
sons were residents of the township, as early as 18 16 or 181 7 : Asa 
Wilson, John Jonas, James Bogle, James Dean, George Stockbarger, 
Wm. Armstrong, Holmes Bogle, Benjamin Shelley, Daniel Nunne- 
maker, John Basore, Peter Eversole, Charles Hamisfar, John Helser, 
Joseph Ferguson, Cornelius Skinner, Henry Warner, David Boyer, 
Alexander Zartman, George Gordon, Henry Walters, John Strawn, 
John Helser, William Skinner, Jacob Ridenour, Philip Rousculp, 
Wm. Dannison, Thomas Tipton, Daniel Parkinson, Jacob Keefover, 
Wm. King, George Shelley, Sen., James Ramsey, Jacob Fought, Isaac 
Fickle, Daniel Fickle, John Swinehart, Lewis Wilson, John Cooperri- 
der, Adam Cover, Robert Herron, Henry Zartman, John Daniels, 
Joseph Wheatcraft, Edward Wheatcraft, Jonathan Franks, Adam 
Wiseman, George Swinehart, John Ridenour, Isaac Wilson, Mar- 
tin Ridenour, Andrew Smith, Henry Fought, Isaac Ridenour, 
Benjamin Overmyer, James Wilson, 'Jacob Mechling, William 
Bogle, Jeremiah Strawn, Lewis Ridenour, John C. Strawn, 
John Gordon, Thomas Strawn, Bernard Bowman, Robert Chalfant, 
Thomas Benjamin, John Sturgeon, Thomas Cowen, Christian Darsham, 
Thomas Kendall, Abisha Danison, Henry Walters, Peter Rison, Jared 
Danison. 

Hopewell is a full congressional township, or six miles square, as 
originall}' surveyed. It lies in the Muskingum valley, and is watered 
by the north branch of Moxahala (commonly called Jonathan's Creek,) 
and tributaries. It is a good township of land, the greater part of it 
sufficiently rolling to afford good drainage. The principal portion of 
is in a good state cf cultivation and is chiefly devoted to grain, stock 
raising, and wool growing. Considerable fruit is also grown in cer- 
tain sections of it. A small portion of it is hilly. 

Previous to the railroad era, the greater part of the surplus products 



ip6 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

was taken in wagons to Newark and Zanesville. Wheat was the 
principal export. Tlie Newark, Somerset and Straitsville Raih-oad was 
built throusjh the township in 1871, and there are now two railway 
stations in it, Glenford and Chalfants. The projected Columbus and 
Eastern Railroad is to pass through this township, in a little different 
direction from the Newark, Somerset and Straitsville, though following 
the line of this road a part of the way. The township will have good 
facilities for marketing all surplus products of every description. There 
is considerable good limestone rock in Hopewell ; also an abundance 
of valuable glass rock, which has been quarried and shipped to distant 
places, and used in the manufacture of glass more than sufficient to 
prove its quality and value. There is some talk of a glass manufactory 
at or near Glenford. 

One of the most important local features of Hopewell, is what is 
generall}^ known as the "Old Fort," situated not far from Glenford. 
It is, in fact, quite a curiosit}^ and to all persons interested in such mat- 
ters, well worth going to see. The Fort was, formerly, a popular resort 
for pic-nic parties from neighboring villages. It has also been visited by 
antiquarians and other investigators, and some account of it has found 
its way into newspapers and books. John II. Shearer, now editor and 
publisher of the Marysville (Ohio) Tribune^ when editor of the Somer- 
set Post^ in this county, visited and inspected the famous spot, and with 
care and particularity made out a full description, which is hereto ap- 
pended : 

"Here, within two and one-half miles square, are many wonderful 
works of art, the relics of a race of beings who have long ago disap- 
peared from the earth, and who have left no other monuments behind 
them to tell who they were or where they existed. These ancient works 
consisted principally of circular, semi-circular and oblong Forts and 
trenches, singularly joined together, for what purpose God onh' knows ; 
they are mathematically laid out, and may have served those who built 
them either as a defence against hostile neighbors, or as a means of re- 
creation. They are singular enough indeed and cannot fail to fill the 
mind of the beholder with deep interest in regard to the nations who 
have left behind them these monuments of their existence. 

"Then there is the 'Stone Fort,' two miles south of the above men-r 
tioned Earthen Fort, which has been the wonder and admiration of 
mankind over all other ancient fortifications. It is situated on a very 
high eminence, perhaps the highest in Hopewell township. The ascent 
to it on either side is fully a fourth of a mile, if not more, and very ab-' 
rupt and rocky. On the top of this hill there is a level plain, of about 
twenty-five acres, of as beautiful land as can be found any where in the 
township. On the outer edge of this plain, and where the land begins 
to descend, there is a lonj;^ wall of stone averaging in size from a brick- 
bat to a large bucket. 

"At one period, judging from the quantity of stone, this wall must 
have been eight or ten feet high, sufficient to debar a foe frem entering. 
The walls, however, are demolished, the stones thrown down and scat- 
tered, and man3'^of them have been hauled away we learn for various 
purposes. But still there are enough there yet to show that the work 
has been one of much labor. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. I97 

"The entrance to the fort, which is on the southeastern side, is cut 
through a solid sand rock, the distance of one hundred feet or more, and 
ascends up into the Fort nearly in an angle with the hill. It is about 
eight feet wide and perhaps fifteen feet deep. The mouth of this lane 
or entrance is nearly covered by a large rock, which appears to have 
been detached from the main ledge by some convulsion of nature and 
removed some thirty feet to its present bed. A few rods west of this en- 
trance there is another entrance of about the same dimensions, and no 
doubt used for the same purpose. 

"On the extreme southeastern side of the Fort, where it runs to an 
obtuse angle, there is a door or opening, which leads oft' some fifty yards 
and connects with a small Earthen Fort. This latter Fort, which con- 
tains about half an acre, has been thrown up from the earth within, as 
the trenches are yet very visible, being at least three feet deep, not- 
withstanding the leaves, vegetation, etc, have been accumulating over 
them a thousand years, and perhaps much longer. We noticed a num- 
ber of very large trees growing upon the walls of the 'Stone Fort,' and 
on the embankments of the 'Earthen Fort,' that were ver}^ old. We 
noticed one old red oak, in particular, could it speak it no doubt could 
tell a history of six or seven hundred years, and yet these works were 
constructed prior to the growing of this tree, and it may be, that gener- 
ation of trees have grown and fallen over those walls, before this 
dates its existence. Since these works have been constructed, thesum- 
mit of this hill has evidently been fearfully convulsed by some natural 
power. 

"In numerous places, large masses of rock, bearing portions of the 
wall, have been detached from the main rock, and removed fifty feet 
from their ancient positions. The lanes or entrances into the Fort have 
no doubt been caused by the same power. The numerous breaks and 
fissures in those otherwise solid rocks, are evidence enough of this fact. 

"The rock, or a very large portion of it, is conglomerate, a mixture 
of the white pebble and sand, and we picked up several specimens of 
marine conglomerate, or stone formed from shells, such as are usually 
found to compose the body of our black limestone. 

"About the middle of the 'Stone Fort,' there is a huge mound of 
rocks of the same size of those in the wall, and covering nearly the 
fourth of an acre of land. Its height is about thirty feet, though it is 
not as high as it anciently was. Man prompted by curiosity, has dis- 
placed the stone and disfigured the pile, expecting perhaps to find some 
hidden treasure deposited there. 

''What purpose this massive pile answered in the economy of its 
tounders, we could not even conjecture. Our fancy led us to suppose 
that it might have answered as a kind of 'King's Bench,' upon which 
the monarch of that ancient race occassionally ascended (if they had a 
monarch) and in the dignity of his power proclaimed to his subjects: 
'I am King of this people !' We were equally at a loss to conjecture for 
what purpose the small Earthen Fort, which connects with the large 
one, could have been used, unless it answered as a kind of side 
pocket to store awa}' provisions in. It does not look as though any- 
thing of particular utility had been connected with it, though we confess 
we are not a verv good judge. But there the works are, the wonder and 



198 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

admiration of mankind, of the eventful history of whose builders, not 
even a sentence is known beyond the diversity of the merest conjecture. 

"Then added to these interesting relics, a half a mile or so south 
are the Great Artificial Mound, the Pools, the Standing Rocks and 
many other objects of a deeply interesting character, where a party can 
spend a whole day with pleasure and profit, 

"Upon the whole, these regions are fraught with peculiar interest, 
especially to the antiquarian, and to those who love to look upon the 
Inxuriant, wild, and romantic scenery of Nature." 

Hopewell Baptist congregation was organized at a very early day — 
probably as early as 181 2 — but a church edifice was not erected until a 
few years later, and was built in the southwestern part of Hopewell 
township, on the road leading from Zanesville to Lancaster — originally 
Zane's Trace. Several of the original members of the church em- 
igrated from Somerset county, Pennsylvania ; among them, Thomas 
King, who subsequently became the first Representative of Perr}^ county, 
and was afterwards an Associate Judge. Mr. King was an intelligent 
man, of sound judgment, and was frequently called upon to arbitrate 
difficulties between neighbors, and was a veritable "peace-maker." 
He had no children of his ovsai, but he and his wife raised a large 
family, nevertheless, and did a father's and mother's part bv all of them. 
A strict Baptist, he was not only tolerant but liberal in all matters per- 
taining to religion and the general diffusion of knowledge. On one 
occasion he was speaking in favor of granting the use of Hopewell 
Church for a general Sabbath-school, and his remarks were making an 
impression, when another old brother became somewhat excited and 
cried out "Jezebel.'" The Hopewell Church was the mother Baptist 
Church of the county, and nearly all the Baptist preachers of this part 
of the State preached there at one time or another. The society w^as a 
very strong one for forty years or more, but of later years accessions 
have not been equal to the deaths and removals, and the society has 
diminished in numbers. The Baptist farmers were well to do and 
liberal, and the Muskingum Baptist Association was frequently held 
with the Hopewell congregation, and all visitors entertained free of 
charge. The cemetery, adjacent to the Hopewell Church, is one of the 
oldest in the county — probably older than any at Somerset. 

What is known as Shelley's, or Good Hope Lutheran Church, was 
organized and built in t8i8, though there had been preaching at private 
houses several years previous to that date. The names of Rev. Jacob 
Leist, Rev. Jacob Foster, and Rev. Andrew Henkel, are given as 
among the early preachers. Rev. Foster came to this part of the 
country about 1805, and died about 1815. Rev. Andrew Henkel, one 
of the pioneer pillars of the Lutheran Church in Ohio, came to what is 
now Perry county about 181 2, having been ordained to the ministry at 
New Market, Virginia, a little prior to this date. Rev. Jacob Leist re- 
mained a fewj^ears and then removed to another county. All the original 
members of this church are probably dead. The names of Jonathan 
Franks, John Cooperrider, George Shelley, George Deffenbaugh, and 
John Cochranbaugh, are given as among the first members. Rev. Jacob 
Leist preached in private houses prior to the coming of Rev. Andrew Hen- 
kel. Among these houses were those of Lewis and John Cooperrider. 



I 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. I99 

St. Paul's Lutheran Church, popularly known as Smith's Church, 
was also organized in 1818, under the ministration of Rev. Andrew 
Henkel. The following names are given as among the early members : 
Paul Bean, Peter Hetrick, William Mechling, John Swinehart, Mar- 
tin Ridenour, Philip Rousculp, Isaac Ridenour, John Ridenour, 
Alexander Zartman, Jacob Mechling, Godfrey Weimer, Lewis Riden- 
hour, Frederick Mechling. The church edifice was built in common 
by the Lutheran and Reform churches, and is occupied by both de- 
nominations. 

The Reform congregation, which uses the St. Paul Church edifice 
jomtly with the Lutherans, was also organized in 1818, or about that 
time. The compiler is indebted to Isaac Zartman for the following list 
of names among the organizers and pioneers of this church : Andrew 
Smith, John "Basore, John Vocht, Jacob Vocht, Alexander Vocht, John 
Daniel, Henry Basore, and the wives of all or nearly all of these per- 
sons. This has been an active, living church from the time of its 
organization. The land on w^hich the church stands, consisting of four 
acres, w^as donated to the church, or churches, for school, cemetery and 
church purposes, by Jacob Mechling, in those days considered a wealthy 
citizen, wlio came at an early day and secured homes for each of a large 
family of children, was the pioneer Justice of the Peace, a liberal sup- 
porter of religion, and a worthy exemplar of virtue, frugality and thrift. 
One-half acre was added by Andrew Smith, of the Reform Church. 

There is a thriving Methodist Episcopal congregation in Hopewell, 
commonly known as the Chalfant Church, a sketch of which is given 
in connection with the Methodist Episcopal Church at Somerset, with 
which charge it is connected. 

The robbery of Emanuel Bear, of this township, in June, 1874, and the 
apprehension, trial and final conviction of the robbers, constitutes an in- 
teresting chapter in the criminal annals of the county. Mr. Bear was 
a well to do farmer, about sixty years of age, and at the time, himself, 
daughter, an aged lad3% and a Miss Rousculp, were sleeping in the 
farm house, which he owned and made his residence. Three men 
wearing masks, entered the house in the night, struck a light, covered 
Mr, Bear with their revolvers, and demanded to know where he kept 
his money. He declined to tell, but the daughter was frightened into 
disclosing- its whereabouts. One of the robbers began to look for the mon- 
ey, while the others attended to Mr. Bear, threatening him with instant 
death if he attempted to arise from the bed. The money — about $600 
— was found and appropriated, together with a watch and a few other 
articles. Before leaving, the robbers threw something into Mr. Bear's 
eyes, which for awhile blinded and almost crazed him, and prevented 
any alarm or pursuit until his assailants had made good their escape. 

One Bhickburn, a notorious desperado, who was suspected of hav- 
ing been connected with the robberv, was arrested in Dresden, where he 
resided, and imprisoned in the calaboose ; but he watched his chance, 
shot and wounded the marshal, and made his escape. Blackburn sub- 
sequently wrote to some one, that Isaac and James Linton, of Dresden, 
Muskingum county, Ohio, and "another fellow" were the guilty per- 
sons. The two Lintons were then arrested, brought to New Lexington, 
had a preliminary trial, and were committed to jail to await the action of 



200 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

the grand jury. Before the time for court had arrived, they dug a tun- 
nel from their cell under the foundation walls of the jail, and thus made 
their escape. In the course of time, Blackburn was again arrested and 
incarcerated in the New Lexington jail, to await his trial at court. In 
company with two other prisoners, he cut through the brick wall near 
the ceiling of the jail into the Auditor's office, irom which all three 
made their exit by a window ; the two other prisoners made good their 
escape, but just as Blackburn got outside the window he was discovered 
and seized by the Deputy Sheriff', and after a desperate struggle, and 
assistance arriving, conveyed back to his quarters in the jail. Black- 
burn was, at the ensuing term of court, indicted, convicted and sentenced 
to the penitentiary for a long term. The Lintons, who had fled to Ind- 
iana, were subsequently arrested, brought back to New Lexington, 
Ohio, indicted, convicted and sent to the State prison. At the trial of 
the Lintons, Blackburn was brought from Columbus to appear as a wit- 
ness in the case. He testified that he, Isaac and James Linton were 
the persons who perpetrated the crime. It was with some difficulty that 
Blackburn had been convicted, although the accused had been seen in 
the neighborhood where the robbery had been committed ; but with his 
testimony, added to that of others, there was no chance for the Lintons 
to escape. The pursuit of the accused persons, who were finally con- 
victed for their offense, by Mr. Bear, the Sheriff' and Prosecuting At- 
torney of this county, may be regarded as one of the most indefatiga- 
ble and efficacious any where recorded in the criminal annals of the 
State. Without the extraordinar}' persistence of Mr. Bear, and the un- 
tiring perseverance of the officers alluded to, no one would have ever 
been punished for the crime. 

Glenford, a small village that has grown up since the building of the 
Newark, Somerset and Straitsville Railroad, is the principal town in 
Hopewell township. M. Estella Mechling, an intelligent school girl, 
eleven years of age, describes Glenford as follows : 

It is a small town, situated in Hopewell township. Perry county, 
Ohio, on both sides of Jonathan's Creek, and on the Newark, Somerset 
and Straitsville Railroad. It is noted for its large sand stone quarries, 
glass stone and building stone, and limestone for the manufacturing of 
iron. This limestone is shipped to Newark, Shawnee and other places. 

Glenford has a population of seventy to eighty, it has two dry goods 
stores, one school examiner, one grocery, one dress making and fancy 
store, one carpenter shop, one shoe and boot shop, one blacksmith shop, 
one gristmill, run by water or steam ; one warehouse for 'wheat, corn, 
etc. ; one tool house, one watering tank, one express office, one post 
office, one section house, two boarding houses, one sewing machine 
agent, one agent selling reapers, mowers, wagons and buggies, one 
physician, one school teacher and two engineers. The town is noted 
for its beautiful surroundings, its rolling hills, and the hill of the Old 
Fort, less than a mile south of Glenford. This hill and Fort can be 
seen from town and is so much of a curiosity [so ancient its date is not 
known — Cofupiler^, a circle of stone thrown up three or four feet high, 
inclosing more than twenty-seven acres of land, a big pile of stone 
within the circle and an entrance to all, between two high rocks. It 
used to be a pleasant place for the scholars at the school nearby. There 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY, 201 

is a large grove near town, and this is one of the most beautiful places 
for festivals, Sunday school, or other celebrations, political meetings and 
pleasure seeking parties. The passenger train passes through Glenford 
four times every day, Sunday excepted, two local trains and about lour 
coal trains daily. 

Chalfant, a'small village and railway station, on the Newark, Som- 
erset and Straitsville Railroad, is situated between Glentbrd and Som- 
erset, and has a railwa}^ station, post office, store, blacksmith' shop and 
wagon shop, with a population of probably less than tilty. 

An anecdote, illustrative of the early times, is still I'elated by the 
older citizens of Hopewell. Just as Rev. Henkel had pronounced the 
benediction dismissing the congregation, one Sunday, assembled at the 
house of Lewis Cooperrider, Jacob Strawn, afterward renowned as the 
cattle king of Illinois, requested the preacher to say to the congrega- 
tion that he had trapped a large wolf, which request the minister com- 
plied with. Nearlv all of the men present, and not a few of the women 
and children, went to the place indicated, and enjoyed a show not wit- 
nessable in these latter days. One of the hind legs of the wolf, a fierce 
and desperate animal, was by some means dragged through the crack 
of the log trap, and his ham-string cut in twain with a sharp knife. Thus 
disabled, he was allowed to escape from the trap, when all the dogs, be- 
fore apparently eager for a fight, showed cowardice except one, be- 
longing to Jacob Mechling, and this one prevented the game from es- 
caping, by his vigorous attacks, which exhibition of pluck brought to 
his aid the more timidly and cowardly of his associates, and the battle 
ended against the wolf, after an exciting contest of some minutes. 

About 1815 or 1816, Henr}^ and Andrew Walters, John Swinehart, 
Jonathan Franks and Peter Mechling, having been informed that a den 
of cub wolves had been captured among the rocks of Section 9, and 
were still left alive, these men assembled to capture older wolves. 

One by one the young ones were held up by the ears, when some 
of them would utter a howl of distress. This was kept up until many 
wolves would skulk into view, but with such caution that only the 
mother of the cubs was slain. William Mechling was then Justice of 
the Peace, and the'scalp of the old one, and all the cubs bodily, were 
presented to him, for the certificate which he had to sign in order to 
draw the premium allowed for such scalps. 

Brush burning at night would, so late as 1815, set the wolves to 
howling all around so frightfully as to drive the workmen into their 
cabins for security. 

The last of Bruin was seen as late as i8i7,not as a pemanent settler, 
but as a rover in quest of information and booty. 

Hopewell township, according to the census of 1880, had a popula- 
tion of 1,284. 



202 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 

Jackson township was named in honor of General Andrew Jackson, 
and was organized into a civil township about 1805, by the authorities 
of Fairfield county, to which it then belonged. The township contains 
thirty-six sections, and is just six miles square, and remains the same 
as originally surveyed. Jackson is bounded on the north by Reading, on 
the east by Pike, on the south by Monday Creek tovvnhips, and on the 
west by Fairfield county. It lies wholly in the Hocking valley, or on 
the Hocking slope, and is drained by East Rush Creek and tribu- 
taries. A small area of the southern part is drained by the head waters 
of Monday Creek, which, like EastRush Creek, is also a tributary of 
the Hocking river. A considerable portion of the township may be 
denominated level ; nearly all the remainder is undulating, and only a 
small percentage of the whole really hilly, or very broken. The land 
is all arable, and is generally, in a good state of cultivation. Hay is a 
leading staple, though nearly all the cereals are successfully cultivated. 
Stock-raising and wool-growing receive much attention. The culti- 
vation of fruit also has its votaries. One of the oldest and best nurseries 
in this part of the country is in Jackson township. 

Geologically speaking, the township is situated partly in the 
coal inasures and partly in the drift region. The drift region is along 
the valley of Rush Creek, and cuts the township nearl}^ in two. In the 
hills to the north and south, there is more or less coal, but the seams are 
thin, excepting in a small aera in the northeastern part. There is also 
a small area in the southeastern part, where the seams are thicker, and 
the coal is of good qualit}^ Iron ore is abundant in many parts of the 
township, and has been mined and used to a considerable extent. It is 
shipped to Shawnee, Zanesville, and other places. Jackson is well sup- 
plied with railroads, and its facilities for shipping are very good. The 
Cincinnati and Muskingum Valley, the Ohio Central, and the Newark, 
Somerset and Straitsville Railroads, all pass through its territory. The 
land of the whole township is capable of excellent drainage,but the chan- 
nel of Rush Creek, and some of its tributaries, need straightening and 
the removal of obstructions. 

The population of Jackson township is something near being equal- 
ly divided between Pennsylvania Germans and their descendants, 
Irish born and their descendants, and American born Anglo Saxons 
from Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland, and their descendants. Not 
many of the original pioneers are left. This township was first settled 
about 1802 or 1803 ; but it is impossible, with the best existing informa- 
tion, to determine who was the first settler. The first cabins were, 
probably, built along the western border of the township, but little is 
known concerning them or their builders. The Pennsylvania Germans 



I 



HISTORY OF PERRY C TUNTY. 2O3 

and emigrants of English descent came, and made their permanent 
settlements, cotemporaneously, from 1805 or 1806 to 1820. A few Irish 
families came in from 181 2 to 1820 ; but the great flow of Irish emigra- 
tion, which amounted to a colon}^ came in from 1825 to 1830, and many 
still later. Though it is impossible at this late day, and with no ade- 
quate pioneer statistics to guide, to state who was the first, or even the 
second settler ; yet it is indisputable that the Pett3's, V^anattas, Wolfs, 
Browns, Sandersons, Forsythes, Sherlocks, Kings, Larimers, Raricks, 
Klinglers and Crossens, were among the early settlers. The following 
named persons were all living in the township as early as 1816 or 1817 : 
Peter Black, David Brown, John Hiles, Joshua Brown, Adam Spohn, 
James Brown, John Sherman, David Cochran, John Hiles, Sr., Robert 
Larimer, William Hayes, Enos Kelsey, James Dillon, Robert Sander- 
son, PhiHp Wolf, Sr., Solomon McGrevy, John P. Angle, Samuel For- 
sythe, Sr., Samuel Forsythe, Jr., John Wolf, Charles Lott, John Dut- 
ton, David Klingler, Thomas Hardin, Martin Poland, Philip Wolf, Al- 
exander Crook, Joseph Finck, David Brown, Joshua Brown, Moses 
Petty, Thomas Milholland, Ignatius Ricketts, Patrick Murphy, Casper 
Emerick, Samuel Black, Alexander Sanderson, John Strohl, Owen El- 
der, Abraham Sherlock, Jacob Whitmer, John Clover, Wm. A. Sander- 
son, Henry Angle, James Vanatta, John Vanatta, John Crooks, Joseph 
Williams, Edward Adams, William R. Crossen. John Reece, Owen 
Brown, Enos Kelsey, Benjamin Hardin, John Emerick, William Cros- 
son, Jacob King, John Wolf, William Poland, Richard Poland, Henry H. 
Cochran, George King, Samuel Black, William Keenan, James Van- 
atta. The foregoing named persons were citizens and voters of Jack- 
son township, as early as march, 1818, as the official records show. 

Junction City was laid out in 1872, by George Wolf and John Ed- 
miston. Mr. Wolf had previously laid out a town and called it Damas- 
cus, and Mr. Edmiston had laid out one and named it Trio City. Wolf 
and Edmiston owned farms adjoining, near the crossing of the C. & 
M. V. and N. S. & S. Railroads. Mr. Wolf was Postmaster and had 
succeeded in having the name of the post office changed from East 
Rush Creek to Damascus, corresponding with the name of his newly 
platted village. Unpleasant compHcations ensuing. Wolf and Edmiston, 
the rival town proprietors, were induced to submit aflfairs to arbitration, 
which recommended that the two proprietors unite their plats, that 
the names of Trio City and Damascus be discarded, and that the joint 
town and post office be called Junction City. This arrangement was 
amicabl}^ agreed to by all parties interested, and so the village and post 
office were duly christened Junction City. The place had been known 
for nearly twenty years as Wolf's Station, a point on the C. & M. V. R. 
R. During all this time, however, it was but a small hamlet, contain- 
ing only a post office, store, a shop or two, and a very few inhabitants. 
After the laying out of Junction City, there was a ready sale of lots for 
a while, and the village grew with considerable rapidity. It now^ con- 
tains a post office, two station houses, two telegraph offices, two hotels, 
two churches, one bent works, one flouring mill, one newspaper, a 
good two-story brick school house, two dry goods stores, two hardware 
stores, two drug stores, two millinery stores, four physicians, one-meat 
shop, and a numbej- of groceries and eating houses. 



204 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

Three railroads pass through the town. The village is situated near 
the north bank of Rush Creek, part of it lying in the valley, but most 
of it on the slopes and heights northward. Junction City has now a 
population of about five hundred, and steps have heen recently taken to 
have the village incorporated. 

Crossenville was laid out in^ 1817, by William Crossen. It grew in- 
to a thriving little village, and, for a long time, was a point of consider- 
able trade. It was at one time a tobacco market of some consequence. 
It had also a post office, for some twenty or thirty years, but that has 
long been discontinued. Crossenville now has one church, two stores, 
a number of private houses, and a population of about fifty. The vil- 
lage is beautifully situated on the high grounds between the waters of 
Rush Creek and Monday Creek. 

Middletown, situated in the southern part of Jackson township, was 
established in 1853-54, at the time work was in progress at the tunnel 
on the old Scioto & Hocking Valley Railroad. It is delightfully situ- 
ated upon the ridge which separates the waters of Rush Creek from 
those of Monday Creek. The village has a post office, with mail every 
other day ; one church, two stores, several private residences, and about 
fifty inhabitants. 

Clarksville was laid out by Daniel Clark in 1854, ^"^ ^^^^^ ^^^' ^^'^~ 
eral years a post office, store, shops and several private residences, but 
since the building up of Junction City, only one mile oft", the village 
has gone down. St. Patrick's, a large Catholic church, is here as it 
was before the establishment of Clarksville, and not aflected in anyway 
by the rise or decline of the village. 

Mount Hope was laid out in 1S35, by George Kishler and Patrick 
Sweeney. The point was a public cross-roads, and the site ot the 
village was a beautiful one ; but it was never built up to any consider- 
able extent. It had for a long time a post office, (Asbury), and a good 
country store, with a shop or two, perhaps. The village never amount- 
ed to much, and has gone down entirel}'. The Avsbury post office has 
also ceased to be. 

Wolftown was a little old-time hamlet, situated not far from the 
Reading township line, two miles north of Junction City. Wolftown is 
a familiar name yet to old settlers, and at one time, and for quite a 
number of years, it had a tannery, a store, a number of shops and sev- 
eral private residences. But its ancient glory has departed. Two 
family residences and a number of unoccupied houses, is all that re- 
mains of the old town. 

Lebanon (Lutheran) Congregation was organized about 1815, no 
doubt by Rev. Andrew Henkel, though the old church records are de- 
stroved, and the original members of the church are gone. There are 
tombstones in the cemetery adjacent, commemorative of burials as 
early as 1816 and 1817, and it is probable that the church was organized 
prior to that date, though the old log church may not have been built 
until a few years later. The Lutheran and German Reform congre- 
gations built and occupied it jointly. The two congregations dissolved 
partnership in church property about 1840, and the Lutherans, in 1842, 
' erected the present neat brick edifice. The Lutheran congregation has 
been a strong and influential one, and remains so to the present day. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 205 

There is a neat parsonage connected with the church. A Sabbath 
school is regularly sustained. Rev. Wiseman is the present pastor, 
and resides in the parsonage. Lebanon church is beautifully situated, 
one mile north of Junction City. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church at Crossenville was organized and 
a house of worship erected at a very early day. A class was also in 
existence several years before any church was built. The old church 
was eventually disposed of, and a new commodious structure substitu- 
ted, which is" still in use. The congregation was for many years a 
strong one, but of late years has been somewhat reduced by removals 
and the organization of new congregations, though regular preaching 
and other religious services are sustained. 

Harvey Chapel, (M. E.) in the western part of the township, near 
the county line, is a very old congregation. A log building was erect- 
ed at an early day, and was called "Black's Meeting House." School 
w^as also held in ft, and it was sometimes called "Black's schoolhouse." 
A frame edifice was erected at a later date, which is still in use. Har- 
vey Chapel is a regular appointment, and there is preaching every two 
weeks. Sunday school is sustained in the summer season. 

Zion (United Brethren) church was established and a log house of 
w^orship erected at an early day. The house was built abouriSso, 
but there was probably a class in existence before any church building 
was erected. It is related that Sabbath school was held in this neigh- 
borhood during the summer season in a grove, and when the cool 
weather would come on in the fall, the members of the school would be 
so reluctant to discontinue, that they would build log heaps in the 
woods, and recite their Sabbath school lessons around them. The 
members of Zion erected a frame edifice about 1845, or 1846, which is 
in use at present. Rev. Cumings of Junction City is pastor, and a Sab- 
bath school is sustained during the summer months. 

St. Patricks (Catholic) congregation was organized and a small 
brick church built about 1830 or 1831. The congregation was composed 
chiefly of an Irish colony that setded in Jackson township about that 
time. A large and costly brick edifice, substantial and of showy archi- 
tecture, was erected about 1844 or 1845, and substituted for the old 
house of worship. The church occupies a handsome site, and the con- 
gregation is large and influential. 

St. Patricks church was organized, and the first building erected, 
under the pastorship and supervision of Rev. Father Young of St. 

Josephs. - 

Fail-view (United Biethren) church, situated m the neighborhood ot 
Middletown, near the southern line of the township, was organized and 
a church erected about 1858. It is a flourishing litde congregadon,_and 
sustains a Sabbath school during the summer months. Rev. Cumings 
of Junction City is the present pastor. 

Salem (Uni"ted Brethren) church, situated in the interior ot the 
township is, like Fairview, a comparatively modern church, and has been 
a regular appointment some twenty or thirty years. It has a neat frame 
edifice, keeps up a Sabbath school a portion of the year, and sustains 
preaching the year round. Rev. Cumings of Junction City is the pres- 
ent pastor. 



206 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. ^ 

Friendship (Methodist Episcopal) church is situated at Middletown. 
A society was organized at an early day, and a house of worship 
erected. It was, during the existence of the old building, generally 
known as the "Linton Church." The present neat edifice occupied by 
the society was built about 1869 or 1870. This is a regular appoint- 
ment of the M. E. church, and sustains a Sabbath school during the 
entire year. 

The Methodist Episcopal church at Junction City was organized in 
1873, and a house of worship erected in 1874. There had been regular 
preaching a year or two before the building of the church. The edifice 
is a substantial and handsome one, though not very large. Preaching 
and other regular services are sustained, including Sabbath school. 

The United Brethren church at Junction City was organized in 1873, 
and the building erected in 1874. There had been preaching tor some 
time previous to the erection of the house of worship. The edifice stands 
on elevated ground and is nicely situated. Stated preaching is sus- 
tained, and also a Sabbath school. Rev. Cumings, the pastor, resides 
near the church. 

The German Reform congregation, after dissolving church prop- 
erty relations with the Lutherans at Lebanon, proceeded to erect a 
house of worship about one mile north of Lebanon. From some cause 
the society did not prosper; the building was never finished, although 
used for a few years. The congregation eventually disbanded, and the 
church property was disposed of to pay outstanding obligations. 

Saftell's church (Methodist Episcopal) was organized, and a log edi- 
fice erected, about 1830. It was a regular appointment for ten or twelve 
years, when the society disbanded and the house was put to other uses. 

A Presb3^terian church was erected in the Ross neighborhood at an 
early day'. Stated preaching was maintained for many 3^ears, but lat- 
terly there are no regular services, though the house is kept in repair, 
and there is occasional preaching, especially on funeral occasions. 

It will be observed, irom the foregoing brief sketches, that Jackson 
township is well supplied with churches of various denominations. A 
larger proportion of the inhabitants are Catholics than would seem to 
be indicated by the one Catholic church (St. Patrick's), as it is the gen- 
eral policy of this denomination to build large and costly edifices, capa- 
ble of accommodating large congregations. A portion of the Catholic 
population of Jackson belongs to the St. Joseph congregation, in Read- 
ing township, and a few others, probably, to churches in neighboring 
townships. 

The people of these various denominations live peaceably and har- 
moniously together, affording a striking example of the blessings of 
civil and religious liberty, and of the good genius of American institu- 
tions. 

Some persons will be inclined to doubt the organization of Jackson 
township as early as 1805 ; but the records of Fairfield show that the 
township had been organized and named early in the spring of 1806, 
and it is almost certain that it had been instituted the preceding year. 
A part of Jackson township was settled at an earlier date than most 
persons living in it would suppose. At a very early day, indeed — 
from 1798 to 1800 — pioneers rowed up the Hocking, from Athens, in 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 207 

quest of eligible locations, and when they would reach the forks of the 
Hocking, a few miles below Lancaster, many of them would proceed up 
Rush Creek, which is the larger branch at the junction, and, in this 
way, what is now Rush Creek township, Fairfield county, received its 
first permanent settlement. Jackson township. Perry county, joins 
Rush Creek township, Fairfieled county, and the larger branch of Rush 
Creek runs through them both. It is about certain that some of these 
early explorers pushed as far over as what is now Jackspn township, 
Peny county. Of the Larimores, Thompsons, and others, who settled 
on Rush Creek near where the county line now is, in 1800, it is known 
that some of them became citi2',ens of Jackson township. Perry county, 
but probably at a little later date. At any rate, there is no available 
knowledge of any permanent settlement on the Jackson township side 
previous to 1805. If earlier settlements or improvements were made, 
they must have been of a temporary and transitory character, and little 
or nothing is now known concerning them. There is no doubt, how- 
ever, that the adjoining township of Rush Creek, in another county, 
was settled as early as 1800. ^ 

Most of what is now Jackson township was a good hunting ground 
in the very early days, and the first settlers of Thorn and Reading 
townships, and of the western townships of what is now Fairfield 
county, have killed bears, deer, and other wild animals, along or in the 
neighborhood of the numerous streams which flow through its territory. 

The population of Jackson township, including villages, was, at the 
date of the last census, 1,896. 



2o8 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

MADISON TOWNSHIP. 

Madison township lies in and forms the northeast corner of Perry 
county, Ohio. It is hounded on the north by Licking county , on the south 
by Clayton township, on the east by Muskingum county, and on the 
west b}' Hopewell township. It extends six miles in length, north and 
south, and east and west is nearly four miles wide. The township is a 
fractional one, in two senses. First, it contains only twenty-four sec- 
tions. Secondly, six of these are not full sections, while three others 
are more than full ; all the western sections are deficient. Except the 
northwest corner section, the northern sections over run, but the over- 
plus in the north lacks 308.12 acres at least, of making up the amount 
lost by the western sections. It is one of the original townships of the 
county, and was surveyed at an early day. The township is naturally 
divided into two slopes dipping toward the center, through which Jona- 
than's Creek passes, forming a natural drainage. The small streams 
from both north and south flow into Jonathan's Creek, which is a 
good sized stream ; entering the township about one and three-fourth 
miles south from the northwest corner, it flows in a southeastern direc- 
tion to nearly the center of the township, from where it flows almost a 
direct eastern course into Muskingum county. Upon this stream some 
of the first water mills of Peny county were built. 

From the south, flowing directly north, is Turkey Run, whicli joins 
Jonathan's Creek near the center of the township, and is the second 
largest stream in the township. About one and three-fourth miles from 
the southeast corner of the township enters the Somerset and Maysville 
pike, from Zanesville, Ohio, continuing a little south of a direct western 
course to the central township meridan, and thence in a southwestern 
direction, it passes out about one half mile from the southwestern corner. 
This pike aflbrds a fine out-let during all kinds of weather, and upon 
which a hack line is driven daily, from Somerset to Zanesvflle, carrying 
a daily mail to Sego. This pike was built in 1839, -'^^"ce which time it 
has been in constant use. 

The township is undulating, but the hills are rather of a gradual 
slope, and not very high. The land is all arable, except it may be 
some small sharp ravines, and is very fertile. The neat, well arranged 
, brick and frame farm dwellings and barns, and the yards of both, indi- 
cate a lively, thrifty communit}^. About one-fourth of the township has 
some two or three feet strata of coal, the thickest being about four feet. 
All the coal is in the south and western edges, and is mined by drifting. 
Several mines are being operated at this time. In all the hill land there 
is to be found black band iron ore, and in some places is found gray- 
band. In many places, especially in the northeastern part, is to be 
found a fine quality of potter's clay, from whiclVafl kinds of earthen-ware 
may be manufactured. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 



209 



Settlement. — Of the first settlers in Perry county were three 
men who came from Sussex county, New Jersey, about 1800 ; one of 
these men was Wm.Dusenber3^,who settled at the junction of Jonathan's 
Creek and Turkey Run, and is traditionally known as the first settler 
in Madison township. Mr. Dusenbery was a Revolutionary soldier, 
and was nineteen years of age when that war broke out, and remem- 
bered seeing General George Washington. He lived up to the time ot 
his death where, as above mentioned he had located, and was the first 
man buried in the honors of war in the township. He was buried on 
his own farm. It is probable that his two youngest children, Catharine 
and Abigail, were born in this township, and if so, it is quite likely that 
Catharine was the first child born in the township. At any rate she 
was among the first. Abigail is the only surviving member of the fom- 
ily ; she now lives in Grant county, Indiana. His son Jonathan, at one 
time, went hunting for turkey and by some means was lost, but kept 
firing his gun as an alarm, which directed the steps of his father, who 
found him by a riin, with a turkey he had killed, whereupon the stream 
was christened Turkey Run, a name that remains to this day. 

In 1804 came the father of Barney and Jonathan Hammer, and his 
two sons, also Henry Flowers, the Ritcheys and the Williams'. Other 
early setllers were as follows: Cornelius Sullivan, William Baird, 
David Miller, George Dills, Jonathan Ward, Andrew Wolfe, Henry 
Cunningham, John Cunningham, Cornelius Dills, Alexander Baird, 
Aurelius Mason, William Melick, Joseph Burgess, Absalom Danison, 
Alfred Baird, Robinson Chilcote, William Rinker. Philip Miller, 
Hiram Turner, Ensor Chilcote, John Humble, Joseph Hamilton, Abrar 
ham Craig, William McCluney, Thomas Sawyer, Edward Danison, 
Jerome Plummer. Among these James Ritchey and WilHam Williams 
were the first Justices oi' the Peace. 

The elections have always been held where Mount Perry stands. 
The voters have gradualy increased until there are now about 183 voters 
in the township. 

Schools. — The first school was kept about one and one-half miles 
south of Mount Perry, on what is known as the Williams farm. A man 
by the name of Woods was on^ of the first teachers. This school, of 
course, was of the old fashioned kind, in a log house. The modern means 
of public schools were adopted at the earliest opportunity. There are now 
233 scholars enrolled in the township, and there are six public school 
buildings now in use, five of which are frame, and one a brick building. 

Madison Academy. — Besides the public schools in this township, 
there was established in 187 1, a school known as the Madison Academy. 
This house was built by donations by the citizens, and its sole means of 
support is the tuition paid by the students. They have numbered as 
many as forty-two students, and now have an attendance of twenty-five. 
The Rev. James White was the first President, and continued as such 
until 1879, when he resigned upon account of taking up labor in another 
field. He was succeeded by Prof. David W. Parks, who continued 
with them one year, and was also Principal during tliat year; he re- 
signed on account of taking up work in another field. For one vear 

24 



2IO HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

-they were without a President, at the end of which time the Rev. J. H. 
Leiper was chosen by the board as President, and still continues to hold 
that position. The first board was John S. Eversole, Erastus Bogle, 
Rev. James White, John Danison and John H. Huston. John Danison 
resigned on account of moving from the communit}^. The present 
board is the same as the original, except White and Danison, with Rev, 
J. H. Leiper and Dr. Holland additional. Miss Mary Miller of Con- 
cord, Ohio, was the first Principal, who continued four years. Rev. 
Amrine was second Principal, and continued one 3'ear, and afterward, 
as follows : Prof. H. F. Acker, one year; Prof. D. W. Parks, one 
year ; Prof. Elijah Burgess, one year ; Prof. D. W. Parks, one 3'ear ; 
Prof. Samuel Rutledge, one year; Prof. Hastings, one year; and now, 
1882, Prof. Frank Murch. For the first six \'ears they employed an as- 
sistant, since which time but one instructor has been employed. Upon 
an average, the\" have graduated about seven persons each year. It is 
probably due to say, that the Rev. White, who became the first Presi- 
dent, was the main mover in establishing the academy. The communi- 
ty affords a good patronage, and is much benefited bv this institution, 
although it is small. 

Mills. — The first mill was built upon Jonathan's .Creek, and where 
Mount Perry now stands, by a man by the name of Hendricks, in an 
eary day, as soon at least as 1820 ; it was one of the first water mills in 
Perry county. Here they did sawing and all kinds of grinding. In 
about 1847, the mill was re-built, which continued^in use until 1880, 
when the machinery was removed to Hebron, in Licking county, Ohio, 
where it soon after was destroyed by fire. The frame is still standing 
upon the site, but is of no use. 

A mill was built upon the western edge of the township, a few 3^ears 
after Hendricks built, also upon Jonathan's Creek, b3' .Asa Dolson. 
This was also a saw and grist mill, and was in use until about 1862. 
There is now no mill in operation in the township. 

Towns. — This township has two post offices, one at Mount Perry 
and one at Sego. Mount Perr3'^ at rtrst was a natural collection of houses 
around Hendricks' mill and John Gu3'singer's blacksmith shop, both of 
whom had their dwellings here. Nathan Melick bought the mill, built 
and kept a store, and laid out the first lots, east of Main street. James 
Ha3'^es bought the first lot that was sold, and George Curry bought the 
second one. The3'^ both built upon the lots and lived in the town, about 
1828. In 1876, John Danison laid out tlie Danison addition, west of 
Main street, and sold the lots. It is now a town of about one hundred 
and ten inhabitants, has an academy, three churches, two stores and a 
post office. The post office was established over fifty 3'ears ago, with' 
Nathan Melick as post master, and at that time received mail once a 
week from Somerset. They now have tri-weekl3' mails fromChalfant's 
Station, a place about three miles west on the B. & O. R. R. Mount 
Perry is about three miles north from the Zanesville, Somerset and 
Maysville Pike, and near the center of the township. Is beautifull3' 
located on Jonathan's Creek. It is said that ever3'bod3' in Mount Perr3'^ 
are on friendly terms, which speaks wonders in its praise. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 211 

Sego. — It is situated on the Zanesville, Somerset and Maysville 
Pike, near the central meridian of the township. In 1846, WilHam 
Curry built a blacksmith shop on a lot he bought from William Dusen- 
bery, it being part of one acre that was cut oft' from Dusenbery's farm 
by the above-named pike. Soon after this a store was established, and 
in 1849 Benjamin Williams built a woolen mill, and carded, spun and 
wove woolen goods there. The mill was run b}^ steam, and stood only 
four years, when it was destroyed by tire and was never re-built. In 
1848, when General Ritchey w^as in Congress, he had a post office estab- 
lished there, calling it Sego. a name given it by William Curry, for a 
small town in Africa. Jacob Miller was the first postmaster. There is 
now a small grocery, a general merchandise store, a post office that re- 
ceives daily mail, except Sunda3% via hack line from Zanesville to Som- 
erset, and some three or four houses in Sego. 

Churches. — Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church was hrst organized 
as a class in about 1818, and hrst met at Robinson Chilcote's house. In 
1819, April 17, they obtained a deed for two acres of land from Philip 
Miller, upon which they built a hewed log church, which stood until 
1838. The first trustees were James Chilcote, Joseph Claypool, James 
Porter, Robinson Chilcote, Nathan Chilcote, Nicholas Rible and John 
Shaw. In 1836 they bought one-fourth of an acre more from Joshua 
Plummer, and in 1838 supplanted the hewed log church b}^ a brick 
house near the site of the old church. In 1863 the church was burnt 
to the bare walls, and the same ^^ear was repaired. In 1882 the church 
was again repaired and made a neat, w^ell-finished church-house. 

When the brick was built in 1838, under the pastorate of Rev. M. 
A. Milligan, Nathan Chilcote, Henrv Roberts, Vincent Kelley, James 
Porter, Philip Miller, Israel Moore and Samuel Curran were trustees. 
The present trustees are Joshua Chilcote, Isaiah Rible, Joseph Koehler, 
J. W. Chilcote, Leonard Reddick, James E. Beard and S. Shaw. 

The first members were Robinson Chilcote and wife, John Shaw and 
wife, Mrs. Chilcote, l^hilip Miller and wife, Nathan Chilcote and wife 

Robinson Chilcote and Nathan Chilcote were the first class leaders. 
Nathan Chilcote was an exhorter : Robert Ellis was the first minister, 
and one Rev. Richmond of Somerset, was one of the first preachers ; 
and they have been furnished ministers by the M. E. Conferences since 
those days. At first, preaching davs were far apart, but after being 
taken into the Conference, they had preachinggonce in two weeks, on 
Thursdays, and some time after that again, they had preaching on 
Sabbaths, each alternate week. Sabbath School was organized Aug. 
17, 1828, and Vincent Kelley was first Superintendent. The school has 
been successfullv kept up to this date, meeting during summer season 
only, until in about 1880. since which time they meet all the year. 
There is now an attendance of about fifty scholars, with Isaiah Rible 
as Superintendent. 

DuNKKR Church. — It was organized in about 1817, and was among 
the first Christian organizations in the township. About the time they 
organized they built a hewed log church in or quite near Mt. Perry, in 
which they worshiped for about fifteen or twenty years. The church 



212 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

edifice was built upon the farm of James Ward. This farm afterward 
passed into the hands of Mason Benjamin, who claimed there was no 
title given for the land the church occupied. After it was made clear 
that there was a good title, the Dunkers sold the church and lot to the 
M. E. church in about 1832 to 1838, and moved their membership to 
Hopewell township. Some of their first members were John Hendricks 
and wife, Adam Plank and wife, Peter Eversole and wife, and Abra- 
ham Bowsher and wife. Elijah Schofield was their first minister, and 
they sometimes were visited by Rev. Crinter of Pennsylvania, and 
Rev. Helser of Ohio. 

SuMMERFiELD M. E. Church. — ^This church was organized in 
about 1835 to 1838, upon the purchase of the hewed log church from 
the Dunkers, and continued to hold services regularly until about 1844, 
from which time up to about 1847, if any preaching services were held 
they were few and irregular. At about the date above given, there came 
to this church from Zanesville, Ohio, an evangelist by the name of 
Stephen Shaffer, who held a successful revival, reorganized the society 
with about forty of a membership, appointed John Davison and William 
Willison leaders, continued with the charge, and in about 1850, by dili- 
gent effort, supplanted the old hewed log church by a frame house that 
stands to this day. Upon the reorganization of the charge it was added 
to the Asbury circuit, Zanesville District, 'Ohio Conference, and so con- 
tinued to remain until 1858, when they were put into the Somerset cir- 
cuit, Lancaster District, Ohio Conference. Since the reorganization they 
have been gradually increasing in strength, and now number about 
sixty members, with the hopeful anticipation of building a new church 
edifice in the summer of 1883. Some of the first members were Mason 
Benjamin, Batena Baird, Hannah Clark, John Lenhart and wife, David 
Lenhart and wife, John Melick, Sen., and Mary Melick, his wife. 
Among the first preachers was Joseph Carper, from near Somerset. 
Some of the members, upon the reorganization, were John Lenhart and 
wife, David Lenhart and wife, Lewis Bateson and wife, John Davison 
and wife, William Willison and wife, Jacob Demude and wife. Mother 
Smith, Batena Baird, and Mary Melick. After the building of the 
frame church came Samuel Harvey and David Mann, as regular minis- 
ters, and have continued to be supplied by the M. E. Conference up to 
this date. 

Sabbath school was organized soon after the organization of the 
church, and was conducted only during the summer season until 1879, 
since when it has been continued during the year, with an average 
attendance of about forty. Matthew Benjamin was probably the first 
superintendent. 

Disciple church (St. Matthew) was probably first organized in 
1851, at which time they bought the old Jonathan's Creek U. P. church, 
removed it to the junction of the Zanesville and Gratiot roads, near Mt. 
Perry, repaired it and made quite a neat church of the same, where they 
continued to worship until about 1867, when the society was disbanded. 
The lot upon which the church was built was donated by Nicholas Tay- 
lor. John Eversole and Samuel Lyle seem to have been the principal 
men in this pious enterprise. One Rev. Gardner was their first minis- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 213 

ter. After the church was disorganized the house was sold and is now 
used as a dwelling house. 

In 1880, a sufficient number of members collected together and reor- 
ganized and bought a church edifice of a disbanded Lutheran denom- 
ination, who had built a church on the pike that passes through this 
township, and removed it to Mt. Perry, repaired it in a neat, substantial 
manner, and have since prospered in their second house of the Lord. 
They now have about thirty members. Sabbath school was organized 
simultaneously with the erection of their present church, and they have 
an attendance of about twenty, and meet during the whole year. 

The United Presbyterian Congregation, of Jonathan's Creek, 
was organized in 1807, and met at first in a log school house in the 
winter and in a tent during the sumrner season, where the old church 
now stands, about one and one-half miles east from Mt. Perry. In 
1809 this became a settled charge in connection with Brush Creek 
charge. They continued to worship as above mentioned until 1823, 
when the}^ commenced a churce edifice which was not finished until 
1828. This building was occupied until 1851, when it was sold to the 
Disciple branch of the church, and they erected the frame house that 
is still in use. In 1877 they built a second and a new church in Mt. 
Perry, but keep up both the old and the new houses, having preaching 
services alternately in each. 

The first pastor was Rev, Abraham Craig, who continued until 
1823, when there was a split in the church, some going to the Seceder 
denomination and some to the Covenanters. At first this congrega- 
tion was known as the Associate Reform church, and so continued by 
those who did not leave by the split until 1858, when the Associate Re- 
form and Associate churches united and formed the present denomina- 
tion, the United Presbyterian. On account of the weakness of the 
societ}^ caused by the split, they became unable to support a minister, 
and were without a pastor until 1829, when Rev. Benjamin Waddle was 
chosen pastor, who so continued vmtil 1836, when he was called to another 
field of labor. Under Rev, Waddle the church was much built up. 
They were without a pastor then until 1841, when T, B. Calderhead 
took charge of the congregation and continued as pastor for about 
twelve years. In 1853 Rev, Calderhead was called to give his attention 
to other pastoral charges, and then they were without a pastor for about 
eight years. In 1861 the Rev. James White took charge of the church 
and remained for more than 17 years, when he was called to other 
pastoral work. There was then a vacancy of two years, when the Rev. 
J. H. Leiper became their pastor in 1882, and who continues to this 
date. 

The first Session of this church or corps of ruling elders were John 
Baird, Joseph Bogle, Thomas Nesbit, and William Wills. 

The present Session is Alexander Baird, R. R. Huston, James 
Smith, Alexander Miller, and James Ardrey. There are now in the 
church about 170 members. 

Sabbath school was first organized about 25 years ago, and R. H. 
Baird was first superintendent, with about 75 of an attendance. Since 
the first year the school has been continued during the whole year. 



21 A HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

James McCullough is the present superintendent, and they have about 
150 of an atttendance. 

Zion church (Methodist Episcopal), situated in the southwestern part 
of the township, near the Zanesville and Maysville Turnpike, is an old, 
thriving and influential congregation, and is sketched in connection with 
the Somerset church, with which charge it is consected, and probably 
has been, ever since its organization. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 215 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

MONDAY CREEK TOWNSHIP. 

Monday Creek township consists ot twenty-four sections, and was 
originally a part of Fairfield county. It was organized in 1823, and 
named after the creeks (Big and Little Monday) that flow through it. 
It is drained principally by what is known as Big and Litde Monday 
Creeks, though a portion is drained into Rush Creek, and other tribu- 
taries of the Hocking River. The township, as a whole, may be de- 
nominated hilly, though there is well laying land along the principal 
streams, and on some of the high ridges between. A considerable por- 
tion of the township is highly productive, and in a good state of cultiva- 
tion. It was heavily timbered when the first settlers came, and parts of 
it are yet well timbered. 

Monday Creek township, geologicall}^ considered, belongs to the 
Coal Measures, and a very considerable portion of it is underlaid with 
a good marketable article of bituminous coal. It is also verv rich in 
iron ore, the principal seam being known as the Baird seam. The land- 
owners of Monday Creek, for quite a number of years, occasionally mined 
and hauled ore to the Logan (Hocking county) Furnace, and Frank 
Baird, who, for a time, had charge of said lurnace, became acquainted 
with the ore of the township, and along about 1872, in connection with 
others interested, effected the purchase of several hundred acres of 
mineral lands in the eastern part of the township, and proceeded to 
erect a furnace, which was completed and went into operation in 1874. 
The lands purchased contained not only iron ore, but coal, limestone, 
and everything necessary for the manufacture of a good article of iron. 
Here, in 1874, and in succeeding years, a good article of pig iron was 
made, cheaper than anywhere else in the world. Ore is extensively 
mined in various parts of the township, and sold at Baird's, Gore, Wi- 
nona, and Logan furnaces, the latter six or eight miles distant. The 
furnaces at Gore and Winona are only a few rods over the line in Hock- 
ing county, and are almost as accessible for an ore market as Baird's 
"furnace. The iron business and ore trade furnish a remunerative em- 
ployment for men and teams, at almost all seasons of the year, and 
bring in handsome sums to the land-owners for ro3^alty, and all with- 
out seriously interfering with farming operations. Thus employment is 
obtained, money is eas3% and times are usually the reverse of dull. 

The first settlers of Monday Creek were principally from Virginia. 
Timothy Terrell came witii his family to the township in 1815, and 
appears to have been the first permanent settler. Robert Nixon and 
Charles Manning soon followed. Nixon and Terrell were brothers-in- 
law. Terrell discovered a trail of strange cattle in the wild pea vines, 
and, following it up, came to the cabin of Charles Manning, only two 



2l6 HISTORY. OF I'ERRY COUNTY. 

miles away. This was the first intimation of tlie presence of the Man- 
ning tamily. Joseph Johnson, Reuben Miller, James Ross, and Samuel 
Steele were also very early settlers. Steele was the first Justice of the 
Peace in the township. 

Monday Creek township, when the white settlers first came, was as 
wild a part of the county as any other, if it did not excel, in this par- 
ticular. Not only deer, but panthers, bears and wolves were very 
numerous. Rattlesnakes, copperheads and other venomous serpents 
abounded, and were killed by the hundreds. Men yet remain in Mon- 
day Creek, less than seventy years old, who have heard the dismal howl 
of wolves at dusk of evening, in close proximit}^ to the cabins of the 
lonely sellers. No person seems to be able to satisfactorily characterize 
the depressing effect on all produced by the howling of the wolf. 

Bears would come into gardens, yards and pig pens, and thought 
nothing of carr^ang oft' a good sized fat hog. The wild beasts were, 
indeed, a terror. Some persons affect to doubt whether a panther was 
ever killed in Perry county ; there is no room for doubt. The early 
settlers of Monday Creek killed many a panther, and there are men yet 
living who have seen dead panthers brought home by their fathers, 
which they had killed not far away. 

Robert Nixon, one of the early settlers referred to, was once out 
hunting deer, and had no dog with him. He came upon a large bear, 
and believing that he could kill the animal, took good aim and fired. 
The bear was wounded, but instead of falling took after the hunter, 
and exhibited an unusual fleetness ; so much so, that Nixon had to run 
for his life, and yet Bruih was fast closing the distance between them. 
Realizing fully the condition of affairs, Mr. Nixon as he ran, uttered 
loud and repeated outcries for help. Timothy Terrell and sons were 
rolling logs not far away, and, at the time, had a large log about half 
way up a skid. Mr. Terrell shouted to the bo3'^s to let the log go, and 
all hurried in the direction from whence the alarmed outcries proceeded. 
They soon came upon the frightened and fleeing hunter and pursuing 
bear. The ©position was too formidable, and Bruin beat a retreat. Ter- 
rell himself had a similar adventure of his own. He was also hunting 
deer, and this time had no dogs along. Probably bears were becoming 
scarce, and were seldom encountered. However, he came upon a bear, 
and an unusually large one. He thought he could kill him and fired. 
Bruin, who was wounded and terribly enraged, immediately took after 
the lone hunter. Terrell said that he soon discovered that the bear was 
a good runner, and he proceeded without useless delay, to put himself 
in "light running order." He hastily threw away his gun, pouch, 
and every weight but a knife. The bear was persistent, and the race 
was a long and doubtful one. Going up hill the hunter would gain on 
the bear ; but on descending ground the bear made long strides and 
gained on the hunter. Terrell says Bruin would blow and snort every 
jump, as he struck the ground behind him, evidently getting short of 
breath as well as himself. Bruin at length gave up the chase, and re- 
tired in the direction of his lonely haunts. Terrell afterward gathered 
up his gun and other accouterments, but no doubt he took a dog or 
two with him, and other assistance. 

The young Terrells, the oldest a boy of fifteen or sixteen, were left 








*ea4-^C_j 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 21'J 

at home one Sunday while their parents went to church, some miles 
away. Two large dogs were left with the youngsters. During the 
absence of the father and mother, a large bear with two half grown cubs 
came into the meadow^ near the house. The eldest boy seized the ax, 
the next older a hatchet, and a little girl armed herself with a hammer. 
One of the cubs was killed w^hile crossing thfe meadow^ fence into the 
woods, and the big dogs chased the other two aw^ay. The boys had 
seen their father dress bears, and they thought thev would try their 
hand. They succeeded nicely indressingit, and had a large piece of 
it in the dinner-pot cooking, wdien their father and mother returned, 
not a little astonished to learn what had been going on in their absence. 

John Mackin and his sons w^ere at work in a clearing, when they 
saw a huge roll of snakes, of several different kinds, including rattle- 
snakes, blacksnakes and others, all lapped and twisted together, rolling 
around over the ground. The senior Mackin took a shovel, filled it 
with red hot coals from a heap, and threw them into the bunch of snakes. 
They "broke ranks" without receiving orders, and ran in every direc- 
tion. The Mackins only suceeded in killing twovor three of them. To 
see bunches of snakes of different species, coiled up in this way, was 
not an uncommon occurrence when the country was new; but "the 
seed of the woman has bruised the serpent's head," until it is a rare 
thing now to see a poisonous snake of any kind, even among the hills of 
Monday Creek. 

The township has as yet no railroad, but one is frequently talked of, 
in railroad and mineral circles, to be called the Monday Creek Valley 
railroad. Though without a railroad, the township is so environed by 
roads and stations, that it is not so very remote from market, or discon- 
nected with the outside world. New Straitsville, Gore, Winona and 
Webb's Summit on the Straitsville branch of the Hocking Valley ; Mc- 
Cuneville and Dicksonton on the Newark, Somerset and Straitsville ; 
Junction City and Bremen on the C. and M. V. are not far distant, and 
all more or less accommodate some parts of the township. 

Charles Manning, one of the early settlers, was a Lutheran, and 
there was preaching of that denomination, at his house, at a very earlj 
day. There was also Presbyterian preaching in the Ross neighbor- 
hood, and Methodists held services at various private houses, years be- 
fore any religious societies w-ere organized or churches built. 

The Methodists organized at Mount Carmel, two and a half miles . 
east of Maxville, about 1840, and erected a frame church. Stated 
preaching has been maintained. 

The Methodists organized at Maxville about 1845, built a church, 
which was used for several years, and then disposed of it to be used for 
school purposes. The society bought a new lot, in another part of the 
village, and erected a new frame church in 1852. Regular preaching 
and other church services have been sustained throughout the whole 
time, and the society is in a prosperous condition. Sabbath school 
is kept up through a portion of the year. 

Ebenezer church was built by the Baptists one mile west of Max- 
ville, about 1832. The edifice was originally a log one. At a later 
date, a new and better edifice was erected, which is still in use. Reg- 



2l8 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

ular preaching has been maintained, and there is a Sabbath school 
connected with the church. 

The St. John's (Lutheran) congregation was organized by a colony 
of Germans, direct from the "Fatherhind," at an early day and a house 
of worship erected, which was used for several years. Subsequently a 
larger and better edifice took the place of the old one, and is still in use. 
The congregation is strong and influential. It supports regular 
preaching and sustains a Sabbath school connected with the church, 
Rev. Wiseman is the present pastor. 

Harmony (United Brethren) church situated in the western part 
of the township, was organized and a church built about thirty years 
ago, since which time it has been a regular appointment of the de- 
nomination, and has maintained stated services. A Sabbath school 
is connected with the church. Rev. Cumings is the present pastor. 

The Mennonite church was organized at an early day, and for 
man}^ years worshipped in a log building, which was also used as a 
school house. About thirty years since a new and more commodious 
house was erected. Regular services are maintained. There is a Sab- 
bath school in connection with the congregation. 

The oldest buring ground in the township is what is known as the 
Nixon family grave-yard, and was used at a very early da}'. George 
Nixon, a child nine years old, was the first interment therein, and the 
first in the township. 

The early schools were primitive enough. The first school of which 
there is any account, was taught in the neighborhood of where Mt. 
Carmel now is, in an old abandoned log-cabin. 

The township is now organized into six school districts, and has 
fairly good school houses and teachers. The schools at Maxville and 
Baird's Furnace are the only village schools. 

The following named persons lived in the township at the time or 
soon after it was organized : Robert Nixon, James Ross, Timothy Ter- 
rell, Charles Manning, Lemuel Steele, James Johnston, Reuben Miller, 
Thomas Ross, William Johnston, Joseph Everly, Jpseph Johnston, Reu- 
ben Jackson, Joseph Parsons, James Chester, Ewen Miller, John 
Abrams. 

Maxville was laid out in 1850, by Wm. McCormick, on what is 
called Little Monda}-- Creek. The manufacture of plasterer's lime, was, 
for a long while, a very considerable industry carried on there, and the 
Maxville Limestone is known far and near. The town has a post office, 
church, school house, hotel, two stores, one physician, two blacksmith 
shops, two shoe shops, one saddler shop, and a number of private resi- 
dences. Maxville is omitted in the census bulletin, but it has a popula- 
tion of two or three hundred. 

There is quite a little village at Baird's Furnace, though there is no 
laid out town. There is a large company store, a physician, several 
shops, and a population of about one hundred, consisting mainly of 
those employed about the furnace. 

The number of inhabitants in Monday Creek township, in June, 
1880, was one thousand six hundred and thirty-six. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 2I9 



} 



CHAPTER XXX. 

MONROE TOWNSHIP. 

Monroe township was organized in 1823. It was named in honor of 
James Monroe, fifth President of the United States. Previous to the 
organization as an independent precinct, it w^as, for several vears, at- 
tached to the township of Bearfield. It was organized as a Congres- 
sional township, six miles square, and remained of the same dimensions 
until five sections were taken off" to aid in forming the new township of 
Pleasant. Monroe township was originally well timbered, in most places, 
and contained oak, poplar and other valuable wood. Considered as a 
whole, it is hill}^ and, in some parts almost mountainons. Adjacent to 
some of the larger streams, and particularly near their confluence, there 
are considerable areas of well laying land. The surface of this town- 
ship is better adapted to stock raising and wool growing, than to the 
cultivation of any of the cereals. The stony points and hill sides are 
believed to be well adapted to grape growing, but this industry has not 
received any great attention. 

The water system of Monroe is simple. The. whole township lies 
in the Hocking Valley, and is drained b}" the cast and west branches of 
Sunday Creek and their tributaries, among which are Sulphur, Dod- 
son's and Hadley's Fork. The confluence of the two principal 
branches of Sunday Creek, is over the county line in Athens county. 

The township, geologicalh^ speaking, all belongs to the Coal Meas- 
ures, and is the richest part of the Ohio coal region. The so-called 
" great vein " seam reaches its maximum in this township, where it is 
thirteen teet thick. There are also the Norris and Stallsmith seams of 
coal ; the former about six and the latter about four feet thick. The 
great vein seam appears to underlie nearly the whole township. The 
Norris and Stallsmith seams have been opened in various places, and it 
is believed that they will be found wherever the hills are high enough 
to contain them. There is also another coal, No. 5, below the great 
seam, which has been found in places, but, for the most part, this seam 
lies far beneath the lowest surface, and sufficient borings have not been 
made to decide whether or not it is persistent, or what its value may be. 
There is believed to be a large quantity of iron ore in the township, but 
it has not been much developed, and its ultimate value cannot even be 
approximated. It also ha-s fire clay, potter's clay, and sand stone ; the 
latter in practically inexhaustible quantities. 

The first settlements were made in 1814, by John McDonald and 
James Dew. John McDonald and James Dew were brothers-in-law, 
and emigrated from Maryland. They blazed their way through from 
Zanesville, and built a little log cabin, which yet stands in the yard 



220 HISTORY OP' PERRY COUNTY. 

near the old McDonald residence. It is somewhat modified and is now 
used as a smoke-house. McDonald and Dew moved on horseback. 
Soon after they got their little cabin built, McDonald followed the 
" blaze" back to Zanesville, bought a bushel of cornmeal, a skillet and 
a board to make a table. When Mr. McDonald got these things home, 
they all thought they were comfortably fixed. The man who subse- 
quently became the richest man in his township, if not in the county, 
commenced housekeeping in this humble way. Dew settled on the east 
branch of Sunda}^ Creek, near the Athens line. 

The following named persons were living in Monroe at the time, or 
soon after the township was organized : John McDonald, James Dew, 
Enos Devore, David Devore, Elisha Tinker, John Small, Samuel Mor- 
row, Nicholas Owings, Elijah \yooley, Jacob Woolens Stephen Rod- 
man, John Rodman, C. Wood, David Hearing, Wm. Ward, James M. 
Ward, George Juniper, William Stamford, John Acord and John 
Gaver. 

Previous to its settlement, Monroe was a great hunting ground for 
the Indians, and afterward for the whites, from older settled parts of the 
county. Indians encamped and spent the winter on Sunday Creek as 
late as 1815, if not later. The countr}' was also full of wild hogs, or 
hogs thai nobody owned. Hogs had probably strayed aw^ay from the 
older settlements along the Ohio, and with their increase, became al- 
most as wild as those of India or South America. Along about 1816, 
there was an unu^suall}' long, cold winter, and these hogs nearly all per- 
ished. Many were tbund dead in heaps on Sunday Creek, after that 
memorable winter br6ke up. They gathered in bunches for warmth, 
but perished, nevertheless. 

Lord Dunmore's expedition from Virginia, in 1874, t^g^inst the hos- 
tile Indians on the Scioto, doubtless crossed the valley of Sunday 
Creek, and tradition has it that the little army encamped one night on 
Sunday Creek, but it was probably south of the Perry county line. 

As previously stated, Monroe township was, before its settlement, 
and for a considerable time after its first settlers came, a good hunting 
ground. Deer and wild turkeys were numerous, and bears, panthers 
and wolves were not scarce, in the earlier times. Hunters habitually 
came from the northern part of the countv, and from other counties, to 
camp out and hunt on Sunday Creek. They usually came with horses, 
dogs and guns, prepared to spend a week, at least, and often a number 
of weeks. Their horses were belled and turned loose, and some of 
them hobbled. The men composing these hunting parties would 
usually separate in the morning, come into camp in the evening, 
and, around the camp fire, relate the adventures and success of the 
dav. 

Edward Danison of New Lexington, and Jonathan Colborn, of 
Noblesville, Indiana, hunted and camped on Sunday Creek in very 
early times, and enjoy telling their old adventures. These hunters 
were usually in the pursuit of deer, as the most desirable and profitable 
game, but they not unfrequently encountered other animals. Edward 
Danison, of New Lexington, a hunter previously named, relates that, 
upon one occasion, just after he had espied two deer, and was maneuv- 
ering to get a good shot at one of them, he heard a great noise in a 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 221 

thick cluster of bushes, and soon after a bear ran across an open space 
with Danison's dog in close pursuit. The two deer having scampered, 
the hunter followed on in the direction the dog and bear had taken, and 
in a short time heard the dog bark ; then he was satisfied that the bear 
had been treed. Following up, he soon came in view and saw that 
Bruin, was, sure enough, up a tree, and the dog barking furiously be- 
neath. Mr. Danison was a considerable distance oft', and probably did 
not care about venturing any nearer; but he thought he could bring 
Bruin down. He took good aim and fired. The bear only reached up- 
ward with his paw and went one limb higher. Danison leveled and 
fired again, and this time the bear tumbled to the ground. But he was 
not badly hurt, and the bear and dog engaged in a fight that was fearful 
to behold. Mr. Danison all this while felt considerably alarmed, but 
reloaded his gun, and kept a sharp lookout forbear number two, which 
he expected every moment. The bear and dog fight continued. Some- 
times the bear was under, and sometimes the dog. As the fight pro- 
ceeded, the combatants approached the brow of a steep hill, and down 
it they rolled, over and over, until the bottom was reached, where the 
struggle for the mastery continued. A comrade of Danison now made 
his appearance, coming over the hill. It soon became evident that the 
dog was getting the w'orst of the battle, and Danison requested his com- 
panion to shoot the bear, if he thought he could without killing the dog. 
The hunter fired accordingly, and Bruin was killed. The faithful dog 
was badly used up, and it was some time before he was sufficiently re- 
covered to drag along after his master into camp. There was sttU an 
apprehension that another bear might be around, but he did not put in 
an appearance, and it is likely enough that the venturesome hunters 
did not seriously regret it. The bear was not slaughtered or skinned in 
camp, but was carried in triumph to Madison township, where Mr. 
Danison then resided. 

Tobacco was once very extensively raised in Monroe township, and, 
though it was considered a paying occupation for the time being, it no 
doubt contributed toward the impoverishment of much of the land, and 
the culture of the weed was eventually abandoned. 

Though the township is hilly, and the surface of the land compara- 
tively unproductive, some of the finest and most valuable stock in the 
county is to be found there. 

Monroe was, for many years, far from market, even with such sur- 
plus products as she had to dispose of. Athens, New Lexington and 
McConnellsville were the nearest markets. All this is changed now. 
With the building of the Ohio Central, and the establishment of stations 
at Rendville, Corning, Buckingham and Borbec, the people of the 
township have as good facilities for shipment, and for coming and go- 
ing, as any others in the county. 

Some of the coal mines of Monroe were opened and used along 
about 1832, and afterward, but as there was nothing more than a neigh- 
hood demand, except a little trade with Morgan county, they were but 
little developed until the coming of the railroad era. The Sands' bank, 
near Millertown, and probably a few others, sold coal to the farmers 
and some of the residents of villages in Morgan county, who came to 



222 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

the mines and hauled the coal away, in the fall of the year, while the 
roads were solid and comparatively good. 

With the completion of the Ohio Central to Rendville and Corning, 
in 1879 ^"^ 1880, and the extension and building of a line up the West 
Branch of Sunday Creek, at a later date, and the sinking of shafts and 
the opening of mines at Rendville, Corning, below Corning, and at 
Borbec, Buckingham and Hemlock, the development of the coal de- 
posits began on a grander scale, and the output is yet on the increase. 
Monroe now leads all the townships of the county in the export of 
coal. 

Millertown was laid out in 1834, ^Y Jacob Miller. It is located upon 
a high piece of ground, between the east and west branches of Sunday 
Creek, and is less than a mile from the new town of Corning. There 
is from a point a little above Millertown, one of the finest outlooks in 
Southern Ohio. Millertown has a physician, store, hotel, church, sev- 
erel shops, and had. according to the census of 1880, eighty-four in- 
habitants. 

Thompsonville, usually called Chapel Hill, was laid out in 1849, '^y 
George Thompson and Bryan Murtaugh. It is a pleasanth- situated 
village. It has a church, hotel, store, shops, etc., and had a population 
of fift^'-two, in 1880. 

Ferrara was laid out by Nelson Rodgers and James Taylor, in 187 1, 
at the time the Atlantic and Lake Erie Railroad was projected. The 
railroad failed for the time, and Ferrara has remained a paper town, or 
almost so, ever since. Ferrara is situated between Corning and Rend- 
ville, in a nice, conspicuous place, and several new houses have lately 
been erected in it. 

Rendville was established by Thomas J. Smith and Wm. P. Rend, 
and others, in 1879, ^^^ grew with a rapidity marvelous in this section 
of the world, and yet very much like other mining towns of the county. 
Boarding houses were improvised, shafts sunk and coal works erected. 
Houses for miners and other workmen were put together, finished and 
inhabited in a space of time that would seem almost impos.sib]e. 

Rendville is situated in the narrow valley of the east branch ot Sun- 
day Creek, and upon the slopes, hills and ridges, on either side. The 
Company houses are mostly built in rows, but more to suit the ground, 
than upon parallel or corresponding lines-. The houses in the same row 
are usually alike ; but the houses in different rows are of different size, 
shape and color, and this seems to give an agreeable and picturesque 
appearance to all, when viewed together. After this description, it 
seems almost useless to say that rough board shanties received little con- 
sideration in the building of Rendville. In addition to the numerous 
neat Compan}'- houses, it has quite a number of nice costl}^ residences, 
erected for lease, or to be occupied by the persons owning them. The 
town has a post office, station house, two churches, one large union 
school house, hotel, numerous boarding houses, dr}'- good stores, drug 
stores, groceries, shops, saloons, etc. The population in 1880 was 349, 
but the town was then only a few months old. The population is now 
estimated at 2,500, and is on the increase. 

Corning was laid out in 1878 by Joseph Rodgeis. Its growth was 



HISTOKV OF PERRY COUNTY. 



223 



very similar to that of Rendville, so tar as the Company houses for 
miners and other employes were concerned ; but the most of the othfer 
buildings erected were even of a more costly and substantial character. 
The valley is a little wider at Corning, and the chances for streets a 
trifle better than at Rendville. The business part of the town is very 
much solidified, as compared with Rendville. To a person standing in 
the business section of the place. Corning looks as though it might have 
been built fifteen or twenty years, so solid and substantial does it appear. 
The largest and most costly storehose in the county is here, and there 
are many other large establishments. In addition to the numerous 
company houses on the slopes and hill-sides, there are many beautiful 
and costly residences, some of them among the finest in the county. 
Several of them are ver}'^ handsomel}- situated. 

Corning has a post-oflice, telegraph office, station-house, one large 
union school-house, newspaper, two churches, two hotels, several attor- 
neys, physicians, dry-good stores, clothing establishments, drug stores, 
meat stores, boarding houses, groceries, bakeries, millinery stores, black- 
smith shops, shoe shops, billiard rooms, saloons, etc. It had, accord- 
ing to the census of 1880, a populatijon of two hundred and seventy ; 
but the town had just commenced, and nearh^ all its growth has been 
since that date. Its population is now estimated at from tvventv-five 
hundred to three thousand. 

The most notable events that occurred in Rendvdlle and Corning 
were in connection with the labor troubles in 1880. Both towns were 
full of dissatisfied miners from Shawnee, New Straitsville, and the 
Hocking valley, for several days, and companies of the National 
Guard, called out b}- Governor Foster, were stationed in the two towns 
for a week or two. There was one company on duty at Corning, but 
the principal camp and headquarters were at the northern end of Rend- 
ville. The skirmish which took place between the dissatisfied miners 
and the State troops was in the woods near the Rendville camp. The 
miners first assembled in Corning, and then moved in a body up the 
narrow valley to Rendville. A detailed account of the " Corning War " 
is given in anotlier chapter. 

Buckingham, situated on the west branch of Sunday Creek, was laid 
out by James Taylor and Benjamin Sanders In 1873, but remained little 
more than a paper town until 1881, when an arm of the Ohio Central 
was extended to the place and coal works established. The town has 
now a population of several hundred. 

Borbec, also situated on the west branch of Sunday Creek, a mile or 
two below Buckingham, is a mining town, was established in 1881, 
shafts sunk, and coal works erected. A large colony of German min- 
ers live there. It has store, shops, etc., but is almost exclusively a 
mining town. It contains a population of several hundred. 

A Bible Christian (New Light) church was built on the McDonald 
farm about 1820. This was a log building. John McDonald, the old 
settler, erected the church principally at his own expense. He was a 
minister of the denomination, and preached there regularly in all the 
earlier years, and occasionally as long as he lived. There was a frame 
church erected at a later date, which is still kept in repair, and in which 
services are occasionally held. 



224 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

The Methodists erected a log church where Millertovvn has since 
been laid out at a very early day, where regular preaching was held. 
A neat frame house was built at a later date, which is still in use. 

The Methodists built what is known as the old Asbury church, one 
mile from Millertown, about 1830. It was a very large frame building, 
was used fifteen or twenty years for church services and Sabbath-school, 
and then abandoned. The society disbanded and tlie members united 
with other churches, probabl}'- the most of them with the church at Mil- 
lertown. 

A Presbyterian Church was organized and a house of worship 
erected in the south part of Monroe township, at a very early dfty, not 
ver}'^ far from the line between Perry and Athens counties. A lai'ger 
and better edifice was built at a later date, and stated preaching main- 
tained for a long time, but services are now onl}^ occasional!}^ held. 

A Methodist Episcopal Church was organized and a church built, at 
an earlv day, in the neighborhood of where Rendville has since been 
built. It maintained regular services a great many 3'^ears, but the con- 
gregation disbanded, and the church was torn down and the material 
used lor other purposes. 

A United Brethren Church was organized and a church built, at an 
early day, about half-way between Millertown and Chapel Hill, and 
regular preaching maintained for a great many years ; of late, how- 
ever, religious services are only occasionally held. The church is near 
the present residence ot Morgan Devore. 

The Catholics organized a congregation and erected a house of 
worship at Thompsonville about 1850, which has been used ever since. 
This is known as the Chapel Hill church, and is a strong congregation. 
The edifice is very pleasantly situated. 

The colored people of Rendville have both a Baptist and a Meth- 
odist church, each of them erected in 1881. They are neat, commodi- 
ous edifices, very similar in appearance, and stand near together. 

The Baptist Church recently organized in Corning, and have erected 
a neat and commodious frame edifice, which is finished, and readv for 
occupancy. The congregation has regular preaching and sustains a 
Sabbath school. 

A Methodist Episcopal Church has been organized at Corning, the 
congregation has bought a lot, contracted for a house of worship, and 
the foundation of the builditig is laid. The Methodists, for the pres- 
ent, hold religious services in the Baptist church. 

A Presb^-terian Church has been organized at Corning, a lot pur- 
chased, and the building of an edifice commenced. The foundation 
stones are laid. The Presbyterians, for the present, hold religious 
services at Knights of Pythias Hall. 

The Catholics have organized a congregation, purchased six acres 
of land, erected a parsonage, and built a school-house thirty by seventy- 
five feet, which, for the present, is used for religious purposes, as well 
as for school purposes. 

A large round house and machine shop combined, have recently 
been erected by the Ohio Central Railroad Company, near Corning. 

A very fine Opera building has also been recently erected at Com- 
ings and formally opened with a success that was highly encouraging. 




JOSEPH RODGERS. 




Mrs. CATHERINE RODGERS. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 22i; 



226 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

PIKE TOWNSHIP. 

Pike township is range fifteen, number fifteen, of the original survey 
oi lands to be sold at Zanesville, Ohio, and was originally a Congres- 
sional township, or six miles square. It was organized into a political 
township about 1814, by the authorities of Fairfield county, of which it 
was then a part, and given the name of Pike, in honor of General Pike, 
an officer in the American Army in the War of the Revolution. Its 
northern boundary was, at the time of its political organization, the 
boundary line between Fairfield and Muskingum counties. Four sec- 
tions were afterward taken trom the southeastern corner of the original 
township, and incorporated into the new township of Pleasant. 

The territory which constitutes the present township of Pike, lies 
about one-third on the Muskingum, and two-thirds on the Hocking side 
of the great divide. Or, in other words, about two-thirds of the town- 
ship is in the Hocking, and the remaining one-third in the Muskingum 
Valley. That portion of it which is in the Hocking Valley, is drained 
by Rush Creek and tributaries, and the portion in the Muskingum Val- 
ley is drained by the tributaries of the South Fork of Moxahala or Jona- 
than's Creek, the principal streams on the Muskingum side being Bear 
Run and Little South Fork. The chief stream of the Hocking side is 
Rvish Creek, which has many tributaries, named and unnamed ; Yer- 
ger's Run, Fowler's Run, Bear Wallow, and the stream variously 
named, along the banks of which the N. S. & S. R. is built, are the 
principal ones. The head waters of Mondav Creek also drain a part 
of the township. The township is not only well drained, but well wat- 
ered. It contains numerous good springs of pure and wholesome 
water, and good well water is almost anywhere found, and at no great 
depth. 

Pike township was originally heavily timbered with oak, hickory, 
ash, elm, chestnut, sugar, maple, beech, dog-wood, gum, poplar, and 
other varieties. Some of the oak trees were very large — the species 
known as the red oak and black oak being the largest. The original 
forest also contained more or less service trees, black and white walnut, 
wild cherr}', cucumber and persimmon. The latter is yet a well-known 
tree on "Brier Ridge," in the southeastern part of the township. 

About three-fourths of the township is underlaid by two valuable 
seams of coal, known in the geological reports as the "upper" and 
" lower New Lexington seam." The upper seam has been opened and 
worked over nearly the whole area, and is one of the best burning coals 
in the country. The lower seam has not been opened or used so exten- 
sively, but has been well tested as a clear, dry burning coal, and is be- 
ginning to attract general attention. 

John Fowler made the first permanent settlement, erecting a cabin 
near the big spring, in what is yet known as Fowler's meadow, about 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 227 

three-fourths of a mile east from the present public square in New Lex- 
ington. Mr. Fowler was a native of Baltimore county, Maryland, and 
came to Ohio on horseback in i8i i. He stopped with a relative, James 
Thrall, who had setded a year or two earlier, in Clayton township, about 
forty rods north of the Pike township line, about a half mile south of 
where Rehoboth was afterward laid out and built. Fowler made his 
home at Thrall's until he erected his cabin over in the unbroken woods 
of an unnamed township, in another county. Even after he had his 
cabin built, he often went to Thrall's, and usually spent Saturday night 
and Sunday there. He had blazed a way through the forest, which he 
frequently traveled, and traces of '-Fowler's path" could be seen for 
more than twenty years. 

Robert McClellan and Robert Humes, with their families, came soon 
after Fowler, and they all lived one summer in and about Fowler's 
cabin — seventeen persons in all — until cabins were erected on an adjoin- 
ing tract of land, which is the property of the McClellans at the present 
time. Jonathan Carroll, Thomas Wright, Samuel Clayton, Eli Babb, 
William Lashley, Nathaniel Rush, Reuben Skinner and several others, 
came in soon after, but just in what order is not now known. Jonathan 
Carroll settled near the west bank of Yerger's Run, on the land that 
now belongs to Thomas Mills, pi-obably in 1812. Ira Carroll was born 
there in 18 13, who was the iii'st white child born in this township. 
Thomas Wright moved to the place where Jackson Wright now resides, 
in 1813. Nathaniel Rush settled on the land now within the limits of 
New Lexington, and which was for many years the property and home 
of Samuel Skinner. Samuel Clayton settled on the side of the hill, 
within the present limits of New Lexington, which was afterward, for 
many years, the property and dwelling place of James Comly and de- 
scendants. Reuben Skinner settled where Mr. McNeal now lives. Eli 
Babb located where Mrs. Kate Adams now resides. Thomas Selby 
now owns the land where William Lashley settled, up near the tunnel. 
The following names of pioneers have been gathered, nearly all of whom 
came to the township previous to 1818: John Fowler, Robert McClel- 
lan, Jonathan Carroll, Thomas Wright. Samuel Clayton, William Lash- 
ley, Nathaniel Rush, Reuben Skinner, James Comlv, Samuel Rush, 
Daniel Hull, John Colborn, John Davis, Benjamin Coddington, Thomas 
Carroll, David Carroll, Ezekiel Chaney, John Smith, Thomas Clayton, 
Peter A. Vansickle, Isaac Barnes, Stephen Barnes, Samuel Skinner, 
Samuel B. Skinner, Samuel Smith, Dennis Kennedy, John Kennedv, 
Seth Kennedy, William Hume, William Roberts, George Ogg, Henry 
Rush, William Rush, Peter Strait, Richard A. Rudle, Jacob Wemmer, 
Aaron Skinner, Jacob Barnthistle, George Stiers, William Sanderson, 
William J. Moore, Benjamin Morgan, Ephraim Teal, Lawson Teal- 
Samuel Ogborn, Henry Stiers, James Cheiioweth, John Grimes, James 
Skinner, Levi Melon, John S. Powell, Noah Teal, Richard Strait, John 
Hume, Jacob Barnd, James Spencer, John Wright, Andrew Wright, 
Moses Wood, Isaiah Rush, Jacob Rush, William Rush, Jesse Huff, 
Reuben Tharp, Thomas Wilson, George Spencer, Daniel Hollenback, 
Jacob Bugh, Jesse Bugh, Robert McClung, Barney Donl}', James Mc- 
Gahan, John Hollenback, Barne)'^ McGahan, Michael Forquer, David 
Martin, Robert Sanderson, James Brown, James Jennings. Some of 



228 HISTOK.Y OF PERRY COUNTY, 

these pioneers did not remain long, and removed to other purts of the 
country. Many of tliem. however, remained permanently, opened 
farms and brought up large families, and their descendants are numer- 
ous here and elsewhere throughout the country. 

In the foregoing list of pioneers, it was not the design to give the 
names of any who came in later than 1818, though, possibly, a very few 
of those given may have come later than this date. 

Mills. — The first mill of which there appears to be any authentic 
account, was a so-called "corn-cracker," a very diminutive structure, 
built and owned by Nathaniel Rush, and was situated on Fowler's Run, 
at a point about thirty or forty rods below George A. Granger's present 
mill. There was considerable corn ground there, and, when the stream 
was full, the proprietor frequently ground wheat. The elections were 
sometimes held at the mill, or at Rush's house, a few rods distant, when 
Pike township was yet a part of Fairfield countv. A little later. Samuel 
Clayton erected a similar mill, of somewhat larger pretensions, on Rush 
Creek, near where the iron bridge now is, at the north end of Main 
street. New Lexington. Isaac Barnes also had a similar mill situated 
on Rush Creek, near the Jackson township line. James Comly, who 
bought out Clayton, and became proprietor of the mill at New Lexing- 
ton, subsequently built a larger mill on the north side of the creek. 
This was run by water power for a while, then steam power was attached. 
The grist-mill, not appearing to be very profitable, was finally aban- 
doned, and the Comh-^s gave their sole attention to their saw-mills, of 
which they at first had two — one on Rush creek and the other on Fow- 
ler's Run, a short distance above its junction with Rush Creek. The 
latter was eventually abandoned and all the latest improvements put in 
the former, which was now owned and managed by John Comly. son of 
James Comly, deceased. This mill did much for the building up of 
New Lexington and surrounding country. 

James Law and Ira Carroll built the old Granger Flouring Mill in 
1840. Samuel Arnold erected his in 1857-58 ; and George A. Granger 
constructed his in 1879, and, since 1840, there has been no lack of mill- 
ing facilities in the township. Mr. Arnold also built a saw mill in con- 
nection with his grist mill, which he subsequently sold to D. C. Fowler, 
who removed it to his premises, and runs it there in connection with his 
tannery. There were, in early times, a number of horse mills in the 
township, but thev were soon abandoned, or little used. 

Schools. — The first schools were very primitive, and. as a general 
thing, if not in all cases, held in old cabins that had been built for and 
used as dwellings. The first school appears to have been taught with- 
in the present limits of New Lexington, about 18 15. The teacher was 
Jonathan Sturgeon, an Irishman. The school was taught in an old 
cabin that had formerly been used as a dwelling, and stood within a rod 
or two of the spring that is nov/ enclosed in Andrew Stocklein's front 
yard, on Brown street. The floor was made of unhewn puncheons, and 
to make it a little even, the low places and depressions were filled up with 
earth. School was taught in this disagreeable place for three years. 
One teacher taught there, who had a wooden leg, (not Sturgeon) and 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY, 220 

\ 

he received many a hard fall, from his wooden leg sticking down in the 
dirt, and catching against the projecting puncheons. 

About 1820 or soon thereafter, a log school house was built on the 
lot back of the Horahan block, on Jackson street. It was a very primi- 
tive structure, although it was designed and constructed for a school 
house. It had greased paper windows, a big log fire-place at one end, 
and school iurniture to match. School was taught in this house for 
eight or ten years. 

Along about 1820, a school was taught near where Jonathan Nixon 
no\y lives, and, about the same time, they had school in the Thomas 
Wright neighborhood. One school was taught in an old building in 
Thomas Wright's yard. Some kind of a school was taught early in 
linstol or neigliborhood. Also down the creek in the Barnes or Van- 
sickle neighborhood. 

About 1830, the township was districted, for school purposes, very 
much as It is at the present time. There was the Selby district, the 
New l^exington district, and the Vansickle district in the northern row 
Then the David Brown district, the Chiyton (Deaver) and the Skinner 
( Vanatta) districts. Then there was the Bristol and other districts, on 
the south side of the township. These have been somewhat changed. 
The location ol the school houses has been changed, as a general thing, 
while some remain where they were fifty years ago. All the old log 
school houses are gone, and some of the districts have built their third 
school house. The New Lexington district has done this, but no more 
than this. 

About 1830, the New Lexington district erected its second school 
house, a frame, on the same lot where its predecessor stood, on Jackson 
street. The Stocklein spring building is not counted, for it was never 
designed for a school house." The frame structure of which mention is 
made, was a very creditable liouse, for the times, was well furnislied, 
and occasionally accomodated seveiity-tive or eighty pupils. It was 
used over twenty years for school purposes, and then' abandoned, and 
finally sold. From 1850 to 1858, after the abandonment of the old frame, 
schools were taught in the old Presbyterian, Second Baptist, First Bap- 
tist churches, and elsewhere about town, as rooms could be procured, 
until 1858, when the new brick Union School building being completed,' 
the schools were graded and transferred to it. A considerable addition 
was made to this edifice in 1876 ; and now the question of yet more ad- 
dition.s or an entire new house is pressing upon the people for solution. 

Saint Aloysius Academy is situated three-fourths of a mile west ot 
New Lexington, upon a farm bequeathed for the purpose, by the late 
Owen Donelly. The first wing of the Academy edifice was erected in 
1874, and the school organized by Sisters of the Franciscan Order in 
1876. A second wing of the building was erected in 1881. The 
Academy, farm and other interests are all admirably managed by the 
Sisters in charge, who have rendered themselves agreeable and popular 
with all who have visited the institution, or had business of any kind to 
transact with them. The religion taught at this school is the Catholic, 
and it receives and educates pupils from various parts of this and other 
States. It is the design of the managers to still further enlarge the 
Academ}'. 



230 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

Churches. — The Baptists were the pioneers in rehgion in Pike 
township. Many of the early settlers had been communicants or ad- 
herents of what was known as the "Old Jersey Church" in Somerset 
countv, Pennsylvania. This church was so called, from the fact that it 
was built and supported by people who had come in a body from the 
State of New Jersey. When the descendants of these men and women 
came to the Rush Creek Valley, they brought their letters, and it was not 
long until there was public worship in the homes of the pioneers. Elder 
Moody, w'ho lived in Bearfield township, was one of the first preachers. 
There were also other' visiting ministers. Rev. James Skinner w'as or- 
dained about 1821. There appears to be no existing record of the fact, 
but the firi-t Baptist Church Society was organized about 1820. There 
was no church edifice built until 1825 or 1826 ; when the old log church 
was erected. It stood very near the site of the present building, and on 
the same lot. It was about forty bj^ fifty feet, constructed of very 
large hewed logs, and had a gallery on the second floor, which, how- 
ever, was onl}' used on extraordinary occasions. It had a high, oc- 
tagon sort of pulpit, which the ministers reached by a little, winding 
stairway. Before this church was built, public worship was held, as 
stated, at the private houses of members of the organization. In the 
summer season, the services were often held in a large barn upon the 
threshing floor. Public worship was .frequently held at the houses of 
Samuel "Rush and Reuben Skinner. Rush lived and died where Mr. 
Jonathan Nixon now lives, and John McNeal now lives where Mr. 
Skinner did. There was also preaching at the houses of Jonathan Car- 
roll, Benjamin Coddington, Thomas Wright, Daniel Hull, Samuel 
Skinner, and at other places. Preaching at private houses w^as not un- 
common, for many years, even after the church was completed. 

James Skinner, after his ordination, as previously referred to, was 
the regular pastor for quite a number of years. He wore his hair long, 
was a reverential sort of person, and had considerable pulpit ability. 
His last appearance in the pulpit was to preach the funeral of Mrs. Car- 
roll, widow of Jonathan Carroll, upon which occasion, it is said that he 
preached a memorable and unusually impressive disc'ourse. He died 
in 1841. He had served as pastor of the church for a number of years, 
and also preached in other parts of the countrv. After Moody and Skin- 
ner, as regular pastor, came Matthew Brown. Thomas Harper, Martin 
Sperry, George Debolt, Thomas Martin and others. J. R. Vanhorn is 
the present pastor. Brown and Harper were members of the congrega- 
tion and residents of the township, and nearly all the time had other 
charges in neighboring counties. Harper and Brown were both widely 
known and highly esteemed as ministers in the denomination to which 
they belonged. Mr. Brown is yet living, at the advanced age of nine- 
ty-seven years. He removed to Wood county, Ohio, some fifteen years 
since. 

The First Baptist Church Society was originally strong in 
numbers, wealth and influence, but deaths, removals, etc., have told 
heavily upon it, and though still a considerable congregation, it is not 
so strong as it was in its earlier days. It built a second house of wor- 
ship, a frame structure, in 1845. This is a neat, commodious, well pre- 
served house, and is the one in use at the present time. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 23 1 

This church is a member of the Muskingam Baptist Association, 
and the annual Associations of this body have frequently been held with 
it. The first Association in New Lexington, of which there is any ac- 
count, was held in the woods near where the Second Baptist Church 
now stands, .about 1825. Thomas Harper, not then a resident of the 
county, was one of the young preachers in attendance, and led the sing- 
ing, which he was well qualified to do. A few years later, an Associa- 
tion was held in Skinner's grove, adjacent to the First Baptist Church. 
Subsequent Associations were also lield there about 1836 and in 1843. 
An Association was held in Fowler's grove in 1858, and in Carroll's 
grove in 1877 and in 18S1. The one which convened in Fowler's grove 
in 1858, was probaby the largest ever held here, and many distinguish- 
ed ministers w^ere present from Ohio, Indiana, Kentuckv and other 
States. 

The Presbyterian Church was organized in October, 1837. Several 
members of Unity, who resided in New^ Lexington or vicinity, on 
presentation of a petition to that effect, w^ere dismissed for the purpose 
of organizing the New Lexington Church. Rev. Roswell Tenny, 
Francis Bartlett, and Edmund Garland, were appointed by the Presby- 
tery to organize the church. David Carroll, Hugh S. Hankinson, and 
David Brown, were oixlained Elders. The lot on which the present 
church stands, on High street, was purchased for twenty-five dollars, 
and within a year a large frame edifice was erected. For three years 
the church prospered and grew, and then for a quarter of a century came 
the waning period, and at last, in 1866, when Rev. Henry Beeman ar- 
rived, the old edifice had been sold and torn down, and the lot on which 
it stood plow^ed and cultivated in vegetables. 

The early regular ministers of the church were Revs. Roswell Tenny, 
Francis Bartlett, and Edmund Garland. Then there was a vacancy of 
a year, after which came Revs. Edward W. Twining, John Forbush, 
A. S. Avery, Hugh McBride, and Warren Nichols. Then there was 
a second vacancy of over three years, and the church building, during 
the most of this period, was used as a school-house. In September, 
1854, Rev. Samuel W. Rose came to the charge, who labored on until 
his death, which occurred at his residence in New Lexington, January, 
1857. After Rev. Rose came Revs. Samuel Loomis, James Lamb, 
Theodore Stovve, and A. C. Stewart. The latter left early in 1865, and 
for more than a year the pulpit w^as again vacant. Lamb," Stewart, and 
Stowe, preached in the Second Baptist Church, the old Presbyterian 
edifice having become too dilapidated for use. Rev. Beeman also 
preached in the Second Baptist Church until the erection of the new 
edifice. 

The church was virtually disbanded and the church property sold, 
when in June, 1866, Rev. Henry Beeman, by order of Presb3'tery, ap- 
peared upon the field. Under his administration the church wlis re- 
organized, stated preaching maintained, and a new church edifice 
erected in 1870. The new church was dedicated September nth, 1870. 
The dedication sermon was preached by Rev. Daniel Tenny. Rev. 
Kingsbury, of Putnam, was also present, who, with Rev. Beeman, 
assisted in the dedicatory services. There was a goodly attendance 
from Unity, Roseville, Uniontown, and other places, and the dedica- 



232 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

tion was an occasion of much interest. Mrs. Elizabeth Carroll, over 
eighty years of age, was the only one of the original members present ; 
all others were gone. From 1866 until the present time Rev. iJeeman 
has been the regular pastor of the church, though not ordained and 
installed until 1868. 

It must not be inferred that there was no Presbyterian preaching in 
New Lexington or neighborhood until the organization of the church, 
in 1837. There were a number of Presbyterian families in the town 
and neighborhood, and Rev. Moore, of Unity, as well as other ministers, 
had frequently preached in the old log Baptist Church and in private 
houses ; in fact, Presbyterians and Methodists assisted in the building 
of the church with the understanding and agreement that at times when 
the house was not in use by the Baptists it could be occupied by other 
denominations. It was so used, for quite -a number of years, satis- 
factorily and agreeably to all parties. Rev. Moore preached there 
frequently to his own people and all others who chose to come and hear 
him. He was known to all the old settlers, and highly esteemed by 
them, irrespective of sect or religious proclivities. 

There were not many Methodists among the early settlers of Pike 
township, and what there were had their membership, a number of 
years, with the church at Rehoboth. Asa Brown organized the first 
Methodist class or society at New Lexington about the 3'ear 1828, by 
the authority of the itinerant ministers who were in charge ol the Reho- 
both and other neighboring churches, l^he society was regularly con- 
tinued, and prayer and class meetings held at private houses. George 
Gardner of Rehoboth, a local minister, probably preached the first 
Methodist sermon in New Lexington. It was his custom to walk over 
through the woods and preach, by appointment, at the old log Baptist 
church, where he was sure to have hearers of all denominations. The 
venerable Rev. Gardner is yet living, and is ninety -five years old. 

The Methodist society at New Lexington prospered from its organi- 
zation, but in consequence of the near proximitv of the Rehoboth 
church, and another (Saft'ells) three miles west, together with the 
smallness of the village itself, the New Lexington society did not 
decide to build a house of worship until 1839. Subscriptions were 
taken up during the latter part of said year, and, in 1840, a neat, com- 
modious frame edifice was erected upon the site of the present building. 
The New Lexington society was made a regular appointment by Con- 
ference, however, 3'ears before the erection of a church edifice. The 
itinerant ministers preached first in the old log Baptist church, and 
afterward in the newly built Presbyterian church, until the time came 
when their own house was ready for occupancy. 

The frame church was used from 1840 until 1875, when it accident- 
ally caught fire and was consumed. The loss was not considered very 
great, though the house had answered a good purpose, and the subject 
of constructing a new and larger place of worship had been agitated 
for years. Now something had to be done. The trustees at once 
decided to build, without delay. The present large, elegant, and sub- 
stantial brick structure was the result. The walls were erected in 1875, 
and the Sunday-school, or lecture room, finished in 1876. This is, itself, 
an audience-room of large size, and church, Sunday-school, and all 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 233 

other services, were held in it until 1880, when the principal audience- 
room was completed, and the church formally dedicated. This is one 
ol the roomiest and costliest church edifices in the State, outside of the 
large cities, and no wonder the venerable Asa Brown, the organizer 
and leader of the first Methodist class, was deeply impressed with the 
great changes, when he thought of his little group of a dozen persons, 
assembled at a private house, and then looked upon this building. Mr, 
Brown spoke from the platform of the new audience room, a year or so 
since. The most striking change, after all, was the statement which he 
made, that all the members of the original class, exxepting himself, had 
plumed their wings and taken the eternal flight. Mr. Brown resides 
near Kirkersville, in Licking county, Ohio, 

How many of the distinguished ministers of the denomination have 
preached upon this spot ! David and Joshua Young, Finley, Jameson, 
Trimble, White, Frazier, Mather, Phillips, Porter, Cunningham, Har- 
vey, and Hill, have all ministered at the altar as Presiding Elder; and 
many of the most gifted ministers of the Ohio Conference have, at one 
time or another, preached from its pulpit. 

The greatest event, perhaps, in the history of the church, was the 
revival of 1868, when daily meetings continued nearly two months, and 
three hundred persons gave their names to the church. 

The Second Baptist Church was organized in 1842, under the min- 
istry of Rev. B. Y, Sigfried. Public worship, for a while, was held in 
the old frame school-house. The church was at first composed of a few 
who had been members of the First Baptist Church, others who united 
on profession of faith and baptism, and yet others who came by letter. 
The society was not strong — in fact had very few male members — but 
soon resolved upon erecting a suitable house of worship. A lot was 
purchased, and a building commenced, of large dimensions for that day. 
There were numerous difliculties to encounter ; the construction of the 
edifice proceeded slowly, but, in 1845, it was finished and opened for 
service, Jesse Skinner was the member who did more than any oth- 
ers — quite probably more than all others — toward the erection of the 
church edifice. He would listen to no discouragements, was cast down 
by no difficulties, and was determined to know no such word as fail. 
He held on to the enterprise with all the tenacity and faithfulness that 
mortal man could show, and his long continued efforts were eventually 
crowned with success. 

This church has had a rather eventful history. Often without 
a regular pastor, it was never permanently closed, but ever kept in 
line of battle. In the early days of the church, visiting brethren were 
always made at home, and"^a good minister, of any denomination, was 
cordially welcomed to the house and pulpit, and most likely Mr, Skinner 
himself would light the lamps and make the fires. 

After Rev, Sigfried, Rev. S. D. Alton was the pastor for several 
years. Rev. Ferguson was also pastor for several years, soon after 
1850. Revs. Heistand and Sackett also had charge of the church for a 
time, about 1859-60. Revs, Nochross and Amerman succeeded them, 
and were, in turn, succeeded by Rev. Sigfried. Rev. W. J. Sharp 
came to the charge in 1866, and remained one year. Rev, Churchhill, 
subsequent to this, was pastor for some time, also Rev. Lyons. Rev. 



234 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

J.Chambers was the next regular pastor, who remained two or three 
3''ears. After Chambers came Rev. Daniels, for a season ; Rev. Tus- 
sing then succeeded to the pastorate. Revs. W. W. Marlow and Whar- 
ton were also pastors of the church, but at what time is not known — 
about 1867, probably. The pastorships were irregular and discon- 
nected, much of the time, and quite often the pulpit was vacant. Mean- 
while, Sigfried, Churchhill, Sackett, and other ministers, would make 
a visit and hold a series of meetings, so that the church was almost as 
frequently occupied as an}'^ other in town. When there was no preach- 
ing, there was prayer meeting at the regular hour, Sabbath, as well as 
Sabbath and Wednesdav evenings. All these services, together with 
the occasional, and sometimes stated, preaching of ministers of other 
denominations, contributed to keep the Second Baptist Church open 
and in general use. The congregation is one of considerable strength 
and influence. Rev. Tussing is now the pastor of the church. 

The Lutheran Church, in New Lexington, was organized in 1867, 
nnder the ministry of Rev. George Young. Religious worship was first 
held in the Second Baptist church, for several months, and afterward, 
until the erection of a church edifice, in the Court House. A lot was 
purchased at the corner of Brown and High streets, a corner stone was 
laid, with appropriate ceremonies, in 1868, and the building constructed 
in 1868 and 1869. The edifice was dedicated in January, 1870, and 
stated preaching maintained regularl}^ thereafter. Rev. George Young 
was pastor for seven or eight years, and was succeeded by Rev. Allen 
Wiseman, who continued one year. Rev. Walter succeeded Wiseman, 
and is still the pastor in charge. The church edifice is of brick, and is 
large, commodious, and substantial. The congregation is very regular 
in attendance upon religious service. 

St. Rose's Catholic church in New Lexington was organized in 
1868. In June of that year the property at the corner of Main and 
Water streets was purchased of Samuel Koons. The brick house 
which stood upon the lot was remodeled, and converted into a tempor- 
ary church building. St. Rose's church was organized under the min- 
istery of Rev. Father Adams. There were few or no Catholic fiimilies 
among the very early settlers of New Lexington and Pike township. 
Before the Catholic population of the township had become numerous, 
churches had been established at St. Josephs, St. Patricks and Reho- 
both, and a little later at McLuney and South Fork. The resident 
Catholics of the town and township were accustomed to attend one or 
the other of these neighboring churches. Occasionally a priest would 
come and hold religious worship at private houses in New Lexington. 
But, as the Catholic population of the town and township increased, the 
establishment oYa church in New Lexington began to be agitated, and 
eventually ended in the purchase of property and the organization of 
St. Rose's congreijation, as stated. Rev. Father Adams remained 
about a year, and was succeeded by Rev. Father Keogh. He was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Father Mortrier, who remained four or five years. 
Mortrier was succeeded b}'- Rev. Father Meshenmoser, who is the pres- 
ent pastor. 

The old remodeled brick house was used about ten years, and then 
torn down and replaced by the present handsome, large and imposing 



HISTORY OF PERRY C TUNTY. 235 

Structure, in 1880. It was dedicated early in 1881, Bishop Watterson 
and other distinguished clerg3anen being present. The new church 
edifice is very elegant and substantial, and the site one of the finest in • 
the State. St. Rose's has now grown to be a large congregation. 

The Baptists organized a society and erected a church edifice at 
Bristol, about 1832. The house was of good size, constructed of large 
hewn logs, similar to other church edifices erected about that time, or 
earlier. This society grew and flourished for quite a number of years, 
and stated preaching was constantly maintained. Of later years the 
church has not been quite sos rong, and preaching has been more irreg- 
ular. The original building was burned about 1839, '^"^ ^ frame one 
erected in its place which is yet in use. 

The United Brethren built a neat, commodious church edifice in 
Bristol in 1871 and 1872, and stated preaching has been sustained, as 
well as other religious services. The society is a zealous one and the 
congregation appears to be in a prosperous condition. 

The Bible Christians (New Lights) organized a society and erected 
a church edifice about 1831 or 1832, on Bear Run, some three miles east 
of New Lexington. This house was also built of hewed logs. Regular 
preaching was kept up a good many years, and, at one time, the place 
had a resident minister, Rev. Hand. Stated preaching and Sabbath 
school are still maintained. The church is on the township line. 

Sabbath Schools. — The first organized Sabbath school of which 
there appears to be any trace was a union school in New Lexington, 
officered and controlled by men of different denominations. The Sab- 
bath school was held in the old frame school house, (then new) which 
so long stood on the school lot on Jackson street, a little south of the 
oldDeaventown road. This Sabbath school was sustained during the 
summer seasons, tolerably regularly, for several years, and until the 
Presbyterian cljurch was built, and a school organized there. 

The Presbyterian Sabbath school was organized in the spring of 
1838, while the house was yet unfinished and carpenter work-benches 
and huge piles of shavings encumbered the rear part of the building. 
The school was large, from the beginning, and was unusually well 
managed, taking into consideration the facilities and opportunities of 
the times. It made good progress for about four years, until the Meth- 
odist school was organized, and the Presbyterian church began to lose 
heavily b}' removals, when it declined rapidly, and was soon discon- 
tinued. After the erection of the new Presbyterian church edifice, in 
1870, the Sabbath school was promptly reorganized, and has been held 
regularly, the 3^ear round ever since, with varying numbers, of course, 
and is at this time in a very prosperous condition. 

The Methodists, soon after the completion of their church building, 
in 1841, organized a Sabbath school, which has been continued, with 
varying success, down to the present time. For several years after the 
original organization, the school adjourned over the winter months. 
This custom was eventually abandoned, and the school kept up the year 
round. This school, for fhe most part, has been prosperous and flour- 
ishing from its commencement, though, of course, not always in the 
same degree. At one time — about 1871-72, it enrolled considerably 



236 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

over three hundred members, and from two to three liundred were in 
constant attendance. Neither enrollment nor attendance is so high now 
as then, though both are creditable and encouraging. 

The Second Baptist Church organized a Sabbath school not long 
after their house was constructed, and the school still continues. Like 
the other early schools, for a number of years, it adjourned over the 
winter mouths, but finally came to be held throughout the entire year. 
This school has experienced a varied success, corresponding, in some 
degree, at least, to the waxing and waning fortunes of the church itself. 
It has usually, however, been in a good, encouraging condition, and is 
so represented at the present time. The late Jesse Skinner was super- 
intendent of the school for more than twenty years. 

Sabbath schools have been held in connection with the Baptist and 
United Brethren churches in Bristol, and a school is held at the Breth- 
ren church, at the present time. A Sabbath school was, for a time, 
held at the Bible Christian church on Bear Run, but never with much 
regularity. 

Cemeteries. — The cemetery adjacent to the M. E. church, in New 
Lexington, was established in 1819 or 1820. The lirst burial in the 
cemetery attached to the First Baptist church was in 1822, the body of 
Jonathan Carroll being the first interment. The first interments were 
made in the Vansickle burial ground at a very early da^'. A large 
number of kindred, and probably a few others, are interred therein. 
The burial ground adjacent to the Baptist church at Bristol was first 
used about 1836, the time not definitel}^ known. Previous to the estab- 
lishment of public burying grounds in Pike township, a nmnber of in- 
terments were made, Irom this township, in the Methodist grave-yard 
at Rehoboth and also in ThralTs familv grave-3'ard, on the Thrall 
farm, in Clayton township. 

The New Lexington cemetery, comprising a tract of about thirty 
acres, was purchased jointly by the town and township, laid off into 
burial lots, walks, and streets, and opened to public use in 1874. The 
first interment was the body of the late Colonel D. W. D. Marsh, in 
December, 1874. Soon after this date, several removals were made of 
bodies from the older cemeteries in towai to the new cemetery. Though 
only a few years have passed, a large number of interments have been 
made, and quite a number of beautiful and even costly monuments 
erected. New Lexington cemetery is situated on a beautiful, command- 
ing eminence, south of town, is planted in forest trees, and is nicely set 
in grass or laid off into walks and drives. Towns and cities of living, 
animated beings, may increase or decrease, but it needs no prophet to 
tell how populous must become, in time, this silent, sacred city of the 
dead. 

New Lexington. — New Lexington was founded in 1817, by James 
Comly, who had bought Samuel Clayton's farm, including a grist-mill, 
situated on Rush Creek. In order ,to have the streets run just as was 
desired, a few lots at the east end of the town were from the lands of 
John Comly, a brother of Jam'es. This John Comly lived not far from 
the present residence of Robert Huston, on the same farm, at the old 



HISTORY OK PERRY COUNTY. 237 

house a few rods above the big spring. The Comh's were ot" Qiiaker 
ancestr}'. and originally came from Pennsylvania. James Comly fn'st 
settled in Pickaway count}', not far from Circleville, but the family were 
constantly sick, and while the husband was bed-fast with malariaf fever, 
of long duration, the farm was sold and the family removed to Perry 
county, and bought, as already related. It is a singular fact that Mr. 
Comly, atler recovering from his long illness, had not the slightest 
recollection of selling his Pickawa}' land or of signing the deed. The 
principal negotiations had, in fact, been made b}^ the wife and mother, 
although it was supposed, of course, that Mr. Comly understood and 
sanctioned all that was done. He never had any disposition to disturb 
titles, however, and the purchasers remained in quiet and undisturbed 
possession. 

New Lexington was named after the immortal Lexington, of Revo- 
lutionary fame. The original town plat consisted of only sixty-four 
lots, containing one fourth of an acre each. The town had three paral- 
lel streets. Main, Jackson and High ; there were also two alleys, east 
and west. The trees had been felled, but the lots and streets were full 
of stumps and brush. The lots were sold at public auction. An auc- 
tioneer of some note, whose name was Gra}', was engaged to cry the 
sale. Persons yet living, who were present at the sale, have a distinct 
recollection of the auctioneer and some of the incidents of the sale. The 
auctioneer had an oilv tongue and possessed the gift of gab, which traits 
likewise distinguish some of his gifted successors. The town was cen- 
trally located, declaimed the eloquent Gray, half way between all other 
places, near the center ot what would be a New County, would eventu- 
ally be a county town, and a place of commerce and consequence. After 
an expenditure of considerable elocution, the lirst lot was sold for 
twenty-five dollars. Some of the lots brought fifty dollars. The prices 
ranged from twenty to fifty dollars, though some of the lots sold for less 
than twenty. James Comly did not become rich b}' the enterprise of 
laying out the town, but he probably made as much as he anticipated. 

Jacob Barnthistle built the first house in town, on the lot where 
Berkimer and Kishler's bugg}^ factory now stands. It was a good sized 
dwelling house, built of hewed logs, and stood back from the street. 
Barnthistle was a tanner. His tan-house and vats were on the lot where 
Hixon Hunt now resides, just back of the Barnthistle residence. The 
dewlling house and the old tan-house, were not torn doVvn until after 
New Lexington had become a railroad and county town. The second 
house, a dwelling, was erected on the lot now owned by John Smith, 
The third house was built by Ezekiel Cheney, at the east corner of the 
Public Square. Before it was altogether completed, it was sold to Jacob 
Barnd. Esq. Elder of Somerset, opened the first store in the place. 
Jacob Barnthistle started a Tannery, already referred to. Jacob Barnd 
was a hatter by trade. He built a shop, bought furs, and manufactured 
hats and caps tor the early settlers, and their numerous progenv' of boys. 
He also kept tavern. His tavern sign read thus : "Temperance House, 
by J, Barnd." It had no bar attached, and, in that respect, differed 
from nearl}' all other taverns of the period. In a short time a carding 
and fulling mill was put up on the south corner of the Public Square, 
directly opposite the Barnd tavern. This mill had an immense wheel, 



238 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. ' 

and was run by horse or cattle power. Smith Riley and Alexander 
Brown run the factory for a number of years. The village soon boasted 
of a sawmill, grist-mill, carding and fulling-mill, store, tavern, postoffice, 
tannery, church, school-house, blacksmith shop, hat shop, shoe shop, 
and about a score of dwelling houses. It grew ver^' slowly, however, 
until about 1840, when it appeared to receive a new impetus, increased 
more rapidly in population and business, and, not long after that date, 
became a corporate town. 

As has been hereinbefore related, the original town plat consisted of 
only sixty-four lots, and, for twenty-seven years, there appeared to be 
notliing like a necessity for an}^ addition. But the additions came on 
in course of time, numerous enough. The fir.st was Bugh's anddition, 
April 12, 1844 5 Fates' came next, September 9, 1845 ; Comly'stirst ad- 
dition, October 27, 1849 ; Skinner's, January 17, 1850 ; Bastian's, March 
6, 1854; Comly's new addition, June 15, 1854; Huston's first addition, 
December 19, 1854; Bastian's Station addition, August 3, 1855 ; Roth- 
ran and Mackin's, August 25, 1856 ; Railroad, March 5, 1857; Hous- 
ton's second, March 17, 1857 ; Central, December 6, 1856; Northwest- 
ern, April 15, 1859; Carroll's, April 25, i860; Comly's third addition, 
March 6, 1868; Kelley's, March 8, 1871 ; North, August 21, 1872; 
Northwest, June I, 1873; South, August 15, 1873; Kelley's second, 
February 2, 1874. 

These numerous additions exhibit, in a good degree, the growth and 
expansion of the town since 1844. The population did not much ex- 
ceed one hundred in 1840. It was 836 in i860, 954 in 1876, and 1,357 
in 1880. These figures, however, do not include all that may very 
properly be called the town. The corporate limits are, for some rea- 
son, very much circumscribed. For example, all the flouring mills are 
outside the corporate limits. The south side of Mill street is also all 
outside. Some twelve or thirteen roads lead into the place, and for a 
mile or more from the Court House, on almost every road, are scatter- 
ing houses, and groups of houses, which, for all practical purposes, be- 
long to the town, and these suburban residences are constantly on the 
increase. 

New Lexington now contains six churches, a post office, one union 
depot, two telegraph offices, one opera house, one union school-house of 
eight rooms, one female academy, three newspapers, one bank, three 
flouring mills, one planing mill, door and sash factory, one hub and 
spoke factory, one woolen mill, one foundry, corn and cob mill 
factory, two wagon and buggy factories, three hotels, five dry goods 
stores, two hardware stores, two drug stores, one drug and 
jewelry store, seven groceries, two bakeries, two cabinet-ware 
establishments, two tin shops, four shoe shops, two merchant tail- 
oring establishments, one shoe store, five millinery stores, four 
blacksmith shops, three ice cream and 03^ster saloons, three barber 
shops, two book stores, two tutcher shops or meat stores, two livery 
stables, one marble shop, two tanneries, one saw mill, one cigar factory, 
and ten saloons, several of them with billiard tables attached. The 
town also contains fourteen lawyers, five physicians and two dentists. 

New Lexington has two railroads, the Cincinnati and Muskingum 
Valley, and the Ohio Central. The principal streets are graded and 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 239 

macadamized with "chert," a flinty stone found within and near the 
corporate hmits, in great abundance. As a result of the natural lay of 
the land, and the grading that has been done, the general drainage is 
complete and satisfactory. The original plat, and much of the additions 
thereto, are situated on a western spiir of the great Divide which is dis- 
tant two or three miles to the south and east. Rush Creek flows at the 
base of the spur on the north side, and Fowler's Run — a considerable 
stream — on the south and east. These creeks unite about half a mile 
west of the Court House, just outside the corporate boundary. Yerger's 
Run — not quite so large as Fowler's — flows into the west end ot the 
town from the north, and empties into Rush Creek about twenty rods 
below the mouth of Fowler's Run. The town, in pursuance of the 
laws of its growth, has overspread all the available part of the spur, and 
has extended into and beyond the valle}- s ol Rush Creek, Fowler's 
Run and Yerger's Run. The later improvements appear to be creep- 
ing up the hill-sides to the summit of other spurs of the same great Di- 
vide, to which reference has been made. Considerable building is in 
progress, during the present season of 1882. 

Lodges. — The New Lexington Masonic Lodge No. 250, was chart- 
ered and organized in 1854, and has continued in regular working order 
to the present time. New Lexington Lodge No. 241 of L O. O. F. was 
organized in 1853, and continues to the present. The New Lexington 
Division of Sons of Temperance was organized in 1844, and was sus- 
tained seven years, when it disbanded. The New Lexington Lodge ol 
Good Templars was organized in 1866, continued six years and dis- 
banded in 1873. A Lodge of Foresters was instituted a few years since, 
but did not long continue. 

A Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry was organized in New Lex- 
ington in 1873, and continued for several years, but is now disbanded. 
A Chapter of Royal Arch Masons has recently been organized. 

Banks. — The First National Bank of New Lexington was organized 
in 1872, and located in the Mackin building on the south corner of the 
Public Square. The bank bought ground made vacant by the fire 
of 1874, ^^^ erected the present bank building in the latter part of the 
year named. The National Bank charter was voluntarily surrendered, 
and the concern reorganized as a private bank of deposit and discount, 
in 1877, under the name and style of Perry County Bank, and continues 
to do business as such at the present time. The institution has, since 
its organization, had the confidence of the public, and receives a liberal 
patronage. 

TheFarmers' and Miners' Bank was also organized in 1872, and 
located in the room where the postoffice now is, in the Marsh block. 
It did business for a year or two, then wound up its aff'airs honorably 
and discontinued. The Perry County Bank is now the only one in 
New Lexington. 

The Fire of 1874. — '^^"'^ ^^'^ ^^ February", 1874, ^^^ one of the 
most notable and certainly the most disastrous occurrence in the history 
of New Lexington. The fire originated in Dr. A. White's drug store, 



240 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

and, as the room was in a great part tilled with highly combustible ma- 
terials, it was full ot smoke and flame before any one could enter. Dr. , 
White occupied the second story as a residence, and so quickly did the 
fire spread, and break into the upper story, that several members of 
the family barely effected their escape, without other apparel than their 
night clothes. Horahan's block, in which White's drug store was situat- 
ed, was a frame building. Jacob Nease occupied the basement story as a 
billiard saloon. J. V. Ward & Brother's grocery store, and Dr. White's 
drug store were in the second stor}^ on a level with the front pavement. 
Dr. White occupied the whole upper story as a dwelling. • 

There were screams of women and children heard, then cries of 
fire, and soon all the bells of town were sounding the alarm. It was 
about midnight, and all were in bed asleep ; but in an incredible short 
space of time, it seemed that everybody was on the streets, for they 
were crowded with men and women. The lire had made much head- 
way, in fact had broken out with such force and volume as to almost 
paralyze beholders, and it appeared as though nothing could be done to 
stay the mad career of smoke and fire. The people stood everywhere 
with buckets and water, but what could be done? There was a strong 
gale from the north, and the flames quickly flew to the large produce 
building of J. D. Webster, and then on to J. W. Montgomery's grocery 
store, and the large new block in which P.J. Kelley lived, and also had a 
large busisess room, just then vacant. Next to the P. J.€Celle3" prop- 
erty, and between itand the Diller block, was a narrow alle}'^. Before 
the advancing flames had reached the Kelley block, it was decided that 
a strong effort should be made to stop the fire at the alley between Kel- 
ley and Diller's. Diller's block was covered with carpets and fairl}- 
drenched and saturated with water. The roof was full of men. brave 
and strong, who constantly threw water on every part of the house, and 
especially on the side nearest the fire. The water buckets were passed 
up on ladders to the roof. All the while onward came the crackling, 
roaring flames, and pushed their fiery tongues over into the alley, and 
at last against the Diller building. Still the battle went on. The buck- 
ets of water came faster and thicker, and were dashed against the side 
or on the roof. The Diller block took fire and began to blaze, but the 
blaze was drowned out, at first, only to come again and with greater 
violence ; and then it was apparent that the battle was lost. The fiery 
flames had won. Slowly and reluctantly the men retired from the root^ 
Some of them were so determined, that they had to be almost forced 
away. Onward moved the devouring monster, and, in a ver}' short 
time, the Diller building was all ablaze. 

It was evident to those who were watching the fire and noting its 
progress, that there was no chance of saving the houses between the 
alley already referred to, and East Alley, some fifteen or twent}- rods 
distant. This was a somewhat wider alle}^ and the last house next to it 
was a small frame building, one story in height. Just across the alley 
stood the large two-stor}- furniture establishment of J. C. Elder. It 
was determined to tear down the one-story house, and keep the Elder 
block as wet as water would make it. Axes, crowbars and pike poles 
were brought into requisition, and the one-story house cut down and 
pulled to pieces. A strong cable was attached to the different fragments, 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 24I 

and scores of men laid hold and pulled the debris out of the reach of 
the fire. There was no time to lose. Onward came the fire, sweeping 
everything before it. The J. D. Bowman building, the Melo}' and Mil- 
ligan furniture building, Mrs. Forquer's and Mrs. Lizzie"^ Colborn's 
dwelling houses were in the track of the fire, and, of course, consumed. 
The old one-stor}' house which was owned by Newton Thacker, was 
hardl}- razed and pulled out of the way, until the fire was there with its 
angry tongues, and threatening sparks and flames. It appeared to have 
gained force and volume as it progressed, and fears were entertained 
that it would leap across the space where stood the one-storv house, and 
across the alley, and set on fire the Elder block. The Elder roof had 
as many men on it as could work, and water was rapidly passed up the 
ladders to them. It was for a time feared that the batde would be but 
a repetition of the one at the preceding alley. Just here, and at a crit- 
ical moment, when water appeared to be getting a little scarce, a 
woman who was known to but few present, in a firm, commanding 
voice, and apparently with authority, organized a new line for passing 
water buckets, which did very effective work. As the names of none 
of the other brave and efficient workers have been mentioned, hers will 
not be either, though she was spoken of after the fire in terms of great 
admiration. When the fire began to diminish, with the Elder building 
still safe, and it became apparent that the destroying flames were at 
last under control, cheers and shouts of jo}^ went up, the like of which 
is seldom heard. 

The houses on the opposite side of the street were very much blis- 
tered, and the glass in manv of the windows and doors was cracked by 
the intense heat, and onl}- the utmost vigilance and watchfulness pre- 
vented them all from going. The wind carried the sparks and coals of 
fire to a great distance, and several roofs were set on fire, but were put 
out without doing any great damage. 

The aggregate losses by this fire, in real estate and personal prop- 
erty, were estimated at fifty thousand dollars. With the exception of 
the first two or three buildings burned, the principal portion of the per- 
sonal propertv was saved, much of it, however, in a damaged condi- 
tion. The best blocks in town have since been erected on the burnt 
district, but the space made vacant by the fire, has not yet all been 
filled. 

The Crusade. — The crusade began. in Janaar}-. 1874, '^^ Hillsboro 
and Washington Court House, and soon after the wave struck New Lex- 
ington. The first meeting was a night one held in the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. The house was filled to overflowing. Organization was 
effected, and the next day a band of praying women, to the number of 
seventy-five or eighty, set out from the Presb}- terian Church to pray at 
the drug stores, saloons and all other places where intoxicating drinks 
were sold. The drug store proprietors were not long in signing the 
pledge presented ; then the praying, singing and visiting went on until 
all the saloons had been visited. At night there was another large meet- 
ing, this time in the Second Baptist Church. Progress was reported, 
speeches and prayers made, and songs of faith and triumph sung. The 
day and night meetings were continued for six or seven weeks, and the 

26 



242 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

saloons were visited daily by the praying band of women. One by one 
the liquor dealers succumbed, until all but two had signed the pledge to 
discontinue the selling of intoxicating drinks. The night meetings 
were alwa3's crowded, and sometimes of thrilling interest. The com- 
munity generally was wonderfully swayed and influenced, for the time 
being. There is no room for doubt that the consumption of intoxica- 
ting drinks was, for the time, much diminished. There was much op- 
position to the proceeding, but the praying band of women was almost 
universally treated with the highest respect and consideration. The 
meetings at length came to an end, the old order of things gradually 
resumed its accustomed sway, and the question of whether any perma- 
nent good was done, is one upon which people will naturally differ in 
opinion. The crusade itself, however, was a notable event in local 
history. 

New Lexington in 1838. — The following is from a pamphlet sketch 
of New Lexington, descriptive of the town and environs, and some of 
the habits and customs of 1838, when the place was only a small 
village. The author of the sketch first describes the town as it then 
appeared : 

" We will begin at the noith end of Main street, on the western side. 
This is a natural beginning point, and was the first lot sold at the origi- . 
nal auction of town lots. On this lot, now occupied by the residence of 
Edward Rose, stood a long frame or weather-boarded log house, with 
the end to Main street. In 1838, or possibly not until the Spring of 
1839, ^^ ^^^ occupied by H. B. Chappelear, as a residence and shoe 
shop. Passing along the same side of the street, the next improvement 
was on the lot where Dr. Taggart now resides, which was occupied by 
William Courtney as a residence and chair shop. I think there was 
some kind of a house on the lot where Mrs. Chenoweth now lives, but 
whether occupied by Absalom Chenoweth, or some one else, I am not 
positive. Soon after 1838 the present dwelling, now occupied by Mrs. 
Chenoweth, was built by Absalom Chenoweth, her husband, now many 
years dead. About where Mr. Holmes lives stood a log dwelling with 
the end to the street, and occupied by Mrs. Grigsby, now Mrs. Grimes, 
and living only a few rods from her old home. There was a small 
frame, or weatherboarded log building, on the lot where the Central 
House now stands, occupied at short intervals b}'^ different parties, but, 
in 1838, James and Thomas Durban had their tailor shop there. Where 
Motz's bakery now stands was a frame building, used by Eli Montgom- 
ery as a cabinet shop. The place now occupied b^-^ the residence and 
cabinet ware-rooms of J. C. Elder was occupied by a one-story frame 
house. I can not state who lived in it, or whether it was occupied in 
1838, unless as a ware-room by John Comly, who had a store in the 
brick on the corner, the same now in use by Murtha & Lennon, as a 
residence and grocery. John Comly was leading merchant of the town, 
and did an extensive and profitable business in the old brick. The 
brick building, and the frame adjoining just referred to, were soon after, 
and for many years, occupied by George Chappelear as a tavern stand. 
•* We pass to the corner now occupied by Edward Mackin. On this 
corner lot stood the carding and fulling mill, run by Smith Riley and 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 243 

Alexander Brown. These mills were run by horse or cattle power, 
tramping upon an immense wheel. The carding machine was on the 
corner, and the fulling mill about where Miss Green has her millinery 
store. The fuller was a simple, rude contrivance, but, as the great 
wooden blocks punched, pounded, and squeezed the woolen fabrics, the 
village boys looked upon it as the most wonderful piece of machinery in 
the world. Where now is Morehead's hardware store and W. A. Ma- 
son's tailor shop, was a small one story frame dwelling, and a small 
store room, both occupied by John Huston, who was a successful mer- 
chant of that day. On the lot now owned and occupied by Joseph Wei- 
land as a residence and meat store, stood the dwelling aud office of Dr. 
Nelson Mason, the principal physician of the village. On the next lot, 
now owned by John Smith, back from the street stood a log house, 
occupied by Samuel Feigley as a dwelling. He soon after built the 
frame that now stands on the street. 

" On the next lot was situated the dwelling and cabinet shop of Rob- 
ert Essington. The buildings were both small. Essington was an old 
bachelor, and resided with his mother. On the next lot, bordering on 
East alley, stood a two story dwelling, with a portico in front, and occu- 
pied by R. E. Huston, who had just been married. George Rankin, a 
merchant, had previously lived in the house for a number of years. 
Across the alle3^ where Walter Rutter now lives, resided Mrs. Jane 
Allen, a tailoress, who made up many good and satisfactory garments 
for the citizens of that day. There was no other improvement until we 
come to the corner where Dr. Swingle now lives. This was occupied 
by Moses Daniels, who was a shoemaker, and "whipped the cat" 
around the country, as well as carried on at his home. 

" We have now arrived at the southern end of Main street of the orig- 
inal town and the time of 1838. Let us cross over and go back on the 
other side of Main street. The first improved lot we come to is the one 
on the corner of Main street and East alley, now occupied by a carriage 
shop, and other buildings. This lot contained a two story log dwell- 
ing, situated directly on the alley, but back thirty or forty feet from 
Main street. It was occupied by Jacob Bugh, a tanner by trade. He 
had his tannery below the old schoolhouse, adjacent to what is now the 
north end of Brown street. Directly across East Alley from where 
Jacob Bugh lived was a small frame building, standing a little back 
from the street, and adjoining was a small store room, with the front 
end on Main street. This residence and store room was occupied by 
Jesse Skinner. Mr. Skinner kept an assortment of goods and groceries, 
and was postmaster, also. The next lot, adjoining what was then a 
private alley, and the same on which Mr. Schofield is now erecting a 
block, was occupied by Aaron Petty as a residence and blacksmith 
shop. The dwelling was next to the allc}- and the shop on the opposite 
corner of the lot. both, however, on Main street. Crossing the private 
(now public) alley, we come to a large two story house, extending 
across the front of the lot, with a wing facing the alley, which was a 
public house, a tavern, kept by Jesse O. Piper. It was a log structure, 
but weatherboarded, painted red, and was a respectable looking village 
tavern. The next improved lot we come to, is the one on the corner,, 
where the Horahan block now stands. On this lot stood "The Tern- 



244 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

perance House, by J. Barnd," and another small building, used for a 
hat shop, for Jacob Barnd was a hatter by trade. But, about 1838, he 
abandoned the hat making business, and turned the shop into a cake, 
candy, and notion establishment. The hotel building was only a story 
and a half in height, the dining room small, and the sleeping rooms 
not extensive, but it managed, for many years, to do quite a lucrative 
business. What is now the park was, in 1838, a part of the public 
square. Facing the square, and about where Overmyer's hardware 
establishment is, stood a good sized log house, which was the home of 
Mrs. Eckles, mother of Mrs. Julia Barnd. Mrs. Eckles lived to a great 
age, and was well known all over the country. The front of the corner 
lot was not built on until 1840. It is possible that the long and wide 
one story frame, extending from about where Smith's store now is to 
the north end of McArdle's property, was erected, or commenced, in 
1838, but I think it was not built, or at least finished, until 1839. This 
long frame edifice was designed for a tobacco warehouse, but the sud- 
den death of John Comly, in April, 1840, changed the tide of affairs, 
and it was eventually converted into shops, stores, and dwellings. 
Crossing West Alley to where H. B. McLaughlin now resides, we fitjd 
it occupied as a residence by Smith Riley. It was a story, or a story 
and a half house, and was painted yellow. The lot where Mrs. ^Hick- 
man resides contained a building, standing on Main street, that was 
used some years as a blacksmith shop. About 1838 it was so occupied 
by William Dempsey. Mr. Dempse}^ was an uncle of the celebrated 
author and newspaper correspondent, Janairus McGahan, who died 
recently, at Constantinople. The next improved lot we reach is the one 
so long the residence of Eli Montgomery. I can not sav who occupied 
it in 1838, but very soon after that it became the residence of Eli Mont- 
gomer3^ The dwelling was a weatherboarded log structure, and was 
torn away only a few years since, when Newton Thacker erected the 
present nice and commodious edifice, now occupied by L. J. Jackson. 
" This completes the tour of Main street, as it was in 1838. Let us 
now pass down Water to Jackson. Going southward, on Jackson, we 
find no house until opposite where the Second Baptist church now 
stands. This lot was occupied by a two story log house, which, at dif- 
ferent times, was the residence of several families ; but, in 1838, I think 
Rev. Courtland Skinner lived there. Passing on, we find no more im- 
provements until we arrive at the old frame schoolhouse, situated on the 
east corner of the lot now occupied by John C. Smith. The school 
building faces Jackson street. On the next lot, where William McCloy 
now lives, was a log dwelling occupied by a man bv the name of Shed- 
ron. He could speak no English, was a blacksmith by trade, and 
worked for Aaron Petty. We have no further improvements until we 
reach the lot where Hixon Hunt now resides. On this lot stood a large 
frame building, known as the " old tan house." The house and lot had 
been used as a tannery by Mr. North, but subsequentlv abandoned on 
account of the water giving out. This old tan house stood for many 
years, and was used for packing tobacco, as a barn, stable, workshop, 
and particularly for the boys to play "Antony Over." We have no 
other houses until we come to the corner lot now occupied by A. J. 
Ward. On this lot was a log dwelling, in which lived William Van- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 245 

wye. He continued to reside there until within a year or two of his 
death, which occurred onl}^ a few years ago. 

" We have now done with Jackson. Passing down Walnut to High, 
and up High, the first house we come to is a story and a half log dwell- 
ing, on the lot where Thomas Mains lives. This house, in 1838, and 
for many years before and after, was owned and occupied by Alexan- 
der Brown. Next, on the lot where Lloyd Whipps lived, stood a little 
log house occupied by Mrs. Cheney, widow of Ezekiel Cheney. This 
Cheney was one of the very first settlers of the town. He built the 
original house on the corner where the Horahan block now stands, and 
sold out to Jacob Barnd. Passing along High street, the next improved 
lot we come to is the Presb3^terian Church lot. Here stands a large 
frame structure, built only a year or two preceding, and hardly yet fin- 
ished. It is near the center of the lot, and the entrance, instead of 
being next to High street, is at the end next to the alley. But all 
around was then a common, and people did not pay any great attention 
to streets and alleys. From the Presbyterian church to Water street 
all was a common. 

"' The First Baptist Church, or the *' Old Porcupine," as some of the 
young people nicknamed it, on account of the shagginess of the roof, 
stood within a few feet of the site of the present building, now on Church 
street, then simply a county road. It was a large log structure, with 
a double door in the front center, a stairway leading to a gallery used 
onl}'^ on extra occasions, and a high octagon sort of a pulpit, which was 
reached b}' another stairway. There were regular services here each 
" fourth Lord's Day and Saturday preceding," at the yearh' visitation 
meeting, and on other special and irregular occasions. The congregation 
was usually large, and was composed principally of the first settlers and 
their descendants, mostly Pennsylvanians, but embracing also some 
Virginians and Marylanders. The house was partially surrounded by 
trees, and in front was a lawn. The Presbyterians and Methodists 
also formerly worshiped here, but in 1838 the}^ removed to the new 
Presbyterian Church, of which we will now speak. This edifice was 
erected in 1836 or 1837, would seat four or five hundred persons, and 
for several years was jointly used by the Methodists and Presbyterians. 
A flourishing Sunday-school was in operation there in 1838, with Samuel 
Carroll as Superintendent, and Robert Stewart, the public school teacher, 
as Assistant Superintendent. Stewart was a man of correct deportment 
and great piety, but he was not a member of the church, or of any 
church, but -he was the power behind throne, so to speak — the real 
manager and controller of the school. In the fall and 'winter season 
there was nearly always a regular organized singing school at this 
church. About 1838 Stephen Barnes, wlio had recently been County 
Auditor, and Ira Carroll conducted a series of singings in the Presb}'- 
terian Church, the largest and most popular, perhaps, ever held in the 
town. There were sometimes over one hundred singers. Barnes 
understood music and had a very sweet voice. The school used the 
old Missouri Harmonist. There were man}- good singers belonging to 
the school. The Harpers were all natural singers, and to hear them 
sing at home was better than almost rny traveling concert. The Har- 
pers, Browns, Wrights, Carrolls, Colborns, Wilsons, Kennedj^s, Davises, 



246 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

Coddingtons, Skinners, Riishs, Fowlers, Barnds, Grimeses, Strawns, 
Ashbaughs, Donaldsons, and many others, were represented in these 
schools. Young people would oiten come six or eight miles to attend a 
singing. There was always an intermission, which was devoted to 
social conversation. 

" The widow of James Coml}', the chief proprietor of the town, lived 
in a story and a half brick, situated on the hillside, a little below the 
house in which Mr. Maxwell resides, on Factor}^ street. It was a farm 
house and outside of town, of course. The Comlys had three mills — 
two saw-mills and a grist mill. The old saw-mill stood where now is 
about the center of Morehead's stone quarry lot, on the waters of Skin- 
ner's or Fowler's run. The stream is now sometimes called the Oxa- 
woosie. This was not the natural course of the water, but a long 
channel or race was cut and the water brought to the point. The old 
mill did its last siiwing about 1839. T'l^e grist mill was quite a large 
frame structure, and was situated on the waters of Rush Creek, about 
where Mrs. Meenan now lives. It was run awhile as a water mill, and 
then steam fixtures were attached. The steam power was not a success, 
and the old mill was abandoned. It did not stand on the natural channel 
of the creek, but a large race was made from near the old depot bridge 
to the point where the mill stood. The new saw mill erected by John 
Coml}^ stood on the natural channel of Rush Creek, just below where 
C. H. Bailey now resides. Some of the old foundation timbers are yet 
to be seen. In 1838 the mill was in very successful operation, and was 
adding pretty rapidly, for those days, to the fortune of John Comly. 
Comly's mill dam was large^^xtending over a good part of what is now 
the south part of '• Limerick," and backing water often for a half mile 
above town. The dam was a popular resort for bathing in summer, and 
for skating and playing games of "shinny" in winter. It was an ex- 
citing scene to witness a party of twenty-five or thirty play a sharply 
contested game of "shinny" on the smooth, frozen surface of this dam. 
The hill now occupied by the school property, Second Baptist Church, 
and Sheriff Crosbie's residence, was a common, on which stood many 
large oak trees, but the small under-growth and rubbish were all cleared 
away. Menageries and circus shows pitched their tents here, and 
public meetings of various kinds had for years been held there. About 
1838, there was a large Fourth of July celebration on these grounds. 
There was a long table and a free dinner, and a gay civic and military 
display. The old Lexington Guards were in all their glory. I believe 
there was no regular orator of the day, but there were numerous regular 
and volunteer toasts, and they were gravely read and drank with a gusto 
that cannot now be easily realized. The long table was surrounded by 
guests, a reader was stationed at each end of the table, standing on it. 
A toast was read at one end, a fleet-footed boy would run with it to the 
reader at the other end, where it was read again. The Lexington 
Guards would fire a salute, the old anvil would boom, and the guests 
would all simultaneously rise, drink and halloo. And all this ceremony 
was repeated with every toast. The reader has often heard about an 
old-fashioned Fourth of July — this was one of them. It looked big to 
the small boy who had not seen much of the world, but had read some- 
thing of Lexington, Concord and Yorktown. On the evening of this 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 247 

very day, or possibly a year later, the ladies got up a Fourth of July 
supper. The supper was spread on improvised tables, beneath the ap- 
ple trees adjoining Jacob Bugh's residence. All the families in town 
who desired participated in this supper. It was a sociable affair, and 
said to have been greatly enjoyed. Thus the people were sometimes 
entertained forty years ago. 

" There were few approaches to the town in 1838 as compared with 
the present. One bridge across Rush Creek served for both the Somer- 
set and Zanesville roads. It was situated six or eight rods below where 
Henry Free now lives. Of course there was no iron bridge or any 
bridge at that point, no depot bridge, and none where the bridge now 
is at Arnold's mill. The families north of town, in the summer season 
and when the creek was low, in going to school or church, often crossed 
at the ford, near where Arnold's mill now is. A little later James J. 
Wilson and sons constructed a foot-log, with hand railing, about forty 
rods further up the creek, which was used by the families north of the 
creek. The Lancaster road turned obliquely to the left from where 
Shelley McDonald now lives, passing to the foot of the hill, then turn- 
ing to the right and passing up the hill several rods south of its present 
location. There was no road where Water street. Brown street, and 
Western avenue now are. There was no traveled road where Mill 
street is, no road where Main street is south of Walnut, and no road 
where Fowler street is. The road leading south was on or near where 
Church street now is. The Deavertown road came- in at the public 
square, as now, but instead of winding around the hill and up the creek, 
as at present, it led straight across Huston's big hill. The woods en- 
vironed the town closely on almost every side. There were large trees, 
as before stated, on the school-house hill, large oak trees close to the 
old Baptist Church, heavy woods nearly all along what is now one side 
of Mill street, and much of Kelly's addition and other parts of the town 
were in woods in 1838. 

" It will not do, in making this picture of the times of 1838, to con- 
clude without giving the school-house and village school something 
more than a passing notice. The old frame school-house has already 
been located and partially described. The house was well furnished 
for its day and a small village. There were good writing desks all 
around the wall and securely attached thereto; long, hard, smooth 
benches stood by them for seats. There was also an inner circle, or 
square rather, of these same benches for smaller pupils or those w^ho 
did not write. There was also a teacher's seat and desk stationed in 
the north corner of the room. A large stove ih the center was not a 
very nice ornament in the summer, but was very useful in winter. 
Robert Stewart was the teacher in 1838 and for many years before, and 
for several years after, with but slight intermissions. He must not be 
confounded with the well-meaning but poorly educated old-time teacher. 
Stewart was educated at an academy in his native country, Ireland, and 
began teaching at the early age of sixteen years, attending school and 
teaching alternately until he had completed his education. He taught 
a few years in the old country and then came to America, and finally 
settled down permanently in New Lexington. How he came to settle 
down in the then obscure village is, to the writer, something of a mys- 



248 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

tery. He was a perfect gentleman, dressed neatly and scrupulously in 
broadcloth, with polished hat and boots, and habitually carried a hand- 
some cane. He was most thoroughly educated in the common branches 
of learning, and in penmanship could surpass any of the teachers of 
Perry county that I know of to-day. I think he had some knowledge 
of the dead languages, but he was not a man to show off in anything, 
and he never had any real occasion to air his Latin and Greek. He 
was very methodical and exact in all his ways, and it was absolutely 
painful to him to see a crooked row of figures, or a crooked or slanting 
line across a slate, but he was compelled to endure a great many of them. 
Young men and women frequently came for miles to his school, partic- 
ularly in the summer time, when it was not crowded with resident pupils. 

" Stewart had a way of dismissing school in the evening that I never 
saw or heard of at any other place. When study and recitation ceased, 
he named a girl and boy to quietly distribute hats, bonnets, shawls, 
baskets and buckets to their proper owners, and when this was ac- 
complished, he would stand up and say, "Good evening, girls," and 
the girls would quietly pass out; then he would say, "Good evening, 
boys," and the boys would go out in the most quiet, orderly manner. 
This quiet and with him impressive way of dismissing school for the 
day, was strangely at variance with his mode of dismissal for noon, for 
then he would look at his watch and simply say, " You may have your 
dinners," and some of the boys would be eating lunch before the teacher 
had his watch returned to the fob. The signal for books was the teacher 
standing in the school-house door, holding up his pocket handkerchief 
at full arm's length. No gong or bell could start the boj-s in the direc- 
tion of the school-house door -with more rapidity than the simple eleva- 
tion of this bandana. 

" We will call the roll of pupils for a random day of 1838, and then 
bid the village school good-by. Almost all are far awa}^ some are 
dead, and others are near at hand, but no longer answer to roll-call as 
lads and lasses, pupils at school : John Wilson, Oliver Wilson, Calvin 
Wilson, Hiram Wilson, John Davis, James Davis, Jane Davis, Sarah 
Kennedy, Davis Kennedy, Ephraim Colborn, David Hull, Hannah Jane 
Carroll, Sarah Carroll, Isaac Fowler, John Fowler, Charles Banks, 
Mary Banks, James White, Melvilla Skinner, Loxley Barnd, Sarah 
Barnd, Horatio Mason, Simeon Petty, William Petty, Ralph Spencer, 
Levi Reynolds, Mar}' Reynolds, Jacob McClellan, John Wilson, Martha 
Wilson, Eleanor Huston, William Huston, James Johnson, James Coml}-, 
Sarah Comly, Jacob Brown, Phoebe Brown, Anna Brown, Sarah Jane 
Groves, John Vanwye, Isaac Hankinson, A. M. White, Ann W^hite, 
Sarah Daniels. This will do for an average day of the New Lexington 
village school, in the fall or winter of 1838." 

Bristol (first called Burlington) was laid out in September, 1816, 
by Samuel Smith and Jacob Hollenback, and is the oldest town in the 
township. It is situated on the "Old Marietta Road," which was a 
road leading from Lancaster to Marietta. Bristol is about three miles 
south of New Lexington, on the road leading to the old town of Straits- 
ville. The post office was first called Burlington, and was the first post 
office in the south part of the county ; subsequently the name was 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. ~ 249 

changed to Pike, and the town itselt from Burlington to Bristol. The 
post office was finally discontinued, when Maholm, on the Newark, 
Somerset and Straitsville railroad, only half a mile distant, ^^as estab- 
lished. Burlington and Bristol never grew much, though the town was 
nearly always had a tavern, a store or two, physician, and a few shops 
of one kind or another. It now has two churches. Baptist and United 
Brethren. The school house is a half mile from the village. Consid- 
ering the old town and the new one at the railroad station as one, it is 
larger and of more importance than in former years. There are large 
coal works at and near the station. The population of Bristol in 1880 
was 116. This probably does not include the town near the station. 

DicKSONTON — Dickson ton was laid out in 1875, by George Detwiler 
and W. H. Price. It is situated in the extreme southern part of Pike 
township, and has about one hundred inhabitants or upwards, though 
the census of the place is not taken separate!}'. The people are en- 
gaged principally in mining coal and iron ore. The village contains 
a store and post office. A school house is in contemplation. The 
town is chiefly noted as being the residence of "John Hancock.'" a 
humorous writer for the county papers. 

Miscellaneous. — The dread of getting bewildered, "lost,"' or 
"turned round," as the trouble was variousl}'^ expressed, was not an 
uncommon one with the pioneers, and any person who ever went 
through the mental and physical strain, has not the least desire to have 
the experience repeated. While John Fowler was yet unmarried, and 
passing his Sabbath at the home of James Thrall, on the south bor- 
der of Clayton township, one Sunday morning, before breakfast, 
he espied a deer passing near Thrall's house, and hatless and shoe- 
less, and in his shirtsleeves, quietly took down the gun and followed 
after it, hoping to get a shot at it somewhere in the woods not far away. 
He pursued the deer, after the manner of hunters — watching, lying in 
wait, and following up — nearly all day, until toward evening he dis- 
covered that he had lost his bearings, and was sadh^ bewildered. He 
started in what he thought was the direction of home, but could make 
no progress in getting out of the woods, for he could tell b}^ a ver}- large 
tree that was blown up by the roots, and other land-marks, that he was 
traveling in a circle, instead of a straight line, as he desired. He thinks 
he passed the big blown up tree more than twenty times. He would 
frequently strike out with the determination to walk in a straight line, 
but invariably came upon the large uprooted oak. He did not know 
how many miles he had wandered from home, could not form an idea 
where he was, and was sure his was a very bad case of "lost," and he 
began to weaken. Despairing now of getting out of the woods without 
assistance, he climbed a convenient, accessible tree, and hallooed with 
all his might. He met with no immediate response, in any way, but 
believing it to be the most likel}^ way to obtain aid, he held on firmly 
to the tree, and continued to halloo. The brothers Robert and John 
Colborn, who were in the woods that day, heard the frightened outcry 
of some one, evidently in distress, and answered. The shouts were 
repeated, and following in the direction from which they came, they 



250 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

found John Fowler in the tree, pale, anxious and well nigh exhausted. 
He could not descend from the tree without assistance, and, when plac- 
ed upon the ground, could not stand. He soon rallied, however, 
"turned round" right once more, and was himself again, except that he 
was very weak and hungry. Fowler was not a man to scare at trifles, 
but it was the sickening, despairing''"turn round" that overcame him. 
The scene of Fowler's "lost" experience was up near the tunnel, on the 
C. and M. V. railroad, thongh he supposed that he had wandered 
much farther from home. 

Jacob Barnd and wife emigrated from Cumberland, Maryland, to 
New Lexington, Ohio, in 1817, and bought an unfinished house from 
Ezekiel Cheney, situated at the east corner of the public square. Benj- 
amin Coddington and family had emigrated from the same part ot 
Maryland, a year or two before, and lived where Isaac Vansickle now 
resides. The Coddingtons and Barnds had been acquaintances in Mary- 
land, and, in a few months after the Barnds came out, Mrs. Codding- 
ton made a turkey roast, and invited the Barnds out to dinner. It was 
a forthwith invitation, and Hannah Coddington, a girl about fourteen 
years old, was entrusted with the important mission. Mr. Barnd, for 
some reason could not go, but Mrs. Barnd prepared at once to accept 
and return with Hannah Coddington. They soon started off' along the 
narrow path, through the dense woods. They got over in the neighbor- 
hood of Rehoboth, and turned back to try another path, but soon found 
themselves at New Lexington. Miss Hannah thought she knew the 
way now well enough, and off* the two started again. They had not 
proceeded far until they heard the sound of a woodman's ax, and when 
they came up to him, they found it was John Fowler. He accompanied 
the ladies to a spot near where S. S. Avery now lives, and put them on 
the Coddington path. They reached the place in safety, and though 
the turkev had been waiting for some hours, their appetites were all the 
keener, and the dinner was good and much enjoyed, and old Maryland 
and Pennsylvania matters fully talked over. There was a crossing of 
paths a little east of New Lexington, and there is where the lady pe- 
destrians were turned out of their way. 

Tradition has it that an Indian was killed in this township, sometime 
after the county was settled by the whites, and after New Lexington 
was laid out. This Indian is represented as a not very agreeable per- 
son, though he probably did no one any serious injury. He remained 
about New Lexington for awhile, and started off" to the southeast. It 
was alleged that he was followed by men, who had suffered much by 
Indians in Pennsylvania or Virginia, and had sworn vengeance against 
the race, and killed, and his remains buried at a point not far from the 
Brier Ridge tunnel, on the Ohio Central railroad. If the bones of the 
lone Indian should, in any way, be unearthed, at some future time, this 
tradition of his death will serve to explain what might otherwise be con- 
sidered a great mystery. 

The population of Pike township, by the census of 1880, was 3059, 
and has been steadily increasing since that time. 

"Aunt Peggy Wright." — Margaret Wright, wife of Thos. Wright, 
was one of the first pioneer women of Pike township, was a representa- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 251 

tive woman, and the last of all of them to pass from time to eternity. 
She died in 1881, at the age of 92, On her ninetieth birthday she was 
hearty and lively, and there was a great surprise gathering at her resi- 
dence, two miles east of New Lexington. A representative of the Perry 
County Democrat, who was an invited guest and present, gave the fol- 
lowing interesting account of the rare and memorable occasion : 

"Mrs. Wright had been informed that some of her neighbors and de- 
scendants would call upon her that day, but she was kept in ignorance 
of the magnitude of the affair, until it gradually developed to her vision. 
Children, grand-children and neighbors began to gather early, and, a 
little after nine o'clock, carriages and buggies began to roll in from a 
distance. Descendants and other relatives from Clayton, Madison, 
Reading and Hopewell townships came across by the Rehoboth road ; 
and the numerous guests from New Lexington came pouring out the 
Deavertown road. The barn-yard and public road were crammed 
with horses and vehicles, and the large house was full up stairs and 
down with the assembled guests. Half a dozen good coal fires were 
booming, and the stairway leading from the first to the second floor was 
frequently blocked by persons eager to go up or down. The New Lex- 
ington Cornet Band appeared on the scene about eleven o'clock, and 
regaled the assemblv with several of their choicest airs. 

" Dinner was announced a little after twelve, and continued until after 
three. Tables were spread in the dining I'oom and on the two back 
porches. The}^ were literally crowded with everything good to eat, and 
the display of large fine cakes could not easih^ be excelled. Even the 
good old crullers and 'tanglebreeches' were not absent. One ol Aunt 
Peggy's great-grand-children, (about thirty years of age,) alter eating a 
bunch of the 'tangles' nearly as large as his head, remarked that they 
tasted ver}^ good, but were 'thin diet for a laboring man-.' It was a lit- 
tle cool on the porch, of course, but the jokes and hot coffee flew thick 
and fast, and the dining was well done. " Every once in a while, all the 
afternoon, ladies were running around trying to find somebody who had 
not eaten. The day was given to hand shaking and general conversa- 
tion, and the time was well occupied. Several attempts were made to 
count the number of persons present, but they failed of complete success. 
Those who tried it could count until they reached about two hundred 
and seventy-five ; but the remainder jumped around and ran up and 
down the slaii's so they could not be numbered. It is safe to say there 
were three hundred present. 

" Aunt Peggy was, apparently, about the least surprised of anybody. 
She was highly pleased, but was as calm and collected as though none 
but the members of her own immediate family were in the house. She 
was in the best of health, and got up and dressed herself belbre seven 
o'clock. When told by some of the friends that they feared such a 
large crowd might make her nervous, she promptly replied, 'don't be 
the least alarmed ; I am not one of the nervous kind ;' and it cannot be 
denied that she understood herself perfecdy. She received many of her 
friends standing, and seemed not at all fatigued in doing so. She knew 
almost everybody that she had ever seen, and readily recognized some 
persons that she had not met for nearly thirty years. She resides with 
her son Jackson, at the old family homestead, in a large two story 
frame house, erected about thirty-five years since. 



252 HISTOrY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

"Dr. Vanatta and family, and daughter Clara and family, from Un- 
iontown, Muskingum county, were present. Mrs. Vanatta, the oldest 
daughter of the late William Williams, of Madison township, Perry 
county — looking almost as 3'oung and well as when she came to New 
Lexington a bride twenty-live years ago — played the exceedingly inter- 
esting part of grandchild and grandmother, in the same act. The Dem- 
ocrat representative knew enough about the world to realize that he was 
looking upon a very rare scene, as Mrs. Vanatta sat beside her aged 
grandmother, and called her own two little grandchildren to her side. 
It is seldom, indeed, that five generations are gathered, at the same 
time, under one roof, as on this memorable day." 

Sketch of Aunt Peggy, — Margaret Ankeny, who, for fifty years 
or more, has been known in all this neighborhood as Aunt Peggy 
Wright, was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, December 13th, 
1789. Her father's name was David Anken}' ; her mother's maiden 
name was Elsie Ritter. Margaret Ankeny was married to Thomas 
Wright, December 25th, 1809. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. 
Wright lived in Pennsylvania seven ^-ears, and until the}- had three 
children. They then pulled up stakes at the old home, and removed to 
what was then Muskingum, but what is now Perry county, Ohio. They 
moved family and goods in a four-horse wagon, and were three weeks 
on the way. It rained every da}^ of their journey but three ; and they 
ate their meals and slept in the wagon. • They crossed the Muskingum 
river at Zanesville on a flat boat. They halted in Putnam and got 
breakfast. There was only one house in Putnam. Mr. Wright rent- 
ed a farm in Madison township. The farm was on the State road, near 
where David Ream now lives. They arrived there in April, 1813, 
raised and saved a crop, and then came to the farm where Aunt Peggy 
has ever since lived, and which Mr. Wright purchased. She has resi- 
ded on this spot for sixty-six years. 

When Mrs. Wright and her husband came to this place, and un- 
loaded their world's goods, neighbors were few and tar between, and 
the almost unbroken forest abounded with many kinds of wild game. 
Deer, bears, panthers, wolves, wild cats, and other animals had their 
home and habitation near. There was onl}' one family living on Bear 
Run ; William Fowler lived near where Moxahala now is ; John Fowler, 
Samuel McClellan and James Comly lived where New Lexington now 
is, and there were two or three houses close to where Rehoboth now is. 
Rehoboth and New Lexington were not laid out. 

A bear once came and took a fat hog out of the pen near Mrs. 
Wright's house, killed it and hid it in the leaves. The bear returned in 
a few days and got another hog from a man by the name of W. Lash- 
ley, who lived where W. Hammond ~ now lives. The neighbors were 
aroused and all gathered in with guns and dogs. Uncle Thomas 
Wright had two bullets in his gun, and as the bear raised up from the 
dogs, he fired and killed it. They hung it in Lashley's house, raised 
the puncheons of the floor, and skinned and cleaned it in there, and 
then divided the meat. When Jeremiah, one of Mrs. Wright's older 
children, was a small boy, he was sent to a neighbor's, beyond Reho- 
both, to get a cheese hoop repaired. On his return, when he got to 
where Nugent's coal switch is, and only about a quarter of a mile from 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 253 

home, he espied two cub bears, and, boy like, tried to catch them, when 
the old bear raised up behind a log, and put its front feet upon it. — 
Jerry made tracks fast enough toward home, and raised the alarm. Sev- 
eral men gathered with guns and dogs, and run the bear down on the 
creek close to where Ira Carroll now lives. There the bear climbed 
a tree. The bear was shot and tumbled to the ground. Ever since then 
the creek near wiiere the bear was killed has been called Bear Run. 

••Aunt Peggy has been the mother of eleven children, and raised ten 
of them. She has eighty grandchildren and about seventy-live great- 
grandchildren. She has also five descendants of the fourth generation. 
Seven of her children are yet living, to-wit : Jackson Wright, Calvin 
Wright and Julia Selby. wife of Thomas Selby, of the vicinitv of New 
Lexington ; Mrs. Mary Williams, widow of the late William Williams, 
of Madison township. Perry county : David Wright and Charlotte Yost, 
of Missouri : and James Wright and Susan Carroll, wife of Benjamin 
Carroll, of this place. Children, grandchildren and great-grandchild- 
ren are inter-married with the families of Williams, Selby, McClung, 
Wilson, Carroll, Groves, Yost, Ream, Vanatta, Arnold, Teal, Moeller, 
Snider, Hull, Colborn, Bright, Snell. Eversole, Zeigler, Guy, Barnes, 
Koons, Hammond, and fully as manv more, not known or not now re- 
membered b}' the writer. So it will be readily observed, that a reun- 
ion of Aunt Peggy's descendants could be no small affair. 

'• She united with the New Lexington Baptist Church in 1823, and 
was baptized in Comly's mill dam. close to where H. N. Free's new 
store house is. Rev. James Skinner was the pastor of the church at 
that time, and administered the ordinance of Baptism. She attended 
meeting at the residence of the late Samuel Rush, one mile southwest 
of town, where Mr. Nixon now lives, and carried her baby, a distance 
of three miles from home. She said she would rather walk than bother 
with a horse. 

'•Aunt Peggy is accustomed to say that those early pioneer days were 
the happiest of her life, when she had plent}' of work to do, and the 
will and the strength to do it. She used to milk twelve or fifteen cows, 
and made plenty of butter and cheese. She was a liberal feeder of her 
stock, and she says that her ' calves didn't go around with tails like chest- 
nut biu's." She pitched wheat and taught her husband how to build the 
first wheat stack he ever made. She had learned that at home when a 
girl. She would take her child to the field and lay it on a bunch of flax, 
while she was engaged in pulling and saving the crop. For several 
years she did all the sheep shearing. On one occasion she got break- 
fast, did up her work, clipped nineteen sheep in the forenoon, and went 
to the house in time to get dinner for the men. 

'•Thomas Wright, the husband of Aunt Peggy, died July 5th, 1864, 
after which she kept house about one year, and then got her son Jack- 
son to move into the house with her. 

"Rushs, Coddingtons, Hulls, Skinners, Thralls, and a number of 
other families came to the neighborhood soon after the Wrights moved 
down from Madison township. Mrs. Wright has one brother 3-et living. 
His name is David Ankney, and he resides on the old home place in 
Pennsylvania. i\unt Peggy thinks that she is stouter than any of her 
daughters or granddaughters yet. She never had any trouble with her 



254 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

neighbors, but always lived a life of peace, neighborship and'good will. 
She says she always made it a point never to ' fuss with the old man.' 
When things did not go to suit her, she 'just shut her eyes like an ox 
and went straight ahead.' It is seventy years this month since Aunt 
Peggy was a bride, and she lived with her husband nearly fifty-six 
vears, though he has now been nearly sixteen years gone to his eternal 
rest." 

"Grandmother Barnd." — Next to "Aunt Peggy Wright," 
"Grandmother Barnd" was the last of the pioneer women of Pike 
township to depart this life. She was another representative woman, 
and one who is widely remembered. She died in 1880, at the age of 
eighty-six. The following interesting facts are gleaned from an obitu- 
ary sketch published in the Perry Cotmiy Democrat : 

"Julia Ann Eckels was born at Cumberland, Maryland, February 9th, 
1794. She was married to Jacob Barnd, December 26th, 1815. They 
emigrated to New Lexington, Ohio, in 1817. 

" Their removal from Cumberland to this place was not an easy task, 
under the circumstances. They brought no wagon, and only one horse. 
We believe they had two little children at the time, and also brought 
some light personal and household effects. Mr. Barnd, of course, 
walked nearh^ all the way. New Lexington had just been laid out, 
and a few log houses erected. Mr. Barnd bought an unfinished log 
house, situated on the corner where the Horahan block now stands. 
The house had been erected by Ezekiel Chaney, and was purchased 
from him. Chaney was one of the first men that lived in the town. 
The writer has often heard Mrs. Barnd describe the place as she rode 
into town to her new home. The trees had been cut on Main street, 
and the timber cleared away ; but the brush had been piled flat, all along 
the street, preparatory to being covered with earth, so as to round up 
the street. But the brush was not covered for some time. 

"When Jacob Barnd and wife came to Ohio, Christian Barnd, a 
brother of Jacob, lived on the farm now owned and occupied by Curtis 
Rugg, a mile or two northwest of town. Sometime in the summer of 
1817, two other brothers came to Ohio, and visited Christian and Jacob. 
We have heard Mrs. Barnd describe how she wanted them to come, 
yet dreaded their coming for they had no table, no chairs, and but very 
little of anything else. A rude table was improvised, and three-legged 
stools were made. She secured a wild turkey, got some potatoes of a 
neighbor, and she had a cow, and milk of her own, if we remember 
right. So the dinner was prepared, and, after all, was good enough 
for anybody. The brothers were very jolly, as they sat around the rude 
board, and enjoyed their dinner, the last they ever all ate together. 

"The log house on the corner was weather-boarded, raised in height, 
and additions built to it, and it became the famous " Temperance House, 
by J. Barnd," and as such was very favorably known to travelers and 
sojourners. Jacob Barnd was a hatter by trade, and he, for a long time, 
carried on a shop, but finally abandoned the business. He died in 
1856. 

" Mrs. Barnd united with the Old school Baptist church, and was bap- 
tized by Rev. James Skinner in 1819. At that time no Baptist church had 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 255 

been built in this place, and Mrs. Barnd went, once a month, afoot, and 
carried her baby, to attend church, near where Henry Hazleton now 
lives, at the mouth of Shawnee run. She would go Saturday and re- 
turn Sunday afternoon. She united with the Second Baptist Church 
thirty odd years ago. She was a regular attendant at church as long 
as she was able to go anywhere. She lacked but two days of being 
eighty-six years old at the time of her death, 

" Grandmother Barnd was one of the last of the pioneer women, who 
came to the town and neighborhood previous to 1820.. She had been 
tenderly brought up in a town or city, and her people were well-to-do ; 
but she hesitated not to start out on a lonesome journey into the wilder- 
ness, and labor to found and furnish a new home. She did her part 
nobly, and was highly honored and respected in every station of life. 
Few persons will be more kindly or generally remembered when they 
pass off the stage of action." 



256 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

• PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 

Pleasant township was organized in 1850, from nine sections taken 
from Bearfield, three sections from Monroe, three sections from Pike, 
and one section from SaltHck township, and contains sixteen sections. 
It is in the southeastern portion of Perry count^^ Ohio, bounded on the 
north by Bearfield and Pike, on the south by Monroe and Saltlick, on 
the east by Bearfield and Monroe, and on the west by Pike and Salt- 
lick township. In size it is a fractional township, and next to the small- 
est in the county. Coal township being two sections smaller. The 
surface is quite undulating, the valle3'S being narrow, and the hills in 
some portions are quite steep, but none reach a great height. Very 
nearl}^ all the land is arable and produces well. 

The township is well watered by small spring streams, nearly all of 
which rise within its borders, the largest being a branch of Jonathan's 
creek, which cuts a complete triangle from the northwest corner, by 
heading at or near the central western border and flows east and north- 
east, passing out a little east of the north central border. Although 
the stream is small, on account of its narrow valley it at times consid- 
erably overflows its banks, and in 1882 completely flooded Moxahala. 

The streams flow from the northern part of the township, into the 
Muskingum river, while those of the southern half flow into the Hock- 
ing river. The dividing ridge passes just south of Moxahala over the 
tunnel, and eastward in a zigzag line upon which Oakfield and Porter- 
ville are situated. 

The township is rich in mineral products, being underlaid with what 
is commonl}^ known as the four feet vein of coal. Iron ore is tound in 
many places in good paying quantities, and south of Moxahala a vein 
has been' used from, that is seven feet in thickness. This is known as 
the pot ore. Black band is more frequent but has been worked less 
than the pot ore. Black band usuall}- appears at from eight inches to 
eighteen inches thick, and yields about forty per cent iron. Pot ore 
generally yields about forty five or fifty per cent iron. Pot ore is so un- 
certain in its amount in one place, that it is seldom worked with profit, 
and with little dependence. Black band lies in strata and is worked 
with dependence and success. The coal now being mined is of a su- 
perior quality, and all obtained from drifts. South of Moxahala, if the coal 
is mined it must be by shafts, one or two of which are being sunk at 
this time, 1882. There is one small shipping bank at North Ferrara. 

The health of the township is extremely good, and upon account of 
the undulations of its surfiice, they never sufler from miasmatic influence. 

The hills are indeed picturesque, and are to the student an open 
book of nature, from which the geological formations may be studied 
without even the aid of a book or teacher. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 257 

It is a splendid stock farming country — especially adapted to sheep 
raising. Upon account of its mineral, the land is reckoned valuable, and 
they who now own it laugh at the man who claims his fine valley farm 
is worth more money than these hilly ones, although previous to the 
development of this mineral wealth, it was freely acknowledged that 
one acre of bottom land was worth three acres owned in these hills. 
Thus we see, that natxjre's storehouse unlocks her doors slowly, but 
surely to supply the wants of her offspring. 

William Fowler was perhaps the first settler, who entered land in 
section thirty, then of Bearheld township, in about 1814 ; and at that 
time there was but one house between his premises and New Lexing- 
ton, a distance of seven miles. Soon after him came the Biddisons, and 
just after the Biddisons the Montgomerys. 

Other early settlers were Reuben Tharp and his sons, Job and Wal- 
lace Tharp, Lloyd Whipps, John Whipps, Thomas Ayers, John S. 
Kelley, and others. A list of voters and tax-payers will be found in 
Bearfield township, which will give all the other earl}^ settlers of the 
township, as they were settlers as earl}- as 1818. They were most likely 
from the eastern states; at least the majorit}^ of them. Fowler came from 
Marj-land, upon horseback, and after entering his land, built upon it a 
log cabin ; where he kept bachelor's hall for sometime before he was 
married ; perhaps a year or so. In those days the privations were much 
to endure, and it required a determined mind as well as muscular force 
to withstand the hardships. The day of pack-saddles and wooden 
mould-boards were in the height of their glory. 

Going to mill then meant a horesback ride, a distance of twenty to 
twentyfive miles ; a two days trip to Zanesville and return via cow paths. 
The grist was fixed upon one horse that wore a pack-saddle ; this liorse 
was led, while another one was rode. Corn and buckwheat were the 
principal products at that time. Some wheat was raised, and also some 
tobacco. All produce was cheap ; wheat was worth twentyfive cents 
a bushel, corn fifteen cents per bushel, and was usually exchanged for 
goods or any thing the farmer needed. Tea and coffee were scarce 
articles and high priced. Buckskin breeches and moccasins were the 
usual dress goods for mens' wear, while the women wore linen and 
linsey of their own manufacture. House raisings and log rollings were 
frequent. 

The flesh of the wild beasts of the forest furnished the pots, while 
their skins clothed the backs of the hardy, rugged frontiersmen. The 
pioneer was reliable as a friend, and kind as a neighbor. The land 
was generally taken up b}^ entry at $1.25 per acre. 

The first water and horse mill was built about two miles below 
where Moxahala now stands, and on the south fork of Jonathan's creek, in 
about 1817, by Franklin Harris, where they ground corn and buckwheat, 
and also some time afterward arranged for sawing. It went into 
the hands of Thomas and Robert Porter, who owned it until it fell down, 
killing a boy by its falling. It has not done any grinding since about 
1842. One of the Biddisons built a saw-mill where Moxahala now 
stands, which run only about ten years and went down. It was built 
about 1842. On the Fowler farm. Joseph and Henry Fowler built a saw- 
mill about 1847, which was used until about 1867. West of Moxahala, 

S7 



258 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

William Biddison, Jr., built a saw-mill about 1842, which was kept in 
use until 1880, when it was finally abandoned. There is now no mill 
in Pleasant township, that is in use. Portable mills have done their saw- 
ing, for some years past. 

Churches. — The oldest church of this township was the Old School 
Baptist Church, and it appears to have been the pioneer religious society. 
Although it was the oldest, it seems to have been one of weakness. 
Being the oldest, it probably was organized about from i8i4to 1820. At 
first they held services in dwelling houses, but at some date afterward, 
built a church house where Oakfield now stands, in which they worship- 
ed until some three or four years ago they disbanded. The only per- 
sons now living who were members of this church are Mrs. Eliza Hall, 
Mrs. Juliet Hartzell,, and Mrs. Marjory Conaway. The old church 
house is still standing, in a dilapidated condition, and the cemetery is 
still kept up. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church was the second oldest church in 
this community, and it would likely be correct to say it was a pioneer 
religious body. The class worshiped at different places in the com- 
munity previous to the building of a church. They once had a church 
edifice in Oakfield, but more than twenty-two years ago they disband- 
ed, and united with other appointments. There is now none of its form- 
er members in this community. , 

The New School Baptist Church was organized in about i849,under 
the pastorate of Rev. S. D. Alton, with about twenty members ; among 
whom were Henry Fowler and wife, Mrs. Solomon Cauls, James 
Spencer, Edward Minchall and wife, Evan P. Young and wife, Mrs. 
Jamison and others. Jno. B. Holcomb was also a member and Deacon, 
and yet remains Deacon. 

Rev. S. D. Alton remained pastor for seven or eight years after the 
organization, and has been succeeded by Rev. Louis Madden, Rev. 
John Herbert, Rev. Benjamin Ferguson and a number of others. For 
about one year past they have had no preaching. This church organ- 
ized a Sabbath-school about 1873, and it has been kept up during the 
summer season each 3'ear since, and part of the time during summer 
and winter. There is now about thirty-five in regular attendance. 

The Baptists bought a church that was formerly owned by the Dis- 
ciple Church, a small frame building upon the site of their present 
house, which they supplanted by a much larger one, and the one now 
occupied by them in Oakfield. 

The Disciple Church was organized in about from 1848 to 1852, by 
Revs. Devore and Riley, who came from Sunday Creek to Oakfield 
for that purpose. At one time they numbered some forty members. 
This organization lasted only about two or three years, during which 
time they built a small church house, where the New School Baptists 
now have a much larger building, having previously bought the site. 

The Presbyterian Church was organized in about i860, with about 
fifteen members, as follows : Benjamin Green and wife, Cyrus Green 
and wife, Robert Little and wife, Jared Rader and wife, Jane Little, 
Susan Little, Matilda Little, Jno. Green, George Green and David 
Brown and wife. Benjamin Green was Deacon. At first they met in 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 259 

the Baptist Church, but in the same year of the organization, i860, they 
built the present church house owned by them in Oakfield. They now 
have about sixty members, and Jared Rader is Deacon, and James 
Brown Elder. Rev. Ferguson was pastor at the time of the organiza- 
tion, who has been succeeded by Rev. Robert Grimes, Rev. Charles 
Duncan, Rev. William Reed', Rev. Hugh McBride, Rev. Charles 
Taylor, Rev. Dudley, Rev. Charles Wallace, who is pastor now. 

Sabbath-school was organized in 1874, by Rev. McBride, and the 
first few years, met only in the summer season, but for some three years 
past has been kept up all the year, with an average attendance of from 
forty-five to fifty. At one time it numbered 150 scholars. 

St. Pius Catholic Church was organized and the house built in about 
1854, under the pastorate of Father Darchoe. .Some of the first mem- 
bers were James Sheeran, Owen Slevin, Michael Riley, Jno. Riley, Mr. 
O'Conner, Edward Meloy, Peter Carroll, James Carroll, Thomas Crad- 
dock, S. W. Dillehay, William Bennett, Robert Bennett, WiHiam 
Forquer, Washington Hillis, Edward Hillis and others. There is now 
about sixty families belonging to this church. Father Heary is now 
pastor. This church is situated south of Ferrara, near the township line, 
in Section 24. 

Mount Pleasant Methodist Episcopal Church, which is commonly 
known as the Whippstown church, is situated in the very extreme 
northwest corner of Section No. i, and was organized about 1840, un- 
der the pastorate of Rev. McHutchins. In 1842 or 1843, they built a 
log church house. Previous to this they met in private houses and barns, 
often in the house of John Madden. The log church stood until 1871, 
when it was replaced by the present neat frame house, under the pastor- 
ate of Rev. Adamson. Some of the first members were Lloyd Whipps, 
John Whipps, Thomas A3'ers, John S. Kelley, John Madden, and Anna 
Whipps. John S. Kelle}^ seems to have been the leader. After Mc- 
Hutchins, the pulpit has been supplied by the Ohio Conference. Sab- 
bath-school was organized about thirty years ago, and has been kept 
up ever since, during summer, and for four or five years past, the whole 
year. 

Towns — Oakfield was laid out by Job Tharp, in 1838. The land 
was entered by Tharp's father, who gave it to his son. The first store 
was kept probabl}'^ by J. P. Reed, who came there from Baltimore, Mary- 
land. James Moore kept after Reed, and both kept where Albert 
Tharp now lives. Robert Donaldson kept store at one time where 
Robert Little now lives, and moved to where Jesse Smith now keeps. 
Smith's store is the only store kept there at this time. Oakfield 
is very pleasantly situated, in the southern part of Section 29, and upon 
the dividing ridge of drainage that slopes both north and south. It has 
about 130 inhabitants at this time. 

Moxahala was laid out in 1873, by A. S. Biddison, and is situ- 
ated near the central part of Section 30, and upon the Ohio Central 
Railroad line. It has a population of about 375, a postoftice, three 
general merchandise stores, two drug stores, two hotels and a blast 
furnace, where pig iron is made. 

North Ferrara is on the line between Pleasant and Pike town- 



26o HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

ships, and that portion in Pleasant township was laid out by William 
Wiggins, of Pleasant township. It is a very small village. 

Schools. — The first school will be noticed in Bearfield township, 
from which most of this township was taken. There are now six school 
districts, all of which have good school-houses, three being brick struct- 
ures and three frame buildings. The house in Moxahala is two story 
and employs two teachers. There is enrolled in this township 264 
scholars. At the election in the fall of 1882 there were 210 votes cast. 
The present Justices of the Peace are William Spencer and George 
liams. Thomas Longshore, Charles Carter and Franklin Grimes are 
Trustees. Thomas Holcomb is Township Clerk. 

Industries. — In the year 1877 the Moxahala Iron Company 
built what is known as the Moxahala Furnace, and in January i, 1878, 
it went into blast. It was built here because of the mineral, afforded in 
this vicinity, to supply it. They use one-half native ore, one-fourth 
mill cinder and one-fourth lake ore or hematite. They employ about 
fifty hands, and run, upon an average, about forty-eight tons of iron 
per day, but have a capacity of about fifty-seven tons per day. 

There is a potter shop near the town of Moxahala that was built in 
September of 1880, where they employ ten hands, and make all kinds 
of stone or earthen ware, obtaining their material about one mile from 
the pottery. They manufacture about 6,000 gallons per week, and in 
December, 1882, increased to double that amount. At the Ohio State 
Fair they took the premium, both on their wares and fire clay and pot- 
ter's exhibit. The ware is principally shipped into the central and north- 
ern parts of this State. Pleasant township has a population of 1053. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 261 



CHAPTER XXXIII. , 

READING TOWNSHIP. 

Reading township was probably authorized and named as early as 
1804 or 1805, but the first record evidence of its organization into a civil 
township, IS early in the year 1807. It derived its name from Reading, 
Pennsylvania, and was named by Peter Overmyer, who came to the 
township in 1802. Reading township was originally a part of Fairfield 
county, comprised thirty-six sections, and was just six miles square ; 
but when the new county ot Perry was organized, two rows of sections 
were taken from Richland township and attached to Reading, in order 
to give the new county the necessary number of square miles, and prob- 
ably to make the western border of the county a little farther from Over- 
myertown and Somerset, both of which villages aspired to be the seat 
of justice for the new county. Reading township is now an oblong, 
six miles from north to south, and eight miles from east to west. It is, 
in extent of territory, the empire township of the county, and had no 
rival in population, until within a few years, in which time Pike, Salt- 
lick, Coal and Monroe have become competitors with it in this respect, 
and two or three of them now surpass it. 

Reading is, undoubtedly, one of the most desirable townships of 
land in Ohio, and long years of cultivation and care make the o-reater 
part of it show to the best advantage. About nine-tenths of it Ties on 
the Hocking slope, and the remaining one-tenth on the Muskingum slope. 
That part of it which is on the Hocking side of the divide, "is drained 
by West Rush Creek and tributaries, and by some of the tributaries of 
East Rush Creek. So much of the township as lies on the Muskingum 
side of the divide, is drained by Hood's Run, and a few other small 
tributaries of the north branch of" Jonathan's Creek, or Moxahala. The 
land on both sides of the dividing ridge is naturally of excellent drain- 
age, and only a very small percentage of stagnant water is ever known 
within the township limits. Most oi" the land is undulating, and a part 
of the southeast region of the township is hilly. The land" is about all 
arable, and most of it is very productive. Coal is found in the south- 
eastern part in great abundance and of excellent quality. There are 
two or three seams in a part of the coal district, all of a good, merchant- 
able quality. Iron ore is also very abundant in many places in the 
southern part of the township. The ore has been mined and shipped, 
to a considerable extent, and has been used witii success in furnaces at 
Shawnee, Zanesville, Newark and other points. Some of the first coal 
mined in the county, was in this coal district, and the first coal miner is 
said to have been a colored man. The coal of this region found a mar- 
ket in early times at Somerset, Rushville, Lancaster and other points 
adjacent. 

Nearly all the cereals are produced in Reading. Stock-raising and 



262 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

wool-growing receive much attention. There are also good orchards and 
vineyards, and the cultivation of many varieties of fruit has been 
crowned with considerable success. 

Many of the early settlers of Reading township were Pennsylvania 
Germans, but large numbers of persons of English descent, from Penn- 
sylvania and others of the older States, came along soon alter, and 
made permanent habitations. The Germans settled principally in the 
neighborhood of Overmyertown, while the emigrants of English de- 
scent located mostly about Somerset, and in the eastern part of the 
township. There were many exceptions to this, however, and Germans 
were found near Somerset, and English speaking people in the vicinity 
of Overmyertown and in the western part of the township. At a little 
later date, from 1820 to 1830, there was a considerable emigration of 
people of Irish birth or descent, who settled, for the most part, near 
Somerset and to the south of it. 

What now constitutes Reading township, was first permanently set- 
tled in 180 1, in the western part, and it ma}^ be that a few other families 
settled in other parts of the township in the same year. There are re- 
ports of men living in the west part of what is now Reading township, 
in 1799 or 1800, and it is possible that two or three persons did tempo- 
rarily live there within those years ; but this could scarcely be called a 
permanent settlement, and nearly all trace of these adventurers is lost. 
What became of them appears to be unknown. Peter Overm3^er and 
Peter Whitmer, brothers-in-law, came to Overmyertown in 1802, and 
some other families soon followed, constituting quite a little colony. 
Robert Colborn settled one mile east of Somerset, in 1802, and a few 
other families came to the neighborhood of where Somerset now is, 
during that and the following year. Frederick Heck appears to have 
come to the neighborhood of Otterbein in 1802, and George Bowman 
to West Rush Creek in the same year. Daniel Lidey also came to the 
neighborhood of Otterbein about this time. Thomas Hammond came 
in 1802 or 1803, and Fink and Miller, the proprietors of Somerset, in 
1803 or 1804. But there is still an earlier settlement than any of the 
foregoing. 

Aaron Binckley, Esq., of Reading township, in response to an in- 
quiry on the subject, writes: "My grandfather's name was Christian 
Binckley. He came to Ohio in April, 1801, and settled on the farm 
where I now reside, in section eleven of this (Reading) township. He 
built a cabin about one hundred yards from where my house is. The 
land was bought of George Arnold, who entered it a short time before. 
Christian Binckley came from Washington county, Maryland, near a 
place called Fankstown. He died in 1832, at the age of ninety-five 
years." 

This settlement by Christian Binckley, in the western part of Read- 
ing township, is the earliest permanent one made within what is now 
Perry county, so far as any authentic information can be obtained. The 
place where Mr. Binckley settled, was originally in Richland township, 
Fairfield county, but when Perry was organized, two rows of sections 
were taken from Richland and attached to Reading, the section where 
Binckley settled being included. It will be noted that Christian Binck- 
ley was born in 1737, and he was a middle-aged man at the breaking 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 263 

out of the Revolutionary War. He was sixty-four years old at the time 
he emigrated to this part of the country, and must have been one of the 
oldest men who ever came to this part of the western wilderness to hew 
out a new home. Aaron Binckley, the great-grand-son who gives the 
information, must be about fifty years old, and there are few persons of 
that age in Perry county, the mortal remains of whose great-grand pa- 
rents are interred therein. Very few persons ever emigrated to what is 
now Perry count}^ Ohio, who were born so early as 1737. 

The following named persons were citizens and voters in Reading 
township, as early as 18 16 or 1817 : 

Leonard Ream, Jacob Miller, Jacob Mains, Adam Anspach, John 
Cassell, Jacob Dittoe, George Morris, John Beckwith, Thomas Neal, 
John Beigler, Jacob Finck, John Hammond, John Finck, Sr., David 
Beckwith, Thomas Cull, Joseph McNeil, Jesse McGowen, John Collins, 
Peter Dittoe, George Witmer, Henry Heck, Philip Spohn, Benjamin 
Anspach, Thomas Hammond, Charles Garey, George Trout, George 
Kuntz, Tilden Philips, Michael Stoker, Jacob Spohn, Philip Spice, 

Freeman, Isaac Pence, Daniel Parkinson, Frederick Mains, Sr., 

Jacob Walker, Joshua Roberts, Samuel Parrott, Samuel Ziegler, Sam- 
uel Zartman, Jacob Downhour, Philip Lentz, John Burkhead, Adam 
Binckley, Jacob Seniff, John Mains, Jacob Overmyer, Daniel Spohn, 
James Harding, Adam Householder, George Crossen, George Brehm, 
Jacob Noles, Daniel Lidey, Henry Stults, George Beckwith, John Wag- 
ner, Frederick Mains, Jr., Philip Dupler, John Kuntz, John Cochran, 
Robert Colborn, Lewis Brant, David Pugh, Frederick Kistler, James 
Patterson, John McCormick, John Teal, Anthony Finck, Jacob Stein, 
Roswell Mills, Peter Bugh, Sr., George Batson, Peter Whitmer, Wil- 
liam Wright, Robert Barnes, William Keenan, John Beecher, Peter 
Bugh, Jr. Joseph Bowman, John Little, John Miller, John Overmyer, 
Henry Gray, John Braddock, John Harris, ](^\n Middagh, George Rich- 
ards, Wesley Allwine, John Ream, George Miller, Thomas Reynolds, 
Michael Bugh, George Bowman, Robert Skinner, John Yost, John 
Moyer, John Finck, Jr., Myron Griffith, John Trout, Peter Overmyer, 
John Bugh, Daniel Bowman, John Wilson, John Murray, George Over- 
myer, John Stutz, John Green, James Elder, Abraham Yost. 

As before stated, the first record of Reading township appears in 
1807. The official proceedings of the officers for several years subse- 
quent to that date, show in a better way than can otherwise be done, 
the growth and progress of the township, and also, to a great extent, 
the characteristics and peculiarities of the times. 

The following extracts are taken from the official proceedings of the 
Township Trustees, as recorded by the Township Clerk. The book is 
now in possession of the present Township Clerk, Mr. A. A. Finck : 
Reading Township, Fairfield County, O., 

May 30th, 1807. 

The Trustees of Reading township met to give the Supervisors their 
orders for making the roads of said township. 

March 26th, 1808 — Jeremiah Conoway and David Pugh, Trustees of 
Reading township ; Jacob Dittoe and Peter Overm\^er, Grand Jurors ; 
and Robert Barnes, John Wagner, William Spencer and Hemy Sellers, 
Petit Jurors. 



264 HISTORY OF PI?RRY COUNTY. 

April 14, 1808 — Township Clerk, George Overmyer ; Treasurer, 
John Hammond ; Trustees, John Wagner, Joseph Fegruson, Thomas 
Cowen ; Supervisors, Christian Deal, William Babb, Ludwick Riden- 
our ; Fence Viewers, William Babb, John Finck ; Constables, William 
Allaway, William Read ; Lister of Tax, David Ridenour ; House Ap- 
praiser, Joseph Shafer. 

May 2, 1808 — Overseer of the Poor, John Poorman. 

March 6, 1809 — William Babb, Supervisor ot Reading township, 
indebted to said township, $6. Order to Treasurer to collect above. 

March 6, 1809 — Robert Barron, due to Reading township, for one 
stray mare, $35. 

March 6, 1809 — Benjamin Spencer, due to Reading township, for 
some stray hogs, $10. 

March 6, 1809 — John ^Binckley, due Reading township, for one 
stray steer, $15. 

March 6, 1809 — John Wagoner, Joseph Ferguson, Thomos Cowen, 
Trustees of Reading township ; Jeremiah Conowa}^, Frederick Heck, 
Joseph Bogle. Grand Jurors; Uriah Hull, John Cassell, Daniel Lidey, 
Petit Jurors. 

For April 2, 1809 — Officers of Reading township: Joseph Petty, 
Treasurer; Daniel Lide}-, Robert Colborn, Supervisors ; John Poor- 
man, George Souslin, Overseers of the Poor ; Jacob Miller, Jacob Dit- 
toe. Fence Viewers ; Joseph Shefler, Assessor ; Christian Ream, House 
Appraiser. 

I do hereby certify that the above is correct. 

George W. Overmyer, Clerk. 

April 2, 1810 — Officers of Reading township elected: Trustees, Ja- 
cob Dittoe, Peter Overmyer, Smith Goodin ; Township Clerk, John 
Dittoe ; Supervisors, Jacob Miller, John Fiuk ; Constables, William 
Reed, John Stiers ; Appraisers of Houses, John Parkinson, Benjamin 
Johnson ; Overseers of the»Poor, George Souslin, Ludwig Brand ; Fence 
Viewers, Jeremiah Conoway, David Hard}-. 

August 6, 1810 — George Overmyer came before me, with his 
certificate from the hands of the County Clerk of Fairfield, that he was 
qualified a Justice of the township of Reading of said county. 

October 20, 1810 — William Spencer and Smith Goodin came be- 
fore me, with their certificate from the hands of the Clerk of the county 
of Fairfield, Ohio, and give bonds for the true performance of Justice 
of the Peace of Reading township. John Dittoe, Clerk. 

Met and made settlement between the township and the officers and 
issued orders on the township Treasurer, John Fink, one order of $6; 
Jacob Miller, Supervisor of said township, $8 ; Jacob Dittoe, Peter 
Overmyer, and Smith Goodin, Trustees of the aforesaid township, one 
order each, and each one contained $3 ; and John Dittoe, Clerk of said 
township, one order of $4. 

April I, 1811 — State of Ohio, county of Fairfield: At an election 
held for the township of Reading, the following men were elected for 
township officers, viz. : Trustees, John Vanatta, John Yost, William 
Spencer ; Township Clerk, John Cassell ; Treasurer, Joseph Petty ; 
Constable, Jacob Overmyer; the Trustees appointed the above day: 
John Collare, Supervisor ; Robert Colborn, Daniel Lidey, Listers ; John 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 265 

Parkinson, Benjamin Johnson, Overseers of the Poor ; Daniel Parkin- 
son, Benjamin Stiers, appointed by the Trustees as Fence Viewers. 

April 8, 181 1 — Trustees met and laid off the township to Supervis- 
ors in districts. 

April 6, 1812 — State ot Ohio, county of Fairfield : At an election 
held for the township of Reading, there were elected for township offi- 
cers : Clerk, George Ziegler ; Trustees, John Vanatta, Wm. Spencer, 
and John Yost ; Treasurer, Joseph Petty ; Constables, John Forsythe 
and Jacob Overmyer ; Lister of Tax, John Parkinson ; Supervisors, Jno. 
McLain, Jacob Dittoe ; Overseers of the Poor, Peter Overmyer, Jona- 
than Loveberry ; Fence View^ers, Jacob Miller, George Souslin. 

The Trustees met the i8th of April, 1812, and laid off the township 
in districts to supervisors. 

At an election held in the county of Fairfield and the State of Ohio, 
for the purpose of electing township officers for the township of Read- 
ing, the following men were elected : Clerk, John Murray; Trustees, 
David Beckwith, Christian Deal, Peter Overmyer; Treasurer, Joseph 
Petty ; Supervisors, Jacob Dittoe, Jonathan Babbs ; Lister, Daniel Park- 
inson ; Overseers of the Poor, Peter Overm3'er and John Wagner ; 
Fence Viewers, Jacob Miller and George Souslin; Appraiser ot Prop- 
erty, David Beckwith. 

April 8, 18 1 3 — At a meeting of the Trustees for Reading township, 
county of Fairfield, Ohio, they divided the districts to each Supervisor. 
These bounds the following line shall divide, commencing between the 
3d and 4th sections, and running straight through the township. 

David Beckwith, 
C. Deal, 

Peter Overmyer, 
John Murray, Clerk. Trustees. 

March 7, 1814 — $13. Sir, please pay to Jacob Dittoe thirteen dol- 
lars, being his account against the township, allowed by us. 

Order No. 7. Peter Overmyer, 

David Beckwith, 

Trustees. 

March 7, 1814 — $17. Sir, please pay to Jonathan Babb the sum of 
seventeen dollars, being his account against this township, as allowed 
by us. Peter Overmyer, 

David Beckwith, 
John Mui^ray, Clerk. Trustees. 

April 4, 1814 — At an election held in Reading township, for the pur- 
pose of electing township officers, the following men were elected : 
Trustees, John Vanatta, Roswell Mills, William Spencer ; Clerk, Jno. 
Dittoe; Treasurer, Joseph Petty ; Supervisors, Jonathan Babb, J. Dit- 
toe, and George Trout ; Constables, John Middagh and Tobias Ream ; 
Listers, Daniel Parkinson and John Mains ; Fence Viewers, George 
Souslin aud Jacob Miller : Overseers of the Poor, Frederick Heck and 
Crist. Ream. 

April 16, 1814 — The State of Ohio, Fairfield county, s.s.., Mr. Ros- 
well Mills, John Vanatta, and William Spencer, Trustees, by virtue of 
the power vested in us, by law, have laid out the township into three 
districts : No. i beginning at Richland township, from thence east two 



266 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 



and one-hcilf miles east, north and south through the township ; No. 
2, beginning at the east side of No. i, from thence one mile north and 
south through the township ; No. 3, beginning at the east side of No. 
2, from thence to Hopewell township. No. i to Jacob Dittoe ; No. 2, 
George Trout; No. 3, Jonathan Babb, Supervisors. Given under our 
hands and seal. John Vanatta, 

William Spencer, 
RoswELL Mills, 
John Dittoe, Clerk. Trustees. 

Orders being issued by the Clerk, in favor of John Hammond, for 
one dollar, for services rendered as judge of an election on April 16, 
1814. No. 14. $1. RoswELL Mills, 

John Vanatta, 
William Spencer, 
John Dittoe, C7erk. Trzistees. 

April 16, 1 8 14 — No. 15 ; Order being issued by the Clerk on the 
township Treasurer, in favor of Tobias Ream, for one dollar, for serv- 
ices and mileage in summoning the township officers. 

Roswell Mills, 
John Vanatta, 
William Spencer, 
John Dittoe, Clerk. Trtistees. 

March 6, 1815 — At a meeting of the Trustees of Reading township, 
held at John Fink's, there was made a final settlement with all town- 
ship officers tor the present year: No. 16, George Trout, one year as 
Supervisor, $3.50; No. 17, Jonathan Babb, one year as Supervisor, 
$10 ; No. 18, Jacob Dittoe, one year as Supervisor, $7 ; No. 19, William 
Tait, witness at an electton, $1 ; No. 20, John Vanatta, Trustee one 
year, $4; No. 21, Roswell Mills, Trustee one year, $4; No. 22, John 
Dittoe, as Clerk one year, $12 ; No. 23, John Dittoe, as Clerk one year, 
$3 ; No. 24, Joseph Petty, Treasurer one year, $3. 

The above is a true record of the settlement of the late year. 
April 3, 18 15 — Poll Book of an election held in the township of 
Reading, Fairfield county, Ohio, at the house of John Fink, in which 
poll were elected the following township officers : Trustees, John Va- 
natta, William Spencer, Roswell Mills ; Clerk, John Dittoe ; Consta- 
bles, John Medaugh, Melshia Gray ; Appraisers, Peter Bugh, David 
Beckwith : Overseers of the Poor, Joseph Shafer, John Wagner ; Treas- 
urer, Joseph Petty ; Fence Viewer, Jacob Miller. 

March 4, 1814 — At a meeting of the Trustees of Reading township, 
orders were issued to the township officers for the present year, as fol- 
lows : 

No. 25, John Vanatta as Supervisor, $10.00; No. 26, Tubba Tay- 
lor, as Supervisor, $12.00; No. 27, Robert Colborn, as Supervisor, 
$5.00; No. 28, WilHam Spencer, as Trustee, $4.00; No. 29, R. Mills, 
as Trustee, $4.00 ; No. 30, Jos. Petty as Treasurer, $3,00 ; No. 31 John 
Dittoe as Clerk, $3.00 ; Trustees— John Vanatta, R. Mills, William 
Spencer; Clerk— John Dittoe. 

March 3rd 1816 — John Dittoe to Reading township, for taking up one 
stray steer, four dollars ($4.00.) 

April 1816 — An election was held in the township of Reading, 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 267 

Fairfield county, Ohio, on the first Monday of April 1816, on which day 
were the following township officers elected : Trustees, John Vanatta, 
William Spencer, Peter Bugh ; Clerk, John Dittoe ; Treasurer, Joseph 
Petty ; Constables, John Guisinger, John Medaugh ; Appraiser, John 
Cassell ; Lister, David Parkinson ; Overseers of Poor, John Trout, Jacob 
Theirs ; Fence Viewers, John Yost, Robert Skinner. 

April 13th 1816 — At a meeting of the Trustees of Reading township, 
John Vanatta, William Spencer, Peter Bugh Sen., Trustees. 

Orders were issued for binding out poor children. No. 32, order to 
Joseph Shafer of $2.00; No. ^^■i order to John Wagner of $2.00; No. 
34, order to Joseph Petty of $1.00 ; No. 35, order to Roswell Mills of 
$1.00. Trustees — ^John Vanatta, Peter Bugh, William Spencer. John 
Dittoe, Clerk. 

April 1817. — At an election held in the township of Reading, Fair- 
field count}', Ohio, the tbllowing township officers were elected on the 
first Monday of April 181 7 : township clerk John Dittoe ; Trustees, John 
Wagner, Jehu B. Jones, Peter Overmyer. Constables, John Middaugh, 
David S. Waters ; Supervisors, Samuel Kratzer, David Pugh, John 
Trout ; Appraiser, Jacob Overmyer ; Lister, John Murray ; Overseers of 
the poor, John Mains, Aaron Vanatta; Fence Viewer, Andrew Swine- 
hart. 

March 4th, 1818 — Trustees' office, Reading township. The following 
orders were issued to township officers. 

No. 36, Roswell Mills one order for his services for binding one 
poor child and for clerking, $1.95 ; No. 37, John Middaugh for collect- 
ing poor tax $2.00 ; No. 38, David Pugh services as Supervisor $2.72 ; 
No. 39, John Dittoe services as Clerk $3.50; No, 40, John Wagner 
services as Trustee $2.00 ; No. 41, Jehu B. Jones services as Trustee 
$3.00 ; No. 42, Peter Overmyer services as Trustee $1.47. 

Attest: Clerk. 

August 15, 1818 — Trustees' office Reading township. Trusteesmet; 
present, John Wagner, Roswell Mills, Jehu B. Jones. It is ordered 
that a poor tax and township tax be laid on this township, in one tax for 
the present year, and that the said tax be six cents on each head of 
neat cattle over three years old ; twelve and one-half cents on each 
head of horses, asses or mules, over three years old ; and on town prop- 
erty, one-eighth of ©ne per cent, of the appraised value thereof. David 
S. Waters is duly appointed collector of the above tax, to pay the 
above tax into the Treasurer's office on or before the first day of Janu- 
ary next. 

No, 43 — Ordered, that David S, Waters be entitled to receive an or- 
der for $1.94 for serving township summons on various persons; 

No. 44 — Ordered, that Roswell Mills receive an order for his 
services for the year 18 18 of $1.65. 

March ist, 1818 — Trustees' office of Reading township. Perry 
county — Present, Roswell Mills, John Wagner, Jehu B.Jones. Ordered, 
that Smith Goodin receive an order for his services as Supervisor for 
$5.66; No. 46, ordered that Daniel Lidey receive an order for his ser- 
vices as Supervisor ot Roads for the past year, $6.32 ; No. 47, ordered 
that John Murray receive an order for his services as township Clerk 
for the year of 18 17 of $2,25 ; No. 48, ordered that John Wagner receive 



268 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

an order for his services for the year of 1818, for $3.00 ; No. 49, ordered 
that Jehu B.Jones receive an order for his services for the vear of 1818, 
$1.00. 

April 5th, 1818 — Ordered, that James Chrisdter receive an order for 
keeping Miss Sliud while sick, $11.00. 

April 5th, 1 8 19 — Poll book of an election held at the house of 
Mr. John Fink in Reading township, on Monday the 5th day of April, 
1819, for the purpose of electing township officers, viz. : Trustees, one 
Clerk, one Lister, one Appraiser of property, four Supervisors, two 
Constables, two Overseers of tlie Poor, two Fence Viewers, one Treas- 
urer. The poll being closed the following officers were declared elected : 
Trustees, George Trout, Adam Binckley, Daniel Lidey ; Clerk, John 
Murray ; Supervisors, John Miller, Charles McCormick, John Yost, 
Mathias Saum ; Constables, David S. Waters, Jacob Hundsooker ; 
Overseers of the poor, Jacob Noles, Leonard Ream; Fence Viewers, 
Jonathan Babb, William P. Darst ; Treasurer, John Dittoe ; Lister, S. 
Waters ; Appraiser, Jacob Mains. Who were all sworn severally pre- 
vious to their entering on the duties of their respective offices. 

April 17th, 1819 — Trustees present, George Trout, Daniel Lidey, 
Adam Binckley. Ordered, that the township be divided as follows, 
viz. : John Yost to have two sections across the township from north to 
south, on the east end ; Mathias Saum, two sections from north to south 
next to the said Yost ; Charles McCormick to have two sections across 
the township from north to south next to the said Saum's. John Miller 
that part of Richland now attached to the township of Reading. 

John Murray, Clerk. 

July 31st, 1819 — Trustees' office of Perry county ; Reading township, 
July the 31st. Present, George Trout, Daniel Lidey, and Adam Binck- 
ley ; order that a tax be laid to open and repair roads and highways, 
which tax is the one fourth of one per cent on lots ; fifteen cents on 
horses, mules and asses, and five cents on all neat cattle over three 
years old. 

March 6th, 1820 — Trustees' office, Perry countv, Reading township, 
March 6th. Present, George Trout, Daniel Lidey, Trustees ; and 
John Murray, Clerk. 

Ordered, that Charles McCormick receive an order for his services 
as Supervisor for the sum of $8.00; Order 52, that Mathias Saum re- 
ceive an order for his services as Supervisor of $4.25 ; Order 53, John 
Miller as Supervisor for $5.65 ; Order 54, that George Trout receive an 
order for his services as Trustee $3.00; Order 55, that Daniel Lidey re- 
receive an order for his services as Trustee for the 3''ear of 1819, $3.00 ; 
Order 56, order that John Yost receive an order for his services as 
Supervisor for the year of 1819, $2.90; Order 57, order that Adam 
Binkley receive an order for his services as Trustee for 1820 of $2.25 ; 
Order 58, order that John Murray receive an order for his services ^as 
township Clerk for the year of 18 19, $5.43i. 

Here are the first jurors appointed by the Trustees of Reading town- 
ship. Perry county, Ohio: 

Grand Jurors — Peter Dittoe, John Murray, J. B. Jones, W. P. Darst, 
George Bowman, James Elder, Thomas Davis, Aaron Thomas, Joseph 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 269 

Shafer, John Clemier, Fred. Heck, Daniel Lidey, John McCormick, 
George Jackson, Philip Speice, Jacob Darst, Joseph Petty. \ 

Petit Jurors — Charles McCormick, Jacob Dittoe, Henry Filler, 
John Finck, George Bigler, John Mains, Abraham Elder, John Yost, 
Smith Goodin, Robert Colborn, John Wagner, Sen., Daniel Parkinson, 
Sen., John Bugh. 

The foregoing extracts make a clear showing of who were the offi- 
cers of Reading township from 1807 to 1920, their mode of doing busi- 
ness, and the general expense account of the township. It is enough 
to sa}^ the township officials could not get rich on the salaries in those 
days. Taxes were light, and there was not very much to tax, com- 
pared with the present time. The taxable propert}/- of the township, 
both real and personal, has "wonderfully increased since those days, and 
of course it costs much more to carry on the township government now 
than it did then. The township, too, in material aspects, is a garden 
and paradise compared with what it was in those far awa}'- times, when 
the battle with roots, stumps, and brush was yet going on, anct the wild 
animals and half savage Indians were reluctant to give way to the civil- 
ization of the white men from the East. 

Towns. — Somerset, first called Middletown, because it was the half 
way point between Zanesville and Lancaster, was laid out in 1810, by 
John Fink and Jacob Miller. Fink owned the land and kept a tavern 
at the east end. Miller owned the land and also kept a tavern at the 
west end. These taverns were in existence several years before Somer- 
set was laid out, and before there was any village. It was nearly all 
woods between the two taverns, bears would sometimes prowl, and 
wolves howl and gnash their teeth, in the woods between these taverns, 
and elsewhere in the vicinity. There was a noted wild turkey roost 
near where the Western Square now is, where many a good fat turkey 
was obtained to grace the tables of the two taverns, as well as other 
early settler's tables. 

An aged gentleman, now residing in Noblesville, Indiana, upon be- 
ing requested to give the appearance of Somerset when it was a small 
village, replied that his first recollections of the place were before there 
was any town ; "Only a couple of Dutch Taverns in the woods, situated 
about half a mile distant from each other." These were the taverns of 
John Fink and Jacob Miller, for these men were both of German de- 
scent, spoke the German language in their families, and many of those 
who were accustomed to frequent the taverns were also German, 

It is not known to a certainty who erected the first cabin on a lot of 
the platted village, but it is probable that several persons built during the 
same season. The place grew slowly enough at first, for Overmyertown 
(now New Reading) was a rival, and an older town, and there was, at 
that time, nothing in the nature of the locality or surroundings, to cause 
villages to grow with any great rapidity. Edward Danison, now in his 
eighty -eigth year, a citizen of New Lexington, has a very clear remem- 
brance of Somerset when it contained only five or six houses. Mr. Dan- 
ison was a youth of seventeen or eighteen years at that time, and lived 
with his parents in Madison township. He says the little village of Som- 
erset, for several years, is easily described, as it consisted of a couple of 



270 ' HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

taverns and a few straggling log houses and cabins, with more or less 
stumps and brpsh in the streets. 

David Beckwith brought on a stock of goods and opened a store. 
John Skinner built a blacksmith shop, one of the Reams opened a tail- 
or shop, another Ream opened a hatter shop, a man by the name of 
Trout started a crockery establishment, other shops were set up, and 
thus the village began its humble career of growth, which continued 
steadily until about 1844. 

An old and well known citizen, who knew Somerset well in the times 
of which he writes, contributed a number of articles to the Somerset 
Press, which seem to give a better idea of Somerset and surroundings 
in the early times, than any thing that fcould be prepared at present, 
and no apology need be offered for making liberal extracts from them. 
The writer referred to, over the non de plume "Senex," sa3's : 

"I will go back a little while to a time that the 'oldest inhabitant' 
will not be able to reach, except by tradition. The first cabin erected 
in the village — or rather the territory comprised within the present limits 
of Somerset, for the town had no existence then — was built by John 
Fink, who had emigrated from Pennsylvania. It stood on the right 
hand side of the turnpike, about midway between the school-house and 
the mill. It was built in 1806, and was built of unhewed logs, and it 
answered all the purposes of a 'lordly palace' in the lone wilderness, and 
many were the hospitalities shown by its venerable occupants to the bold 
adventurers who afterward were seeking homes for themselves and fam- 
ilies in the neighborhood. Father Fink's house was a kind of head- 
quarters, not only for those who were locating lands, but as well for 
those who, on foot and horseback, were working their wa}^ further west. 
(Perry county at this time had no existence, as it was not formed until 
the first of March, 1818 — the territory comprising it being taken from 
Fairfield, Muskingum and Washington — and was named in honor of the 
hero of Lake Erie — Commodore O. H. Perry.) 

"Mr. Fink entered a half section of land, and he, with Jacob Miller, 
who settled in the west end of the village, or where the village now 
extends, afterwards laid out a portion of their land into town lots, and 
the village began to spring up. The first buildings were nearly all log 
cabins. Afterward a few hewed log buildings, and now and then a 
small frame were erected. These, for the first few years, were scatter- 
ed half a dozen rods apart, and the town, of course, had a decidedly 'clap- 
board' appearance. Afterward many of the hewed log buildings were 
weather-boarded, and a number of them stood the wear and tear of the 
times until within the recollection of many of your readers. I am not cer- 
tain but there are a few of the old dweflings still standing, the logs, 
chinking and mortar being hidden by a cloak of weather-boarding. 

After the nucleus of the village was laid, and Mr. Fink had his farm 
partly opened, and began to have things abundant around him, he built 
the house that has been in use as a school building at the east end of 
town. This was a large log cabin, and was afterward weather-boarded. 
Here, let us stop awhile, and make a description of the venerable old 
mansion, as it looked during the decade between 1820 and 1830. 

At that time there was no turnpike to deface old landmarks. The 
road was located near its present site, but it was then on top of the 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 27 1 

ground, leaving a large open space between it and the house. The 
large capacious barn stood on the south side of the road, opposite the 
house, or a little east of it, if any thing. During these years there was 
a constant emigration from Pennsylvania, Virginia, and other Eastern 
States, and as Mr. Fink had gone into the hotel business in earnest, in 
his fine new mansion, he had about all the customers he could provide 
foi. In addition to the traveling public, teaming was one of the promi- 
nent occupations of those days, as the goods purchased in the East had 
to be hauled out to the small stores and groceries in the Western coun- 
try by wagon. Most of the teams following the road, always made it a 
point, if possible, to reach Fink's Tavern by sundown, even though the 
poor horses had to expend a little extra muscle to reach there. Many a 
time have I seen that large yard literall}' covered over with wagons — 
some going east, others west, laden with products for the east, or goods 
for the west. There are few residents in Somerset,who are able to form 
any idea of the business done at that hotel, or the constant activity go- 
ing on there in those days. This house was the general headquarters 
of Somerset for many years, and nearly its whole activity was centered 
there. The monotonous silence which now lurks in that vicinity, ex- 
cept in school hours, is a fair type to represent the death of an individ- 
ual after an active life." 

After a rest of a week, "Senex" continues : "I am now, as I prom- 
ised you last week, proudly walking down Main street. I have all the 
elasticity and nimbleness of a boy. In short, I am young again. On 
either side the forests edge up close to the village, and these abound 
with squirrels and other game, and a mile or two out I hear the crack 
of a rifle of the huntsman, who is engaged in furnishing the few dozen 
of villagers with venison. Perhaps the young reader will say, 'what a 
simpleton that old fellow must be, who is writing such silly stones. Do 
you suppose such stories ever took place here?' Yes, young reader, 
it is quite true. Many a saddle of venison was served up at Fink's 
Tavern, that had been slaughtered just south of St. Joseph's Church, 
and many a 'saddle' found a cheap market in the very earl}'- history of 
the village that was captured in the very suburbs. How wondertully 
times change, and we change with them ! The scenes and circum- 
stances we are called to pass through in young life, as well as the place 
in which we had our birth and raising, seem to be nothing to us at the 
time. They become so commonplace as often to disgust us. But let 
us recede from them half a century, and then for the first time we be- 
gin to know their value. Our hearts begin graduall}' to cling to them. 
Memory awakens afresh to our innocent childhood days, and what 
seemedto us so dry and irksome, now begins to form a halo of glory in 
our very inmost souls, and affords us enjoyment we love to cling to with 
the tenacity we cling to life itself. But now for that down street march. 

"The large two-story brick building on the corner of Main and 
High streets, west of Fink's Tavern, was quite a business house in its 
early day. The first newspaper Somerset ever had was printed within 
its ancient walls. It was used for various offices, and was in the heart 
of the business portion of the early village. It was anciently known as 
the Ruch House. The brick, if I mistake not, were laid by Henry 
Sterner, who has long since gone to his reward. Although it has al- 



272 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

ways been represented as being only a nine-inch wall, the masonry has 
preserved remarkably well, showing that it was a good, honest job. It 
is one of the oldest standing brioks in the town, and was built with the 
design of showing the people what could be done in the wilderness, in 
the way of a magnificent building. It may stand for some years yet, 
.and it is worthy of having its picture taken for preservation. 

'.'At the time I write of, half the lots between High street and the 
Square w'ere in commons and unfenced. The log cabins and small one- 
story frames were scattered along on each side of the street, and a little 
beaten pMh on either side marked the "sidewalks. Jonathan Babbs 
owned and lived in a little, long, one-story frame that stood where 
stands the C. L. jGriner house, now John Huston's. Then came a va- 
cant space ; then there were two two-story log houses, weatherboarded 
— one on the lot where Mrs. Chilcote lives, and the other on the next 
lot west of it. The latter building w^s one of Somerset's first hotels, 
and was afterward used by Ensor Chilcote for a carpenter shop. On 
the opposite side, betw^een Dan Mohler's blacksmith shop and the east 
end of the village, there were, in 1824, only some three or four houses, 
some of them log. A few years later, Dan Mohler carried on black- 
smithing in a shop where the present brick stands, and next lot west of 
it, his brother-in-law, David Church, followed the same business. 
About the time that Church quit business, C. Poppe was manufacturing 
spinning wheels, etc., but the business of manufacturing wearing ap- 
parel at home, has been done away with, and with it went Poppe's busi. 
ness. The few houses between this point and the Square, were mostly 
one-story frames, used as residences ; but they gave way gradually 
from year to year for the present buildings. The brick now known as 
the Russell house, was one of the first permanent structures on this 
street. At a later day it was purchased by John Humberger, who kept 
a grocery in the corner room next the alley. He died about the year 
1832, and his widow afterward married William D. Harper. The house 
across the alley, occupied by George Coolman as a residence, and the 
one west of it, may be termed pioneer buildings ; and I seriously sus- 
pect that one of them, or perhaps both, are log houses. The corner 
room of the Coolman house was, in early days, used for a grocery store 
by George Sanders. Both those buildings played a prominent part in 
the trade history of Somerset. The old Johnny Lentz property on the 
opposite side of the street, afterwards occupied by Ned Keenan, out- 
strips my years in age. At least it has been in existence as far back as 
my memory can reach, and it was not a new building then. This was, 
for a number of years, the real headquarters for dram drinking. Many 
a disciple of Bacchus took his first lessons in " taking on the whisk}'^ ap- 
petite " in this building ; and many were the persons who have stepped 
out of the door, next to Ream's bank, fancying themselves " monarchs 
of all they surveyed," provided, always, they were able to survey any- 
thing. A small one-story frame building stood on the corner of the al- 
ley where now stands a part of the hotel building, which was used, in 
my first recollection, by Joel Beckwith as a store-house. It was after- 
ward used by different parties, Beckwith having removed his goods to 
a new house he built on the corner of the square, where Dr. Skinner 
has his drug store, and which was burned down a few years ago. One 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 273 

of the Daists, I believe, built the east part of the brick hotel building, 
or at least lived there awhile, if he did not build it. The large frame 
between the corner brick and the hotel, was owned by John Murray, 
where he carried on the hotel business for many years. On the corner 
lot, on the opposite side, where John Beckwith was engaged, for many 
years, in the dry goods business, there stood two two-story log houses, 
weatherboarded, in one of which — the corner one — Beckwith began his 
mercantile operations. His residence was on the lot next easj, and con- 
stituted half the brick now standing there. 

All around the square there stood almost a continut)us row of one- 
stor}^ frames, which constituted the business houses, and the stock of 
goods corresponded with the buildings. The Peter Dittoe house, now 
in possession of Martin Scott, is among the ancient brick relics. Dittoe 
kept the post office with his dry goods store, in the corner room, for 
many years. On the corner, on the opposite side, was a one-story 
frame, and next door west of it was a w^eatherboarded, tw^o-story log 
house. It was used for a hotel, and the first landlord I can recollect of 
doing business there, was Benjamin Eaton. He had tvvo sons — children 
then — named Ben and Joe ; the latter is dead, and the former is mail 
agent at Crestline, Ohio, but is growing old and decrepid. A series of 
small buildings were standing on both sides of the street, west of this 
hotel, to the Brechbill alley — the only respectable house being old Billy 
Beard's, and more recently occupied by Dixon Brown as a residence. 
The old frame, still standing on the alley, on the north side of the street, 
has a historical record. In the corner room, next the alley, Patterson 
printed, in 1827-28, the Perj-y Record^ a paper which took the place of 
the Western World and Politieal Tickler. On the casing of the front 
door, if it has not been removed, may be found a hideous ax mark, 
which was cut by an ax which John B. Orton threw^ at Bob Henderson, 
the publisher of the Record^ in a quarrel that resulted from the famous 
Mills and Orton war, that had been in progress in the village for several 
years prior. 

" There are a good many of the old buildings still standing in the 
town, in which more thrilling transactions took place, than the philoso- 
phy of your present innocent generation is capable of dreaming. 

"The old Brechbill Hotel is an ancient building, and has been suc- 
cessivelv run by more landlords than I care to undertake to enumerate. 
John Mains, Jacob Brechbill (after he quit teaming on the road), and 
Abraham Hamisfar, successively run it. Henr}' Clay, Thomas H. Ben- 
ton and other celebrities, have dined in this house. On the lot next to 
this there was a frame house occupied by Everett Richman ; and Caleb 
Atwater, the antiquarian of Ohio, lived cither there or on the lot adjoin- 
ing. On the opposite side of tiie street, where the Dan Kelley brick 
stands, but back from the street a rod or two, there was a famous drink- 
ing house kept by old John Opp. As we go a little further west, on the 
left hand side, next to the alley, there is an ancient two-story brick, 
now^ owned by Joseph Walker. This was erected by Jacob Brunner, 
but was left in an unfinished condition for many years. The next lot 
west, across the alley, was where Jacob Noles had his blacksmith shop 
and residence. The residence part is an old building, but the eastern 

28 



?74 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

part is a newer structure, which took the place of the old wooden shop. 
On the opposite side was the cigar and -tobacco factory of George Brun- 
ner, who carried on this branch of business there for many years. 

Up till 1826-28, or thereabout, Columbus street, running from the 
Square north, had a fair representation of small buildings, mostly one- 
story frames. The only brick on the entire street, was one that stood 
where the three-story brick, belonging to D. M. Mathews, stands. 
This was built by Dr. Louis J. Moeller, and was considered a great or- 
nament to the village. About the time this was constructed, the county 
erected a neat and substantial brick in the place where the jail stands. 
The old building w^as an ornament to the town. The uncouth structure 
that took its place, was, from the beginning, a disgrace, not only to the 
village, but to the blockheads who drafted it. The old stone house, 
north of the alley, adjoining Frederick Mains, was built by Mr. Mains 
in 1813. On the opposite side of the street, on the ground occupied by 
the old brick building, where Judge Hood for many years kept his dry 
goods store, there was a long row of frame buildings, usually occupied 
by tailors, shoemakers and the like. In one of these John L. Williams 
set up his first shop, after landing in Somerset in 1836. In one of the 
buildings was situated, in 1829, the printing office at which was then 
published The Peofle's Advocate. John E. Linn had a tailor shop in 
a small building on the southwest corner of Columbus and North streets, 
on the vacant space between the two-story log house, weatherboarded, 
which constituted his residence, and North street. On the corner lot, 
on this street, occupied by Mrs. Burns, old Mr. Trout owned a crockery 
establishment, where he turned out an immense amount of dishes, 
crocks, etc. The kiln in which this ware was burned and prepared for 
the market, stood upon the same lot. This was carried on for some 
years, between 1820 and 1828. It may have been in existence at an 
earlier date. The brick in which Mrs. Burns resides, was built by Hen- 
ry Trout, not far from the year 1830. A few scattering buildings, most- 
ly of an inferior class, were standing in 1830, farther north, many of 
which have been supplanted by other buildings not much superior in 
size or style. The house that Mrs. Shirley resides in, was owned and 
built by John Arndt. The next house north, was a small brick owned 
by Mrs. Nancy Ream, the noted tailoress of her day. For many years 
she carried on tailoring there, and did a larger business than any tailor 
in the village. John Orwig owned and lived in the house now occupied 
by Mr. H. S. Doubleday. The opposite side of the street was all in 
commons. On an acre or so of the land comprising the lot and adjoin- 
ing lots, where Joe Reaver lives, there was a large brickyard, carried 
on by Felix Cull, who made most of the brick used in constructing the 
earlier brick buildings. The vacuums where the earth was dug from, 
would fill with water in the winter season and freeze, and here the young 
men, such as James W. Shirley, R. Z. Cassell, Henry C. Filler, George 
Beeman, George Goodin, George Brunner, S. H. McAfee, Jonathan 
W. Ream, Joe Elder, and all of that class of boys, graduated in the 
art of skating. The only time the writer of this ever had a pair of 
skates on his feet, was at one of these ponds, in the winter of 1836. 
Buckling on a pair of skates, one evening, and rising to my feet. I at- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 275 

tempted to make a grand gyration and cut a pigeon-wing, as it was 
called, supposing it to be an easy thing done. The ice flew up and took 
me on the head, and I felt unwell for a month succeeding. 

"On the lot now occupied by B. Whitmer's residence, and some dis- 
tance back from the street, stood the old Academy. This was the High 
School of Somerset. The building was a large one, but was never 
fully completed. It had been imperfectly constructed, and after stand- 
ing lor many years, being part of the time in use, the lot was purchased 
by Thomas J. Maginnis, and the building was taken down. Immedi- 
ately north of the Academy, extending from the road at Mrs. McNutt's 
residence, westward, there was an eight-acre wood lot that was cleared 
about the year 1839." 

After a suitable breathing spell, " Senex " continues his old-time 
recollections, as follows : 

" My earliest recollections come in before either of the brick build- 
ings on the southeast and southwest corners of the Public Square were 
built. On the lot where stands the building in which the Press is pub- 
lished, Joseph Brown had a hat manufactor}^ and, on the opposite cor- 
ner, whei-e stands the storehouse now owned by Isaac Yost, there stood 
a one story hewed log house, that was used bv Benjamin Ream as a hat 
factory. Hatting business was good in those days, as there were none 
imported from the East, as now, to compete with the home manufac- 
turers. This house gave way before 1830, and the present brick build- 
ing was erected in its place b}^ Henry Dittoe. One story frames lined 
the street south of the square to the bridge and beyond, with here and 
there an unoccupied lot. Benjamin Huff had a chair manufactory in a 
one story hewed log house, that stood on the spot where Dittoe & Hull's 
grocery now stands. Some of the first Protestant services ever held in 
Somerset were held in that building. William D. Harper had his resi- 
dence on the hill where the Nunnery was located. He had his carpen- 
ter shop in a small building that stood nearly opposite the old residence 
of Patrick McDonald. In still earlier days, Lawrence Curran, one of 
the first butchers of Somerset, had his slaughter-house about the same 
spot. A few of your readers may remember ' Old Lany,' the Irish- 
man. He had his peculiarities, like other men, one of which may be 
worth relating. In disposing of his meats he had to trust a good deal, 
but always made it a duty to set apart a special day for collections, and 
he did it so adroitly that it rather pleased his delinquent customers than 
anno3'ed them. He would place himself on some corner of the Public 
Square, in the morning, and watch for his delinquents. When he saw 
one of them, he would hasten in advance of him and remark, in his 
good natured Irish brogue, 'An' is it me ye are huntin' afther!' The 
customer always knew what Larry was after, and never failed, if he 
had the money, to shell it right out. And so he would continue till his 
collections were made. 

" Of course, many of your readers remember the old jail, situated 
nearly opposite the residence of Dr. Magruder. The first story was built 
of dressed sandstone, and the second story was carried up with brick. 
The courts were held in this house for many years, and until the new 
Court House upon the Public Square was erected. On the south side 
of this building there was a ball alley, where the young men used to 



276 HISTOP-Y OF PERRY COUNTY. 

while away many hours in playing what is termed ' alley ball.' Indeed, 
for years, the place was a daily resort for all classes of middle-aged 
men, young men, and boys. If the men were not there,- the boys were 
sure to be. Afterwards the ball alley was removed to the Academy 
building, in the north end of the village. 

"The ground covered by Dr. Magruder's residence was where 
George Beckwith had his dwelling, when he occupied the tan3^ard after- 
wards run by Law & Moeller, and later by John Law. The old brick 
Methodist Episcopal church stood on South street, nearly opposite the 
residence of Colonel Spencer. On the corner of the alley, next west, 
stands a small brick, where John H. Binckley used to reside in an early 
day. The Methodists used to be a little noisy occasionally, and Binck- 
ley, living so near the church, felt himself anno3^ed somewhat, and 
so gave to this thoroughfare the name of ' Happy Alley,' a name by 
whicii it is known to this day. Between the church and the corner 
brick was a two story hewed log house, in which John H. Binckley and 
Samuel Binckley had a paint shop and chair factor}'. Samuel Binck- 
ley was one of the pioneer young men of Somerset, but left, shortly 
after his marriage, and located at Xenia, Ohio. He is still at Troy, 
Ohio, hearty and hale, at the age of seventy-six years." 

In a subsequent letter, " Senex " discourses further of old-time Som- 
erset and vicinity : 

"As early as 1805, thirteen years before Perry county was organized, 
the reader may well imagine there was no Somerset, and no other town, 
in the county. New Reading antedates Somerset by a few years, and 
was called, bv the Pennsylvania Germans, ' Overmyerstettle,' and by 
those who preferred to speak it in English, ' Overmyertown.' I recol- 
lect hearing an old lady, who but recently departed this life, often relat- 
ing an incident of her getting lost on the ground near the heart of the 
town, in 1807. She lived with her father in a new cabin, a mile or so 
north of the town, and was sent after the cows toward the close of the 
day. When she arrived at about the place where the Public Square is 
located, she became entangled in the underbrush, which was grown 
over so densely with wild pea vines that she could not see a rod before 
her. When she had extricated herself, she found that she had lost her 
bearing, and it was only by a fortunate circumstance that she was 
enabled to reach her home that evening. 

" The old men who are in the county, and are able to recollect back 
forty-five to sixty years ago, cannot help to bring to mind one of the 
singular changes that has taken place in the streams. At that time 
they were all running full of water, at least nine months in the year. 
Now they are nearly all dry most of the year, and not enough water 
running in them at any time, except in times of flood, to water a drove 
of cattle. Many will remember that, half a mile north of Somerset, 
was situated ' Grandfather Parkinson's ' saw-mill, afterwards run by 
Billy Larue. The water that was gathered from the ravine starting on 
the summit in the town, with that gathered by a race from the west 
branch, run this sawmill, fifty vears ago, nine months in the year. It 
cut a great deal of timber, and, being so near the then growing village, 
it furnished much of the lumber that was called for. The dam in which 
the water was collected was the ' swimming hole ' for the boys of the 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 277 

village, and for many years it was a favorite resort. Below this, about 
half a mile, Judge Hood had a gristmill — ' corn-cracker,' it was called 
in that day — at which he accommodated his neighbors with corn meal, 
and also furnished a fair article of flour. This mill was a two story log 
building, situated on the south bank of the creek, near where the road 
now crosses above the railroad trestle. The Judge also run a stillhouse 
in connection with the mill. The water for turning the mill was col- 
lected by races. The race for conducting the water, on the south 
branch, started in some four or five hundred yards below the steam 
mill, following the west bank of the hill ; and the one on the west 
branch started just below Parkinson's saw-mill, and run along the south 
bank ot the creek. The faint outlines of these races may be seen in 
places yet, but the}'^ have been mostly defaced. At the confluence of 
the Somerset branch and the Berkey run, there was, at one time, a saw- 
mill, the water likewise being conducted by races. About half a mile 
below this there was a grist-mill, and farther down, Darsham's grist and 
saw-mill. So that, from 1814 to 1830, there were no less than live mills 
on that little stream, between Somerset and Jonathan's Creek, all running 
by water nearly through the entire year. The stream used to run a 
large volume of bright, clear water, and it used to abound in fish of 
prett}"^ good size. It was a great resort for the ' town boys,' even so 
late as 1840. Many a time did the bovs of that day — Dan and John 
Parkinson, P. H. Binckley, Walter C. Wood, and others — pull out 
* chubs ' and ' suckers ' that weighed a pound. 

"If I were to undertake to trace out all the ' old landmarks ;' or, in 
other words, to give the early settlers of lands around Somerset, I 
should never get through with these letters. But I will mark out, say, 
a mile square, on either side of Somerset, and give the occupiers of 
land from about the 3^ear 1820 to 1830. 

"On the north side. Judge Hood was, at that time, a permanent 
fixture on the farm he so long occupied. The next farm north, now 
owned by Andy Leach, was entered by a man named Miller. The 
next farm north of that was the ' Stoker farm,' and the farm still north 
of that was the Funderburg farm. We will go brck, now, and take 
another tier. The farm west of Judge Hood, afterwards constituting 
part of the Gongloft' farm, was occupied by John Deal, on the north 
side of which stood a stillhouse, run, from 1812 to about 1820, by a man 
named Shunk. Next east, the farm of Conrad Snider, was owned by 
his father, one of the first settlers. Next east, the farm long ow^ned and 
occupied by David Church, was owned bv David Boyce. On the south 
side of town, about the year 1825, the farm of John Moore was tilled 
by Joshua Green, afterwards purchased by John F. Moeller. The 
Thomas Scallan farm was owned by John Trout. The farm farther 
south — afterwards the Cay wood farm — was owned by James McDonald, 
and a little before that time by Leonard Ream. The farm west of this 
was the farm of Michael McKinney. The tract of land east of the 
Scallan farm, on which Mrs. Scallan now resides, was owned by John 
Beckwith. There were still earlier proprietors of most all of these 
lands, but my recollection cannot reach them." 

The foregoing extract.s from the highly interesting articles of " Se- 
nex " give a good description of Somerset and surroundings, from 1820 



278 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

to 1830, and also contain a number of facts of interest, both earlier and 
latar'than these dates. As early as 1844 Somerset was compactly and 
neatly built up, in a great measure of brick, and was one of the hand- 
somest towns of its size in Ohio. It just about held its own, in popula- 
tion and business, from 1844 to 1857, when the Seat of Justice was 
removed to New Lexington. This did not prove as much of a calamity 
as was feared, though it had a depressing eftect for several years. 
When the railroad was built, in 187 1, the old town revived to a great 
extent, and quite a number of new and costly buildings have been 
erected, among them several fine private residences. 

Somerset was visited by a destructive fire in the latter part of the 
year 1873, which is thus described by the Somerset I^rcss: 

"About one o'clock on Wednesday morning, the cry of fire was 
raised on our streets, and by the time those of our citizens living in the 
vicinity of the conflagration had reached the scene, the long roof of the 
building on the northeast side of the square was enveloped in flames, 
and the contents of the rooms were being rapidly destroyed. Such 
headway had the flames made that by the time even a few^ of our citi- 
zens got upon the ground, it was impossible to enter the more extensive 
business rooms of the block, for the purpose of removing the stock, and 
all that could be done was to exert every effort to confine the fire to the 
block in which it had originated. For a time this seemed to be a hope- 
less work, as the wind was blowing briskly to the eastward, and in the 
direction of some greatly exposed buildings. Hard work was required 
to prevent the fire from communicating with Gallagher's building, and 
this being the 'key' to the whole situation, our citizens labored with ad- 
mirable success to stop the progress of the flames at that point, tlad 
the fire got under headway in that building it is likely that all that part 
of Somerset lying east of the square would be in ashes to-day. From 
the drug store building, the flames spread rapidly into the large frame 
building on the north, and adjoining the three-story brick resi- 
dence of D. M. Mathews. From this building the flames soon reached 
the roof of Mr. Mathews' residence, and that too would have soon been 
destroyed, but for the indomitable energy of that portion of the volun- 
teer brigade, who held this part of the field. Long ladders were placed 
against the building, and a number of daring men soon took position 
upon the roof and ladders, and gave the devouring elements the best 
licks they had in the shop. And their efforts were crowned with suc- 
cess. Mr. Mathews' residence was saved, and the fire was confined to 
the block in which it had broken out. This was totally destroyed, en- 
taihng losses about to the amount of $15,000. This block was owned 
by D. M. Mathews, Dr. C. J. Skinner and Dr. E. R. Magruder,and was 
valued at something like $8,000. 

The block was occupied by the following firms : Skinner & Broth- 
er, stock destroyed valued at $3,000 ; M. Bowman, grocer, stock de- 
stroyed valued at $1,800; J. W. Graves, boot and shoe dealer, stock 
saved; Mrs. Burns, milliner, stock destroyed valued at $300; H. A. 
Schwartz, photographer, stock destroyed valued at $1,000 ; Snow Fork 
Coal and Mining Company, loss in books, maps, plats, stationery, etc., 
valued at $500 ; T. Spencer Stillman, notary, etc., loss in books, station- 
ery, etc., about $200; George Price, Justice of the Peace, H. P. Lentz, 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 279 

real estate and insurance agent, N. L. Brunner, boot and shoe maker 
— effects removed without damage. 

"There are various opinions about tlie origin of the fire. Those 
who were first on the grounds, say that the fire originated in the office 
of the Snow Fork Coal and Mining Company." 

Again in 1875, the town was scourged by the fire fiend, a number 
of houses burned, and the whole eastern part of the village narrowly es- 
caped destruction. The following account of the fire is from the Som- 
erset Press: 

"Our village has again been scourged by fire, this time entailing a 
loss of property to the amount of $25,000 or $30,000, and rendering 
homeless a number of families, and throwing out of employment a num- 
ber of workmen. The story is briefly told. About eleven o'clock, 
Monday night, Mr. Russell, proprietor of the Russell House, discover- 
ed that that part of the planing mill of Bowman, Johnson & Mautz, 
where the boiler was located, was on fire, and at once gave the alarm. 
But owing to the vast amount of highly combustible material in the im- 
mediate vicinity of the furnace, the flames had made such frightful 
headway by the time of the arrival of persons upon the scene, that such 
a thing as extinguishing them, with the means at hand, was at once an 
apparent impossibility. An entrance was forced into the show-room of 
the establishment, where there was a large amount of finished work, 
buggies, wagons, carriages, etc., and an ineffectual effort to save it from 
destruction. But the moment the entrance was made, a fiery column 
swept from about the furnace through the building, driving the rescuers 
from the room. Repeated effc)rts were made to re-enter the building, 
but the intense heat rendered them all futile, and it became plain to all 
that the large planing mill and carriage factory, with all its contents, 
was doomed. As the fire spread, and got fairly under way in the large 
and higher part of the building, the flames roared with a fierceness and 
rose to a height that appalled the powerless spectators, and at once 
created fears for the safety of the town. That the fire originated from 
the furnace, there seems to be little doubt. 

"The flames rapidly spread to the buildings immediately east and 
west of the factory, and the scene became alarming in the extreme. 
Then presently Mrs. Filler's house, on the opposite side of the street, 
took fire, and the unorganized and excited people hardly knew how or 
where to commence the fight ; but that a commencement must be made 
somewhere, and quickly, too, if the town was to be saved from total de- 
struction, was very manifest to all, and keenly appreciated by all. De- 
termined bands of men therefore bent their energies at four different 
points, to arrest the progress of the fire. 

One point was Coolman's frame building across the alley west from 
the Russell House ; another was the frame house owned by O. T. 
Mohler, and occupied by George Nichols, on the south side of the street ; 
the third was the German Reform Church, on the same side, and the 
fourth was Mrs. Chilcote's house, on the north side, and across the alley 
west from the large frame structure known as the O'Keefe House. 

"In the area bounded by the buildings named, the devouring ele- 
ment had things pretty much its own way, and in that space, and with- 



28o HISTORY OF PERKY COUNTY, 

in an hour or so, it laid in ashes eleven buildings, and caused a greater 
loss of propert}'^ than was ever before felt in Somerset. 

"At the points named a desperate effort was made to master the fire, 
and, though it proved successful in the end, there were times during the 
progress of the struggle, when it seemed that all efforts would prove un- 
availing. 

"The women came to the rescue, when assistance was greatly need- 
ed, and rendered noble service in the matter of carrying water, etc. 
Their determined labors had also the effect to cheer the men who were 
standing up manfully to the work, and shaming, just a little, the few 
who were 'too feeble' to do more than stand by and gaze upon the 
frightful scene and the determined workers it had called forth. 

"The houses destroyed were the planing mill, the dry house, the 
old exchange, the Russell House, Mrs. Filler's and Mrs. Cody's resi- 
dences — both the latter on the south side of the street — Mr. John 
Mautz's residence, Mr. Shower's residence and Mrs. Chilcote's resi- 
dence, and Bowman & Johnson's blacksmith shop, and Mr. Shower's 
stable. The occupants of most of the dwellings saved only a portion of 
their household effects, and some lost about all they possessed of that 
kind of property." 

Nearly all the space made vacant by these fires has been built upon, 
and most of the buildings destroyed have been replaced by better ones. 
With these two exceptions, Somerset, during its entire existence, has 
been very fortunate regarding fires. 

Somerset is very pleasantly situated on the high grounds that separ- 
ate the waters of Muskingum from those of the Hocking. The rain 
that falls on the north and east end of the town flows into the Musking- 
um, while that which falls on the south and west parts finds its way into 
the Hocking. The site of the town is elevated, broad and command- 
ing, and much of it afibrds a good view of the surrounding countr}^ 

Somerset, at, present, has a postoffice, one telegraph office, one rail- 
road depot, one newspaper, one union school house, one female acad- 
emy, four churches, one convent, one hotel, one music hall, four dry 
goods stores, two hardware stores, two jewelry stores, two drug stores, 
two furniture stores, two shoe stores, one photograph gallery, one car- 
riage and buggy shop, one planing mill, one tanner}', two harness and 
saddle shops, two tailor shops, one clothing store, one coverlet weaver, 
seven groceries, four physicians, five lawyers, one job printing office, 
three millinery stores, two meat shops and two tin shops. 

The Hippodrome war, the trial and execution of David Work, the 
Centennial Celebration, and many other notable events connected with 
the history of Somerset, will be found in other appropriate chapters of 
this volume. 

In view of the imm^se strides which the iron business is making in 
Perry county, and its probable future, it is worth while to contemplate 
the initial workers and the small beginninfjs of the industry. Somerset 
had the first foundry in the county. It was established by Joseph Simp- 
son, who, in his lifetime, was well known 'O many of the people of 
Perry county. The reader of this volume would naturally like to know 




J^, t^i Aa. 




HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 28 1 

something of the original foundry and iron man of the county, there- 
fore the following sjietch is inserted : 

Joseph Simpson settled in Somerset in 1843, having come direct from 
Newark, Licking county, but from Halifax, Yorkshire, England, two 
years previous. He purchased a large tobacco warehouse on Happy al- 
ley, about midway between Columbus street and the Logan road, and 
converted it into a foundry. For many years he conducted a successful 
business. Mr. Simpson spent much of his time in exploring the great 
mineral region of Monday and Sunday Creeks, apd often predicted its 
future wealth and greatness. He was well known throughout the county, 
and became somewhat famous for his plows. He will be well remem- 
bered by the old settlers. He may be ranked as the pioneer of the 
iron interest of Perry county. Mr. Simpson died in Newark, in 1856. 

New Reading. — New Reading, for a long time better known as 
Overmyertown, situated three miles from Somerset, in the western part 
of Reading township, was laid out in 1805, by Peter Overmyer, father 
of the venerable Peter Overmyer, who now resides in the vicinity of 
New Reading. This village is the oldest in the county, antedating 
Somerset, Rehoboth, Thornville, New Lexington, and all the other vil- 
lages of the county. When the county of Perry was formed. New 
Reading was a candidate for the seat of justice, and its citizens were 
disappointed and displeased when they failed to secure the location. 
The village has just about held its own for sixty years and more. It 
contains two churches, a schoolhouse, store, physician, a few shops, 
and several neat and comfortable private residences, and had, in June, 
1880, one hundred and eighteen inhabitants. The town is handsomel}'- 
situated, and is surrounded by a country not onl}^ fertile and healtlw, 
but one of the loveliest to be found an^'where in the State, and capable 
of being made almost a second paradise. 

To this country, then a wilderness, came Peter Overmyer, the pio- 
neer, from Northumberland county, Penns3-lvania. Peter was a son of 
John George Obermaver, as the name was written in German, who 
came from Germany to the United States in 1751. When Peter Over- 
myer came to what is now Perry county, Ohio, he brought with him 
some of the old heirlooms and keepsakes of his father's family, but 
nothing which he could prize more highly than the original of the fol- 
lowing "passport," written in German, which his father procured when 
about to leave the Fatherland for the New World : 

'''■Passfort of 'John Georo^c Obermayer. — In Blankenloch, of the 
Magistracy of Durlach, lying within the bounds of the highly exalted 
dominion, the Nagraviate of Baden, was born, on October 27, 1727, 
and baptized on the day following, October 28, John George, legitimate 
son of his father, John George OlDermayer, citizen and weaver, and of 
his mother, Anna. 

"Witnesses of his baptism were John George Btme, citizen and 
weaver ; Henry Bane, citizen of Buechig ; also, Susanna, wife of Jacob 
Werners, citizen and weaver; also, Anna Mary, wife of John Storken, 
citizen of Hagsfeld. This has been copied from the 'Register of Bap- 
tisms' and the 'Church Record,' of this parish. 

"In testimony of his honest service and praiseworthy conduct while 



282 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

in our midst, especially of his knowledge and confession of the Evan- 
gelical Religion (Lutheran), I cheerfully subscribe with m}^ own hand, 
and stamp with official seal. 

^ CI "John Christian Ebersold, 

[UFFiciAL :;>EAL. J "Pastor of Blankenloch and Buechig. 

"Blankenloch, May 4th, 1751. 

"Inasmuch as the above-mentioned John George Obermayer, native 
of Blankenloch, has resolved, by the Grace of God, to leave this prov- 
ince to go to the New Country, the Colonv of Pennsylvania, and has 
most respectfully besought and petitioned us, as the representatives of 
this Court, for an honorable dismissal and certificate of good character, 
and we cannot justly refuse, but, on the other hand, we cheerfully testi- 
fy, upon the ground of truth, that he has, in his service in our midst, 
conducted himself as a Christian, iionest, trustworthy, and industrious. 
We, therefore, wish Mr. Obermayer not only all temporal, but, also, all 
eternal blessings. We, therefore, beseech all respective persons, 
whether of high or low estate, with this charge of duty, not only to per- 
mit him to pass free and unmolested wherever he may choose to go, but, 
also, without suspicion, kindly to receive and entertain said Oberma3^er, 
in whatsoev^er place or locality he mav announce himself, for which we 
shall ever be the indebtors. 

"In the name of this Court of Justice, we still remain the humble 
servants. Judge Bierich, 

'•''Attorney, Kimtzma. 
"School Sup't Fiegler, 

'"' Olerk of the Court. 
"Blankenloch, May I2ih, 1751." 

What follows is from the personal diary of John George Obermayer, 
in his own handwriting : 

"On May 9th, 1751, we went for the last time to church in Blanken- 
loch. There we sang once more, 'There are none whom God has for- 
saken,' 'Bless the Lord, O, my soul, and all that is within me bless His 
holy name,' and 'Lord Jesus Christ to us attend.' It was the fourth 
Sunday after Easter, 'Cantate,' when we heard the Gospel lesson for 
the day, John xvi :5-i5, which begins : 'But now I go my way to Him 
that sent me ; and none of you ask me 'Whither goest thou?' ' 

"On May 14, we left Blankenloch, for Rheinhausen. On the 19th, 
we sailed from Rheinhausen, toward Mannheim. On the 20th, we went 
to Worms, where we sang, 'O, Holy Ghost, descend, we pray.' On 
the 4th of June, at two o'clock, we passed through the Bingerlock, and 
at seven o'clock we passed through the bay of St. Gwier, where we en- 
countered great danger. 

"Our voyage upon the Rhine, from Rheinhausen to Amsterdam, was 
of four weeks' duration. On the 20th of June we embarked from Rot- 
terdam, and from thence to Old England. On the 22d, we sailed in 
upon the vast ocean." 

The foregoing was translated from the German, in which language 
it was written, by Rev. Walter, of Somerset. Every reader of this 
history will regret that John Jacob Obermayer laid aside his pen so soon, 
and that the written record he left is so brief. Short as it is, however, 
it is sufficient to give a vivid impression of the father of the man who 



HISTORY OF PERRY C TUNTY. 283 

named Reading township, and the town of Reading, the oldest village 
in the county of Perry. 

Hanover, the first laid out town in what is now Perry county, was 
established by Jacob Dittoe, in 1804, about four miles west of Fink's 
tavern, on Zane's Trace, in what is now Reading township, Perry 
county. The village never amounted to much, though a few families 
gathered there, and in 1818, one of the first actsof the Court of Common 
Pleas of Perry was in response to a petition of the proprietor, to annul 
the town plat of Planover, and the lots, streets and alleys reverted to the 
proprietor simply as land, and Hanover was no more. 

Churches. — Of the original settlers of Reading township, the Penn- 
sylvania Germans were chiefly Lutherans, Catholics, or German Re- 
foi-m, and the English speaking people were principally Methodists, 
Baptists or Presbyterians. The Irish immigrants and their descendants 
were mostly Catholics, though some of them were Protestants, and ad- 
hered to some branch of the Protestant church. The itinerant Metho- 
dist preachers visited Somerset at a very early day, and organized 
classes or societies. The late Rev. J. VanLaw, who, a few years 
since, was stationed in Somerset, compiled a very full and interesting 
sketch of the work of the Methodists at Somerset and charges connected 
therewith. The sketch is not only of special interest as to Somerset and 
vicinity, but to nearly all the old Methodist churches of the county, as 
they were all, in the old times, attached to Somerset Circuit. Somer- 
set, Rehoboth and New Lexington, all belonged to the same Circuit as 
late as 1850. The sketch is from a pubhshed source : 

" The first settlement of Ohio was by a New England Colony that 
landed at the mouth of the Muskingum river, on the 7th of April 1788. 
These were all of Puritan stock, and no Methodists among them, as it 
was not till two years later, that Methodism was carried into New Eng- 
land, by Jesse Lee, that preached the first Methodist sermon in all that 
section, under the great Elm tree in Boston Common, on a July after- 
noon 1790. At that time Marietta and Cincinnati were the only two 
points settled in Ohio ; and when on the i6th of September, 1799, the 
first session of the Territorial Legislature met in Cincinnati, it was then 
only a village of 500 inhabitants, built almost entirely of logs, and with- 
out a brick ni its entire structure. The population in the whole State, 
in 1798, was onl}^ about 5000. 

"In 1798, Rev. Kobler crossed the Ohio from Kentucky, kneeling 
on the river bank to invoke the divine blessing upon his mission. On 
Christmas day he spread the sacramental table for twentyfive or thirty 
communicants, all there were in the country. This was the first regu- 
lar preaching, and the first Methodist communion in Ohio, that ten 
years ago numbered 100,000 on its communion roll. In 1799, Holston, 
Kentucky, Tennessee and one Circuit in Ohio constituted one immense 
district, with twelve preachers. No society was formed in Cincinnati, 
till 1804. On the southeast, however, Robert Manly had crossed over 
from Virginia, occasionally, perhaps, as early as 1795, and by 1799, he 
had boldly entered and formed a Circuit extending up the Muskingum 
for forty miles. In 1799, James Qiiinn made a missionary tour up the 
Hocking Valley, preaching to the few families residing near the present 



284 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

site of Lancaster. In 1804, Asa Shinn organized the Hocking Circuit 
out of this territory, occupying the usual four weeks. The next year James 
Qiiinn and Jolin Meek were sent to this circuit, and in 1807 we find 
'Ohio District, Fairfield Circuit, William Pattison,' in the list of appoint- 
ments of the 'Western Conference,' that contained nearly all the terri- 
tory west of the Alleganies. In 1808 it is Ralph Lotspeick, and John 
Bowman, Miami district; in 1809 it is Ralph Lotspeick, Muskingum 
district; in 1810 Francis Tarvis, with James Quinn, as presiding elder. 

" During this year the Ohio Conference was organized at Ports- 
mouth, and on Christmas day the first Methodist sermon was preached 
in Somerset, at the house of John Mains, by the Reverend Robert Cloud, 
who, with Jesse Stoneman, continued to occupy this as a preaching 
place for several years. In 181 1, James Qiiinn and James B. Finley 
traveled Fairfield Circuit, and the latter organized the first class in 
Somerset, with John Mains leader. The remaining four of this immor- 
tal five were Anna Mains, wife of the leader^ John Anderson and wife, 
and William Babbs. The opposition was bitter and unreasonable, but 
the old log school house, afterward used as a chair shop b}^ Jesse Huff, 
near the present site of Dittoe's and Hull's grocery, was the class sanc- 
tuar_y of those tried ones, for years, and it resounded with the songs and 
shoutings of their triumphant faith. In 1812, William Lambden had 
charge of the Circuit ; and Archibald McElroy in 1813. 

" David Young was presiding elder, in 1813-14; Charles Waddle 
in 1814; Charles Waddle and Michael Ellis, 1815 ; James Qiiinn and 
John McMahon in i8r6; Michael Ellis and John McMahon in 1817. 
During the early part of this Conference year John McMahon retired 
from the work, and John Stewart was called from the Kanawha Circuit 
in Virginia, taking his place here as Junior Preacher, January ist, 1818. 

"The Somerset society had now grown to embrace the following 
members : William Babbs, sen., John and Ruth Murray, John and Anna 
Mains; Toby Taylor and wife; Frederick Mains, sen., and wife; 
George Richards and wife; Jesse G. McGowen, and perhaps Frede- 
rick Mains, jun., and wife. In June, 1819, Joseph F. Brown was 
added to the society, and Jacob Knowles and wite in place of Ta3'lor 
removed. That summer the society made an effort to raise a house of 
worship, on what was afterwards called in consequence, Happy 
Alley. 

" The lot is now occupied in part by William Russell, though the 
site of the first church is yet vacant. John Murray undertook the build- 
ing, and got the walls up to the square, when a large dead chestnut tree 
was blown down by the equinoctial storm, crushing the walls to the 
ground. Things remanied in this condition until the next spring ; the 
brethren being much discouraged. Albert Gough and Henry Matthews 
were preachers on the immense circuit embracing Lancaster, (perhaps 
Circleville) Logan, New Lexington, Rehoboth, and other points to the 
number of twenty-five or thirty preaching places. 

" ' But seeing the desolation of the Lord's house, writes Joseph T. 
Brown, ' I was stirred up in my heart and said to some of the brethren : 
Let us arise and rebuild the house.' They said to me, if I thought any- 
thing could be done they would help me what they could. So I went 
forward, hired hands, gathered up and cleaned off the bricks, procured 



HISTORY OP^ PERRY COUNTY. 285 

materials and workmen, enlarged the building several feet, and got it 
up and under roof, with one coat of plaster, in time to hold a meeting 
on Christmas. This meeting resulted in the addition of about fifty 
members, most prominent among whom were, John Beckwith and John 
Ritchey.' " [Letter of Ma}^ 23d, 1876, to the w^riter]. 

" Brother John Mains, who is now passing the golden autumn of a 
ripe age, in Greenfield, Ohio, informs me, that he and Jesse McGowen 
were associated with brother Browm in this building, and that Judge C. 
C. Hood, coming into the neighborhood about that time, seated the new 
church at his own expense. Notwithstandnig this, brother Brown's ob- 
ligations and expenditures, footed up about five hundred dollars, part 
of which w^as paid, but the greater part remains in the treasur}' of the 
Lord, safe until the present time. 

" Previous to the building of the brick church, the services of the 
society were held in the court room, over the old jail on South Colum- 
bus street. Here, as earl}^ as 1817, we are assured of the existence of 
a Sabbath school, of which Frederick Mains, now^ living in Somerset, 
was probably the first Superintendent, with Tobias Taylor as an assist- 
ant. Brother John Mains says, the first Sabbath school was previously 
organized in the brick house now^ the residence of Nathan Dennison, 
but the recollection of Frederick Mains as its first Superintendent, ren- 
ders it unsafe to place its active operations much prior to 181 7. 

" Abner Gough and Charles Thorn traveled Fairfield circuit in 1820 ; 
WiUiam Stephens and Zara Coston, 182 1 ; William Stephens, in 1822 ; 
James Gilruth and Isaac C. Hunter, in 1823 ; Charles Waddle and Ho- 
mer Clark, in 1824 ; Leroy Swornsted and James Qinnn, in 1825 ; 
James Qiiinn and James Laws, in 1826 ; James Laws and Gilbert Blue, 
in 1827 ; Jacob Young and Cornelius Springer, in 1828. Discussion, 
leading to the radical separation in 1828, culminated this year in a gen- 
eral debate, at the Bethel Church, and Cornelius Springer, a leader in 
the movement in the west, withdrew to the Protestant Methodist 
Church. 

" In 1829, Zachary Connel and Henry S. Fernandes, were preach- 
ers ; and in 1830, Samuel Hamilton and Henry S. Fernandes. Then 
Rushville circuit appears on the records with Samuel Hamilton and 
Jacob Hooper, preachers in 183 1 ; J. Carper and Jacob Young, in 1832 ; 
and J. Carper, J. Armstrong and S. H. Holland, in 1833 ; for this year, 
it appeal's, the church we now occupy in Somerset, was built, and in 
the next year, 1834, the log church at Chalfants was dedicated. Thus, 
in three successive j^ears, each of the societies constituting the present 
Somerset circuit, built a new church. The impulse given under brother 
Carper's administration and the building of the new church in Somer- 
set, appears at once in the minutes for 1834 5 we have the name changed 
to Somerset circuit, James McMahon and B. F. Meyers as preachers. 
Brother McMahon not only dedicated the Chalfant church, but also 
took subscriptions for the church at New Zion. In 1825, J. McDowell, 
B. F. Me^^ers and J. Hooper (supply), were appointed to Somerset cir- 
cuit; in 1836, Heniy S. Fernandes and John Blampied ; in 1837, Hen- 
ry S. Fernandes and Moses A. Milligan ; in 1838, Moses A. Milligan 
and Isaac Caitlich ; in 1839, Andrew Murphy and William T. Hand ; 



286 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

in 1840, William P. Strickland and Sheldon Parker; in 1841, William 
P. Strickland, Edward Roe and Samuel Harvey, supply. 

" In 1842, we find Somerset assuming her place as a station, with 
the eloquent Joseph A. Waterman in charge; in 1844, Andrew Carroll 
was pastor, and this ended the effort to maintain the station. Hopewell 
and Zion had been joined to Rehoboth circuit; and in 1844, Somerset 
also became part of Rehoboth circuit, and so remained till the organi- 
zation as at present, in 1854. T^^^ appointments for Rehoboth circuit, 
during these years, were as follows : 

" 1842 — James Gurley and supply. 

" 1843 — Joseph Carper and Philip A. Muchner. 

" 1844— T. A. G. Philips and John Fitch. 

" 1845— John Fitch and T. A. G. PhiHps. 

" 1846-47 — Joseph Neuson and Samuel Hamilton. 

" 1848 — A. M. Alexander and I. F. Longman. 

" 1849— E. V. Bing, J. H. Creighton and G. W. Brush. 

"During this year, over one thousand probationers were received 
on Rehoboth circuit. 

" 1850 — E. V. Bing, John Dillon and James Mitchell. 

" 185 1 — John Dillon, Charles Warren and supply. 

" 1852 — Charles Warren, Edward P. Hall and supply. 

" 1853— Charles C. Lybrand and R. J. Black. 

"James M. Jameson was Presiding Elder of the Zanesville District, 
and lived at Somerset during 1846-7-8 ; Jacob Young from 1848 to 
1852, and J. M. Trimble from 1852 to 1856. Rehoboth circuit, in 1854, 
reports seven hundred and fifty -seven members, twenty-five probation- 
ers, and five local preachers. 

" In 1854, Somerset Circuit was organized as at present, at the Con- 
ference at Portsmouth, and James C. Taylor was appointed for 1854-5 ; 
E. V. Bing for 1856-7 ; John White, Presiding Elder. 

" S. C. Riker was preacher in 1858, with extensive revivals all over 
the charge. 

"James Mitchell was in charge of the Circuit for 1859-60, when the 
present Hopewell Church was built, 

" P. V. Ferree was pastor in 1861-62 ; John Frazer, Presiding El- 
der for 1860-63 ; D. D. Mather, P. E. for 1864-65 ; T. H. PhiHps, P. 
E. for 1866-67 ; WilHam Porter. P. E. for 1868-70 ; W. T. Harvey, P. 
E., Lancaster District, for 1871-72 : T, H. Hall, P. E., Lancaster Dis- 
Irict, for 1873-74-75. 

" Brother Ferree remained in Somerset, engaged mainly in teach- 
ing till his death in 1868, and his ashes lie in the M. E. Cemetery in 
this place. 

" S. C. Frampton succeeded him as pastor in 1863-64 ; R. W. Man- 
ley, in 1865-66-67; A. H. Windsor, in 1868-69; J- ^- Weir, in 1870- 
71 ; B. F. Thomas, in 1872-73-74 ; and J. Van Law, in 1875-76. Gra- 
cious revivals attended the labors of many, if not all of these pastors ; 
those in Somerset and Zion, under charge of brother Manley, and in 
Hopewell imder brother Thomas, are worthy of special mention. Much 
fruit of these remain. 

"About the year 1866 or 1867, an extension was made to the Som- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 287 

erset church, and October 22d, 1865, the trustees met at the old parson- 
age, nearly opposite the church, and organized, with Judge C. C. Hood 
in the chair, P. V. Ferree, secretary pro tern. The members present, 
were: Dixon Brown, William Ream, John Huston, Martin Berk ey, 
C. C. Hood, Dr. Skinner. P. V. Ferree, and the newly appointed pas- 
tor, R. W. Manley. The business was, to receive the report of a com- 
mittee to examine property for a parsonage. After the report, a com- 
mittee, consisting of David Ream, Dixon Brown, John Huston and 
Lewis Edwards, were appointed to purchase the present parsonage 
property of B. Whitmer. Wm. Ream for Zion, Robert Chalfant for 
Hopewell, Dr. Skinner and William Huston for Somerset, were appoint- 
ed to raise subscriptions to pay for the property. These committees 
ware both successful, and after thorough repairs, under the administra- 
tion of brother J. M. Weir, the Circuit may well feel proud of its par- 
sonage. 

" In 1854, t^^^ Somerset Collegiate Institute was organized, with a 
semi-official relation to the Ohio Conference. Charles Nourse was 
Principal, and the following constituted the Board of Directors, viz. : 
Rev. James C. Taylor, ex officio; EH Spencer, William Spencer, John 
Ritchie, George Morris, Thomas Wiles and R. Miller. This school 
continued to be taught in the old Fink tavern building for about eight 
years, when the property was sold for the use of the public schools. 

"About the year 1829, the Somerset society was strengthened by 
the accession of Ensor Chilcote and family. He was truly a leader in 
the charge for many years, and his mantle of power still rests upon his 
family in the church. 

"In the Official List of 186 1, I tind James Chilcote as Recording 
Steward, with Charles Nourse, Dixon Brown, and J. P. Huston, Stew- 
ards for Somerset; William Ream and David Ream, for Zion; and 
Mordecai Yarnell and John Kelley, for Hopewell. Leaders at Somer- 
set — O. T. Mohler, morning class; Martin Berkey and C. C. Hood, 
noon class ; James Chilcote, Monday night class ; A. B. Leach, Tues- 
da)' night class, and Gideon Ritchey, Wednesday night. Hopewell — 
Mordecai Yarnell and Melzar Kendall. New Zion — Isaac Cooper and 
George Ritchey. 

"The Trustees of Somerset Station, 1843, were Ensor Chilcote, C. 
C. Hood, Jacob Knowles, Thomas Price, John Ritchey, John Beck- 
with, and G. Morris. 

"Bishops Asbury, McKendree, Roberts, George, and others, have 
been here, the honored guests of John Mains, preaching in succession 
in the house, school-house, the jail-loft, and the church. The Fairfield 
Circuit has become a district ; the school-house and cabin classes have 
become a trio of congregations. 

"The Hopewell Class. — In 1812 or 1813, a class was organized, to 
meet at Abram Hamisfar's (now Rusk's), of which Robert Chalfant 
was leader, and contained the following members : Mercy Chalfant, 
Abram and Hannah Hamisfar, Charles and Margaret Hamisfar, 'Fath- 
er' and 'Mother' Fitsmorris, and their daughter, Elizabeth Miller; 
James and Jane Benjamin, Polly Hutchins, Nathan and Ella Benjamin, 
Daniel and Peggy Miner, Jacob Miner, Rebecca Miner (now Denni- 



288 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

son), Sally and Frank Miner, Thomas and Amy Kendall, Nelly and 
Nancv Cane, and George Guysinger. 

"This class formed, in part, the basis of Hopewell and Zion classes, 
which were formed about 1830. The Hopewell class grew rapidly, and 
in 1834 ^^ log-built church was dedicated, by James McMahon, preach- 
ing from John xv :5, 'I am the vine, ye are the branches.' It was called 
Chalfant's Church- The class-book for 1840-41, now in the hands of 
Sister Cochran, gives the class as follows: Robert O. Spencer, P. E. ; 
William P. Strickland, J. Parker, preachers ; Robert Chalfant, leader ; 
Thomas and Amy Kendall, Jared and Sarah Dennison, John, Margaret, 
Thomas, Nancy and Elizabeth Randolph ; Mar}^ Edwards, Mary Wil- 
son, Drusilla Ferguson, Rachel Foreman, Margaret Chalfant, Jane 
Hinebaugh, Maxwell Edwards, Elizabeth Kelley, Elizabeth Bear. 
Thomas N. Edwards, Martha Thompson, David Yarnell, George Cow- 
en and Mary Ann Cowen, Amos Dennison, Mary Yarnell, Lydia Ann 
Edwards, Catharine Cox, Mary and Elizabeth Sturgeon, Mahala Den- 
nison, Emeline Ferguson, Margaret and Olive Hinebaugh, Eliza and 
Sarah Bateson, Ebenezer Snellen, Robert and Elizabeth Emery, Louis 
Edwards, Robert, Mary Ann, Sarah and Comtbrt Chalfant ; William 
Van Horn, Rebecca Cox (now Wilson), Catharine and Margaret Cox, 
Elisha and Mary Wilson. Rev. James Kendall was converted here, 
and was called to the ministry, entering the Ohio Conference in 185 1. 

"The present neat and commodious Hopewell Church was built in 
i860, when Rev. James Mitchell was in charge, though the project was 
started the year before by Brother S. C. Riker. It was dedicated by 
Brother Riker, assisted by Dr. Frazier, P. E., no money being asked 
for, as all the expenses had been provided for beforehand. 

"The first Hopewell Sabbath School was said to have been organ- 
ized in Bozerman's school-house, in 183 1 or 1832. 

"In the winter of 1872-73, a gracious revival, under the pastorate of 
Rev. B. F. Thomas, resulted in the accession of about forty persons, on 
probation, a very large proportion of whom now remain steadfast as 
members in the church. 

"New Zion. — Rev. James McMahon was appointed to the Somei^set 
Circuit in 1834, ^^^ soon after his arrival he was taken by Martin Ber- 
key, then a young man, to the residence of David Ream, Sr., where 
he preached, and organized a class, with young Berkey as leader. i\. 
Class-book, now in his possession, gives the foliowing members, under 
date. May 27, 1835 : Martin Berkey, leader ; Rebecca Berkey, George 
Boor, Elizabeth Boor, Elizabeth Ritchey, Wilson Ritchey, James 
Ritchey, George Ritchey, Jane Spencer, Eleanor Cain, Rachel Patton, 
Rebecca Boor, James Cain, Hannah Cain, Priscilla I. Cain, Rachel 
Berkey, Martin Boyers, Gideon Ritchey, Elizabeth Boor, Phebe Cain, 
Rebecca Drury, Rachel Herron, Rachel Carr, Margaret Spencer, Ed- 
ward Hamilton, Rachel Hamilton, Mary Hare, Mary Hull, Hester 
Stiles, George Coleman, Jacob Stateser, James Hutches, William Pat- 
ten, Elsie Benjamin, Rebecca Fleehart, Elizabeth Emrine, Matilda 
Sharen, and Hester Chilcote — total, 38. Another roll gives the names 
of William and Rachel Paden, Mahlon S.Gregg, Emily Gregg, Charles 
Hamisfar, Catharine Hamisfar, and Dorcas Davis. Ensor Chilcote is 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 289 

also mentioned as leader or assistant, though not a member of the 
class. 

"James McMahon and B. F. Meyers were preachers in 1834-35, 
and dm'ing this conference year the present brick church was built, the 
ground on which it stands being donated by James Ritchey, Esq. This 
church is hallowed by the presence of its manv dead, and bv the mem- 
ories of more than forty years : but it is now ready to be taken down to 
give place to something better. 

"A camp meeting was held in 1819, on the 'Benjamin Farm.' now 
owned by John Bumcral, where the preachers were probably Charles 
Waddle, P. E.. Sodosa Bacon, and Peter Stephens. In 1834 another 
camp meeting was held near Zion, at which William Ream was con- 
verted, who afterwards became a strong pillar in Zion. It is hoped the 
present church building will give place to a better one during next sum- 
mer. 

"The number of full members for the past eight years is as follows : 
1869, 200; 1870, 195; 1871. 197; 1872, 213: 1873'. 248; 1874, 260; 
1875, 242; 1876,^254." 

St. Joseph's Church (Catholic), situated in the southern part of Read- 
ing township, two and a half miles south of Somerset, on the common 
road leading from that place to New Lexington, is the oldest Catholic 
Church in Ohio, excepting none whatever. The circumstances attend- 
ing the organization of the church, the building of the first edifice, the 
consecration of the same, and the preaching of the first sermon therein, 
are of interest to all general readers, and especially to those of the 
Catholic faith. The ensuing sketch relative to the founding of St. Jo- 
seph's Church, and other matters of early Catholic history in Perry 
county, is from the pen of the late Rev, N. D. Young, only a year or 
two before his death, and were presented to the compiler of the Perry 
County History, to be published for the consideration and instruction of 
present and future generations : 

"Amongst the first settlers of this county were a few Catholic tami- 
lies, emigrants from Pennsylvania. They were the children of patri- 
otic ancestors, many of whom were soldiers under Washington, in the 
days that tried men's souls, braving the hardships of the Revolutionary 
War, for liberty and freedom of conscience in this country. 

"The Rev. Edward Dom. Fenwick, and the Rev. Nicholas Dom. 
Young, of the Order of St. Dominic, were the first established priests 
of the Catholic Church in Perry county, and first priests settled in Ohio 
as citizens of the State. The}' were both natives of Maryland. The 
Fenwick family emigrated with the colony of Lord Baltimore to this 
countr}-, and landed in St. Mary's county, Maryland, with the same 
colony. Father Young's paternal ancestors were Protestants, and em- 
igrated from England. His ancestor. Judge Benjamin Young, was sent 
here a commissioned Judge of the British Government, long before our 
Independence. He settled, with his family, on the Potomac river, 
where the city of Washington now stands. He purchased, on its 
bounds, a large tract of land, and erected on the immediate banks of 
the Potomac a splendid mansion, importing from England the materials 
of which it w^as built. Whilst Judge, he was converted to the Catholic 
religion. But the intolerant laws of England disfranchised Catholics 

39 



290 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY, 

from holding any office of the Government, pohtical or religious, in 
consequence of which Judge Young resigned his office. 

"Dr. Fenwick and Father Young were sent to Perry county by 
their superior, from the Convent of St. Rose, in Kentucky, to take pos- 
session of a small log church and farm, containing three hundred and 
twentv-nine acres, donated to Father Fenwick by Mr. Jacob Dittoe, 
who, with the assistance of his two brothers, Messrs. Joseph and An- 
thony Dittoe, and his brother-in-law, Mr. John Fink, of Somerset, had 
purchased by entrance in the land office held in Chillicothe, this half 
section for the express establishment of a Church and Convent of the 
Dominican Order then established in Kentucky. The above two 
Fathers, in obedience to the will of their superior, the learned Dr. 
Thomas Wilson, and in compliance with the wish of the saintly Bishop 
Flaget, of Bardstown, in 1818, reached the place of their destmation 
abont the first of December, and, on the sixth of the same month, the 
humble church, in the presence of their little flock, was dedicated under 
the patronage of St. Joseph, by the Rev. Father Fenwick, assisted by 
his nephew, Rev. N. D. Young. 

"The occasion was a very interesting one, being the first Catholic 
Church opened and blessed in Ohio. It attracted a great concourse of 
dissenting brethren, many ot whom, for the first time in their lives, had 
a view of a Catholic Priest, of whom they had heard so many strange 
things. 

"At that period, not more than six families composed their flock, 
within reach of St. Joseph's. Like the grain of mustard seed, this little 
congregation increased so rapidly that, in the course of two years, it 
was found necessary to make an addition to the little church. This was 
accomplished by adding to it a neat stone building, which was finished 
and made ready for divine worship in the course of a year. It was 
constructed so as to allow any future addition that might be deemed 
necessary. It was soon found that St. Joseph's and Trinity Church, 
then erected in Somerset, about two miles distant, were insuflicient to 
contain the members of the two congregations, and that something 
must be done to assist at Mass and hear the word of God, to fulfil the 
obligations of Religion. 

"The eyes of all were again turned to St. Joseph's. The Right 
Reverend Dr. Fenwick had left St. Joseph's, and was consecrated the 
first Bishop of Cincinnati, in 1822, at St. Rose's Church, by Bishop 
Flaget. He was anxious that another addition, according to the origi- 
nal plan, should be made to St. Joseph's, to accommodate a flock, dear 
to his heart, with all the spiritual comforts of the Catholic Church. He 
urged his wish that the work should be commenced. The pastor, 
Father Young, called a meeting, to decide the question. At that meet- 
ing, it was agreed that the old log church should be removed, and, in 
its place, a brick addition should be added to the stone part of the edi- 
fice. A subscription was immediately opened, and the means, in part, 
obtained. This subscription was headed by the bishop's name and two 
hundred and fifty dollars. Trusting to the liberality of the friends of 
reHgion, and depending particularly on the hope that it might be in the 
power of the zealous bishop to extend to this church, the cradle of the 
other churches in Ohio, and so long the field of his labors, further as- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 29 1 

sistance, the work was commenced on Whitsuntide Monday, the twen- 
ty-sixth of May, 1825, when the corner-stone was solemnly blessed and 
laid by the Rev. Father Young, authorized by the Bishop ; and on Sun- 
day, January nth, 1829, the same Reverend Father, assisted by his 
confrere, the Rev. Daniel O'Leary, O. P., blessed the entire edifice, 
brick and stone. The whole was now eight3'-two feet in length, and 
forty feet in breadth, surmounted by a beautiful little steeple and hand- 
some cross, rearing its head above the surrounding forest, and the first 
erected in Perry county, to recall to the minds of all, the great redemp- 
tion our Lord purchased on the cross for us all. 

"The Right Reverend Bishop, on account of his occupation at Cin- 
cinnati, and the unseasonableness of the time, was not able to attend 
the dedication, as he had arranged with the pastor of St. Joseph's. Af- 
ter the solemn high mass sung by the choir of Trinity Church, Rev. 
Father Young delivered an appropriate discourse, to a crowded audi- 
ence. Some few of his hearers are yet living in Perrv county, and re- 
member his sermon, especially that part in which he dwelt with peculiar 
delight on the great change that had been effected. He told them that 
the woods with which they were surrounded, not many years ago, re- 
sounded with the Indian yell, and bowlings of wolves, but would here- 
after echo canticles of joy and praises of God. 

"He passed a merited encomium on the departed patriarchs of reli- 
gions, Messrs. Jacob Dittoe, Joseph and Anthony, his brothers, and 
the old patriarch of the Somerset congregation, Mr. John Fink, Sr., 
who was a liberal benefactor in the erection of Trinity Church, besides 
donating to Father Fenwick the beautiful site on which that splendid 
gothic church now stands, in connection with the cemetery. In his 
discourse he observed that St. Joseph's was the Mother Church of all 
other Catholic churches dedicated in Ohio, or which in future would be 
dedicated in the Diocese of Cincinnati. On the ver}'^ spot on which 
he stood, was the place from whence so many churches, as branches, 
spread out. Eleven in existence had been erected b}' his brethren of 
St. Joseph's, in various sections of the State. Now we have, in Perry 
county alone, eight organized congregations, all having churches, 
where the word of God and divine service, on all Sundays of the year, 
is celebrated, and the holy sacraments administered by resident pastors. 
Some of these churches are splendid Gothic buildings, excelled in size 
and beauty of architecture by few in the United States, namely : St. 
Joseph's, Trinity, St. Patrick's, and St. Louis. Others will follow. 

" The order has extended so rapidh', that the Fathers on these missions 
were sent to the East ; Washington, New York, etc. In New York 
and Washington they have erected magnificent churches. St. Domi- 
nic's in South Washington, is said to be one of the most magnificent 
churches in the United States, — if not in size, in beauty of architecture, 
and is the largest in Washington. It was seven years building, has 
seven chapels attached to it, with granite stone brought from the cele- 
brated quarry of Fort McHenry, near Baltimore, and stands on the 
spot where stood the barn of Notley Young, not far from his mansion 
on the Potomac, and where General Washington was honored as his 
guest, when surveying the District of Columbia and laying out the City 
of Washington. He donated to the Government the beautiful mall. 



292 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

now the Smithsonian park, and also tlie square lor a market house on 
Pennsylvania Avenue. 

" The splendid church of St. Joseph's and the Convent attached to it, 
were burnt January 14th, 1862. It was erected by the Rev. Charles 
Montgomery, the Superior at the time the conflagration took place. 
The fire was supposed to be accidental. The walls of the church being 
very thick, were but slightly injured, and were very soon again roofed. 
The interior was finished off by lofty Gothic groins, supported by Gothic 
columns. The walls of the Convent being thin, suffered so nuicli by the 
fire, as to be rendered unfit for further use, and were accordingly taken 
down. The present Convent, now occupied by the Fathers of St.Jf)seph's. 
and as a Theological College, was once a public college, educating 
many of the youths of Ohio, and patronized extensively from distant 
parts of the countr}^ 

" The zealous Bishop, Dr. Fenwick, was an ardent promoter of edu- 
cation. Always intent in giving every encouragement to the education 
of youths of both sexes in his diocese ; he had determined, as soon as 
in his power, to establish a female academy in Perry county. For that 
purpose, he purchased in Somerset, of Mr. William Harper, his resi- 
dence and lot of two acres of ground, opposite Trinity Church in Som- 
erset. He obtained from the Sisters of St. Catharine's C<jnvent, a cele- 
brated academy, five of their community, to imdertake the commence- 
ment of a similar academy. 

"Accordingly, in January, 1830, the five mentioned vSisters, viz : Sis- 
ter Angela Sansbery, Sister Emih' Elder, Sister Benveri Sansbery, 
Sister Agnes Harlen and Sister Catharine Mudd, were conducted to 
Somerset by Rev. S. Montgomery, via Cincinnati, where they stopped 
a few days to arrange matters with the Rt. Rev. Ijishop Fenwick. On 
their arrival in Somerset, some repairs and additions had to be made on 
the little house, before they could take possession of it as their residence. 
Mr. Peter Dittoe, a merchant of Somerset, kindly offered them hospi- 
tality, where they remained a month. This building, the commencement 
of St. Mar^^'s, was a small brick house, with a carpenter shop on the 
ground ffoor. In the shop, St. Mary's school commenced. The Sis- 
ters had every encouragement from the citizens of Somerset, and from 
the Rev. Fathers of St. Joseph's Convent. The}^ also opened a Novi- 
tiate, and a lady from Green Bay, Miss Mary Greignew. and Miss Rose 
Lynch of Zanesville, Ohio, were their first novices. 

" St. Mary's, from the encouragement it received from the public, in 
a few years, erected a large academy, with a beautiful Gothic church 
attached, and continued prosperous until June 7th, 1866, when, by a 
defection of a flue through the roof of the church, it caught fire, and 
this splendid church and academy were consumed. A generous benefac- 
tor, Mr. Theodore Leonard, near Columbus, offered the Sisters forty 
acres of land, and all the materials necessary for the erection of an ex- 
tensive academy, if they would locate on the proffered ground. This 
generous offer was accepted by the Sisters, and in 1868, the community 
of St. Mary's moved to their new home, a splendid house, about one 
hundred and fifty feet in length, with all conveniences attached. The 
Sisters dedicated it, as before, to the Mother of God, calling it St. 
Mai*y's of the Springs. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 293 

" The remains of the departed Sisters, interred at Somerset, were all 
removed to Cokimbus. 

" Perhaps there is not a more beautiful site in Ohio for an academy, 
than that of St. Mary's of the Springs. It stands high and gives a fine 
view of the surrounding country. It abounds with springs of the best 
waters, and within view of the Somerset and Newark Railroad. 

" Rt. Rev. Dr. Rosecrans established in Columbus, a branch of St. 
Mar3''s, called the Academy of Notre Dame, the Sisters of which are 
members of St. Mary's community, and were selected by the Bishop to 
conduct this Academy — a large and commodious building, situated on 
Broad street, a few squares from the Cathedral and State House. It is 
intended for the purpose, more of a day school for the education of the 
young ladies of the city, than those who may wish to enter as boarding 
pupils, conducted by the Nuns who first founded St. Mary's in Somer- 
set, with Bishop Fenwick their father and protector. The first Sisters 
are now no more. Their successors are the object of the zealous care of 
the Bishop of Columbus, whose diocese was established in 1868. 

'" I will conclude this article by recording the names of the second 
Catholic pioneers who settled in this county about the time St. Joseph's 
was dedicated. The first I wish to record, is that of Mr. William Wise- 
man, who emigrated from St. Mary's county, in Mar3'land, near the 
shores of St. Mary's river, where Lord Baltimore and his colony landed. 
When a young man, he enlisted in the Western Army, commanded by 
General Wavne and General Sinclair, under whom he was engaged in 
several battles they fought with the Indians. Whilst the army was sta- 
tioned at Fort Washington, where Cincinnati now stands, young Wise- 
man, with a small force of soldiers, was sent to occupy a block-house, 
built on the banks of the great Miami, to watch the movements of the 
Indians, and if necessary, to call for reinforcements on the fort. Un- 
expectedl}' they were surrounded by a large body of Indians, who took 
two of them prisoners ; one escaped, the other was burned alive in sight 
of his companions in the block-house. They could give the poor soldier 
no assistance ; his lamentable cries the}' could hear, calling out to them 
for protection. The commander of the fort, appealing to their patriot- 
ism, wished one at least to volunteer his services to go to Cincinnati for 
assistance, offering a reward to any one who would undertake the mis- 
sion to Fort Washington, although this could not be afieqted without 
danger of death, as the Miami must be crossed in a boat, exposed to 
the fire of the Indians. Young Wiseman was the only one who offered 
his services. He added, * I ask no pay.' They got the boat ready, 
which was moored under the bank on which the block-house stood. 
The commander accepted his ofier, and the boat was soon prepared for 
him. The Indians always on the alert, when the boat was launched in 
the river, with Wiseman in it, ]")oured a voile}' of shot upon it. He, in- 
tent only on escaping them, gained by quick paddling, the opposite 
bank. He often afterward observed, that Divine Providence alone pro- 
tected him from their bullets. The bank gained, like a deer speeding 
his course over hill and tlale, the valiant soldier soon reached the fort, 
distant some twenty miles from the block-house. When in sight of the 
fort, in a shallow place of the river, he crossed over on thin ice, which 
frequenth' broke before he gained the opposite side. The message he 



294 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

brought was soon answered by a quick march of some hundred soldiers, 
sent to their rehef, and the cruel Indians dispersed. 

" This brave deed of William Wiseman is recorded in Judge Burnet's 
History of Ohio. Mr. Wiseman was with General Harrison, at St. 
Clair's defeat, and was one of his special friends, and a strong supporter 
in Perry and Fairfield counties, when ' Tip and Tyler too ' were candi- 
dates for the Presidency and Vice Presidency of the United States. 
When General Harrison, during that campaign, visited Perry county, to 
make his political principles known, and to defend his abused reputa- 
tion, Mr. Wiseman, as a special friend, escorted him, and was at his 
side when Harrison spoke, and when he was received at Mr. Peter 
Dittoe's residence, since called Mount Harrison, over which waved the 
flag of the United States. No man could more rejoice than Mr. Wise- 
man, on the success of that campaign. 

" The other pioneers of the Catholic Church of Perry county were, 
Joseph Hodge (a convert to the Catholic Church), Henry and John 
Flowers, Joseph DeLong and brothers, John Noon and brothers, John 
Hynes, John McLaughlin, P. Griffin, Henry Sterner, Hugh, Dennis, 
and Richard McGonagle, James Cane, Henry and Peter Dittoe, Patrick 
McChristle, Henry McNally, Owen Martin, Matthew Casserly, Patrick 
Larg3% Alexander Clark, Neal and John Crossin, Patrick O'Hara, Pat- 
rick McMuilin, John Clark, John Byrne, Henry Bonastell (a soldier), 
Larry Curran, Patrick Cambron, Joshua Green, Judge P. McDonald, 
Philip McDonald, Esq., James McDonald, John Thornton, PhiHp, 
James, and Hugh Minor, David Mussulman, Jacob, John, Anthony, 
and Adam Fink, Felix Cull, Esq., Nicholas Tyder, Adam Gordon, 
Daniel McCann, James Elder, Owen Donely, Gregory Metzer, Levi 
Burgoon, John Litzinger. These were among the pioneers of St. 
Joseph. They are now no more. Their good works have gone before; 
them, and secured them an eternal reward." 

The names of several other Catholic pioneer families were subse- 
quently sent to the compiler by letter, but the hand of the aged Priest 
had become so tremulous that they could not be made out. The cir- 
cumstance shows, however, that, in his last days, he was thinking of 
the men and women to whom he ministered in the golden pioneer days. 

Rev. Father Young, the author of the foregoing interesting sketch, 
was, from 1818 until a period not a great w4iile previous to his death, 
actively engaged in ministerial work in one or more of the Catholic 
churches in Perry county. He was a zealous, active 3^oung Catholic 
Priest, with headquarters at St. Joseph's, when his parish extended from 
Wheeling, West Virginia, to Vincennes, Indiana. He would frequently 
ride on horseback from St. Joseph's to Columbus, in the night season, 
to administer to the sick and dying. Father Young was of sturdjs well 
knit frame, of cordial, genial manners, and of more than ordinary 
intellectual abilit3^ He was exceedingly zealous and industrious, and 
was apparently best satisfied and enjoyed himself best when hardest at 
work. He knew most of the early pioneers of Perry, and they knew 
him, Father Young was born and brought up near Washington, Dis- 
trict of Columbia, and had recently come to this section of Ohio from 
an older settled community. He felt a litde strange, at first, at seeing 
so many men clad in hunting shirts and carrying rifles, but he soon 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 295 

learned that they intended him no harm, and he could be hospitably 
entertained by any of them, whether of his religious belief or otherwise. 
He lived to be about eighty-five years of age, and though he died 
somewhere in the East, when on an accustomed visit or tour, his mortal 
remains were, according to his oft repeated request, sent back to Perry 
county, Ohio, and interred in St. Joseph's churchj-ard, where he had 
worked to establish a church of his faith so long ago. 

Holy Trinity (Catholic) Church has one of the largest and finest 
houses of worship in the State. It is most handsomely situated on ris- 
ing ground, on Columbus street, near the south end of Somerset. The 
present building has been in use nearly twent}^ years. The congrega- 
tion was organized about 1820, and, throughout its entire history, has 
been a very strong and influential one. It is not as old as St. Joseph's 
Church, though it is justly entitled to be called a pioneer one, and is 
one among the first of the Catholic Churches organized in the State of 
Ohio. Few have been more prosperous in every point of view. Upon 
one occasion, when Bishop Fenwick was passing through on horseback, 
along " Zane's Trace," on his way from Baltimore, Mar3'land, to Bards- 
town, Kentucky, he reached the tavern of John Fink at nightfall, and 
remained over night as a strange traveling guest. The next morning, 
after paying his bill and getting on his horse, he inquired of Mr. Fink 
if he knew of any Catholic families in the direction he was traveling, 
Mr. Fink told him of some that he knew, and furthermore informed him 
that he, himself, was a Catholic. Bishop Fenwick at once alighted, 
hitched his horse to the fence, went into the house and celebrated mass. 
This was the first mass said in the State of Ohio, unless some of the 
explorers or missionaries among the Indians had celebrated it some- 
where along the northern frontier. This was, in fact, the small begin- 
ning of the Catholic Church in what is now Perry county, where it has 
become so numerous in membership and so important A factor in eccle- 
siastical affairs. Further interesting facts relative to Holy. Trinity 
Church are given in the sketch by Rev. N. D. Young, concerning the 
early history of the Catholic Church in Perry county. Rev. Noon, a 
very efficient and popular Priest, has been for several years past, and is 
at present, the pastor of the church. 

The Lutheran Church in Somerset is one of the oldest in the county. 
Among the early emigrants to Somerset and neighborhood were many 
Pennsylvania Germans, most of whom were Lutherans, and, at a very 
early day — about 1812 or 1813 — there was Lutheran preaching at Som- 
erset in private houses, and at the old log schoolhouse situated on South 
Columbus street. About 1817 or 1818 the old log house of worship was 
erected on North street. The congregation had been organized a few 
years previously. The original church building was constructed of 
very large hewed logs (afterwards weatherboarded), and had a gallery, 
which was chiefly intended for the choir, but, on extraordinary occa- 
sions, was open for any of the congregation. The church had a good 
organ, made by Henr^- Humberger, of this county, and the congrega- 
tion, for a long time, was somewhat noted for its good music. The old 
log edifice was used till 1844, when a lot was bought on Main street, near 
the west Public Square, and a large, handsome, costly brick edifice 
erected, which has been owned and occupied by the denomination until 



296 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

the present time. The old church stood until about 1852, when it was 
taken down and the materials put to other use. 

Revs. Andrew Henkel, Charles Henkel, Greenwalt, Ruch, Bartholo- 
mew, Wagenhals, Spielman, W. F. Lehman, A, J. Weddell, John 
Rugan, Cornelius Remensnyder, Corbit, Herring, Hunton, Martens, 
Isensee, D. M. Weisman and others, have ministered to this congrega- 
tion. Rev. M. Walter is the present pastor. 

It is not a little remarkable that the congregation was more poweriul, 
influential and harmonious while worshiping in the old log church than 
after its removal to the new, costly and imposing edifice on Main street. 

Soon after the congregation was organized, and a church built, a 
Sabbath-school was organized, which has been sustained, with a few 
unimportant exceptions, during the whole vear, until the present time. 

The church at no time was altogether composed of Penns3dvania 
Germans, but also contained many English speaking people, and for 
many years, and until about 1844, there was alternate German and 
English preaching ; but, subsequent to this date, the services were ex- 
clusively in the English language. The abandonment of German 
preaching was very much disliked by some of the older members, but 
the second generation of all nationalities had learned English speaking, 
and services in German could no longer be maintained nor secure the 
general approval of the congregation. 

Of the officiating ministers of the church Charles Henkel died in 
Somerset, and his mortal remains repose in the old Lutheran griwe- 
yard. Rev. Henkel was pastor of the church for many years, and 
was universally respected by the people of the whole community. At 
one time, and for quite a number of years, he solemnized more mar- 
riages than any other minister in the county. 

As previously intimated, this church is not so strong as in former 
years, though regular preaching and Sabbath-school are maintained. 

A Reform congregation was organized and a neat church edifice 
erected at Somerset a few years since. Stated preaching and Sabbath- 
school were sustained until recently, but at present there is no regular 
pastor, and services are only occasionally held. 

Otterbein (United Brethren) Church was organized and a primitive 
house of worship built about 1818 to 1820. A better building of brick 
was erected a few years later, which was occupied imtil 1882, when a 
still better and more modern brick edifice was built and dedicated. 
Otterbein is the oldest United Brethren Church in the county. Some 
of its original members were among the earliest pioneers of Reading 
township and the county. It is situated about four miles west of Somer- 
set, near the Zanesville and Maysville turnpike. Otterbein has from 
its organization until the present been a strong and active congregation, 
maintaining regular preaching and for many years a Sabbath-school. 
Rev. Lambent is the present pastor. 

Pisgah (United Brethren) Church, situated in the southwestern part 
of Reading township, not far from the Fairfield county line, was organ- 
ized and a house of worship built about 1850 or 1852, which was used 
until about 1867 or 1868, when a second and better building was erected, 
and is yet occupied by the congregation. Pisgah is not so old a church 
and the congregation not as numerous as at Otterbein, but it maintains 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. • 297 

regular preaching the year round and Sabbath-school during the sum- 
mer months. Rev. Lambent is the present pastor. 

A Presbyterian Church was organized at Somerset in 1837-38, under 
the ministry of Rev. Edmund Garland, who was at the time also pastor 
of Unity Church. The congregation bought the old Methodist brick 
edifice situated on what is known as "■ Happy allev," where they con- 
tinued to worship for several years, until the congregation disbanded 
and what was left of them united with Unitv Church, carrving the title 
of the church property with them into Unitv Church. The old brick 
edifice and lot upon which it stood were subsequently sold and the pro- 
ceeds thereof applied to repairing the Unity Church. The Somerset 
society had an existence of less than ten years. 

The Lutheran Church, of New Reading, was the first church organ- 
ized in what is now Perry county, though in respect to date it onh' pre- 
ceded Zion CRible's), of Thorn township, a few months, both being or- 
ganized in the same year, 1805. The church was organized under the 
ministry of Rev. William Foster, the venerable father of Lutheranism 
in Perry county, who departed this life in 1815. There is a little uncer- 
tainty as to the date of the erection of the first edifice, but it was about 
181 2-13. It w^as a two-story log building, and was occupied a good 
many }ears. The present edifice is a brick structure, and of more 
modern belongings. The Overmyers, Whitmers, Anspachs, Poormans, 
Shriders and Bowmans, were among the first members. Regular 
preaching and Sabbath school are sustained. The church site is a very 
pleasant one. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church at New Reading, was organized 
in 1825-26, and a house of worship erected about 1828. Rev. Joseph 
Carper, long a prominent minister 5f the Ohio Conference, owned a 
farm and lived near New Reading, and had his membership here. 
Randolph Mitchell, a noted old-time merchant of New Reading, was, 
in his lifetime, a prominent member of the church. Also, the late Peter 
Whitmer, of the vicinity of New Reading. The Reading church be- 
longs to the Rushville circuit, and receives its ministers by the appoint- 
ment of the Ohio Conference. Regular church services, including 
Sabbath school, have been sustained. The edifice is brick. 

A school house, situated in the Baker neighborhood, which is no 
longer used for school purposes, is open to all denominations for relig- 
ious service, and is occasionally so used. 

The Marsh Methodist Episcopal Church, in which a considerable 
number of Perr}- county people hold their membership, is situated a lit- 
tle over the line in Fairfield county. 

Schools. — The earliest school in Reading township, of which any 
information could be obtained, was held in 1806-7, in a log cabin situ- 
ated about two miles east of where Somerset was afterw^ard established. 
Persons are vet living, of good mind and memory, who were pupils in 
this school, and can remember the date and place. As indicated, Som- 
erset, at this time, had no existence. This was an English school. 

A German school was taught at " Overmyerstettle," (New Read- 
ing), about 1808. The venerable Peter Overmyer was a member of 
this school, and has a full and clear recollection concerning it. It was 



298 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

a three months' subscription school. Mr. Overm3'er states that it was 
composed of twenty pupils, all of whom were in the alphabet when the 
school began, and all were reading before the term of three months 
closed, a fact not unworthy the attention and consideration of modern 
Teachers' Institutes. 

Similar schools — English and German — were doubtless organized a 
few years later, in other parts of Reading township, including the vil- 
lage of Somerset. The first school in Somerset was probably taught 
about 1810. The old log school house in which it was held, stood on 
South Columbus street, not very far from the corner of the public 
square. Alter being used several years for a school-house, it was con- 
verted into a chair shop. Religious services, by various denominations, 
were also held in the old log school-house. 

After the old log building, referred to, was discarded, school was 
taught awhile in a house on "• Happy Alley," in the " Old Academy" 
on North Columbus street ; in a room in the second story of the old 
jail, and in various other places. The east and west school houses, 
each of them containing two rooms, were erected about 1835. These 
buildings accommodated four schools tolerably well, but it was not very 
long until another room or two was required ; and these additioual 
rooms were leased wherever they could best be obtained. This was the 
condition of the public schools of Somerset, until the erection, a few 
years since, oi the large, elegant and commodious Union School House, 
on the site of the old John Fink tavern, near the east end of town. 
This building comfortably accommodates all the pupils of school age, 
and is a credit to the town and county. The site is a handsome one, 
and the landscape, as viewed from the, second story windows of the 
edifice, is both agreeable and edifying. 

It should have been stated, that several of the public schools were 
taught in the old frame, a few years before the present brick edifice was 
erected. At a still earlier date, the Somerset Collegiate Institute owned 
the property, and Prof. Charles Nourse taught a select school there. 

The township, outside of Somerset, is well organized into conveni- 
ent school districts, with good frame or brick edifices, and the schools 
are in session from six to eight months in the year. 

There were, in former years, frequent changes of teachers in the 
schools of Somerset. Very few remained long enough to be considered 
anything like fixtures. Isaac Thorn — best known by the title of " Col. 
Thorn " — probably taught for a greater length of time, than any other 
teacher. He was, for many years, regarded as a successful instructor, 
but eventually lost his efficiency, and reluctantly and sadly retired from 
the profession that he had once adorned. Even after the days of his 
usefulness as a teacher had departed. Colonel Thorn lingered about his 
old haunts, dressed faultlessly, " boarded out at the lot," as he was 
wont to remark, and aired his peculiar grammar and history wherever 
he could assemble an attentive, respectable and dignified circle of ad- 
mirers. All who ever knew him, will think kindly and charitably of 
Colonel Thorn, the famous old-time teacher of Somerset. 

There were numerous select schools, at one time and another, taught 
in Somerset, some of which were very good, and attamed quite a repu- 
tation in their day. The most notable of these were taught by Rev. A. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 299 

J. Weddell, and at a later date, those taught by Prof. Charles Nourse, 
under the auspices of the Somerset Collegiate Institute. Rev. Weddell 
was a minister of the Lutheran denomination, a fine scholar, a finished 
gentleman, and well versed in English literature. All who were ever 
his pupils continue to venerate the man. 

Prof. Nourse's schools were scarcely less distinguished than those of 
Mr. Weddell, but he taught at a somewhat later date, and his efficient 
labors at Somerset are yet comparatively fresh in the recollections of 
many pupils and patrons. Prof. Nourse subsequently became Principal 
of the Public Schools at New Lexington. 

Prof. Ferree, at a still later date, taught a series of select schools in 
Somerset, which were well patronized and gave general satisfaction to 
the patrons and community. 

St. Mary's Academy, a Catholic school, conducted by a Sisterhood 
of the Dominican Order, was early estaslished, and, for a long time, 
continued at Somerset, with pupils and patrons -from nearly- all parts of 
the United States, and especially from the Southern States. The 
Academy building was unfortunately destroyed by fire, in 1866, where- 
upon the sisters decided to remove to Columbus, Ohio, where they 
established an institution, known as St. Mary's of the Springs. The 
Sisters, or a number of them, returned to Somerset, a few years since, 
with the intention of re-establishing a Convent, and an Academy in 
connection therewith, to be called the Convent of the Sacred Heart. 
They leased the Dixon Brown building, on Main street, for temporary 
Convent and school purposes, but immediately went to work to erect a 
new, large and commodious building of their own, upon the site of the 
old Academy, which was destroyed by fire in 1866. When they had 
the new building well under way, and almost ready to be roofed, they 
were, for some reason, transferred to Galveston, Texas. The erection 
of the Academy building proceeded, however, under the management 
and direction of Rev.' Father Noon, pastor of Holy Trinity Church, at 
Somerset, and it is to be finished and ready for occupancy during the 
summer of 1883, when a competent corps of Sisters and teachers are to 
be provided, and a good school again opened. 

St. Mary's Academ}^ is sketched in another place by the pen of the 
late Rev. N. D. Young, and it is not necessary to say anything further 
concerning it herein, except that it was a school of wide celebrity, and 
that the wives of some of the most distinguished men of the country- 
have received their education within its walls. 

A College building was erected near St. Joseph's Church, in 1882, 
under the direction and supervision of the Priesthood of St. Joseph's, 
where a school was opened, and continued for several years, under the 
name of St. Joseph College. It was very well patronized, not only by 
numerous Catholic families of the county, but also had students from all 
parts of the countr}^ and especially from the Southern States. When 
the war began, in 1861, and the seceded States were cut oft' from the 
North, with the accompanying depression in all business and educa- 
tional enterprises, the College was compelled to suspend operations and 
close its doors. After the burning of St. Mary's Academy building in 
Somerset, the St. Joseph College building was tendered the Academy 



300 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

Sisters, and accepted and occupied by them a year or two. until their 
removal to Columbus, as before stated. 

Miscellaneous. — When the news of the tiring on Sumter reached 
Somerset, with the accompanying Proclamation of President Lincoln 
calling for volunteers, the hearts of the people were wonderfully stirred, 
as was the case all over the country. The bell of the old Court House 
was rung, and it was not long until the house was crowded to overflow- 
ing. Hon. William E. Finck was the first speaker called out, then T. 
J. Maginnis, then Col. William Spencer. These speakers all con- 
demned and denounced the attack upon Sumter, and declared that 
President Lincoln must be supported in defending the National forts, 
and in maintaining the supremacy of the National Government. Dr. 
Martin Kagay was the next speaker, and his remarks were even more 
radical than the speakers who had preceded him. He said that the 
leaders of secession had been in the habit of magnif3nng the raid of 
John Brown ; but now, since they had fired upon the flag, it would be 
necessary for hundreds of thousands of John Browns to invade the 
South, no matter what the cousequences to the peculiar institution of 
slavery. The speakers were all unusually able and eloquent, inspired 
bv the theme and circumstances of the hour. Many were fired with a 
patriotic ardor to do or die for their country, and not a few almost 
immediately enlisted in response to the call of President Lincoln. 

A place known as " Lidey's Rocks," situated in the western part of 
Reading township, is a wild, romantic spot, and has, at one time or 
another, attracted a considerable number of visitors. It has frequently 
been a favorite resort for picnic and other parties of pleasure. There 
is a peculiar formation of rocks, the scenery is delightful, and the gen- 
eral surroundings highly picturesque. There is a natural cave, though 
not a large one, and there seems to be a natural fireplace, in between 
two rocks, where the stone appears to be blackened and burned by the 
heat and smoke of many fires. Indians may have encamped in this 
place before the settlement of the country by the whites, and it is more 
than probable that many an adventurer and hunter of the early days 
built his camp fire and broiled his venison at this stone fireplace. Li- 
dey's Rocks are only a few miles distant from either Somerset, Junction 
City, or Rushville. The "Rocks" are not visited so frequentl}- as 
they were some years ago, but the locality is still one of interest and 
attraction. 

It is stated, upon what appears to be good authority, that the first 
white man buried in what is now Peny county, was interred in the 
woods, a few miles north of Somerset, not far from the road now lead- 
ing to Thornville. The man was a stranger, passing along, who took 
sick, and, in a few days, was a corpse. There was then no public or 
private burying ground in the neighborhood or county. So the mortal 
remains of the stranger, whoever he was, were inclosed in a rough box, 
and consigned to a grave dug in the woods, the whereabouts of which 
his friends, if he had any, probably never knew. Some of our oldest 
citizens could point very near the spot where the stranger was buried, 
but soon all trace of the burial place will be lost, and possibly, fifty or a 



HISTORY OI'' I'KRRY COUNTY. 3OI 

hundred years hence, the bones may be accidentally exhumed, and the 
subject be a nine days' wonder for generations yet unborn. 

Isaac Pence, one of the earliest settlers of the township, was a sol- 
dier in the War of 1812, and was in the celebrated naval engagement 
under Commodore Perry, in honor of whom the county is named. 
Pence was one of the soldiers in the boat- who rowed., Commodore Per- 
ry from his own sinking ship to another vessel. Mr. Pence was an in- 
dustrious, intelligent man, highly esteemed by all, and lived to a good 
old age. 

John J. Jackson, of this township, and the latest surviving soldier of 
the War of 18 12 in it, though a quiet, modest man all his life, has rather 
an eventful history. He served thorugh the War of 181 2, and drew a 
pension 'o the day of his death, for military services rendered the United 
States Government. After the war was over, he in some wa}^ drifted to 
St. Louis, and he emigrated from that place, or vicinity, to Bearfield 
township. Perry county, Ohio, and his name will be found in the history 
of that township as one of the first settlers. His first wife was an Ijams, 
a sister of William, John and Joseph Ijams, well remembered by the 
older citizens of Perry county. Mr. Jackson and others journeyed from 
St. Louis, across the country, to this county, in 1815 or 1816. It was a 
journey full of strange adventures. So far as now remembered, Mr. 
Jackson and companions are the only pioneers of Perry county who 
emigrated from the West. All the others came from the East or South, 
and nearlv all from the East. 

The widow of John Lidey, another soldier of the War of 1812, and 
a member of the Constitutional Convention from Perry county, in 185 1, 
Jives in Reading township, in the town of Somerset. A few other 
widows of soldiers of the War of 181 2 live in other parts of the county, 
but the soldiers themselves are all gone. 

Reading township had, in June, 1880, a population of three thous- 
and three hundred and sixty-seven. 



302 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

SALTLICK TOWNSHIP. 

Saltlick township was organized about 1823, and received its name 
from a deer-lick, near where the town of McCuneville has since been 
built. It was six miles square when lirst organized, but a small portion 
of one corner was taken to help form the new township of Pleasant. At 
a later date, Saltlick was divided and Coal township formed from the 
southern part. 

Monday Creek, Sunday Creek and tributaries, drain the township of 
Saltlick. As a whole, it is hilly and, in part, e^•ceedingly rough ; though 
there are some good farming lands on the ridges, and also along the 
creeks. Some of it is very productive. It is all, or nearly all, under- 
laid with a good article of bituminous coal, and much of it with the so- 
called "Great Vein," which is extensively mined at Shawnee. Parts of 
the township are also rich in iron ores. The Iron Point deposits, which 
lie high in the hills, are of great thickness, of good quality, and pro- 
duce an enormous quantity of ore, which is used by the furnaces of 
Shawnee. The Iron Point deposit is reported nearly exhausted, but 
this seam of ore, in all probability, exists in other hills, at a correspond- 
ing horizon. 

" What is now Saltlick township was settled in 1815, by the Hazletons 
and others. The following were of the ver^^ early settlers : John Ha- 
zleton, Sr., John Hazleton, Jr., Henry Hazleton, William Hazleton, 
Joseph Hazleton, Henry Rush, and William Bailey. The township set- 
tled up very slowly, and, for many years, had but a few voters and a 
small population. 

Saltlick was a former hunting-ground, in the early days. Its hills 
and narrow valleys abounded with deer, bears, wild turkies, and many 
varieties of smaller game. Panthers, wolves, wildcats and catamounts 
were not uncommon. People from the north part of this county, and 
from other places, came here to hunt. Many of them would stay for 
days, and some of them for weeks. The deer-lick, previously referred 
to,' was frequently watched by the hunters, lor the purpose of shooting 
the deer when they would come there to lick the salt water. The hun- 
ter would conceal himself, at ci convenient distance, and when the deer 
would come and begin to lick, the hunter would fire, with a good chance 
of securing his game. After a while the deer would not venture to the 
lick in the daytime, but would frequent it at night. The hunters did not 
give it up, and, after scouring the woods through the day, would conceal 
themselves near the lick at night, and when they heard the deer drink- 
ing, would shoot by the sound. This, of course, made the result of the 
shot very uncertain ; nevertheless, many a deer was killed in this way. 
There was, doubdess, many a fierce contest with deer and bear, in the 
early times of Saltlick ; but the old pioneers and hunters are all dead, 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 303 

many of them died long ago, and tradition is growing dim and uncer- 
tain concerning those far-away times. The men and women who were 
children in those early days can remember nothing more doleful than 
the howling of the wolves at dusk, and in the night. The}- were hunt- 
ed and killed for the bounty paid by the State for their scalps. Deer 
skins were taken to market and sold, but brought, usually, only three 
cents a piece ; yet the money received from this source helped pay 
taxes, in those da3'^s when taxation was very low. 

A company was organized and a salt works erected at the deer-lick, 
about 1829. A good article of salt was made there for several years, 
but the concern became unprofitable, and the works were abandoned. 
Coal was used lor neighborhood use only, until the Newark, Somerset 
and Straitsville Railroad was built to Shawnee. 

A traveler who was passing through the county in January, 1855, re- 
mained over night with a hospitable farmer, at the foot of a large hill, 
not far from Shawnee Run, or a tributary thereof. The log house, with 
one .oom, contained a large grate, in which a coal fire was brightly 
burning. The entrance of the coal mine was scarcely two rods from 
the door of the dwelling, and the coal mine was the coal house. There 
appeared to be no coal bucket, but a huge bank shovel, on which nearly 
a bushel could be carried, was used to bring in coal to replenish the 
fire. The remains of this old house, a cabin, could not long since be 
seen, within the present limits of Shawnee, but the surroundings are 
.entirely difl:erent from what they were in 1855. 

The facilities for market of the inhabitants of Saltlick, were not very 
good previous to the advent of railroads. There was no great surplus, 
however, and that made the trouble of marketing I'arm products less 
than it otherwise would have been. The surplus products had to be 
wagoned to New Lexington, Logan, or Athens, over rough roads. In 
the days when tobacco was raised it was taken to Rehoboth or Rush- 
ville, the principal tobacco markets. The building of the railroad 
changed all this, and Saltlick, with numerous other improvements, has 
a railroad station at Shawnee, and another at McCuneville ; and Shaw- 
nee is a better market,* for most country products, than Cincinnati or 
Columbus. New Straitsville, on another railroad, is but a short dis- 
tance oflT. 

In a political way. Saltlick is distinguished for having been a strong 
Democratic township, until the disbandment of the Whig party and the 
organization of the Republican, since which time it has been about as 
strongly Republican as it had previously been Democratic. It gave a 
majority of eighty-three for John C. Fremont, for President, over Bu- 
chanan, in 1856. Saltlick, before its dismemberment, of course, raised 
the first three years' company in the county, for the War, which organ- 
ized and rendezvoused at Old Straitsville, which was then in the town- 
ship, but is now in Coal. Saltlick is also noted as the only township in 
the county, in which no draft was made for soldiers to serve in the War 
of the Rebellion. The township kept ahead of its quota on all occa- 
sions, and without ever paying a dollar of local bounty. It is one of a 
very few precincts in the State thus distinguished. 

"a fearful calamity occurred at Sulphur Springs, in the eastern part 
of the township, on the evening of the ninth of September, 1870. 



304 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

Lewis McDonald and George Gaver resided tliere. Gaver was propri- 
etor of the flouring mill there, known as the Lyons Mill. McDonald 
was a large farmer, and had a small country store,. McDonald, Ga- 
ver and George W. Gordon were in the little store on the fatal evening. 
Gaver was buying some rock powder, and, upon examining it, expressed 
his opinion that it was not very good. He applied a match to a very 
small quantity in the palm of his hand, and it did not ignite. Mr. Mc- 
DoTiald said that it was not a fair test ot the powder, and proceeded to 
make a test himself. He took some out of a hole in a keg, and placed 
it on a chair, several feet therefrom. He lighted a match and applied 
it to the small quantitv of powder on the chair. Immediatel}' there was 
a territic explosion, and the little brick store edifice was in ruins, with 
McDonald, Gaver and Gordon badly burned and partly buried in the 
debris. They succeeded in getting out in a short time, with great diffi- 
culty. Gaver went a few rods to his residence, without assistance. 
McDonald was seen to be badly hurt and was helped home. Both Mc- 
Donald and Gaver gradually grew worse, and died in a few hours. A 
little son of Mr. McDonald, aged about three years, who was no doubt 
playing just outside the store, was buried under the ruins, and no doubt 
was instantly killed. His body was not recovered until next morning. 
A little boy "ten 3^ears old, son ot a Mr. Priest, of the neighborhood, 
was not known to be in the store, but is believed to have just reached 
the door when the explosion took place. He was badly burned, his 
clothes were set on fire, and himself blown out clear of the debris. The 
poor boy started and ran with all his might, his clothes burning, and' 
after running some distance he jumped into the creek, fell over on his 
face, and would have drowned, but a lady who was passing went in and 
took him from the water. His clothing was all burned off, and he only 
lived a few minutes. Mr. Gordon, though badly hurt, eventually re- 
covered. 

The victims of the explosion were buried on the Sunda}' following, 
and their mortal remains were followed to their final resting place by 
the largest concourse of people ever assembled, on a funeral occasion, 
in the county. Many persons were present from McConnellsvile, Ath- 
ens, Logan, New Lexington, and other places. McDonald and Gaver 
were highly respected citizens and sons of old pioneers, who were 
among the first to settle in the Sunday Creek country. - 

A fatality appeared for a time to attend the place. A little while 
after the burning of the store, and its dreadful results, two boiler explo- 
sions occurred at the Lyons mill — to which reference has been made — 
by which two or three persons were badly injured. 

Captain Lyons, who owned the mill — and from whom it received its 
name and retained it after other parties owned it — also met with a vio- 
lent death, in the town of Shawnee, in December, 1876. He had, at 
times, become dissipated in his habits, and one evening in December, 
of the year named, was at a saloon kept by Thomas Hughes. When 
the proprietor desired to close up, about 11 a. m., Lyons, who was some- 
what intoxicated, i^equested the privilege of remaining in the saloon by 
the fire, over night, which request was reluctantly granted. Some time 
in the latter part of the night the building was discovered to be on fire. 
When Hughes came upon the scene he announced that Captain Lyons 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 305 

was in the saloon. It was altogether too late to rescue him then, and 
there wes a hope that he had in some way made his escape. When 
daylight came, his charred remains were found among the ruins. The 
cause of the fire will never be known, though it is probable that Mr. 
Lyons, in attempting to keep up the fire in the night, or in a delirious 
state, had placed kindling wood or other combustibles about the stove. 
Some person in the neighborhood heard Lyons shouting and pounding 
sometime in the night, and recognized his voice, but thinking that he 
was on a customary spree, paid no heed to it. At all events, it must 
have been a night of horrors to the old soldier, until death finallv came 
to his relief. Captain Sam Lyons was a brave and generous man, and, 
until dissipation overcame him, was possessed of many noble impulses, 
and had a host of friends. 

Shawnee is the largest town in the township, and was laid out by 
T. J. Davis, in 1872. For two years after the town was laid out, its 
growth was most extraordinary^ and its enlargement has not vet ceased. 
It is situated on Shawnee run, and two or three of the tributaries 
thereof. There are several large coal works within and about the town, 
and four furnaces, furnishing employment for large numbers of laborers. 
It has a postoffice, new^spaper, station-house, two telegraph offices, two 
hotels, a large union school-house, five church buildings, several 
large stores, carr3ihg heav}' stocks of goods, and numerous smaller 
shops of various kinds. The town has a good municipal government, 
and it is, generalh' speaking, a quiet and orderly place. The Masons, 
Odd Fellows, and Knights of P3^thias all have their lodges. Shawnee 
has 800 children of school age, and in 1880 had a population of 2,770, 
which, since that date, has probably increased to over 3,000. Here is 
the terminus of the N. S. & S. railroad. 

McCuneville was laid out in 1873, b}- Frank, John W. and John 
McCune, and is situated on the N. S. & S. railroad, two miles north of 
Shawnee. Large salt works were erected here in i873-'74, and were 
run for several years, making a good article of salt ; but from some cause 
they proved unprofitable, were discontinued, and now the entire buildings 
have been torn away, and the salt w^ells abandoned. McCuneville has 
a postoffice, school-hou^e, railroad station, hotel, store, a number of good 
private residences, with a population of about 200. It has a M. E. 
Church society, which holds regular services in the second stor}' of the 
school building. Other denominations sometimes hold religious ser- 
vices at the same place. 

Hemlock is a small village, situated in the eastern part of the town- 
ship. . It contains a postoffice, store, woolen mill, and a number of 
private residences. 

The Baptists were the pioneers in religion in Saltlick. A congre- 
gation was organized and a church built on the land of John Hazleton, 
about one-half mile south of where McCuneville now is, about 1820. 
This church antedates the oldest Baptist church at New Lexington, and 
is the first Baptist Churcli built south of the State road, leading from 
Zanesvilleto Lancaster. The Baptists of New Lexington attended the 
Hazleton church several 3ears, and until the New Lexington church 
was organized. Mrs. Julia Barnd, an aged pioneer, recently deceased, 
used to say that in those pioneer times she had frequently walked from 

30 



306 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

New Lexington to the Hazleton church on Saturday, returning on 
Sabbath evening, carrying a child in her arms all the way there and 
back. The distance was seven or eight miles. Other pioneer women 
did the same, and did not consider it any hardship. 

The Hazleton church was used about fitteen years, and then aban- 
doned as a house of worship, a new church being built about two miles 
north, also in Saltlick township. This church was used about the 
same length of time as the Hazleton church, then, by deaths and 
removals, the congregation was broken up, and the few members who 
remained attached themselves to the New Lexington church. 

The Catholics erected a stone church edifice one mile west of where 
McCuneville now is, about 1825, which was a regular charge for 
many years, but has been abandoned. There is a burying ground 
near the old church. 

The Disciples of Christ organized a church in the eastern part of 
the township, and erected a church in 1830. The congregation is still 
in existence, and the church building still in use. 

The churches in Shawnee are all of comparatively recent origin. 
The M. E. Church was organized soon after the town was laid out, and 
a church was erected in 1874. T'^^Q Methodist Protestant congregation 
was organized about the same time, and the church was built in the 
same year. The Welsh Congregationalist Church was erected in 1875. 
The Welsh Calvinistic edifice was erected in 1878. The Catholic 
Church was built in 1880. The Baptists have not yet erected a church, 
but have an organization and hold regular services at a public hall. 
The Catholic Church is brick, all the others are frame. All of the 
churches in Shawnee maintain Sabbath schools. Some of them are 
very largely attended. 

Sulphur Springs, situated in the eastern part of Saltlick township, is 
a point of some note, on account of the mineral water there, and the 
general natural surroundings. The water of the Springs has been used 
to some extent for medical purposes, and it is probable that there is 
about as much virtue in it as in the water of most of the famous springs 
of the country. 

There are also some veins of alum water in Saltltck, as some of the 
wells and springs will testily. 

Saltlick township had, by the census of 1880, a population of three 
thousand nine hundred and seventy. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 307 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

THORN TOWNSHIP. 

Thorn township is, as originally surve3^ed, just six miles square. It 
is the north-western township of the county, and is bounded on the north 
b}^ Licking, and on the west by Fairtield count\^ It derived its name 
from the numerous thorn bushes, bearing red berries, which grew in 
early times adjacent to the little lakes near the northern line of the 
township. There are other theories of the origin of the name of the 
township, but the one herein given is generally believed to be the cor- 
rect one. Thorn was organized as a political township, about 1804, by 
the authority of the Commissioners of Fairtield county, of which it was 
then a part. 

Nearly all of the township belongs to the drift formation, and the 
soil, as a whole, is highly productive. The water system may be de- 
nominated a little complex, when compared with any of the other town- 
ships of the county. Jonathan's Creek, the northern branch of the Mox- 
ahala, drains most of the eastern part of the township, and the northern 
branch of Rush Creek, the western part. Honey Creek empties into 
the Reservoir. Walnut Creek heads in the western part of the town- 
ship, and flows into the Scioto river. So it will be observed, a small 
portion of the township belongs to the Scioto Valley. The natural out- 
let of the lakes, the nucleus of the Reservoir, was into the Lickin<T 
river ; hence, that part of the township which is drained into the Reser- 
voir, is in the Muskingum Valley. When the Reservoir was construct- 
ed, as a feeder to the Ohio Canal, an outlet was made into the Scioto, 
therefore some persons claim that all the land drained into the Reser- 
voir b}' Honey Creek and other streams, is in the Scioto Valley. This 
is a line point, and of no practical importance. There is not the least 
doubt, however, about Walnut naturally flowing into the Scioto, and, 
consequently, all the lands drained by it are, indisputably, in the Scioto 
Valle}^ With the exception of the part that belongs to the Scioto sys- 
tem, the land of Thorn is nearly equally divided between the Muskin- 
gum and Hocking vallies. 

The surface, in the western and northern parts of the township, is 
usually denominated level, though it is nearly all rolling enough to 
drain. The eastern and south-eastern portion is hilly, and yet of such a 
character as to be excellent farming land, and interspersed with vallies 
that are very rich. The level land in the northern part of the township 
is also extremely fertile. In the richness of its soil and yield of farm 
products. Thorn excels any other township in the county, and is, in 
fact, surpassed by but very few in the State. 

Oak and chestnut were the prevailing timber in the hilly parts, and 
in the valley parts ash, maple, beech and walnut. There was a lar^re 



308 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

amount of hickory in various parts of the township. Wild plums, wild 
cranberries and the red thorn berries, already mentioned, were in early 
times very plentiful in the northern part, in the neighborhood of the lit- 
tle lakes. The land where they grew is now nearh^ all covered by the 
waters of the Reservoir. 

The little natural lakes, referred to, consisted of pure, clear water, 
and were well stocked with hsh, principall}^ sun, cat and salmon. There 
was a number of lakes or ponds in other parts of the township, that 
contained water the year round, except in July and August, when they 
dried up, and were supposed to breed fever and ague. Thev have all, 
or nearly all, been drained long since, and their beds furnish a rich, 
black soil, highly productive. 

The early settlers of Thorn came principally from Pennsylvania and 
Virginia, and a large number of them were either Revolutionary sol- 
diers, or their descendants. As a matter of course, they were gener- 
ally poor, and lived just long enough to clear away a heavy, dense for- 
est, and convert a wilderness into a field of profitable agriculture. Any 
of these old settlers, who died out of debt, leaving forty acres of land 
to each child, was considered well off. Very few of these old pioneers 
lived to see the railroad era, and the comforts and enjoyments of later 
limes. 

The permanent settlements began in several places, about the same 
time, without any one seeming to know that the others were there. 
The sound of an ax, the tinkling of a cowbell, or the barking of a dog, 
was often the first thing to reveal to the lonely settler that he had neigh- 
bors not far away. These settlements commenced in 1801 or 1802, ac- 
counts as to the exact time conflicting. Of the first settlers were George 

Stinchcomb, Sr., Daniel Snider, George Valentine, Hooper, John 

Humberger ; and soon came the Neals, Zartmans, Friends. Fishers 
and others in quick succession. 

Here is a list of all who can be recalled up to about the 3'ears 1815- 
16: George Stinchcomb, Jr., Daniel Snider, George Valentine, Jacob 
Overmyer, Joel Strawn, John Nesbit, Robert Henderson, Daniel Kem- 
per, John Smith, Benjamin Moore, Jesse Stevenson, Jacob Miller, Wil- 
liam Karr, Henry Bowman, Geoffrey Weimer, Henr}^ Boyer, Alexan- 
der Morrison, Solomon Brown, James, Henthorn, Thomas R. Johnston, 
Jacob Anspach, Peter Humberger, Michael Fisher, Hugh McMullen, 
Peter Zartman, George Long, Jacob Cover, Christian King, Christian 
Foster, John Humberger, George Parkinson, David Thompson, Adam 
Fisher, Adam Bogenwright. David Helser, John Fisher. Philip Crist, 
David Sellers, William Stall, John Ortman, Samuel Henderson, Jacob 
Crist, Christian Hoover, Joseph Cooper, Samuel Ortman, Joseph Bow- 
man, Thomas Curry, Jonathan Roberts, John Fisher, Andrew Foster, 
Israel. Penrod, Peter Cool, Jacob Long, Jacob Wiseman, Andrew 
Cooperrider, Henry Baker, James Henderson, Joseph Good, Benjamin 
Good, John Crist, William Fullerton, Eli Watson, Abram Sain, Peter 
Rarick, John Henthorn, James Neal, Joseph Henderson, Joseph Wat- 
kins, Jacob Hooper, Ezekiel Hooper, Henr\^ Foster, Luke Johnston, 
John Brown, John McMullen, John Kendall, William Taylor, Edward 
Cowley. 

According to Dr. Scott's History of Fairfield County, published in 



HISTORY OF PERRY C OUNTY. 3O9 

1876, the following named persons wei*e all citizens and tax-payers in 
Thorn township in 1806, and no doubt they were, for he took the names 
from the official records. There is no telling how much territory Tliorn 
embraced at that time, but many of the names are unmistakable 
Thorn township names, as the township is constituted at present. Here 
is the list of tax-payers in Thorn for 1806: 

Edward Anderson, John Bartholmew, Joseph Barnes, David Brooks, 
David Baker, James Black, Paul Bean, John Bearshore, John Binkley, 
John Harris, Uriah Hall, Henry Humberger, David Heller, John Hum- 
berger. Peter Humberger, James Henderson, Jacob Hooper, Daniel 
Huber, Henr\' Neff, James Neel, Robert Orr, George Ogg, John Parr, 
William Ream, John Ramse}^ Mathias Redingur, Mathias Ripple, 
Henr}' Bowman, John Berry, Mordecai Chalfant. Joseph Cooper, Jacob 
Cooper, William Claypool, John Dixon, M. Dean, Leonard Emrick, 
John Fisher, Jr., John Fisher, Joseph Ferguson. Joseph Fickle, John / 
Good, Widow Graham, Charles Howard, William Harris, Edward 
Harris, George Huffman, Christian Hoover, John Johnston, WilHam 
Johnston, John James, John King, Peter Livingston, Clelland Meek, 
Mr. McMullen, Frederick Myers, Frederick Mclnturft, Andrew Myres, 
George Mager, x\dam Myers, John Mvers. John McMullen, James 
Mervin, Thomas McOwen, Jacob Ream, Ludwig Reddinger, Jolin 
Reason, S. Stockberger, Joel Strawn, Jacob Stotts, William Starret, 
Peter Starkee, William Skiner, Andrew Smith, Peter Sane, William 
Taylor, Micliael Thoi-n, John Thompson, George Valentine, George 
Weadman, Jacob Wiseman, John Weadman. 

A large majority of the settlers who came to Thorn previous to 1820, 
were Pennsylvania Germans ; and the German was. at tirst,the prevail- 
ing lanmiaije in churches, schools and societv. There were English 
speaking settlei"s, of course, but German was more spoken than Eng- 
lish, for a long while, but its use has died out. The common schools 
are all English, and the 3'outh, for a quarter of a century or more, have 
■ been taught this language almost exclusiveh*. 

The internal improvements of Thorn township, until 1871, consisted 
of the common road onlv, but Millersport. in Fairfield county, is only a 
short distance trom the northwest corner of the township, and is situated 
on the canal, and it became the place where most of the wheat was 
sold. Brooke & Lewis, Thorn township merchants (one from Thorn- 
ville and the other from New Salem), built a warehouse on the canal a 
little east of Millersport, and, for several 3'ears, purchased nearly all 
the surplus wheat of tiie township, which, in the '30s, and up into the 
'40S, was verv large, and the principal export, as the surplus .corn was 
nearlv all sold to drovers, and fed on the ground ; for, until cattle were 
shipped East b}' the cars, there were large numbers from Southern 
Ohio, Kentucky, and Northern Indiana, driven through this township 
on the way to tlie Eastern market. 

The hrst mill was built on Jonathan's Creek, near where the old 
Zanesville road crossed the stream. It was a small log building, with 
one corner set on a stump. It was, lor a number of 3'ears, a noted 
place on the road between Zanesville and Lancaster. It is related that 
a traveler, being directed at Zanesville to go by Cooper's mill, he kept 
inquiring for the place all along the road, and, which everybody seemed 



310 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

to know. When he reached the noted mill he was very much disap- 
pointed, and even disgusted, and expressed himself in very uncompli- 
mentary language. He closed his remarks by sa3'ing he would go on 
West ; he had no call to stop there. Yet Cooper's mill was a famous 
place, in its day. Samuel Hite also erected a little spring run water- 
mill, a sort of corn-cracker, where a fair article of corn meal was made. 
He finally turned it into a churn-mill. There was also a horse or cattle 
power mill on the Hooper place, that ground corn, and probably other 
grain. Tiiomas Norris also erected a mill, of sirnilar character, on the 
Townsend Reed farm, where good corn meal was made. The early 
settlers were all fond of corn bread. One year, when the wheat was 
killed by frost in May, and the corn also gave out, the people lived on 
chickens and early potatoes for several weeks ; then roasting ears came, 
and as soon as corn was hard enough to grate meal was grated, and 
then corn cakes, milk, butter, and chickens made a meal good enough 
for kings, and a very welcome one to the hard pressed pioneers. 

There were many good sugar camps in Thorn, and the sugar-mak- 
ing season was a memorable one. The sugar was, in fact, one of the 
principal forest trees. The pioneer girls and boys had jolly times, 
gathering and boiling sugar water, and " stirring ofltV The little sugar 
camp in the woods was quite a feature in early times, in Thorn township. 

Samuel Dixon brought the first colored person into the township. 
He (Dixon) came from Virginia. "Peg" was a fine looking black 
woman, of about twenty years of age. Next w^as the old man Perry 
and his family, and Old Jerry. They were accustomed to attend prayer 
meetings at New Salem church, where they often prayed in public, 
fervently and devoutly, and in strains of intense earnestness, eliciting 
many amens, and other tokens of approval, from the members of the 
Church. 

In 1832, the Asiatic cholera raged fearfully in the central-southern 
part of the township, and a larg^ number of deaths occurred. George 
Clum and William Friend, who lived in the cholera region, were about 
the only grown male persons who did not take it ; and yet, as long as 
the dreadful scourge raged there, these two men visited the sick, the 
dying, and prepared the dead for burial, neither of them sleeping in a 
bed lor several weeks, so constant and untiring were they engaged in 
thoir self-sacrificing ministrations. Dr. William Trevitt then resided in 
Thornville, distant five or six miles from the infected district. He w^as 
a skillful phvsician, and saved every case he reached before the patient 
got into a certain condition. He kept three horses constantly bridled 
and saddled, and rode both day and night. Two of his horses dropped 
dead under the spur. He saved one of his patients after his horse 
fell dead, though he ran a considerable distance with his saddle-bags on 
his arm. If he had arrived five minutes later, it is believed, his patient 
would have died. After Henderson (tor that was the patient's name) 
got well, he went to Trevitt's office and inquired for his bill. Trevitt 
turned to his book, and told him the ordinary charge of only two or 
three dollars. Henderson asked him what his horse was worth. Trev- 
itt told him that he had paid eighty dollars for him, only a few days 
before. Thereupon Henderson took out his pocket-book and counted 
out eighty-five dollars, and offered the money to Trevitt, who declined 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 3II 

to take any thing but his regular fee, which he took and put in his 
pocket. Henderson then took out change so as to leave just eighty 
dollars remaining, the price of the horse, which he left upon the counter, 
with an emphatic remark, that that money belonged to Trevitt, and not 
to him. The cholera raged fearfully for several weeks, and then disap- 
peared as suddenly as it came. It was very bad in Newark, Licking 
county, at the same time. 

As rich and populous as Thorn is, it was, for a long time, desti- 
tute of internal improvements, was off the main thoroughfares of travel 
and commerce, and occupied a somewhat isolated position. Still, the 
farmers managed to market their surplus products without an}- very 
serious difficulty. There was the National pike only a few miles north, 
and the Zanesville and Maysville pike, only a litde further south. 
There was the Ohio Canal, with a warehouse at Millersport, just over 
the township line, in Fairfield county ; and, with the one convenient 
market, and the two other not distant outlets, the people managed to 
get along comfortably and make money. There was an ever}^ other 
day mail and hack line between Lancaster and Newark, passing by 
way of Thorn ville ; so, after these two places obtained railroads, the 
inhabitants of Thorn could get away without much difficulty, when they 
wished to make a railroad journey to distant parts of the country. Pre- 
vious to the railroad era, they were even better situated, comparatively, 
for they could reach a through line of stages at Jacksontown, only a 
few miles north, or at Somerset or Rushville, not much farther south. 
There was, at one time, a turnpike projected to run from Lancaster to 
Newark, by the way of Thornville, and engineers surveyed the line. 
The undertaking received no great encouragement, however, and was 
soon abandoned. It is said that Samuel Hite, the old pioneer, was the 
only man, through whose land the line was run, who was friendly to 
the enterprise. 

There was, however, an ambition for a produce mart within the 
limits of the township, and an effort was made to secure the same. 

The Licking Summit Reservoir had been constructed as a feeder to 
the Ohio Canal, by means of high artificial embankments. This con- 
struction turned the three or four little natural lakes into one large body 
of water, and also submerged much of the adjacent flat countr}'. 

The " Licking Summit Reservoir Impro^^ement " was the name of 
an enterprise that was expected to bring Thorn township into direct 
connection witli the canal, and furnish a good home market for all sur- 
plus farm products. In pursuance of this idea, a boatwa}^ was cut 
through the Reservoir from the feeder, some three miles northeast of 
Millersport, on the Ohio and Erie Canal, to a point at the southeastern 
extremit}'^ of the Reservoir, about one mile from Thornville. A two- 
horse tread-wheel boat was to tow canal boats to and fro along this boat- 
way, a distance of several miles. 

Thornport was laid out, a large hotel and warehouse were speedily 
constructed, and quite a little town sprung up as if by magic. Things 
went on swimmingly for a season, and the strange craft plied regularly 
between Thornport and the Feeder, on the Ohio and Erie Canal, carry- 
ing out the surplus grain products of the township and returning with 
salt, groceries, hardware, dry goods, and other commodities. But just 



312 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

as the only "seaport" of Perry promised to be a substantial success, if 
not a " beauty and a joy forever," the wicked floods of adversity poured 
in and quenched all the rising hopes of promise. One day as a canal- 
boat was being towed in slowly through the delightful, placid waters, 
and all earth and sky apparently as lovely and serene as the blue waters 
of the lake itself, a storm suddenly loomed up in the northwestern sky, 
and almost in a twinkling rain descended in torrents, forked lightnings 
flashed, and the thunder rolled and jarred until even the big catfish at 
the bottom of the lake were stunned. Worse than all for the hardy 
seafarers, the winds blew a fearful hurricane, the waves of the agitated 
lake tossed and rolled around as fearful as the waters of the Atlantic in 
mid ocean. There could be but one result. The frail fleet was not 
prepared to weadier such a gale, and the whole concern was wrecked, 
the boatmen thankful that the}' had escaped a watery grave. It is 
probable that the boatmen who encountered this "storm at sea" carried 
exaggerated reports of it to the men of the Ohio and Erie Canal, and 
it is certain that no captain or men would venture out into the Reservoir 
again ; and thus ingloriously ended the inland navigation of Thorn 
township, and the costly boat channel, scooped out with so much toil 
and difficulty, became a desert waste of waters. Thornport went 
quickly down as a consequence. The "banquet halls" of the big hotel 
became deserted, and rats, weasels and minks played prisoners' base 
in the commodious warehouse where had been safely stored thousands 
of bushels of golden grain. If Oscar Wilde, who complains that this 
American country has no ruins, could be led through the old hotel and 
warehouse at Thornport, his ethereal, esthetic nature would be glad- 
dened, and if his eyes could behold the wreck of the boats, he would 
long to return to Europe no more. 

Thorn was not destined, however, to remani forever without internal 
improvements. The railroad era came to her directly. A road bed 
was made through the township in 1853, but no road was actually 
secured and cars run, until 1871, when the Newark, Somerset, & 
Straitsville was opened, and Thornport — one mile from Thorn ville — 
made a station. Thornport was not to sleep in ruins forever, and a 
new town has sprung up there. The old hotel, warehouse, and other 
old buildings remain to represent the place as it was before the disas- 
trous wreck of boats ; but many new houses are near at hand to repre- 
sent the new railroad town of to-day. The old and the new are there, 
side by side, and the contrast is an impressive one. The Ohio Central 
runs close along the western border of Thorn, and is nearer to many of 
the inhabitants than the N. S. & S., which runs through the eastern 
part of the township. 

When the richness and fertility of the soil is considered, it is a little 
wonderful that so large a number of inhabitants left at an early day for 
the northwestern section of the State. The fact is, the population 
greatly increased along from 1828 to 1838, and this, with a highly favora- 
ble report of the region named, by those who knew it well, influenced 
many to move where land was more plentiful, and the country less 
thickly inhabited. Rev. Jacob Hooper, of Thorn, who, from 1820. to 
1825 had been a missionar}' among the Wyandot Indians, brought 
back such glowing accounts of the richness of the Sandusky region. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 313 

that every year furnished its movers from Thorn to the ne\v«country. 
Sandusky, Seneca, Hancock, Wyandot and Allen received the greater 
part of the emigrants from I'horn. In Allen county, so many of the 
Crists, Smiths, Stambaughs, Riebolts, Wisemans and others settled in 
one part that they concluded to have a Thorn township named after the 
old home in Perry. Near Fostoria are the Wisemans, Williamsons, 
Hoopers, Foxes, Williamses, Norrises, Reeds, Stinchcombs and many 
others, once all residents of Perry county. Honey Creek, Seneca 
County, was also noted for its Thorn township people. The Cooleys, 
Valentines, Steels, Stinchcombs, Reeds, Crists, Davises, Teals, Camps, 
Gafields and many others are from old Thorn. 

Some time in the Thirties there was a failure of crops in the San- 
dusky country, and Thorn having furnished such a large percentage 
of the early settlers, responded with alacrity, and the contributions in 
corn and flour were quite large. Although the people of Thorn were 
then hard run, they were not slow in bringing in their offerings for the 
suffering people of the Sandusky region, ranging from one hundred 
pounds of flour down to a quart of corn meal. The contributions had 
to be hauled to Sandusky by wagons, Findlay being one of the princi- 
pal distributing points. Man}^ a tear trickled down the cheeks of 
the poorer class of people, as they brought in their little offerings of 
meal, sincerely regretting that, by reason of their own pressing neces- 
sities, they could be no larger. 

Jacob Strawn,the Cattle King of Illinois, lived in early times a little 
distance northeast of Thornville. He was successful, but sold his farm 
there and started West, saying he would be the richest man in his State 
or nothing. He made his word more than good, for he became the 
largest land owner in Illinois, and the largest cattle owner in the United 
States at the time of his death. Strawn was waylaid and killed near 
his own home twenty or more years since. It is not a little singular 
that another Perry county man, John W. Iliff" (Harrison township), 
who died at Denver, Colorado, only a few years since, was, at his 
death, the greatest cattle owner in the known world. 

John Fisher, a Pennsylvanian, was an odd genius in his way, and 
at one time aspired to become the largest land owner in the township, 
and did, at one time, actually own five sections of land running across 
the township, and had it all paid tor. He was carrying on negotiations 
for the sixth section when the failure of a firm for whom he was a 
heavy indorser, broke him up, and he was sold out by the sheriff'. The 
old man gathered a little from the wreck, and went to Indiana, but he 
was too much broken down to rise again as a heavy land owner. The 
acres that he once owned in Thorn township would be a large fortune 
in this day. 

The politics of the township has always been Democratic, from the 
days of Jackson to the present. The Democrats have usuall}- numbered 
about three to one of other parties. The breaking up of the Whig, the 
organization of the Republican party, and the civil war, made some 
personal charges, but the relative strength of the Democratic party re- 
mained about the same. It is also worthy of note, that the party ral- 
lied to the support of Horace Greeley, when he was a candidate for 
President, as strongly as it did for Jackson, Polk, Buchanan, Tilden 



K 

314 HIST01'-Y*0F PERRY COUNTY. 

and Hancock. For more than fifty years it has been the same unyield- 
ing, overwhehning Democratic township, though there are probably not 
to exceed half a dozen men remaining there who voted for Jackson in 
1828. 

The Indians came into the township quite frequently in early times, 
to hunt bear. The borders of the litde lakes, ponds and swamps, 
were favorite haunts for that animal. There was a large swamp in the 
Hooper region, where bears would congregate. When the Indians 
would visit the neighborhood, to hunt bear, or for other purposes, they 
would take possession more freely than was agreeable, but they never 
disturbed anything but something to eat. There was an Indian trail 
through the township, on the way to or from Washington, D. C, or 
back and forth between the Indian towns on the Muskingum and Scioto. 
The old Indian Spring, so called, was a little north of the house of 
George Stinchcomb, Sr., and was walled up with split puncheon. The 
Indians were fond of something good to eat, and did not confine their 
diet to bear and dear meat. They could readily scent a bake-oven full 
of pies, and when they were baked enough, they would take them out 
and eat them after the style of some men of paler faces. They liked 
to trade a sick dog for a well one ; and if the sick dog g'ot well, they 
wanted him also. Some of the Indians were very kind and consid- 
erate ; and when the fact is taken into consideration, that they mingled 
freely with the early settlers and their families in Thorn, with no result- 
ant tragedy, it goes far to establish the fact, that they w^ere not natural- 
ly bloodthirsty wretches, but when waging war, carried it on as barba- 
rians, which the}^ were. 

The Reservoir has latterly become quite a place of public resort for 
fishing, boating and gunning parties. Certain kinds of fish are plenti- 
ful in the Reservoir, and quite a number of persons make a regular 
business of fishing. Visitors to the Reservoir are chiefly from Newark, 
Lancaster, New Lexington and intermediate points. Boats are kept to 
hire out to visitors, with men to row them, when it is desired. Rowing 
is pleasant enough when the waters are calm and smooth ; but when 
the waves are rolling, the sport becomes unpleasant and even danger- 
ous, and fatal accidents sometimes occur. Only a year or two since, a 
party of several persons ventured out on a windy day, the boat capsized, 
and three of them were drowned. The well known author, Emerson 
Bennett, laid the plot of one of his famous Indian stories about the 
original lakes here and neighborhood. How much actual truth, if any, 
is contained in his romantic storj^ of this region, it would be difficult to 
determine. 

Bears were ver}^ numerous about the original lakes and swamps. In- 
dians and whites alike made it a business to hunt and kill them. In 
very early times, bears from other parts of the countr}' were chased into 
the swamps and low lands, where the Reservoir now is. They could 
not always be followed up successfully, and sometimes their capture had 
to be given up. There were bear chases or hunts in this part of the 
township, as late as 1826 or 1827 ; but, about that time, this wild animal 
of the forest was exterminated. 

The population of Thorn, including villages, was, in 1880, one thou- 
sand nine hundred. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 315 

Towns. — Thornville, first called Lebanon, was laid out by Joseph 

McMullen and John . The record of the establishment of 

this town is imperfect, there being no date given, but it was probably 
about 181 1. The post office could not be called Lebanon on account of 
the prior claim of Lebanon, Warren county ; and when this became 
known, the name of the town was changed to Thornville. The village 
grew slowh', but soon had a tavern, church, school-house, blacksmith 
and other shops, and a dozen or more dwelling houses. It had, accord- 
ing to the census of 1880, a population of two hundred and sixty-nine. 
The town now has a post office, one newspaper, three churches (Luth- 
eran, German Reform and Methodist), a union school house, two 
ph3'sicians, one hotel, two dry goods stores, two hardware stores, two 
drug stores, two livery stables, and the usual number of small shops for 
a village of its size. Within the last few 3'ears, and since the building 
of the railroad, four or five fine costly residences have been erected. 
Some of these are among the costliest in the county. Thornville is de- 
lightfully situated on a commanding eminence, overlooking a portion of 
the Reservoir and much of the surrounding country. It is on the com- 
mon road from Somerset to Newark, and from Lancaster to Newark. 
It is about one mile distant from the line of the Newark, Somerset and 
Straits ville Railway. In addition to the new structures, the old part of 
the town has been repaired and painted up, within the last few j-ears, 
and the place now presents a modern and neat appearance. Thornville 
is surrounded by a ver^- rich country, and the business men of the town 
have a large and profitable trade, which appears to be on the increase. 
The population is also increasing. 

Thornville is distinguished as being the burial place of Hon. Samuel 
White of Newark, who died suddenly in 1844. He was the Whig can- 
didate for Congress, and had acquired a State and national reputation. 
He was making a warm canvass, and probably over-exerted himself in 
a long, political speech, causing his death. He had been married to a 
Miss Stoneman, daughter of Rev. Jesse Stoneman of Thorn township. 
Mrs. White died, and her remains were interred by her kindred who 
were buried in the M. E. Cemetery at Thornville. When her distin- 
guished husband died, his remains were brought from Newark and laid 
by her side. The long funeral procession that wound around the mar- 
gin of the Reservoir, and up the Thornville hill, was the grandest pa- 
geant ot the kind that, up to that time at least, had ever been witnessed 
in the county. White's political friends fairly worshiped him, and his 
political foes"^ hated and dreaded him. But all political asperities were 
laid aside, when the grim messenger came and took the gifted young 
orator and statesman beyond the reach of partisan warfare and political 
honors. It is worthy of note, that the remains of the great Whig ora- 
tor came to rest in a town and township so overwhelming!}' opposed to 
him in politics. But the grave banished all resentments, and the ashes 
of the distinguished statesman sleep quietl}' beneath the plain, white 
marble stone, which stands at the highest point in the cemetery, adjacent 
to the M. E. Church. In addition to name, date of birth and death, the 
stone is inscribed with the following simple but impressive sentence: 
"We all must tread the road to death." 

Thornport was laid out by W. W. Talbott, in 1839. -^ large hotel, 



3l6 HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 

warehouse and other buildings, were erected; but when the "Licking 
Summit Reservoir improvement" went down, they all went to decay, 
and the place became a mere fishing point. Upon the completion of 
the Newark, Somerset and Straitsville Railroad, in 1871, the town 
brightened up again, and quite a number of new houses has been built. 
The population by the census of 1880, was one hundred and twenty- 
five. It is a station on the Newark, Somerset and Straitsville Railroad, 
and is also situated along side of the Reservoir, 

Thorn township is laid oft' into convenient school districts, has good, 
comfortable, commodious school-houses, and school from six to eight 
months of the year, and taught, as a general thing, by good, compe- 
tent teachers. Public education receives very general attention. 

Agriculture has now reached a high state of cultivation, and the 
well-kept farms, houses, barns, etc., and the thrifty appearance of live 
stock, all indicate an industrious, prosperous, and enterprising people. 
The population of Thorn, including villages, in June, 1880, was 1,900. 

Rev. Joseph Walmire, late ot this township, had an eventful expe- 
rience in his very 3'oung days. His father and mother, with himself 
and two little brothers, were on board a sailing vessel from the old 
countr}^ destined for the United States of America. The trip was 
long and tedious ; the father and mother of the little boys took sick, 
died, were buried at sea, and the orphan children were sold to the 
highest bidder, to pay passage and other expenses. The children were 
all bought and taken charge of by separate persons, went to different 
parts of the country, but all secured good homes, and only one of them 
was called by the name ot their own parents. They knew nothing of 
each other while children, but after they grew to be men, they sought 
and found each other out, and henceforward were brothers, and stran- 
gers to each other no more. Joseph Walmire became a local preacher 
of the M. E. Church, another brother was a somewhat distinguished 
and talented minister of the Lutheran Church, while the third was a 
thrifty, industrious citizen, highly esteemed by all who knew him. 
Rev. Walmire died only a few years since. Another of the brothers 
was living not very long ago. Whether the third is living or dead, is 
not known. 

Churches. — Zion, or Ribel's Church, is the second oldest in the 
county. In 1806, Matthias and Elizabeth Reinbold sold two and a-half 
acres of land to Zion Church. The witnesses to the contract are Philip 
Miller, Henr}^ Humbarger, and John King. The articles of organiza- 
tion are dated June, 1806, in the hand-writing of John King, in Ger- 
man, and the document is no\y in possession of George Daniel, who 
kindly exhibited it tor inspection, and to whom the public is, therefore, 
indebted for the facts established. 

It appears that Rev. John King, of the Reform, and Rev. William 
Foster, of the Lutheran Church, calling to their aid the brethren in their 
respective connections, united in the purchase of church and cemetery 
grounds, and in erecting a church edifice thereon, now known as 
" RibeFs Church." The names signed to this document are in the 
order following : William Foster, Preacher ; Peter Humbarger. Elder ; 
Henry Humbarger, Peter Hedrick, Deacons ; Matthias Reinbold, John 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 317' 

King — the writer, and also the representative of the Reform people- 
Philip Miller, William wStahl, Jacob Reem, William Rehm, Michael 
Sterner, Andrew Foster, Leonard Emrick, Paul Bean, Jacob Weiss- 
man and Adolph Weissman. Rev. Henry King, of Baltimore, 
Ohio, is a son «)f the Eev. John King, above named, and is still 
living. 

This record shows Rev. John King to be the first preacher of his 
sect who settled in the county. He came as early as 1803-^4. He was, 
so far as there is record proof, the first preacher that ever settled in 
Peny county, and the Rev. William Foster was the next, and both 
imited in the' work of the Christian to build one house for tw^o sects, and 
their labor stands to this day, blessed and approved. Both congrega- 
tions are strong, active, influential, and sustain regular religious ser- 
vices. 

The Regular Baptist Church in Thorn is on Section 17. Henry 
Bowman, one of the very first settlers, gave one acre of ground. The 
first person buried there was a child of one Israel Penrod. The senior 
Baptist members were Adam Bogenwright, James Smith. Samuel P. 
Hite, Stephen Smith. Rev. William Karr, Jacob Balsly, Rev. George 
DeBolt and others. The first building was erected of hewn logs, near 
1824, and the first preachers were Rev. Kauftman and Rev. Eli Ash- 
brook. The church at present is a frame of commodious proportions, 
and enjovs regular preaching. 

The German Baptist Church of Thorn township. Perry county, 
commonly called Dunkers, or Tunkers, which, in German, means 
" to dip ; ^' hence the appellation of Tunkers, and later that of Dunkers. 
Like all other churches in early times, the meetings were held in pri- 
vate houses, in barns, and in the open groves, when weather permitted. 
The names of Schofield, Gall, Plank, Hendricks, Snyder, Dennison, 
Helser, Bosserman, Funderburg, Cover, and Froude are among those 
of the earliest known in Perr}- county. The membership is large and 
ver\' respectable in character. The preachers have no stipulated salary, 
but" assistance is extended voluntaril}^ or when needed. No member 
of the church is permitted to become a public charge. Help to the 
needy is a duty enjoined. Faith and repentance prior to baptism are 
essential to membership. The minister is called b3^vote of the majority 
of the congregation. The preference of the voter is expressed pri- 
vately, and the tally is kept by the elders. The church or council 
meetings are held on Saturday prior to the Sunday meeting and preach- 
ing. These are sometimes held quarterly, sometimes twice a month. 

The Jonathan's Creek branch of the German Baptist Church com- 
prises Perr}^ Fairfield, Licking and Muskingum counties. The organi- 
zation of this branch of Christians dates back in German}- to 1708. 
They have, here in Perry, no church record, or roll of members, and 
this ma}^ be true elsewhere. The minister, when first elected, is on 
probation, and in his first degree of advancement. If faithful, he may 
be advanced to the second degree in the same way, and b}- the same 
vote which first chose him, and in the same way they are advanced to 
the third degree, or full ministry, ordained by the lajnng on of hands 
of at least two ordained elders. When placed under oath they affirm ; 
they are non-combatant in w-ar, w^hich they oppose : they seat them- 



3l8 HISTORY OF PERRY COtJNTY. 

selves around a table at sacrament of bread and wine after the supper, 
the sexes at separate tables. The sick are also anointed with oil in the 
name of the Lord. They believe in a change of heart prior to baptism, 
and without which baptism is of no effect for salvation. The denomi- 
nation has a good, commodious house of worship, situated in the east- 
ern part ot Thorn township, on the common road leading from Som- 
erset toThornville. Many Dunkers, or German Baptists, were among 
the earliest pioneers of Thorn, and religious worship was held at 
private houses at a very early day, no doubt previous to 1810. Daniel 
Snider was a preacher and leader, and services were often held at his 
house. Snider also preached in Fairfield, Muskingum and other coun- 
ties, and was widely known, and everywhere venerated by the brethren 
of the denomination to which he belonged. He died at the age of 93, 
universally esteemed. 

There are quite a number of Dunkers in some other parts of the 
county, but there is no other public house of worship. 

The Lutheran and Reform churches in Thornville were both organ- 
ized at a very early date — from 1810 to 181 2. A little later the two 
congregations united in the building of an edifice to be used jointly. 
Rev. William Foster, the founder of the Lutheran Church in Perrv 
county, was, no doubt, the principal officiating minister in the organiza- 
tion of the Lutheran congregation, and Rev. Andrew Henkel came 
along about that time or soon thereafter. The writer has seen a printed 
certificate of baptism, signed by Rev. William Foster, of date A. D. 
1806, the rite having been administered in Thorn township. Foster 
died about 181 5 or 1816, and Rev. Andrew Henkel appears to' have 
succeeded as pastor of nearly all of the Lutheran churches in Perry 
county. 

Rev. John King was, no doubt, the minister in charge when the 
Reform congregation was organized. He came to what is now Perry 
county in 1803 or 1804, and, according to the best information, was the 
first minister of any denomination to settle in the county. 

The Lutheran and Reform congregations continued in the joint 
ownership and use of church property until about twenty years since, 
when each society separately erected a large, commodious and costly 
house of worship. 

Both the Lutheran and Reform churches are strong and active, and 
sustain stated preaching and Sabbath schools. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church in Thornville was organized and 
a church built at an early day. The edifice, which was of brick, was, 
after a short time, reported unsafe, when it was torn down and a large 
frame building erected in its stead, which continues to be used at the 
present time. The Rev. Jesse Stoneman was, in his lifetime, a mem- 
ber of this church, and his ashes repose in the cemetery adjacent. The 
charge is attached to the Rushville Circuit, and secures its ministers by 
appointment of the Ohio Conference. Regular preaching and other 
church services, including Sabbath school, are sustained. 

Friend's or Crist's Church (Methodist Episcopal), situated in the 
southwestern part of Thorn township, though not strictly speaking a 
pioneer church, is one that has been long established, and sustains 
regular preaching and other religious services common to the denomina- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 319 

tion with which it is connected. The society has a neat, comfortable 
house of worship, and, in proportion to its numerical strength and 
general ability, is zealous and liberal in church work and in contribution 
to the various funds of the church. The regular ministers are ap- 
pointed and sent by the Ohio Conference. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church at New Salem is on the Perry 
county side of the line. A church was organized and a log house of 
worship built at an early day — about 18 18 to 1820. This was in use 
until 1838 or 1840, when a neat, commodious frame edifice was erected 
near the site of the old one, which has been occupied until the present 
time. The society is tolerably strong in numbers, active, and preach- 
ing and other church services, including Sabbath school, are regularly 
sustained. Its ministers are appointed by the Ohio Conference. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 32 1 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



PERRY COUNTY. 

AcHAUER, John Jacob, merchant, New Straitsville, Ohio, was born 
September i. 1822, in the Kingdom of Wertumberg, Germany, son of 
John Jacob and Regine Dorotha (Young) Achauer. At the age of 
twelve years he emigrated, with his father, to America, who, landing 
in. New York, came west and settled in Brush Creek township, Muskin- 
gum count}^ Ohio, where he entered eighty acres of land, upon which 
he lived to the time ol his death, June 30, 1858, aged sixty-three years, 
nine months and twenty-nine days : his wife following him in death, 
Februar}^ of 1879, ^S^^ eiglity-three years. Mr. Achauer, the subject 
of this sketch, remained upon the farm with his father until he was fif- 
teen 3'ears of age, at which time he employed with Jacob Brock, of 
Zanesville, Ohio, who kept a tancy bakery and coffee-house, with whom 
he remained for two years, during which tim§ he acquired some English 
education at his leisure moments. At the expiration of this time he 
employed as a clerk with the firm of Roff & Lesslie, who kept a gen- 
eral merchandise store, it being the principal store of Zanesville, where 
he remained one year, and on account of the embarrassment of the firm, 
brought about by the panic of 1840, he returned home and worked from 
spring till fall on the farm, when he employed with one Granger, at 
Moxahala, this county, where he worked in a distillery until the follow- 
ing spring, when he again returned home and engaged in farming for 
over one year — from 1842, February, to 1843, June — and returned again 
to Moxahala and finished the trade of a distiller in 1847, with Andrew 
Graham. Having completed his trade, he bought thirty-three acres of 
land at Blue Rock and opened business for himself, running a distillery 
and sawmill, continuing until 1849, then selling out and buying a steam 
sawmill about one-half mile up the creek, which he run for about nine- 
teen years, at which time he sold out and came to this place, in 187 1, 
and engaged in the grocery business, which he carried on until 1874, 
when he suspended business on account of the miners' strike in that 
"year, by which he lost $5,000. The strike began in April and he sus- 
pended in July of the same year. In 1874 ^^^ ^^^ elected Mayor, to fill 
a vacanc3^ of eight months ; was engaged in fire insurance and steam- 
ship agencies, and was also notary public, and was again elected Mayor 
in 1879, serving two years. Resumed business again in 188 1, where he 
keeps a neat and well selected suppl}' of produce and dry goods. He 
is now a member of the town Council, and was run tor County Repre- 
sentative, on the Greenback ticket, in 1878. Was married Januar}'^ 28, 
1845, to Miss Charlotte Molter, born November 26, 1826, in the Prov- 

31 



322 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

ince of the Rhine, in Bavaria ; daughter of Peter and Margaret (Young) 
Molter. The}'- are the parents of thirteen children, viz. : Charles J.; 
Louisa D., deceased; John G. ; Andrew G., deceased; Caroline C. ; 
Augusta M. ; Julia; Lydia A., deceased; Albert L. ; Benjamin F. ; 
Wilham P. ; Elizabeth, and Edwin F. 

Acker, Prof. H. F., teacher of the High School, New Lexington, 
Ohio. Professor Acker was born Januaiy 31, 1850, in the same house 
in which his father was born. He is the son of Adam and Margaret 
(Brown) Acker, both natives of Clayton township. His paternal an- 
cestry is German, his maternal, Irish. Young Acker began teaching 
in 1867, and taught four terms, then entered the Ohio University, at 
Athens, and graduated in 1875. He came to this place in the fall of the 
same year, when he took charge of the schools here as Superintendent 
and teacher of the High School, which position he held for two years. 
The following year he had charge of the Madison Academy, in this 
county, since which time he has held his present position. Prof. Acker 
was married July 5, 1876, to Miss Lizzie, daughter of Thomas and Ra- 
chel (Wilson) Rhodes. They are the parents of one child; Mary Pau- 
line, who died in infancy. 

Adams, Charles, engineer, Shawnee, Ohio, was born January 27, 
1861, in Morgan, Morgan county, West Virginia, son of Robert and 
Ellen (Culbertson) Adams. Upon the breaking out of rebellion, and 
about six months after his birth, his father moved to Pittsburgh, Penn- 
sylvania, where he remained about five years, and in the following 
places was engaged during the time that his son remained at home : St. 
Louis, Missouri, three years ; Grand Tower, Illinois, one year ; Knights- 
town, Indiana, two years; Ironton, Ohio, one year; Bellaire, Ohio, 
seven months ; Ashland, Kentucky, four years, when and where Charles 
began work at plate rolls in a rolling mill, remaining about two years, 
from where he came to Shawnee, Ohio, where he engaged as a striker 
at Fannie Furnace blacksmith shop for about one year, when he went 
to Ashland, Kentucky, remaining about six weeks, and again returned 
to Shawnee, and to the same shop, working about thirteen months, at 
which time he engaged as fireman on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, 
running from Newark to Shawnee, where he remained about six months, 
and then worked as top filler at the New York furnace about three 
months, at which time he took his present position. He was married 
December 30, j88o, to Mis5 Ella, daughter of George and Catharine 
(Diller) Martzolff. They are the parents of one child, viz. : Robert 
George. 

Adams, Robert, farmer; postoffice, New Lexington, Clayton town- 
ship ; born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1803 ; settled in 
Perry county about the year 1827 ; a son of Joseph and Martha (Moore) 
Adams; married, in 1825, to Miss Margaret McClelland, daughter of 
James and Mary (McKinley) McClelland. They are the parents of 
eight children, viz. : Mary J., deceased; Joseph ; James M. ; John ; 
Margaret M., deceased; William, deceased; Samuel; Calvin, de- 
ceased. Mr. Adams had five sons in the late war. 

Adams, Robert, Manager of New York Furnace, Shawnee, Ohio, 
was born November i, 1820, in Lanarkshire, near Glasgow, Scotland; 
son of James and Margaret (Barclay) Adams. Mr. Adams was brought 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 323 

up in a furnace region, and learned the trade of moulder, beginning at 
the early age of ten years, and served seven 3'ears, at Schott's iron 
works. After learning his trade he has been engaged as follows : Learn- 
ing blast furnace trade, where he worked eight years and nine months 
— at this place there were sixteen furnaces. At the expiration of this 
time a Qiiaker iron company, of Northumberland county, Pennsylva- 
nia, and situated on the Susquehanna River, induced him to emigrate to 
America, and employed him as furnace keeper for sixteen months, at 
Danville, Montour count3^ Pennsylvania, keeping furnace ; at Blooms- 
burg, Columbia count}^ Pennsylvania, two years, keeping furnace for 
the Paxton Iron Compan}^ ; this company then sent him to Bools' Falls, 
Connecticut, where he blowed furnace one year ; atStockbridge Plains, 
Massachusetts, where he blowed two furnaces one year for D. T. Perry, 
at which time the work stopped ; at Prideville, Monongahela county, 
Virginia, blowing two furnaces, three miles apart — one used charcoal 
and the other used coke — for a Boston company, five years and six 
months ; was at this place at the opening of the rebellion and when the 
first gun was fired upon Fort Sumter, in 1861. Mr. Adams was at this 
time captain of a militia company in this place, having been promoted 
from first lieutenant, and was, by Governor Wise, ordered into the 
service ; but not being willing to take up arms against the Government, 
he went to Alleghany, Pennsylvania, where he blowed the American 
Furnace three or four months for John Jamison, when he returned to his 
home in Virginia, remaining about one year, blowing furnace six months 
of the time at Independence, for George Hardman. At Pittsburgh, 
Pennsylvania, blowing furnace for Mr. Loughlin three years and eight 
months. He next superintended the building of two furnaces at Sune- 
bar, which he afterward blowed two years and six months. At this 
time, in 1868, the Boat Trade, near St. Louis, Missouri, sent for him to 
come and start a furnace thev had built in 1862. where he was employed 
eighteen months, and made the first iron that ever was run from coal in 
Missouri. iVt this time he again returned to the moulding trade, and 
was emplo3^ed at Grand Tower, one hundred and ten miles below St. 
Louis, for six months, from where he went to Hillman's Furnace, Le- 
green, to Ohio, and to Knightstown, Clay county, Indiana, where he 
was employed, keeping furnace and moulding, about six months ; next 
to Ironton, Ohio, remaining four years, moulding, running and keeping 
furnace ; at Bellaire, Ohio, eight more, blowing furnace. While here 
he was called to start the Stony Hollow furnace, near Steubenville, Ohio, 
that had been chilled, taking from it twenty-six tons of iron ; at Ashland, 
Kentuck3% two months, blowing furnace ; and again moulded for about 
two years, when he came to Shawnee in June, 1877, where he has been 
employed up to this time. Was married in August, of 1842, to Ellen, 
daughter of Lewis and Ellen (Allen) Culbertson. They are the parents 
of nine children : Robert, deceased ; Ellen ; Margaret ; William ; Ag- 
nes ; James, deceased ; Charles : Mar}-, and Sarah. 

Adams, Wm. Wallace, engineer, Shawnee, Ohio, was born June 23, 
1855, ^" Bulls Falls, Connecticut ; son of Robert and Helen (Culbertson) 
Adams. Mr. Adams lived with his father until 1870, which time found 
him at Knightsville, Indiana, from where he went to Pittsburgh, Penn- 
S3dvania, and engaged at Jones & Loughlin's mills, firing engine boilers 



324 BIOORAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

for three years, from whence he went to Ashland,- Boyd county, Ken- 
tucky, where he remained up to the time of his coming to Shawnee. 
During his stay at Ashhind he was married to Elizabeth M., daughter 
of Joel and Mary (Mayhew) West, of Boyd county, Kentucky. They 
are the parents of three children, viz. : Mabel C. ; Agnes C, and Rob- 
ert Li. After coming to this place he has been engaged as follows : 
Laying brick, three months ; night watch at New York and Straitsville 
Coal and Iron Furnace, about seven months ; keeping furnace, two 
years ; working about furnace until about June, 1880, when he employed 
in his present vocation and which he has held during this time. 

Adamson, Pius V., Shawnee, Ohio, merchant, was born September 
26, 1856, in Muskingum county, Ohio ; son of Luther and Sarah (Dilts) 
Adamson ; was raised in Zanesville, Ohio, and assisted his father in a 
retail dry goods store of that place; was married Mav 11, 1878, to 
Hester, daughter of William R. and Eva (Ball) Terr}, of Licking 
county, Ohio. They are the parents of one child, whose name is Wate 
T. Mr. Adamson left Zanesville, after having finished his course of 
study as laid down by the public school system of that day, together 
with a business course at the Zanesville Commercial College, in the fall 
of 1874, when he took a berth for a short time on a boat plying on the 
Muskingum, Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, from Zanesville, Ohio. After 
this he was engaged in his father's dry goods store for eight months, 
and at the end of this time he went to Shawnee, Ohio, where he en- 
gaged in clerking for two years, and then went into business lor him- 
self, where he has remained up to this present time, and has carried, 
upon an average, a stock of about four thousand dollars' worth of goods 
since he first opened his store of general merchandise, and has enjoyed 
a good business, although in competition with company stores. 

Aid, Maximin, retired boot and shoe manufacturer, New Lexing- 
ton, Ohio; born, September 22, 1820, in Upper Rhine, Department 
Alsace, France ; son of Francis Anthon}^ and Mariah (Miller) Aid. 
Maximin came to America, November 15, 1831, and landed in New- 
Orleans, Louisiana, where he remained about two 3^ears, then came to 
Waverly, Pike county, Ohio, ten months ; then to Chillicothe, Ohio, in 
1834, ^"^ ^o Logan, Ohio, in 1845, his father's famiW remaining at 
Chillicothe ; and to Clarksville, Jackson township. Perry county, Ohio, 
in 1848, and built the first house in that place. In 1852, to New 
Holland, Pickaway county, Ohio ; in 1854, ^^ Rehoboth, Perr}- county, 
Ohio, and, in 1856, came to New Lexington, Ohio, where he has re- 
mained to the present time. Mr. Aid's father and brothers (four) were 
all boot and shoe manufacturers. Mr. Aid was married, first, in 1846, 
to Miss Mary, daughter of Joseph and Christena (Hoover) Krieg, of 
Perry county, Ohio. They became the parents of nine children, viz. : 
Christena Loretta, married to Thomas Henestofel ; Catharine Anne, 
died in infancy ; Mar}- Anne V., married to John M. Smith ; Frank J., 
now County Surveyor of Perry county, Ohio, married June i, 1882, to 
Miss Lillian F., daughter of William J. and Ellen (Dunbar) Cully, of 
Hebron, Ohio ; Hellena ; Catharine F. : Emma ; and two died in infan- 
cy, not named. Mrs. Aid died in July, 1861. Mr. Aid was married, 
the second time, March 4, 1862, to Miss Lucinda Anne, daughter of 
John and Martha (Gooden) Hartsell, of Perry county, Ohio. Joseph 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 325 

Krieg, named in this sketch, was a nativ© of Alsace, France, and a 
soldier with Napoleon, in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Germany, and at 
the battle of Waterloo — serving nine years, in all. Francis Aid, father 
of Maximin, was a native of Baden, Germany. After his apprentice- 
ship was completed, he got a permit to travel in Germany ; but "tyran- 
ny being so high, and wages so low," he determined to leave the coun- 
try, and, by an odd stratagem, he succeeded in eluding the Government 
vigilance officer. He arrived at Alsace, France, where he made his 
home until he emigrated to America. Joseph Aid, brother of Maximin, 
came to this county in 1868. He was married June 4, 1848, to Miss 
Genevieve, daughter of Jacob Kellhofer. They are the parents of thir- 
teen children, viz. : Joseph Lafayette, now in the United States Army, 
Fifteenth Infantr^^ Regimental Band; EHzabeth, died in infancy; 
Charles Theodore : William ; Annie, deceased ; George ; John J., died 
in infanc}' ; Frederick ; Dora ; Lih^ and Minnie (twins) ; Harry, died 
in infancy ; and Genevieve, died in childhood. 

Allen, Samuel B.. tonsorial artist, Rendville, Ohio, was born a 
slave, in Lewisburgh, Greenbrier county. Virginia, November 26, 1841, 
son of Isaac and Mary Ann (Scott) Allen. He remained a slave until 
the fall of 1861, when he took a "French furlough" and came to near 
Rutland, Meigs count}', Ohio, and worked on a farm : then to Gallipo- 
lis, Ohio, and worked in a Government hospital one year, and then 
went aboard, on a Government boat, ''D. C. Horton," and acted as 
porter one year, and for several years followed steamboating on the 
Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. His last trip was as steward on the 
"Granite State." Mr. Allen was married June 25, 1868, to Miss Rho- 
da, daughter of James and Mary (Bell) Hogg, of Pomeroy, Ohio. They 
are the parents of two children, namely: Isaac E., and May Blanch. 
He first located his home at Middleport, Ohio, where he owns consider- 
able property, and came with his famil}' to Rendville, Ohio, in 1881. 
Mr. Allen began life for himself under the most unfavorable circum- 
stances ; but, being possessed of more than ordinary intelligence and 
business ability, has become master of liis trade, and has now secured 
a comfortable home. 

Allen, H. C, M.D., physician. New Straitsville, Ohio. 

Allison, Willl\m D., farmer and pomologist. New Lexington, 
Ohio, was born June 20, 1823, in Bearfield township, this county ; son of 
Thomas and Elenor (House) Allison. He was raised a farmer, and has 
made that the business of his life, together with pomology. He lived 
in Bearfield township until he was nineteen years of age, when he 
moved to this township, near Bristol, where he resided until three years 
ago, when he moved to where he now makes his home, owning seven- 
ty-nine acres at this place, and one hundred and five acres near Bristol. 
At about the age of twenty years he began business for himself, renting 
his father's farm, which he continued about three 5'ears, when he bought 
fifty-six acres of his father's farm, and rented the remaining portion, 
forty-nine acres, for seven successive years, at which time his father 
deeded him the tbrty-nine acres and made his home with him the re- 
mainder of his life. Mr. Allison's father came from Maryland to Ohio, 
about 1807, where he entered and cleared land, and endured all the 
hardships of frontier life ; was drafted in the last Indian war and served 



326 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

about one month, v^ hen the war was closed. He used to trade with the 
Indians when lie tirst came to this State. Wolves, bear, deer and tur- 
key were in abundance, which he used to kill. Mr. Allison, the subject 
of this sketch, was married July 27, 1870, to Miss Deaver, born Janua- 
ry 16, 1839, daughter of Reuben and Aftadilla (Moody) Deaver. They 
are the parents of three children, viz. : Granville P., Isadore, and Nel- 
son C. 

Anderson, Catharine C, Pike township, Maholm posloffice, Ohio ; 
farmer's wife ; was boi^'n July 17, 1821, in German3^ daughter of Nicho- 
las and Elizabeth (Coheart) Zahm. Mrs. Anderson lived in Germany 
until she was eight years of age, when she came with her parents to 
America, taking ship at Havre De Grace and landing in Philadelphia, 
where the}^ bought a horse and wagon and drove to Wooster, Ohio, and 
from thence to East Union, Wayne county, Ohio, where her father en- 
tered eighty acres of land, upon which he lived for ten years, when he 
moved to within five miles of Somerset, this county, where he bought 
fifty acres of land find lived twenty-five years. At this time he went to 
Indiana, where he spent about nine years with his sons, Peter, Jacob, 
and George, after which he returned, and lived with Mrs. George Green 
up to the time of his death, dying at the age of eighty-seven years, 
and apon his birthday, near St. Joseph's Academy. Mrs. Anderson 
was married, January 6, 1840, to William D., son of Daniel and Anna 
(Hendrickson) Anderson, who was born March 5, 1819, in Pickaway 
county, Ohio, but was living at St. Joseph's Academy at the time of his 
marriage. After their marriage they lived for two years one mile south 
of the above named Academy ; from thence they moved to Hocking 
county, Ohio, where they liv^d six years, and again returned to about 
the Same place they removed from, remaining this time about two years, 
when they came to where Mrs. Anderson still lives, at Bristol Station, 
in April of 1854, where he bought eighty acres of land, upon which he 
made all the improvements ; supplanting the log house by a neat 
frame dwelling, and gave most of his attention to farming. He, in his 
life, gave considerable attention to the running of a saw mill, having 
owned one about seventeen years ; and after running a portable mill 
about five years, he sent it to Indiana, where his sons are now using it. 
He also owned eighty acres east of the present home, but sold fort;; 
acres of that tract, which leaves one hundred and twenty acres in all. 
He was station agent on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and post- 
master at Bristol Station, and kept a dry-good and grocery- store at the 
same place and same time, up to the time of his death. Since his death 
Mrs. Anderson has opened a grocery store at Bristol Station, in copart- 
nership wth her daughter, Augusta Irene, who is, at this time, station 
agent and postmaster at the above place. Sarah A. is assistant post- 
master, and France A. C. is general assistant at both the store and 
post-office. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson became the parents of thirteen 
children, viz.: Philamon A., Mary E. (deceased), Adrian C, Daniel 
S., Emily H. (deceased), Thomas Mc, Agnes P., Margaret A. (de- 
ceased), Cecily C. (deceased), William N. (deceased), Augusta I,, 
Sarah A., and France A. C. 

Andrew, Thomas, Mine Boss at No. 3, Rendville, Ohio, was born 
October 29, 1836, in Lancashire, England, son of William and Mary 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 327 

(Stokes) Andrew. At the age of nine years he went into the mines of 
England and worked about tive years. In 1850 he came to America 
and located at St. Louis, Missouri, and mined there about three years ; 
then went to California, and mined until 1858, when he located at Rock 
Run, on the Monongahela River, Pennsylvania ; after which he mined 
at Amesville and Alliens, Ohio. January 9, 1862, he enlisted in Com- 
pany B, Fifty-third O. V. I., and served three years. He was taken 
prisoner near Vicksburg, and held seven months, being confined in Mo- 
bile, Atlanta, Morton, Libby, Belle Island, and Pembleton. After his 
discharge he returned to the coal field in the Monongahela valley, 
Pennsylvania, and remained one summer ; then he obtained the position 
of Mine Boss at Leetonia, Ohio, where he remained until Jime, 1877, 
when he came to Moxahala, this county, and to his present location in 
1879. Mr. Andrew was married, July 4, 1865, to Miss Elizabeth Riley, 
of Rock Run, Pennsylvania. They are the parents of three children, 
viz. : William, George, and James. 

Ansel, Joseph : post-oftice, Bucke3e Cottage, Clayton township ; 
farmer ; born in Muskingum count}' in 1845 ; came to Perry county in 
1870 ; son of Peter and Louisa (Stoneburner) Ansel. The latter died 
in 1881. Mr. Ansel was married, in 1870, to Miss Esther T. Wilson, 
daughter of Ezra and Elizabeth (Burgess) Wilson. They have four 
children, viz.: Burgess C, Bertha L., Ezra B., and Cleopatra. Mr. 
Ansel enlisted in the late war, in 1863,^ in Company B, Seventy-eighth 
O. V. I., Arm}' of the Cumberland. He was in the following battles, 
viz. : Kenesaw Mountain, Brush Mountain, Siege of Atlanta, etc. ; was 
taken prisoner at Raleigh, North Carolina, 

Ardrey, James R. ; farmer; Madison township; post-office, Mt. 
Perry. He is a son of John and Hannah (Huston) Ardrey, and was 
born August 7, 185 1, in this township, where he has since lived, follow- 
ing his occupation. He now owns one hundred and fifty-six acres of 
good land. He was married, November 10, 1875, to Edith Smith, 
daughter of Edward and Harriet (Baird) Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Ar- 
drey are the parents of four children : John C, Walter C, Randal C, 
and Hattie Emma. 

Arnold, William Wright, M. D., was born on the farm of his 
father, George Arnold, near Pleasantville, Fairfield county, April 6th, 
1817. George Arnold came from the State of Maryland, with his wife, 
whose maiden name was Margaret Wright, on horseback, in the year 
1815. She was a firm and faithful Presbyterian, while he remained 
steadfastly an adherent of the Catholic church to the end of his life, 
which was prolonged to the age of eighty-four years. It was their 
habit to attend church in the same carriage — George visiting the Catho- 
lic, and his wife visiting the Presbyterian church ; and this custom was 
persevered in with the utmost harmony between them to the end of life's 
journey. 

The brothers of Dr. Arnold were Henr}-, George and David, all of 
whom died in Fairfield county, leaving sons, and John Baldwin Arnold 
of Van Buren county, Iowa. His sisters were, Mrs. Thomas Ewing of 
Fairfield county, and Rachel, who died when a young lady. 

After George Arnold was over eighty years old, he found three new 



328 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

jaw teeth developed in the upper jaw, just through the gums, a fact 
preserved here for the benefit of physiological science. 

Dr. W. W. Arnold was married Sept. 23d, 1843, to Miss Caroline 
Mitchell, a daughter of Randolph Mitchell, a merchant, and Lydia 
Whitmore, a sister of the late venerable Peter Whitmore of Perry coun- 
ty. Miss Caroline's grandmother was Sarah Alexander, born in Lon- 
don, and reputed to belong to the wealthy families of Virginia. This 
grandmother prided herself not only in the ancient wealth of her ances- 
try, but also in the family tradition that the}' were descended from Alex- 
ander, the Great. The children of this marriage are : Brezelius Mit- 
chell Arnold, husband of Catharine, daughter of Daniel Baker of Craw- 
ford count}'. Ills ; Lydia Rachel, wife of John McLaughlin, post office, 
Thornville, O. : Elbridge Lee, husband of Alma, daughter of John 
Church, post office, Somerset; Anthony Hayden, the early morning of 
whose marriage to Miss Hannah Kerr Heck, the youngest daughter of 
Alexander Heck, is clouded with sorrow by her death, in less than two 
years after the celebration of her nuptials ; Return Lavaga, now a stu- 
dent at the National Normal Universitv, Lebanon, Ohio ; William 
Wright, a teacher of promise ; Mott Hunter, a student at the Wesley an 
Ohio University, Delaware, Ohio ; George R. and Atlee Mitchell, both 
at home, and yet minors. This family of children are of Irish extrac- 
tion on the Arnold side and of English, on the Mitchell side. Their 
mother lives in the same stately mansion erected by her father in 1828, 
the same where she was married ; where her children were born and 
reared ; where the first Methodist church of New Reading was organ- 
ized ; where her parents lived and where they also died ; where, also, 
for a quarter of a century or more, her honored husband shared her 
joys and sorrows ; and where she at last smoothed the dying pillow oi 
that husband and of her son, Randolph, who had, while yet an infant, 
preceded his father to the land of rest ; and the same house, too, where 
she saw all her sons become teachers as they grew to manhood, and 
then take their places in the front rank of respectable citizenship, as 
farmers and educators. Dr. Arnold began life on a farm, became a 
student at Granville College and Greenfield Academy, distinguished 
himself as a successful teacher, obtained a diploma from the Medical 
College at Cleveland in 1848, began the practice of medicine in New 
Reading, and, at his death in 1872, had won for his name and memory 
the distinction of a first-class physician, successful farmer, honest citi- 
zen and worthy Christian of the Reform Church. Besides the ancient 
but still beautiful brick mansion in which he resided, and six acres of 
town lots in New Reading, Dr. Arnold left one hundred and thirty-three 
acres of land adjoining the town plat, and about five hundred acres im- 
proved land for his sons in Crawford county, Illinois, all of which prop- 
erty and lands vindicate the soundness of his judgment and the strength 
of his sagacity as a financier. ^ 

AsHBAUGH, Wm. H., baker, Rendville, O., born March 14, 1850, in 
Pike township, son of Simeon and Annie (Blair) Ashbaugh. His father 
came to Fairfield county, O., from Pennsylvania, emigrating from there 
to Perry county about sixty years ago. His mother's ancestors were 
natives of Virginia. William H. was brought up on a farm until about 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 



329 



thirteen years of age, when he went to Zanesville to learn his trade. 
After completing which he first established himself in business at Rich- 
wood, Union county, then at Zanesville, and came to his present place 
in February, 1881, where he is doing a good business. 

AsHBROOK, Thos. M., was born August, 1847, in Fairfield county, 
Ohio. His father is Edward P. Ashbi-ook. and his mother Margaret 
Redmond, residents of Amanda township, Fairfield county. His 
father's brothers are Wm., residing in Amanda township. Cedar Hill 
P. O. ; Mahlon, in St. Joseph, Missouri ; Absalom, deceased. Amelia 
Ashbrook, mother of Edward, and grandmothor of Thomas M., is now 
(1881) eighty-nine years of age, in full possession of her faculties. Her 
maiden name was Peters. Her sister, the wife of Aaron Ashbrook 
(deceased), lived to the advanced age of ninety-three years. Thomas 
was raised on a farm, and is one of three brothers and one sister; was 
raised on a farm to the age of twenty-one years. He then engaged his 
services in a grist mill in Pickawa}'^ county. After three years there he 
came to Somerset, engaged in the same business, and afterwards started 
a planing mill on the site now occupied by the Sn3'der Brothers. He 
also engaged in the sale of mill machinery, and continues in the same 
business. The Ashbrooks are of Scotch descent, and seem to have origi- 
nated in Berkley county, Virginia, where six sons and one daughter 
are recorded as follows : John had a family. He was killed by a horse 
in his native count}-. Thomas, who emigrated to Washington county, 
Pennsylvania, and had two~sons. He was killed by Indians, or in the 
war. James, a noted law3^er, died in his native county. Moses, emi- 
grated to Tennessee, and is doubtless the progenitor of those Ashbrooks 
residing in Nashville and other parts of the South. Aaron, the fifth 
son, emigrated to Hampshire County, Virginia ; had two sons and re- 
moved to Kentucky. Levi, the sixth son of the Berkley count}^ Vir- 
ginia, Ashbrooks, was a Baptist preacher ; removed to Hampshire 
county, Virginia, and is the great-grandfather of Thomas M. He had 
one son and three daughters by his first wife. His second wife was 
Miss Chinnith. She had six sons and eight daughters. Levi, son of 
the first wife, married itnd emigrated to Kentucky, accumulated large 
wealth at or near Louisville, and then removed to St. Louis, Missouri, 
where he became a stock man and pork packer. John, a son of the 
second wife, married and emigrated to Kentucky. Absalom, another 
son, moved to Kentucky, died there, and his familv moved back to 
Virginia, and thence to Ohio. Aaron, another of the" six sons of Levi, 
emigrated to Fairfield county after his. marriage to Miss Peters. His 
family consisted of four sons, Tunis P., John M., James and E. P. 
Ashbrook and four daughters. William, another of the six sons of 
Levi, emigrated to Fairfield county, Ohio. He had five sons, in order 
of age as follows: John, Absalom, Mahlon, Samuel, Edward, the 
father of Thomas M., the subject of this sketch, and from whom these 
facts are derived, and William. Also three daughters — Minerva, who 
was married to Benjamin Dunnick ; Iva, married to Daniel K. Keller- 
man ; Salicia, married to Benjamin Boman. Thomas, the fifth son of 
Levi, emigrated to Pickaway county, Ohio, and by his first wife had 
three sons and two daughters, by his second wife four sons, and in 
1854 emigrated to Coles county, Illinois. Eli, the sixth son of Levi, 



330 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

became a preacher in the same church as his father Levi, and is 
better known as Elder Eli Ashbrook, born in Hampshire county, Vir- 
ginia, from whence he emigrated to Pickaway count}', 1810, then to 
Fairfield, and last to Johnstown, Licking county, and died January 24, 
1877, aged ninet3'-six years. Thomas M. Ashbrook was married 1869 
to Martha Griffith, of Fairfield county. They have two daughters, 
Daisy and Minnie. He is a Universalist in religion, and Republican 
in politics. He has interested himself largeh- in gathering geneolog- 
ical facts relating to his family ancestry, and to him is due the above 
record of a large connection, to whom the above facts are entirely 
new. 

AxLiNE, John D., M.D., Shawnee, Ohio, born January 22, 1842, 
in Saltillo, Perry county, Ohio, son of Dr. Jonathan and Mary (Fan- 
ley) Axline, of German descent. John D. worked on a farm when a 
boy. In August, 1863, he enlisted in the Ninth O. V. C, and served 
to "the close of the war. He followed the fortunes of Sherman's army 
in their " March to the Sea." On his return from the army he entered 
the Ohio University at Athens. He w<is graduated at the Medical Col- 
lege of Ohio at Cincinnati, in 1869. His first professional practice was 
in Muskingum county, and subsequently in Fairfield county, and in 
Missouri and Illinois. He located in Shawnee in 1874. ^^'- Axline 
was married, February 22, 1871, to Miss Laura E., daughter of Col. 
William and Mary J. (Smith) Spencer, of English ancestry. 

Bailey, Rowland A., is a son of John Bailey, and was born July 
13, 1858, in Jefferson county, Pennsylvania. His mother is Mrs. Ann 
Bailey, whose maiden name was Walker, born in England, and who 
came with her parents to Jeflferson county, Pennsylvania, in the year 
1843. She was there united in marriage with John Bailey, a lumber- 
man, and is the mother of three sons: Miles, John Thomas, and Row- 
land A. Bailey ; and two daughters, Mary Matilda, wife of William 
Kanan, and Hannah, wife of Marcus King : all of Perry county. The 
father of these children enlisted in the 211th Pennsylvania Infantry, 2d 
Brigade, 3d Division, 9th Army Corps, and fell, mortally wounded, on 
the 2d day of April, 1865. The children, then young, were placed in 
the Orphan's School, Dayton, Pennsylvania, and came back to their 
widowed mother as they, respectively, arrived at the age of sixteen 
years. The mother, Ann Bailey, followed her parents to Perry county, 
Ohio, in the year 1872, and immediatel}- took charge of her sick mother, 
who needed the care of an affectionate daughter for five years prior to 
her death, in 1877. After this event her father made a deed to Ann for 
the ninety acres on which she resides, near Somerset. Her son, Row- 
land A., now in the twent3--fourth ^ear of his age, lives with his mother 
and cultivates this beautiful homestead, which has become, not only a 
monument to the gratitude of her father, but, also, to her heroic attention 
to a sick mother during a protracted illness, a reward she deserved but 
was not expecting. 

Baillie, John ; foreman XX (Double-ex) Mines, Shawnee, Ohio ; 
was born, March i, 1847, in Newarthill, Scotland ; son of William and 
Mary (McMurdo) Baillie. When about nine years of age John went 
into the mines of Scotland, where he remained until he came to America, 
in the spring of 1869, and located on the Allegheny River, near Cal- 



HISTORY OF PERRY C 1UNTY. 33I 

laning, Pennsylvania, where he remained about one ^ear, then located 
at Pine Run, on the Monongahela River, Pennsylvania, and remained 
there until he came to Shawnee, in the spring of 1872. Here he has 
been quite successful, having, in connection with the family, a good, 
pleasant home. Mr. Baillie was elected a member of the School Board 
in 1879, and served two years as clerk, and is at present treasurer of 
said board. 

Baillie, James L. ; merchant, Shawnee, Ohio ; was born, Decem- 
ber 15, 1848, in Newarthill, Lanarkshire, Scotland ; son of William and 
Mary (McMurdo) Baillie. Mr. Baillie was taken to Wishaw at the 
age of tvyo years, where he made his home until he was twenty 3"ears 
of age, and was engaged as a mi^er until 1869, when he emigrated to 
America, landing in New York, where he was detained one week on 
account of a registered letter not being booked ; from there he went to 
Calley, Alleghen}' county, Pennsylvania, and mined coal three years, 
from whence he came to Shawnee, Ohio, when it was in its infancy, 
and the mines had just been opened, where he was employed as a 
miner in the XX Furnace mine, and turned the first room in Hill No. 
3, in which mine he has been employed nearly all of the time to the 
present. Mr. Baillie spent six months in mining in Kansas, in the win- 
ter of 1876 and 1877, and again returned to Shawnee, Ohio. In Octo- 
ber, 1880, he went to New York city and completed a course in phre- 
nology with Fowler & Wells, and obtained a diploma as a phrenologist. 
In partnership with Mr. William Dav}^, he purchased the general mer- 
chandise store of P. V^. Adamson, Februar}- 15, 1882, where they keep 
a general merchandise store on Main street. Mr. Baillie was married, 
February 16, 1882, to Annie, daughter of Samuel and Jane (Sander- 
son) Murdock, formerly of England, and residents of this place at this 
time. 

Baily, Archible ; carpenter; Shawnee, Ohio; was born, Juh' 14, 
1851, in Muskingum county, Ohio; son of Archibald and Melvina 
(Shirek) Baily. Mr. Bailv lived upon a farm until he was fourteen 
years of age, when he was employed upon a steamboat and running 
coal barges on the Muskingum River until he was twenty-four years of 
age, when he came to Shawnee and engaged at carpentering, and with 
which he divided his time with boating up to the time of his marriage, 
September 10, 1878. to Mary, daughter of John and Martha (Hyatt) 
Smith, of McConnellsville, Ohio. They are the parents of three chil- 
dren, viz. : Edward, Harry, and Walter. Since his marriage he has 
made his home in this place, and his business that of a contractor in 
house carpentering up to the present. 

Bair, Emanuel ; farmer; post-office, Chalfants ; born, in 1812, in 
Fairfield county ; is a son of Joseph Bair, who emigrated to Ohio, from 
Pennsylvania, in 1800, with his father. His father owned four hundred 
acres of the Van Metre prairie. He remembers the Van Metres well, 
often heard his mother say they were kind neighbors. Grandfather and 
Grandmother Bair were both buried in the then Van Metre graveyard. 
The land was divided among three children, among whom was a Mrs. 
Lantz, John, and Joseph, the lather of Emanuel Bair and John Bair, of 
Perry. In the hard times following the war of 181 2 Joseph broke up, 
and finally, in 1827, moved his family to Hopewell, Perry. Mother 



332 BIOGGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Bair, about this time, received one thousand dollars from her paternal 
home in the East. Her name was Sherick. Her funds were put in 
land, section 28, where Joseph died, in his sixty-seventh year, and his 
widow only a few years ago in her eighty-second year, and was known 
as the most lovable of her age and sex. Her other children were, Ja- 
cob, who died very wealthy, near Edgewood, Illinois; John, farmer, 
post-office, Somerset, and Joseph, who deceased young. Emanuel 
was married, 1844, to Miss Comfort Chalfant, who lived as his wife only 
six years, departing this life in 1850. Her children are, Jasper C, 
present husband of Miss Mary Ramsey, daughter of Ellet ; Eliza, de- 
ceased wife of Emanuel Spangler, and who left an infant son ; also one 
child that died in infanc}', so that no child but Jasper C, (post-office, 
Chalfants) now remains alive. Emanuel Bair started in life as an ap- 
prentice to the hatter trade, in Somerset, and, at the end of five years' 
service, he says it was fortunate for -him that silk hats came into fashion 
and compelled him to quit the trade, and to break up some very bad 
habits of gambhng and drinking and keeping late hours. When yet 
only twenty years of age he began the life of a farmer, and succeeded 
from the start. He rented land, worked about, and saved his earnings. 
Eight years thus spent gave him some capital. He, therefore, bought 
eighty' acres in Wood county, Ohio, in 1840, for $250, and exchanged 
this land for land in section 22, Hopewell, at a valuation of $500, a few 
weeks later. Sixteen years later he bought the Cowen farm at $3,400, 
and eleven years later sold it for $6,400. The next purchase was the 
Parks farm, section 35, one hundred and sixt}^ acres, at $4,000. which, 
in one year after, he sold for $5,200. The next was in sections 13 and 
24, where he now lives, two hundred acres for $1,200 The next was 
the Sn^'der farm, section 11, one hundred and sixty acres, for which he 
exchanged eighty acres in Effingham county, Illinois, that cost him 
$800, and was put in at $-i ,600, with $1 ,900 cash. Jasper C, his son, also 
bought ninety ^cres, near the home farm, and exchanged one hundred 
and twenty acres in Indiana for one hundred and sixty acres in Hope- 
well, allowing a cash difference of $800, and lending $1,600, secured 
on the Indiana land. Thieves and robbers got the idea that Mr. Bair 
had lots of money, and that, one night, three masked villains, among 
them the famous Blackburn, laid siege to his casde, got some money, 
and were themselves all sent to the penitentiary, for it was no use to 
try to get away from a Bair, with such a grip and so much vigilance. 
His head measures 22| inches in circumference ; his weight has varied 
from 140 to 165 pounds, and his height is 5 feet 9 inches. His head is 
round, rather than long, showing a fine intellectual lobe, with immense 
development of acquisitiveness and cognate faculties. His health has 
been uniformly good. 

Baird, James T. ; farmer and stock dealer ; was born, February 15, 
1841, in Perry county ; has lived on a farm all his life, and has been in 
the stock business ever since fifteen years of age. In 1847 his father 
moved to Hocking county, and lived there until the spring of 1869, then 
returned to Perry county, and settled where what is now called New 
Straitsville, which had scarcely been thought of at that time. He sold 
his property there to Moss & Marshal, proprietors of the Bessie Fur- 
nace, which is situated upon said property ; came to Junction City in 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. ^J^ 

iS'j'j, and has since resided there. Was married, November 27, 1867, 
to Miss Sarah A., daughter ot" Frederick and Mary A. (Lyle) Wion ; 
are the parents of seven children, viz. : Dora, Mary F., Julia A., Fred- 
erick, Minnie M., William A.-, and Roy J. 

Baker, Daniel, the voungest of the four sons of John Baker, was 
born August 24, 1824, on the "Binckley Farm." next the county line. 
His mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Wingard, her tirst husband 
being Jacob Binckley, to whom she was married at the age of sixteen. 
She lived in the city of Washington, on the opposite side of the same 
street occupied by the "father of his country," whose face was, there- 
fore, familiar to her youthful gaze. From the best data at hand, she 
was born the same date that gave birth to American liberty. This 
venerable ladv departed this life in 1867, over ninety years of age, the 
survivor of two honored husbands. The date of her arrival and that of 
her husband, Jacob Binckley, is not at hand, but this much is remem- 
bered : they took shelter in a fence corner, covered with bark, until bet- 
ter quarters could be pro\'ided : wolves howled around their tent at 
night: she grated corn for bread, and regarded the breast of the wild 
turkey a good substitute for the staff of life ; which facts would indicate 
an early date of settlement. From her home in Perry county she rode 
on horseback to Washington city, to visit her relatives, an undertaking 
which, at this day, w^ould not only be received as proof of great physi- 
cal endurance and heroism, but of strong affection for friends. By her 
tirst husband she had three sons and three daughters, and by her sec- 
ond husband, John Baker, she was the mother of four sons and tw^o 
daughters. Her sons were Jacob, Jonas, Samuel and Daniel Baker ; 
her daughters w^ere Catharine, former wife of William Combs, and Su- 
san, wife of Isaiah Hampson. John Baker, when he became her sec- 
ond husband, was not rich, for his property is described as consisting of 
one gun which, when on his shoulder, carried the handkerchief which 
contained his clothing. He had no money, but possessed a brave heart, 
a strong arm, a good constitution, and an industry and economy which, 
in twentv-five vears after his marriage, and at the date of his death, in 
his fifty-third year, left over four hundred acres of the best lands, to be 
divided among six children ; this was done wisely, by partition, among 
the four brothers, two of the brothers making the division, and the other 
two making" choice, while all agreed to pay the cash to their sisters 
which they and their husbands agreed was right in amount and time of 
payment. Hundreds of dollars were thus saved to the heirs, which, in 
almost all other estates, distributed w^ithout will, are squandered in costs, 
charges, fees, plots, and final ill-will and litigation. Daniel, the young- 
est son, was married to Miss Sarah E. Franks, a native of Pennsylva- 
nia and daughter of the late venerable Rezin Franks, of Thorn town- 
ship, November 20, 1845. Mrs. Baker's mother carried her, when an 
infant, on horseback, from Pennsylvania to Perry county, in the year 
1825. Her grandfather, Peter Waltzer, presented the farm on which 
Rezin Franks died, to the wife of that worthy gentleman and the 
mother of Sarah E., his daughter. Peter Waltzer presented each of 
his other daughters a like quantity of land, and to his onl}- son, Peter 
Jr., the home farm in Pennsylvania, which he sold and followed his sis- 
ters to Perry county. The children of Daniel Baker are: Susan, wife 



334 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

of R. M. Barr, residing in Somerset ; Katharine, wife of Brezilius 
Arnold, a farmer and stock dealer, near Oblong, Crawford county, Illi- 
nois : Rezin F. Baker, a druggist, in Thornville, Ohio ; Martha, wife 
of Robert Edmond Kerr, a dry goods merchant, of West Rushville, 
Fairfield county, Ohio ; D. Wingard Baker, William E. Baker, and J. 
Hunton Baker, younger sons, at home. The Bakers are of German 
descent. Daniel is now one of the foremost farmers of his county, and 
has added to the one hundred and twenty-one acres obtained by parti- 
tion, and at first incumbered with one thousand dollars due his sisters, 
one hundred and fifty acres of adjoining lands, and accumulated an es- 
tate estimated at twenty-five thousand dollars in value. He was elected 
Count}' Commissioner twice, and township trustee fifteen consecutive 
years, filling these stations with honor and ability, at one time assuming 
a personal responsibility amounting to five thousand dollars, on behalf 
of his township, and stopping at no obstacle in the way of his public 
trust as an officer. 

Baker, Samuel, was born 1818, in Reading township, where he 
still resides. He is a brother of Daniel, just alluded to in the forego- 
ing sketch. Samuel was married December, 1842, to Miss Elizabeth 
Jane Eyman, daughter of the late Henry Eyman, a prominent citizen 
of Fairfield county. Their children are — G. H. Baker, husband of 
Almeda, daughter of the venerable David Spece, who occupies the 
Binckley homestead of his grandmother, famous for its fertility and 
the beauty of its landscape; William J. Baker, husband of Mar}^ 
daughter of William Love, of Perry covmty ; Elizabeth Katharine, 
wife of William Miller ; and Jacob A. Baker, single, and at home. 
Samuel Baker began his married life with the ninety-six acres he 
chose from his father's patrimony, but also encumbered, like the shares 
of his brothers, with one thousand dollars due to his sisters, and the 
maintenance of his mother, who resided with him to the period of 
her death. That one thousand dollars debt was paid from the sale of 
corn at twenty cents p.er bushel, and three-year old cattle, at eight dol- 
lars per head, as his brothers had cause to remember. After the death 
of his brother Jonas, 185 1, Samuel began that career of financial suc- 
cess which added four hundred and twenty acres to his ninety-six acre 
homestead, and raised his taxes from eight dollars to two hundred and 
forty a year, and superadded a road tax of twenty dollarsT per annum 
in a district free from town, city, or corporation taxes. Me is an 
unbending Democrat in politics, liberal, and, like his brother Daniel, 
unsectarian in his religious views. No family of brothers ever divided 
an estate more peaceably among themselves, and lived on terms more 
ajjreeable the balance of their lives. 

Ball, William, miller, Rendville, Ohio, was born January 5, 
1845, in Deerfield township, Morgan county, Ohio; son of James and 
Adaline (Bradley) Ball. William was brought up on a farm, and 
enlisted June 27, 1864, in the First Ohio Heavy Artillery. Was 
engaged in several conflicts in the Army of the Cumberland, and served 
until the close of the late war. Mr. Ball was married in 1867 to Miss 
Caroline, daughter of George Wolf, then of Junction City. Mr. Ball's 
father was a resident of Morgan county for fifty years. 

Barker, William, farmer and stock raiser, P. O. New Lexington, 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 335 

Perry county, Ohio. Born in New York in 1803, came to this state in 
1809; son of John and Mar}'^ (Chamberlain) Barker, grandson of 
Samuel and Mar}'^ (Fithen) Barker, grandson of John and Sophiah 
(Mulford) Chamberlain, married in 182910 Miss Barbara Strait, daugh- 
ter of William and Sophiah (Imel) Strait. They are the parents of 
seven children, viz. : John H., Sophia (deceased), Samuel (deceased), 
Mary, Elizabeth, two not named (deceased). 

Barker, John, farmer, P. O. Rehoboth, Cla3^ton township. Perry 
count}', Ohio. Born in New York in 1808, came to this county with 
his parents in 1809; son of John and Mary (Chamberlain) Barker. 
Married in 1830 to Miss Nancy Goodin, daughter of Colonel Samuel 
and Jane (Skinner) Goodin. They are the parents of five children, 
viz. : Jane (deceased), David C. (deceased), Rebecca, Mary A., Ellen. 
Mr. Barker filled the office of Infirmary Director for six 3'ears. 

Barker, John H., farmer; postoffice. New Lexington, Clayton 
township, Perry county. Born in this county in 1830 ; son of William 
and Barbara (Strait) Barker: grand-son of John and Mary (Chamber- 
lain) Barker ; grand-son. of William and Sophiah (Imel) Strait ; mar- 
ried, in 1857, to Miss Jemima Randolph, who died in 1857 ; married 
again, in 1859, ^^ Miss Maria Shaw, daughter of John and Elizabeth 
(Rinehart) Shaw. They are the parents of seven children, viz. : Car- 
oline M. ; Harriet E. ; Sarah E., deceased ; W. T. S. ; James M. ; Perry 
D., and Asbery F. Mr. Barker was elected School Director of Clay- 
ton township in 1867, and has continued to serve in that capacity till 
the present date. Mr. T. R. Shaw, a brother-in-law of Mr. Barker's, 
enlisted in the late war in 1861, in Company K, 626. O. V. I., where he 
made a good record for himself, serving his country till the close of the 
war, in 1865. 

Barr, R. M., attorney; postoffice, Somerset, Reading township. 
Born December 7, 1845, in Fairfield count}^ At the age of twenty he 
finished a collegiate course at Athens, and began the study of law. He 
continued ten months, when sickness compelled him to abandon law, 
being unable to do anything for eighteen months. He then gave up 
the study of law and went to farming. He continued farming and 
taught the home school in the winter until 1876, when he again began 
the law. He removed to Somerset in 1877, and was admitted to the 
bar January 29, 1879. ^^^ practices in all the courts of record in the 
State, and has a large and growing practice. Mr. Barr was married 
October 16, 1867, to Miss Susan E. Baker, daughter of Daniel Baker, 
ex-Commissioner of Perry county. She was born March 23, 1848, in 
this count}'. They are the parents of four children, viz. : Sarah M. ; 
Anna L. ; Daniel M., and Mamie. 

Barnes, Weaver, farmer; born, 181 2, in Maryland; only son of 
Weaver Barnes, deceased, in Maryland. His mother was Phebe Jolly, 
who was also the mother of Millie Barnes, wife of the late Jacob Petty ; 
and of Susan Barnes, wife of the late Stephen Vanatta ; and also of 
Priscilla Martin, (by a former husband), who became the wife of Asa 
Dennison, who, about the year 1817, with his wife and her two half-sis- 
ters, came to Perry county. One year later, Phebe, the mother of Wea- 
ver, who was then the wife of Ezekiel Lewis, a Revolutionary soldier, 
determined to come on horseback from Virginia to see her daughters, 



23^ BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

and placing her son, then only six years old, on the horse behind her, 
she encountered all the perils of such a journey and arrived safely. Few 
mothers have ever shown a stronger affection for her children. She 
returned to her home in Virginia, and about ten years later, after the 
death of Mr. Lewis, she emigrated to Peny county, where she lived 
until her decease, in 1855, aged seventy-six years. Mr. Barnes was 
married, in 1837, ^^ Christena, only daughter of Aaron Vanatta, and 
only sister of the late John Vanatta. The children of this union were : 
Aaron, Priscilla, John, Jacob, Nathaniel, C3n-us, Ezekiel, Mar3% Cathar- 
ine and Louisa, who, when a child, lost her hfe by falling into a well. In 
1863, he was married to Mrs. Catharine Ruff, formerl}- Miss Durrh. Their 
children by this marriage are : Weaver, Julia Ann, Charlotte and Eliz- 
abeth. There are but few citizens who can boast of a household so nu- 
merous, and who, from a destitute orphanage, has not only reared a 
large family, but contributed to the support of the church and the State, 
and who began with $2.25 of taxes, and has increased his valuation to 
a tax of $50 per annum, while his doors stood wide open to welcome 
his numerous friends with a generous hospitalitv. 

Barrett, James, collier, Shawnee, Ohio, was born March 2, 1825, 
in Westport, county Mayo, Ireland ; son of Richard and Ann (McMan- 
nus) Barrett. Mr. Barrett was raised a farmer, and followed agricul- 
tural pursuits until he was fifteen or sixteen 3^ears of age, when he went 
to Worcestershire, England, where he remained employed at whatever 
offered until he was twenty-five years of age, when he emigrated to 
America, landing at New Orleans, where he remained five or six 
months, and then was employed on a steamboat, plying on the Missis- 
sippi River, for about fifteen months, after which he went to Louisville, 
Kentucky, where he remained until 1856, employed at different kinds 
of work. From the latter place he came to Cincinnati, Ohio, and thence 
to Zanesville, where he remained about three years, employed on the 
railroad most of the time. Next he moved to Roseville, where he lived 
about twelve years, engaged at mining, from which place he came to 
Perry county, and lived about one 3'^ear at Bristol Tunnel, and then 
came to Shawnee, where he still lives and is engaged as a miner. Mr. 
Barrett was married April 9, 1852, to Mar3', daughter of Michael and 
Ann (O'Brien) Nockton, of Preston, Lancastershire, England, where 
the3'' were married. They are the parents of nine children, viz. : Rich- 
ard, Patrick, James, John, Walter, Frances, Anna V., Mar3^, and Eliz- 
abeth, living, and five deceased, viz. : Ellen, Michael, and three died 
in infancy. 

Bastian, Philip, agent for the C, M. V. R. R. and iVdams Ex- 
press Co., New Lexington, Ohio; was born October 10, 1814. in Hat- 
ten, France ; son of Philip Henr3^ and Magdalena (Fridle) Bastian. 
They, with their family, came to America in the 3^ear 1828, landing at 
Baltimore, Mar3'land, and located in Perry township, Muskingum 
county, seven miles east of Zanesville, where Philip kept store, and was 
postmaster about eight years. From this place he removed his business 
to Uniontown, nine miles west of Zanesville, where he remained about 
one year, and came to this place, about the 3'ear 185 1, and "continued 
merchandizing until 1859, when he took his present position, being the 
first and only agent of the C, M. V. R. R. at this place. During the 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 337 

late war he was sutler of the 114th Regiment O. V. I. Mr. Bastian 
was first married to Miss Frances Ermin, who died, without children, 
in about three years after marriage. He was married the second time 
to Miss Mary Anne Schurtz, born February 22, 1816, in Muskingum 
count\s Ohio, daughter of Captain Samuel and Mary Anne (Stoner) 
Schurtz. Samuel Schurtz died March 14, i860, aged seventy-four 
years and eleven days. Mr. and Mrs. Bastian are the parents of seven 
children, viz.: Mary, married to James H.Rice; Frances, (now de- 
ceased), married to Henr}' Foey ; Laura, married to E. T. Webster; 
Annettie, married to Attorney Joseph G. Huffman ; Maggie, married to 
Dr. Albert McLaughlin ; Rosie, and Emma. 

Beard, Susan, Beartield township, Portersville postotfice. Her 
husband, who is now deceased, was born in Maryland, in 1798. He 
emigrated to this State in 1828, and settled in Belmont county ; came 
to this county in 1846; located near Oakfield, and came to this town- 
ship in 1854.' I^^ 1^25, he married Susan Tillett, of Virginia. They 
are the parents of the following children, viz. : James E,, John, Stephen, 
Annie, Charles, Samuel, Mary and Virginia. 

Beaver, Elizabeth, born Ma}^ i, 1813, in Shenandoah county, Vir- 
ginia, and came, with her parents, to Fairfield county in the fall of 1819. 
They were met at Somerset by her father's brother. Christian Kaga}^ 
and her mother's brother, Frederick Siple. Her father, Rudolph Ka- 
gay, converted a loom-house, belonging to Christian Kaga}', in Pleas- 
ant township, into a winter's quarters. He rented a farm next spring, 
in Walnut tow^nship, and next year, 182 1, bought the 160 acres in the 
Hocking valley, three miles below Lancaster, since owned by Hon. 
Thomas Ewing. Here father Kagay died, in 1828. In 1830, Elizabeth 
w^as married to John Beaver, in Seneca count3^ Ohio, at the liome of 
her sister, Barbara Seitz. In 1837, she came back to Fairfield county 
to live with her bachelor brother, Jacob Kagay, bringing then her three 
daughters, and leaving an onh' son, Noah, in Seneca county. At the 
death of her brother Jacob, in 1867, the Probate Court allowed her 
$2,000 for services rendered as housekeeper for her brother, covering a 
period of thirty years, and to Noah Beaver an allowance of $300, for 
services, was likewise allowed. With these funds, and some few hun- 
dred dollars received from her daughter, Hannah Grubb, then a widow 
also, she bought the home where she died, June, 1882, of hernia, or 
rather, more truthtully. from a slip of the surgeon's knife, who operated 
for the reduction of the hernia. She lived two weeks after this acci- 
dent. She made her will, and died, as she had lived, in the Baptist be- 
lief and unclouded faith of life everlasting. Pier children are : Amy 
and Noah, unmarried; Lydia Ann, wife of Edw^ard Turner, and Han- 
nah, widow of George Grubb, who lives with her two sons, Richard 
and William, and her sister Amy, and brother, Noah Beaver, at the 
home left them by mother Beaver, postoffice, Rushville, Ohio. 

Beck, William G., Rendville, Ohio, was born in Jackson town- 
sHiip, Perry county, Ohio, January nth, 1848, son of George and Maria 
(Hiller}') Beck. William G. was brought up on a farm until he was 
seventeen years of age, when he began teaching school, and taught un- 
til he was twenty-two. He then engaged in general merchandising at 
Middletown, Jackson township, where he continued to do business until 

32 



;^2S BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

1878, when he accepted a position in the store of Martin Ewing & Co., 
New Straitsville, Ohio, and in 1880 was employed as clerk in store, by 
the Ohio Central Coal Co. In 1882, returned to New Straitsville, Ohio. 
Mr. Beck was married September 19th, 1869, to Miss Margaret Adcock 
of Jackson township. They are the parents of two children, namely, 
Charles E. and George W. 

Bell, Joseph, born in Ayershire, Scotland, on Christmas day, 
1802. His first school was at home, where he advanced to reading the 
Latin and Greek Testament a little ; he was taken to Kilmarnoch, and 
then to Blackwater Military School. His father died when Joseph was 
twelve, and at fifteen he was at Chatham, and at sixteen, at Windsor. 
He got a cadet's commission on his scholarship, permitting him to join 
the Royal Staff Corps of Engineers under Lord Greenock, at the age 
of sixteen. Served in Spain ; fell out with Greenock in 182 1 ; was or- 
dered under arrest, deserted with intention of aiding the Greeks, until 
he came to Canada, where Sir Howard Douglas, the Governor, dis- 
couraged his intention. He studied Spanish, and intended to go to 
South America to take part against Spain, but the Governor again con- 
trolled his purposes. At the age of twenty-two he weighed in Charles- 
ton, South Carolina, one hundred and ninety-six pounds. His height 
is five feet eight inches, and his head measures twenty-three and one- 
half inches. He never saw a man that could throw a twenty-eight 
pound weight farther than he could. He is proud of his native land, 
and says : "Scotland is the salt of the earth, the mother of Hume, Rob- 
inson, Buchanan, Basset, McCauley, Smollet, Beattie, Stewart, Black, 
Abbercombie and Arbuthnot, Combe and a hundred other men equally 
famous. She gave St. Patrick to Ireland, John Paul Jones to America, 
and Lord Cochran to scourge the Turks." 

England was called to apologize for Cochran's conduct toward Tur- 
key. The reply was, " take him prisoner first." Now, at the age of 
eighty, Mr. Bell is in possession of all his faculties, rich in mental 
achievements beyond the common lot of men, a fact due to not wasting 
his life in gathering gold as most men have done, but in mastering the 
most abstruse problems, not only of mathematics but of political econo- 
my and theology. Judge Henry C. Whitman, now of Cincinnati, for- 
merly Common Pleas Judge of Fairfield, Perry and Hocking, and noted 
for his judgment of men, declared to the writer that he never knew but 
ofie man who was the superior or the equal of Joseph Bell in natural 
mental capacity, and never knew his equal in the richness and abun- 
dance of those mental stores which constitute the scholar, and which 
were so surprisingly gathered from every field of knowledge and ripened 
for use in the garners of thought and memory. Mr. Bell was married 
to the daughter of a wealthy Virginian, now deceased. Though much 
opposed to the war of the Rebellion, he lost one son, Samuel, in battle 
foi the Union ; and another son, though but a boy when he enlisted, 
served in the Sixth Army Corps in all its splendid battles and achieve- 
ments, without a day's sickness or scratch from the enemy. This son, 
John, now resides in Missouri. A daughter, Margaret Bell, after achiev- 
ing distinction as ^ scholar and teacher, became the wife of a merchant 
in Loveland, Ohio. Miss Lizzie Bell, since the death of her mother, a 
few years ago, presides as the mistress of her father's home in Thorn- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 



339 



ville, and there her presence gilds the evening of his life, as the setting 
sun gilds the evening sky with promise of a glorious rising on the 
morrow. 

Bennett, Robert, retired farmer. New Lexington, Ohio, was born 
April 26th, 1821, in Gallia county, Ohio, son of Robert and Cecelia 
Bennett. They emigrated from Lancashire, England, in 1819, and 
located near Somerset. Perr}- county, about the year 1826. They 
remained in Reading township about six years, then in Clavton live 
years, and made their last remove to what is now Pleasant township, 
where they died. Mr. Bennett, the subject of this sketch, was married 
in 1848, to ]Miss Mary, daughter of Morris and Catharine (Collins) 
O'Conner. Mrs. Bennett was born in Pennsylvania, but came to Bi-ush 
Creek township, Muskingum count}-, when but two 3-ears old. She 
was brought up and remained there until her marriage. Thev became 
the parents of thirteen children, viz. : Catharine F., Cecilia A., mar- 
ried to Peter Forquer, Mary Loretta, Lafayette J., Thomas W., Fran- 
ces E., Ellen C, Robert E., Vincent Leo, and four died in infancy; 
all born in Pleasant township. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have spent their 
lives, from infancy, in this part of the State. Thev grew up with the 
country, and have seen it change from the virgin forest, the home of 
the deer, wild turkey and bear, to the now broad fields of grain and 
pasture, where the domestic herds quietly feed. Mr. Bennett has given 
his attention to agriculture and husbandr}-. beginning in 1839 with forty'- 
nine acres in the woods, but now has five hundred and thirty acres, 
well improved and stocked. This he has obtained bv honest industry 
and econom}^ 

Bennett, R. P., post office, Rehoboth — farmer and stock raiser, 
Clayton township. Born in Gallia count^s Ohio, in 1824. Came to 
Perr}- county with his father in 1825. Son of Robert and Cecilia 
Bennett. The former died in 1842, the latter in 1855. ^^r. Ben- 
net was married in 1853. to Miss Elizabeth McDonald, daughter of John 
and Margaret McDonald. They had twelve children, viz. : Clara E. 
(deceased). John C, Albert J., Margaret E., Clara E. (deceased), 
George C, Elizabeth E.. James C, Mary (deceased), Emma E., Mary, 
Richard. 

Bennett, Albert R., Bearfield township, farmer, post office, 
Rendville. Ohio, was born October 30th, 1859, ^^^ Pleasant township, 
Perry county, Ohio, son of George and Anna (Carroll) Bennett, natives 
of England, who came to America in 1S19. They came to Perrv coun- 
ty, Ohio, about the year 1822, and located in Bearfield township in 1863. 
The family consisted of eleven children, viz. : Thomas J., John R., 
married to Catharine Monahan : Margaret, married to Bernard Noon ; 
Cecelia, married to Philip Rei ; Mary Ellen, married to Jacob Weiner ; 
Philip P., married to Sarah E. Deaver : Albert R. : Josephine, married 
to Philip Noon : Caroline, twin sister to Josephene : William A., and 
George C. George Bennett, the father, named above, was born in 
1818, and died in Januaiy, 1867. 

Bennett. Philip P., farmer. Rendville, Ohio, was born March 
2 1st, 1854, in Pike township. Perry county, Ohio. Son of George and 
Ann (Carroll) Bennett. He was brought up on a farm and followed ag- 
ricultural pursuits, excepting two years, during which time he was em- 



340 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

ployed by W. P. Rend & Company ; also, merchandising under the 
firm name of Bennett & Noon. Mr. Bennett was married January 27, 
1880, to Miss Sarah, daughter of Tillman Deaver, deceased, who for- 
merly lived in Monroe township. They are the parents of one child, 
James P. Philip P. Bennet, the subject of this sketch, by adhearing 
strictly to fair dealing and temperate habits, has secured a comfortable 
home. 

Betts, Boston, Mayor of New Straitsville, and Justice of the 
Peace of Coal township. Perry county. Ohio. He was born January 12, 
1837, in Jacobsport (now Plaintield), Coshocton county, Ohio. He is a 
son of William C. and Hettie Betts, natives of Virginia. When sixteen 
years of age, he learned the blacksmith trade, which business he has 
followed ever since. In 1858 he was married to Miss Michel Baker, 
native of Tyler county, West Virginia. He enlisted in Co. C, 97th 
O. V. I., in 1862, serving three years in the Rebellion, enduring man^^ 
hardships, and undergoing dangers. His brother, Charles Betts, be- 
longed to Co. F., ist Ohio Cavalry. His great-grandfather died a 
soldier in the Continental army, under General Washington. His 
father and two brothers served in the war of 1812. Mr. Betts located in 
New Straitsville, in April, 1873, and with the assistance of a few others, 
he organized a congregetion of Disciples in September of the same 
year, which is now a prosperous societv, supporting a chinxh of their 
own. 

BiGRiGG. John, collier, Shawnee, Ohio, was born May 15, 1828, 
in Cumberland county, England, son of John and Ann Bigrigg. Was 
raised iu his native county, and lived there, engaged in mining, until 
1870, when he emigrated to America, landing in New York, and went 
to Sandy Creek, Pennsylvania, remaining three months mining, and 
was employed as a miner at Syracuse, New York, for about two 3'ears, 
when he came to Shawnee, Ohio, where he lived about eighteen 
months, and moved to Straitsville, Ohio, where he mined about three 
months, and from there he went to Conesville, Coshocton county, Ohio, 
staying about four months, and then worked three years in Beach Hol- 
low and Miami coal mines, near Coshocton, Ohio, when he again 
returned to Shawnee, Ohio, and where he has remained up to this time, 
mining for Manley Coal Company- about eighteen months, and the 
remainder of the time in Shawnee Valley mine. Was married Dec. 
15, 1849, to Anna, daughter of Arthur and Elizabeth (Bonstead) Mal- 
kinson. They are the parents of ten children, viz. : Elizabeth, Jona- 
than, Arthur, Annie, Jane, John, Julia, Henr}^ (deceased), William 
(deceased), and one died in infancy. Mr. Bigrigg became a member 
of the Baptist Church while in Coshocton, Ohio, but since coming to 
this place has joined the Primitive Methodist Church. 

BiNCKLEY, John, Thornville, Ohio, furniture merchant and 
school teacher, was born in 1856, in Peny county. He is a 
son of John Binckley, and grandson of Jacob Binckley, now 
living in Thorn township, at the age of ninety-three years. He 
puts the date of the settlement of his father, John Binckley, and his 
brothers, the sons of John, Sr., viz. : William, John, Christian, and 
Daniel Binckley, in 1801. The sisters of these sons were: Polly, 
wife of Henry Beeker, who died in Allen county, Ohio : Betsy, wife of 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 34 1 

Adan Anspach, who died in Perry county : Katy, wife of Jacob Over- 
meyer — both died in New Reading, Perry county : Millie, wife of Jacob 
Shrider, both living, P. O. Lafayette, Ohio ; Peggy, wife of Jacob 
Custer — both died in Allen county, near Lafayette, Ohio ; Franey, wife 
of George Shrider, Lafayette, Ohio ; Louisa, died in infancy. The 
other twelve children all grew to mature life, were married, and some 
are still living ; Sally, the youngest of eight daughters, became the 
wife of Barney Hammer, died near Sego, Perr^^ county. John Binck- 
ley, Jr., one of the sons of John, Sr., died in Allen county, Ohio; 
William died in Tiffin, Ohio : Daniel died in Reading township ; Chris- 
tian is living in Northern Ohio. These, with Jacob, above named, 
were the live sons of John, Sr. The great ancestor of all the Binck- 
leys was Christian, Sr., who came to Ohio a widower, his wife having 
died near Hagerstown, Marvland. The sons of this Christian Binck- 
ley, the patriarch of the famih*, were John, the father of Jacob, with 
whom Christian made his home, section 31. Hopewell township. Then 
there were Adam Binckley and Henry Binckley, brothers of John, 
Sr., aforesaid, the three sons of the patriarch. Christian Binckley. 
They all came to Pern^ in 1801. At the same time he brought with 
him three daughters, to wit : Lizzie, wife of Jacob Foy ; Katharine, 
wife of Adam Spoon : and Sarah, wife of Henry Musser, near Millers- 
port. For each of these three sons and three daughters, the old wid- 
ower patriarch provided a home in this new land of promise. Chris- 
tian lived till 1831, and died after his son John, in whose house he lived, 
now the Peter Shrider place. He was then in his ninety-seventh year. 
After the death of his father (John, Sr.), in 1804 or 1805, Jacob and his 
brother John bought the place — section 31, Hopewell, where this John 
also died. When twenty-one years of age. Jacob married Martha 
Downour. This was 1810. This marriage produced twelve children, 
seven bovs and five girls — John, William, Jacob, Barney, Daniel, 
David, and Levi (who died voung). Mary, Sarah, Lizzie, Peggy and 
Louisa. In 1838 Jacob sold his farm and moved with his wife 
to the farm where he lives with his daughter, Sarah Zartman, 
in Thorn township. His wife died in 1848. John Binckley, the 
furniture dealer of Thorn ville. has made a high reputation as a 
teacher in the common schools. His mother's maiden name was 
Katharine Stevens, who died when John was a babe. When seven 
years of age he lost his father bv death. He had eight brothers and 
three sisters. Seven of these brothers are still living. He lived in the- 
family of D. C. Shellv, of Hopewell, eight and one-half years. He 
taught fifteen 'terms of school. He worked by the month for Nathan 
Plank and others. He attended school at Niount Perry, under the 
tutilage of Prof. White : also at Delaware College. In 1S77 he became 
the husband of ^Nliss Irene Orr. daughter of Albert Orr. Their chil- 
dren are Arthur and Walter, now two years of age. He bought a 
small farm in 1880, which he sold in 1882, and entered upon his pres- 
ent business, to which he brings, besides some capital the same energy, 
urbanitv, and integrity, which, added to his capacity and judgment, 
warrants his success, and makes him a rival in the line of his choser 
business. 

BiRKiMER, John A., of the firm of Birkimer & Kishler, carriage 



342 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

and wagon manufacturers, New Lexington, Ohio. Mr. Birkimer was 
born April 3d, 1854, in Reading township, son of Edward and Louisa 
(Beckweth) Birkimer. John A. went to his trade at eighteen, estab- 
lishing his business first at Somerset. He came to this place in 1877, 
and formed a partnership with SamuelH. Morgan, and conducted busi- 
ness with him until the present firm was formed in the fall of 1881. 
This firm is doing a good, active business, both in new work and repair- 
ing. Mr. Birkimer was married, June 5th, 1878, to Miss Sarah, daugh- 
ter of James and Mariah (Fowler) Davis. They are the parents of one 
child, Earle. 

Blair, Seldom W., tinner. New Lexington, Ohio, born June 19th, 
1844, in Pike township, son of Thomas W. and Anna (Davis) Blair. 
Seldon W. was brought up on a farm, where he. remained until about 
twenty, when hewent to his trade, and worked journeyman work in 
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wheeling, West Virginia, Indianapolis, In- 
diana, and other cities. Came to this place in 1875. M*"- Blair was a 
member of C ompan}' F, i6oth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served 
four months. He was married in April, 1869, to Miss Sarah, daughter 
of Sarah (Seals) Williams. She died early in the summer of 1882. 

Blosser, Noah H., physician, Maxville, Ohio, was born in Mon- 
day Creek township. Perry county, Ohio, October 26th, 1847 ; son of 
Nicholas and Elizabeth (Hut^brd) Blosser. Spent his early days on a 
farm, and attended school during the winter, until about seventeen years 
of age, when he began teaching, and continued to teach for about eight 
years. In 1873 he obtained the position of express agent of the C. & 
M. V. division of the P. C. & St, L. Railway, at Junction City, Ohio, 
in which position he remained until 1879, when he resigned to accept 
the superintendency of the Junction City public schools. During the 
period in which he was acting as express agent and teacher, he was 
employing all his spare time in the study of medicine. And in the fall 
of 1880, he entered the Pulte Homoeopathic Medical College at Cincin- 
nati. In the spring of 1881, he located at Maxville, and began the 
practice of medicine, in which profession he is rapidly attaining emi- 
nence. Dr. Blosser was married, June 30Lh, 1870, to Miss Austirs 
O., daughter of Samuel S. and Marj'^ (Black) Poling, of Monday 
Creek township, formerly of Fairfield county, Ohio ; to whom were born 
two children, Franklin El wood and Bertha Belle. 

Blosser, Solomon L., dealer in hardware and tinware. Corning, 
Ohio, was born October i, 185 1, in Rush Creek township, Fairfield 
county, Ohio; son of Isaac and Margaret (Peble) Blosser. Solomon 
L, was brought up in a village, and established his present business 
here in July, 1880. Mr, Blosser was married, July 13, 1872, to Miss 
Jennie, daughter of Jacob and Ellen Hinsman, of Marion township, 
Hocking county, Ohio. They are the parents of three children, viz. : 
Magdaline (deceased), Francis Milton, and Zettie Ellen. 

Boies, Charles, farmer, Baird's Furnace, Ohio, was born Sep- 
tember 21, 1850, in Muskingum county, Ohio ; son of Isaac and Eliza 
(Knipe) Boies. Mr. Boies was brought up on a farm, and he has given 
his attention to farming and stock raising up to this date. Stock rais- 
ing is made a specialty by him, and he deals largely in thoroughbred 
horses, hogs and sheep. He now owns three hundred and twenty acres 



HISTORY OF PEKRY COUNTY. 343 

of land, the best farm in the township, which is underlayed with both 
coal and iron ore. He was married, September lo, 1872, to Jennie E., 
daughter of Hiram and Martha (Strawn) Wilson. This union was 
blessed with three children, viz. : Isaac J., died at the age of nineteen 
months, Wilbert Noble and John H. 

Isaac Boies, father of Charles, was born November 27th, 1807, in 
Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and came to Muskingum county when a 
young man, where he was married to Eliza Knipe, March 8th, 1849, 
who was born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, November 29, 
1818, and came to Ohio when a young woman. Seven years after 
their marriage they moved to the Hocking River and remained three 
years, from where they went to Muskingum county, Ohio, on the Chand- 
lersville road, and lived two 3'ears and six months, and again to Mon- 
day Creek township, on the Heine farm, where they both departed this 
life ; Isaac d3'ing August 26, 1873, and Eliza, his wife, August 31, 1880. 
They became the parents of four children, viz. : Charles, the subject 
of this sketch ; James died at four years of age : Philip, and Margaret. 
Philip and Margaret now live on the homestead. Mrs. Boies' parents, 
Hiram and Martha (Strawn) Wilson, were born in Pike township, this 
county. Mr. Wilson has departed this life, and Mrs. Wilson is now the 
wife of John Nixon of Pike township, this county. 

Boies, Philip, Monda}' Creek township, farmer, Winona, Ohio, 
was born October 7th 1854, ^" Falls township, Hocking county, Ohio, 
son of Isaac and Eliza (Knipe) Boies. Mr. Boies was raised a farmer, 
and has made agricultural pursuits, with stock raising, the business of 
his life, and with his sister occupies the homestead farm of three hun- 
dred and fifty-seven acres, part of which is underlaid with a vein of 
limestone nine feet thick, iron ore, and a vein of coal three feet thick. 

BoLiNG, James H., farmer and school teacher, Mr. Boling also 
read medicine. Post office. Buckeye Cottage, Clayton township, Perry 
county, Ohio. Born in this county in 1847. Son of James and Jane 
Boling. Married in 1875, to Miss Wilson, daughter of Ezra and Eliza- 
beth (Burgess). They are the parents of two children, viz. : Ralph 
W., Earl W. Mr. Boling enlisted in the late war in 1864, Company 
G., Thirty-first O. V. I., Captain Stone, Army of the Cumberland. He 
was in the battles of Recasa and Kenesaw Mountain. Mr. Boling has 
been engaged in teaching about thirteen years. 

Bowers, J. H., post office Crooksville, farmer and stock raiser. 
Born in Muskingum county in 1813, came to Perry county in 1868. 
Son of Joseph and Mahala (Horton) Bowers. Married in 1840, to Miss 
Hannah Walters, daughter of John and Alice Walters. They are the 
parents of eight children, viz. : Louisa J., Lewis S., Anna M. (de- 
ceased), Manda, Armstead (deceased), Adelia, Maggie and H. C. One 
child is married and living in Muskingum county. 

Bowman, Joel, was born in 1827, and his occupation is, and has 
been, that of a successful miller and farmer. His post-office is Somer- 
set. He is a son of Bernard Bowman, and grandson of George Bow- 
man, who settled, in 1802, on the farm in Reading township, where his 
son Bernard died in 1863. Joel's mother was Mary Elizabeth (Poor- 
man), and her father was Bernard Poorman. Both the Bowmans and 
Poormans are of German descent, and Lutheran in religion. In 1848 



344 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Joel Bowman became the husband of Miss Mary A. Binckley, daughter 
of the late venerable Samuel Binckley, of Reading township, Perry 
county. They have reared three sons and four daughters to manhood 
and womanhood, and buried hve others prior to that period of life. 
Joel purchased of his father the grist-mill and twenty-four acres of 
land in 1863, and paid for it from the earnings of the mill alone in less 
than two years' time. Twelve years since, he built a saw-mill, and 
nine years since, attached to both grist and saw-mills a steam engine, so 
they can now be run by water or steam power. In 1873 he added 
eighty acres adjoining the mill property, and thus inside of twenty 
years paid for a property estimated to be worth $16,000, besides invest- 
ments in Wood county, Ohio, and rearing and educating his family 
most respectably. He has also paid over $1,200 in bail mone}^ which 
is an improvement on his father's record, who paid nearly $6,500 of 
the same kind of cash and held the fort, but not without an effort that 
is creditable to his great energy and the resources of a well balanced 
mind and fruitful fields. Bernard, the father of Joel Bowman, stood 
high in the esteem of his neighbors, and his history is full of instruc- 
tion to those of his descendants, who have the power to imitate his 
sterling virtues while thev resist the bonds held by bank collectors and 
refuse to become the victims of commercial bank indorsers in blank. 
Grandfather George Bowman generally landed where he started to go. 
In 1802, on his road to Perr}- county, they tried to bribe him with lot 
gifts if he would stay in Zanesville and work at blacksmithing. It was 
no use ; his mind was fixed. Pie was not a hunter by trade or habit, 
but on one occasion he brought in seven bear skins on his pony. On 
one occasion his horse fell and broke his ankle as to make him a crip- 
ple the balance of his life. Grandmother Bowman, whose maiden 
name was Susannah Rugh, sister of Peter and Solomon Rugh, late of 
Fairfield county, possessed the courage necessary for pioneer life. On 
one occasion she loaded the rifle and shot a huge rattle snake that came 
too near the cabin in the woods. So late as the year 1819, when the 
first mill-dam was being built above the present site of Bowman's mill, 
a 3^oung bear was caught and held by the hind legs, as it tried to scram- 
ble up the steep bank, until other workmen dispatched the beast with 
hand-spikes. About the same time, also, but more likely earlier in the 
date, the Indians took George Bowman's pony. He followed with 
one* companion and recaptured the animal at Foresman's old mill site 
in Fairfield county, or near there. 

BpwMAN, John W., Monday Creek township, farmer, Maxville, 
Ohio, was born March 13, 1840, in Jackson township, this county; son 
of John and Elizabeth (Strohl) Bowman; was brought up on a farm, 
and at the age of eighteen years he engaged as an apprentice and 
learned the shoemaker trade, which he followed in Bristol, Pike town- 
ship, and in Jackson township, until 1870, when he went to farming. 
In the fall of 1879 ^^^ came to this township and located on his present 
farm. Mr. Bowman was married December 12, 1 861, to Rachel M., 
daughter of Benjamin and Ann Maria (Strubble) Griggs, both natives 
of Sussex count}^. New Jersey. They were married in that State and 
came to Perr^^ county in the year 1820, and Benjamin Griggs ever after 
was a resident of Perry county until the date of his death, June 9th, 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 345 

1879. -^^^ Maria Striibble died April 7th, 1877. John Bowman, Sen., 
died several years ago, but his wife, mother of the subject of this 
sketch, is living with her son, Joseph D. Bowman, one of the principal 
boot and shoe merchants of New Lexington. Benjamin Griggs served 
as a drummer bo}^ in the war of 181 2, enlisting from his native State — 
New Jersey. To John W. and wife were born the following children: 
Edgar J., Madison B., Grant, William S., Isadora, Ann Maria, Maggie, 
Myrtle M., Delila Blanche, and George E. ; all living except Edgar J., 
the oldest, who died at the earlv age of three years. Mr. B. owns one 
hundred and sixty acres of the best mineral land in Monday Creek 
township, underlaid with eight-feet veins of coal, and a vein of red-grey 
iron ore, varying from ten to eighteen inches in thickness. The 
Griggses were all prominent members of the Second Baptist Church, 
and Mrs. Bowman's brother, Elias, is at present a prominent minister 
in Mercer county. Mrs. Bowman connected herself with that church 
in early maidenhood. The Bowmans were all prominent members of 
the Lutheran Reform Church. 

BoYD, William F., baggage master for B. & O. R. R., Shawnee' 
Ohio, was born November 19, 1828, in County Antrim, Belfast, Ire- 
land. Came to America August 3, 1847, and located at Newark, New 
Jerse}-. Mr. Boyd was married in January, 1852, to Miss Catharine, 
daughter of Michael and Mary Anne (Stephens) McDonald, of New- 
ark, New Jersey. They became the parents of three children, viz. : 
Mary Anne, married to Owen McKenna, of Newark, Ohio ; Adelaide 
R., married to Frank W. Caflee, of Newark, Ohio; and McDonald, 
who also resides at Newark, Ohio. Mr. Boyd resided at Newark, 
New Jerse3% seven 3'^ears, working at carriage manufacturing. He 
came to Newark, Ohio, in 1854, and remained until 1868, working at 
his trade, carriage blacksmithing. He also lived at Coalport, -Coshoc- 
ton county, Ohio, four ye^rs. Came to Shawnee in 18/2, and took his 
present position in 1874. He was one of the charter members of the 
Knights of Pythias, No. 117, Shawnee, Ohio, and has attended every 
meeting of the Lodge, excepting one, then he was absent attending 
Grand Lodge. Mrs. Boyd died March 4, 1861. 

Bradley, Rev. Jerome B., Saltlick, Shawnee, Ohio, minister of 
the gospel in the Methodist Episcopal Church, was born April 5, 
1846, in Bourbon county, Kentuckv, the son of Washington and 
Nancy (McDowell) Bradley. Rev. Bradley was raised a farmer, and 
followed agricultural pursuits during the summer season, and school 
teaching in the winter season, until the year 1870. In September of 
1869 he was licensed by the Mount Olive Qiiarterly Conference to 
preach, and in the following spring of 1870 he entered the traveling 
connection of the Kentucky Annual Conference, preaching upon the 
circuits of Carrolton, two years; Meade, one year; Somerset, a half 
station, three years, where he went in March, and began a revival 
meeting in August, where they had made a brush arbor for the pur- 
pose. The work proved a decided success, and lasted during his pas- 
torate stay, and resulted in the addition of three hundred good mem- 
bers to the church, and a revival of religion all over Pulaski county, 
Kentucky. Hand in hand goes religious feeling and religious work, 
by which he was enabled also during his pastoral work to build up on 



346 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

this circuit three new churches. One was three miles from Somerset, on 
Pittman creek, and, to his honor, called Bradley Chapel ; one some 
seven or eight miles from Somerset, on Buck creek, and christened 
Wesley Chapel ; and a third one, a neat frame church, where the brush 
arbor stood, and called Mount Zion ; this was near Science Hill, on the 
Cincinnati Southern R. R. The church in Somerset was repaired, 
also, and, upon the whole, the church property was increased from 
$2,500 on appraisement in 1872, to $4,500, appraised in 1875, notwith- 
standing the great decline in all kinds of property during this time. 
Next he was sent to Sardis and Murpheysville, Mason county, Ken- 
tucky, where he remained for two years, and had a revival meeting at 
Sardis, thirty-five members being the accessions. After his mission 
here he went next to Fallsboro circuit, Lewis county, Kentucky, where 
he had some six churches under his charge, and had good revival meet- 
ings at each church, resulting in the accession of fifty souls to the 
church during his labor of two years upon this work. During his labor 
at this place he was secretary of a camp meeting association of the 
Maysville district, that bought and dedicated to camp meeting services 
what is known as Ruggles camp meeting grounds. Now he is sent to 
Vanceburg, county-seat of Lewis county, Kentucky, where his charge 
was over a half station and three other appointments, laboring in this 
connection one year, during which he took charge of the camp meet- 
ing held at Ruggles camp meeting grounds. In 1880 he was trans- 
ferred to the Ohio Conference, and stationed at Shawnee, Ohio, where 
he had charge of the M. E. Church two years. Upon entering this 
work he found thirty-five members, but during a revival meeting in 
1881, the number was increased to one hundred and fift}^ full members, 
and thirty-five on probation. During this year they have also built an 
addition to the church that cost $735. At the first and only call for 
money for this purpose, $862.50 was subscribed, and the work was soon 
completed and paid for; in all, the church raised and paid, in 1881, 
about $2,300. They also have purchased a neat frame parsonage, that 
cost them $900, during 1881. This year of 1882 they increased the 
salary of Rev. Bradley from $800 to $900, and still move on with the 
work. During this winter tliey held another revival, which has resulted 
in thirty-seven accessions to the church. Rev. Bradley was married 
September 31, 1865, to Miss Barbara, daughter of J. B. and Matilda 
(Maston) Insko, of Bracken county, Kentucky, who died July 20, 1875, 
leaving him with three children, viz.: Lucy E., Joseph W., William 
W., all now living and at home. He was married a second time De- 
cember 2, 1876, to Miss Lucy Helen, daughter of Thomas and Serepta 
(Owens) Galbraith, of Bracken county, Kentucky. The}'- are the 
parents of two children, Ethan G. and Morley. 

Bradshaw, John, born in Somerset, 1850, is a farmer, P. O. Glen- 
ford, Ohio. He is a son of Joseph Bradshaw, who, with his wife, Ellen 
Welch, were born in Ireland, and came to the United States in 1848. 
After a short tarry at'Elyria, Ohio, they come to Somerset, Ohio, where 
Joseph died in 1866, in his fifty-seventh year. Mother Bradshaw still 
lives in Somerset, at the age of sixty-six years. She is the mother of 
Patrick, P. O. Somerset; James, P. O. Dayton; and Miss Joanna, P. 
O. Somerset. Her son John was married November 4, 1874, ^o Miss 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 347 

Ann Katharine, the onl}^ daughter of the venerable Adam Ice, a native 
of France, and now a resident of Hopewell, at whose house he boarded 
when working as a day laborer at a saw mill near by, when, becoming 
well acquainted, he became the husband of Miss Katharine. In 1881 
he moved to the farm in section 3, Hopewell, comprising one hundred 
and twenty acres. Their children are George, Murray and Mary 
Olive. Mr. Bradshaw's example is that of a steady, sober young 
man, not born to any fortune, but a strong physical constitution, atten- 
tive to his duty as a day laborer, winning his way to the confidence of 
the most respected society, and in after life maintaining his character 
for frugalitv and attention to business. James was out in the three 
months' service, Co. E, 17th Regiment; also, in the 31st Ohio, and 
served to the end of the war. Patrick was also in the 31st Ohio, and 
served till the close of the war. Both veteraned. 

Bradshaw\ W. a., potter, P. O. Buckeye Cottage, Clayton 
township. Born in this county in 1853. He is a son ot T. W. 
and Lucinda (Petit) Bradshaw, grandson of Robert and Mary Brad- 
shaw, and of William and Elizabeth (Hoke) Petit. He was married 
in 1875 to Miss Edith P. Martin. The}- are the parents of three chil- 
dren, viz. : Clara L., Albert F., and one not named. Mr. Bradshaw's 
grandfather Bradshaw was in the war of 181 2. 

Breece, James E., farmer, Bearfield township, Rendville P. O. 
Born in this township in 1845, son of Jonathan and Sandusky A. (Trus- 
sell) Breece. In 1867 he married Almira W. Skinner, daughter of 
Amos and Margaret A. (Murray) Skinner, both natives of Virginia. 
They emigrated to this county and settled in this township in an early 
day. Mr. and Mrs. James E. Breece are the parents of five children, 
viz. : Mary A., born April 26, 1868 ; Martha A., May 30, 1872 ; Deborah, 
November 16, 1876; Charles A., November 2, 1878; and John W., 
Julys, 1881. • 

Brewster, Johnson C, Monroe township, tarmer. Corning, Ohio, 
was born July 14, 1848, in Muskingum county, Ohio ; son of Stephen 
and Eliza (Brown) Brewster, and was brought up on a farm ; at eighteen 
engaged in the milling business, which he followed until 1880, when he 
engaged in agriculture. He came to Perry county in 1868, and to his 
present residence in 1878. Mr. Brewster was married March 18, 1875, 
to Miss Amy L., daughter of Joseph and Catharine (Smith) Rogers, of 
Monroe township. Thev are the parents of two children, viz. : Bertrit 
and lona Leore. 

Brown, J. J., P. O. Crooksville, farmer. Born in Kent county, 
Delaware, in 1816; settled in this county in 1846; son of WiUiam 
and Susan (Black) Brown. Mr. Brown's father died in 1857, his 
mother in 1862. They were of English and Scotch descent. Mr. 
Brown has been twice married, first in 1839, ^^ Miss Jane Dills, who 
died in 1854. This union was blessed with four children, viz. : Benja- 
min, Richard, Jane (deceased), William. Married again in 1854, to 
Mrs. Julia A. Triplet. Mrs. Triplet had three children, viz, : Margaret, 
Susan and Mary. Mr, Brown had two sons in the late war. 

Brown, David W., was born in Fairfield county, 1817, November 
22d ; is a successful farmer ; the oldest of the name now living ; brother 
of the late Judge William Brown and Robert Brown, old time officials 



348 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

of Perry county. His post office is Thornville. His grandfather was 
William Brown, who, with his wife, Sarah McMullen, then the mother 
of one daughter, Rosannah, afterwards wife of Robin Walker, emi- 
grated from Ireland. The children of this marriage were : William, 
David and Robert, well remembered in Fairfield county ; Sally, Eliza- 
beth and Margaret, all of whom came to Fairfield county, except Eliz- 
abeth, wife of John, and Sarah, wife ot Abram Yost, who settled in 
Perry. William, the father of David W., Robert and Judge Brown, 
was married in Pennsylvania, to Miss Sarah McTeer, whose father was 
a soldier, who fought with the butt of his gun in the trenches at Bunker 
Hill, on the side of "liberty or death." They were the parents of the 
sons named, and never had any other children. In 1835, ^^^^ family 
came from Fairfield to Perry county, and settled in Thorn township. 
Father Brown survived his wife six or eight years, and died at the age 
of eighty-two, his wife in her sixty-ninth year. They were of the As- 
sociate Reform Church, since the United Presbyterian. William, after 
service as County Treasurer and Probate Judge, died near Somerset. 
Robert, after service as a teacher for many years, and County Auditor 
for a long time, died in the State of Missouri, whither he moved late in 
life. David W. is therefore sole surviver ; was married in 1835, ^^ Miss 
Eliza Cherr}', daughter of John Cherry of Fairfield. His children are, 
John C, husband of Miss Harriet, daughter of George Mechling 
of Thornville; Almonara, wife of John Yost, son of William, post 
office, Linville, Ohio ; Elizabeth, now the widow of the late Dr. Allen 
Whitmer ; Azuba, wife of J. P. Eversole, grocer, freight agent and 
post master. North Berne, Fairfield count}^ Ohio ; Robert at home, and 
David McGravv, in honor of a Kentuckian of this name, who nursed 
his father, David Brown, when sick with cholera, on board a steamer 
landed at Hannibal, Missouri, in 1849. Another son, Charles L., hus- 
band of Miss Martha Franks, follows the trade of butchering in Thorn- 
ville. David Brown lost his estimable wife in 1880, and is now a wid- 
ower. The site of his farm of two hundred acres, is that of the first 
few settled in Thorn township, and the same selected by Joseph Cooper, 
whose name clings to a road laid out b}^ him, and who drove a team 
and sled back to Penns3'lvania for provisions, in winter, leaving his 
wife and children to hear the wolves lapping from the slop bucket out- 
side the cabin door. Here the first water mill of this vicinity was erect- 
ed, on a stream passing through the Brown homestead, the residence 
of which is of brick, on an eminence overlooking a vast extent of coun- 
try, fringed by hills and vocalized by passing trains and lowing herds. 
It is a delightful landscape. Except the cloud cast upon the evening of 
his life by the death of his wife, the achievements of David Brown's 
career, shed lustre on the rewards of industry and the joys of rural life. 
Brown, Ggorge W., born December 12th, 1834, ^" Muskingum 
county, Ohio. He is now proprietor of a liver}^ stable, and is a horse 
buyer. He is a son of Dixon Brown, late of Somerset, who was a lead- 
ing dr}' goods merchant, railroad director, member of the Methodist 
church, and citizen of large influence in society, and who had acquired 
a large share of wealth, which was ever held subject to his hospitality, 
his desire to advance the public good, and to assist his children and his 
^riends. George's mother was Elizabeth Richard, a daughter of George 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 



349 



and Ellen Richard, both of whom died in sight of Somerset, where 
their daughter also died. George's only brother, is J. Murray Brown 
of Columbus, Ohio, and his only surviving sister is Mrs. Ella McCune 
of Newark, Ohio. George W. was a willful lad, who cut loose from 
parental moorings in Somerset, when only fourteen years of age, and 
landed in Wheeling, Virginia, without a dollar in his pocket, but soon 
applied to a Mr. Culberson for work in a tin shop, which he obtained ; 
but his father soon heard of him and bound him as an apprentice to Mr. 
Culberson, for three vears. George served his time and became a ijood 
workman, and was more niclined afterwards to stay in sight of the pa- 
ternal roof. After the death of his parents, assisted by the friends and 
legal counsel, he rescued a handsome homestead from the wreck occa- 
sioned by his father's weakness on his sick bed, and the evil disposed 
who seemed to have his mind under their control. This was a great 
triumph for George, and leaves him in comfortable circumstances. His 
wife was Miss Emma Zane, daughter of Samuel Zane, and great-grand- 
daughter of Colonel Ebenezer Zane, and of Elizabeth Bloomfield. The 
name of Zane is linked with the earliest history of Ohio, and with the 
heroism which defended the border of civilization against the attacks 
of the savage. Her ancestors owned the sections where Zanesville, 
Lancaster and part of Chillicothe now stand, and were of the highly 
educated and polished movers in the progress of the past. Elizabeth 
Zane, fresh trom school at Philadelphia, on her return to Wheeling, 
soon found that place, (1782), under siege from Indians. The fort was 
occupied by brave defenders, but the powder was nearl}^ exhausted, and 
none nearer than Colonel Zane's house, forty rods distant. Elizabeth 
Zane insisted on going there and returning with supplies. She was 
told a man could go and come quicker, and, therefore, with less danger ; 
but she replied, " a woman would not be missed so much as a man ;" 
and after preparing herself for the greatest fleetness, she ran for the 
powder, and arriving at the house, a table cloth was tied by two cor- 
ners around her neck, while she held the other two corners in her hand, 
and while her first trip was assailed onl^^ b}' the cr^^ of " squaw, squaw," 
her return was beset by whizzing bullets and savage 3-ells, but she got 
back without a scratch, except holes through her clothing, and her 
memory grows green on the page of history. She died in Belmont 
county, Ohio, after two marriages — the first to Mr. McLaughlin, the 
last to Mr. Clark, near Martinsville. 

Brown, A. M., physician. Pleasant township, post office, Moxa- 
hala. born in Pike township, August 17th, 1837. ^i^ parents are sup- 
posed to be of Irish descent. He went to Illinois with his parents 
when thirteen years old, remained there until he was twenty-one. He 
then learned the shoemaking trade, and worked at his trade in Perry 
county. In 1864 he began reading medicine with Dr. M. D. Huftbrd 
of Straitsville, remained in his office two years, and then practiced with 
him six months. He then went to Rendville and practiced there six 
years, spending one winter in Indianapolis. Then practiced at Conners- 
ville, Lafayette county, nine months ; at Gore, Hocking county, eight 
months ; at Straitsville one year, and he then moved to Moxahala, 
where he still practices, and is also a member of the firm of Noe 



350 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

& Brown, druggists. Dr. Brown married Miss Susan Patton, Febru- 
ary 2ist, 1 86 1 ; they are the parents of one child. 

Brumage, W.' H., P. O. Roseville, Muskingum county. Born in 
Perry county in 1822 ; son ot" A. W. and Elizabeth Brumage (Pember- 
ton) ; grandson of John and Rebecca (Lashley) Brumage. Married 
June 5, 1856, to Miss Elizabeth M. Guy, daughter of James and Eliza- 
beth (Miller) Guy. They are the parents of two children, viz. : 
Samuel G. and Ida G. 

Brunner, Philip Melancthon, is a son of Jacob Brunner, and 
was born December 31, 1841. His mother's maiden name was Rebecca 
Souslin. His father came to Ohio from Pennsylvania, in 1818, a single 
man ; passed through Somerset into Kentucky, and after several 3'ears 
time spent elsewhere as a journeyman shoemaker, returned to Somer- 
set, engaged in shoemaking,* and married his first wife, whose maiden 
name was Margaret Trout, whose children were named Norman 
L., Melvena, George, Clara, Louisa and Henry. He stood high in the 
Lutheran Church, and in the esteem of his fellow-citizens, flourished in 
his occupation, and at one time employed ten to fifteen hands in his 
shoe factory. He outlived both his wives, and all his children, except 
P. M., John, Norman, and Clara Robinson, at whose house he died 
April 28, 1881, aged eighty-five years and twelve da3"S. Prior to this 
he resided with his son, P. M., at Glenford, for some years, and then 
retvu'ned to Cairo, Illinois, where his sun sank into the everlasting day 
df eternity. His son Henry saw service in the 12th Illinois, 43d Ohio, 
i6oth Ohio, and in the 114th Ohio Regiments; John in the 31st Ohio 
for three years ; and P. M. in the 90th, Co. H., was taken prisoner at 
Chickamauga, September 20, 1863, and remained such in Libby, Dan- 
ville, Andersonviile, Charleston and Florence, for fifteen months. 
Henr}^ died without heirs, John is married without issue, and P. M. was 
married 1867 to Miss Margaret P., daughter of the venerable B. F. 
Graves, of Somerset. After a few years' experience in Somerset, P. 
M. established a shoe shop in Glenford, April, 1870, where he has 
succeeded in his vocation, acquired a pleasant home, and in 1879 ^^^ 
elected justice of the peaceover a first-class Democratic competitor, 
in a township largely Democratic, obtaining a handsome majority as 
the Republican nominee, a circumstance which is mentioned as indica- 
tive of the esteem in which an honest working mechanic is held by his 
fellow-citizens, after an acquaintance of nine 3^ears. His children are 
Mar}' L., James E., Charles Graves, Bertie Florence, and Emma A. 
Brunner, each and all of whom maj^ dwell with pride upon their 
achievements, if the^'^ happily attain the virtue, sobriety and respecta- 
bility of their kind and affectionate parents. 

Brunner, Danton O., attorney-at-law and Mayor of Somerset. 
His great-grandfather was Henr^^ Brunner, who landed in Philadelphia 
in 1773, from Wurtemburg, Germany, at the age of twenty -two, a 
single man. His four sons were Henry, John, George, and Jacob, and 
his three daughters were Christena Enminger, Barbara Crout, and 
Susan, wife of Samuel Swineheart. Of these children, all remained 
in Pennsylvania, except George, Jacob and Susan, who came to Perry 
county in 1818 and 1819. Of these, George, the grandfather of Danton 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 35 1 

O. Brunner, deceased September i, 1877, at the age of ninetv-two 
years; and Jacob, the father of P.M. Brunner, April 28, 1881, at the 
age of eighty-five years ; and Susan, the mother of Mrs. Hoyman, at 
the age of seventy odd years. The children of George Brunner, Sr., 
and his wife, whose maiden name was Ann Maria Weaver, are : 
George and Henry, Dayton, Ohio; Benjamin F., Newark, Ohio; 
Jacob, Greenwood, Colorado; Morgan, Hannibal, Missouri; and 
Caroline, wife of William Law, Bloomfield, Iowa. Three others died 
young. David, the father of Danton O., was twice married. His first 
wife was Katharine Rhodes, whose surviving children are: Nora E., 
Jacob H., and Elmira R. Brunner. His second wife was Mary L. Clair, 
whose surviving children are: Danton O., Lena O. and Morgan T. 
Brunner. David was only four years old in 18 18 when his father, 
George Brunner, Sr.. settled in Somerset. He remembers the lot 
where J. C. C. Myers now lives, when in the forest ; and chestnut 
rails, made from a tree that grew there, still exist, after fifty years oj 
use in the weather. The upper part of the brick house now owned by 
N. Dennison, was used as a a puppet show room, and was built in 1817. 
The first brick house in Somerset was built in 1813 or 1814, according 
to the best data. David Brunner has a book that has been in the 
family since 1772. He is also the legal heir to a set of pump tools, com- 
prising five augers and an iron rod twelve feet long and one and one- 
fourth inches in diameter, for making wooden pump stocks. While 
his great ancestor, Henry Brunner, resided in Lancaster county, Penn- 
sylvania, the British tax on tea was not the only tax the colonists 
hated, but the tax on iron was also regarded as oppressive, and the 
duty was avoided by smuggling. It, therefore, occurred to Henry to 
get enough iron for pump tools, which he did, and these tools are now 
in Somerset, well preserved, and faithful witnesses of British oppres- 
sion, and the onlv defense an honest German could plead in 1774. 
It will also appear that the Brunner family is venerable in age, and its 
reputation for industry, sobriety, and thrift sheds honor on its gene- 
alogy. The success of Danton O. Brunner in his chosen profession 
has been so remarkable that he has not lost a single case since his 
admission to the bar, in 1877, up to the present time. 

Brush, David D., Probate Court Clerk, New Lexington, Ohio, was 
born in Sparta, Morrow county, Ohio, August 11, 1845, son of Charles 
T. and Cornelia (Acker) Brush of French ancestry. Charles T. Brush 
located in Thorn township, this count}^ in 185 1. In 1862 he was elected 
Treasurer of Perr}^ county, in the same year moving to New Lexing- 
ton. He held the office of County Treasurer six years, viz. : From 
1862 to 1864 and from 1866 to 1870. David D., the subject of this 
sketch, was brought up on the farm where he remained until eighteen 
years of age, when he began the painter's trade. He first came into his 
present position in 1867 and has served in all about nine years. From 
1872 to 1876, he was engaged in the book and stationery trade. He is 
Secretary of the Perry Count}^ Agricultural Society and member 
of the Board of Education of New Lexington. Mr. Brush was first 
married December 29, 1870, to Miss Annie M., daughter of Judge John 
H. and Anne C. (Poundstone) Kelly. They became the parents of 
three children, viz. : Fannie Edna, Myrtle Grace and John Ewing, de- 



352 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

ceased. Mrs. Brush died October 22, 1879. ^r. Brush was married 
the second time June 9, 1881, to Bertha C, daughter of William and 
Margaret (Forquer) Biddison. 

Brush Edmond C, M. D., Corning, Ohio, was born October 22, 
1852, in Zanesville, Ohio, son of Edmond and Alice S. (Cone) Brush. 
Dr. Brush was educated at the public schools and at the Marietta Col- 
lege, Ohio. He began the study of medicine in 187 1, and was gradu- 
ated at Sterling Medical College, at Columbus, Ohio. After his gradu- 
ation he was appointed assistant Medical Surgeon for the Ohio Peni- 
tentiary and served three yeai's. In 1879 he was appointed Demonstra- 
tor of Anatomy in Sterling Medical College and assistant physician of 
the Central Insane Asylum. The Dr. located in this place in 1881. 

Bryan, C. F., of the firm of Johnson & Bryan, attorneys at law 
and notaries public, New Lexington, Ohio. Mr. Bryan was born Sep- 
tember 17, 1848, in Granville, Licking county, Ohio, son of Dr. E. F. 
and Julia (Peck) Bryan, of Scotch Irish ancestors, but a native of New 
York State. C. F. was brought up and educated in his native village. 
When about twenty-one years of age he began teaching school and 
taught three years. Began reading law in the fall of 1873, and was 
admitted to the Bar in the spring of 1876 and began practice in Licking 
county, came to this place in March 1881 and formed the present firm. 
Mr. Bryan was married the first time to Miss Ada McLaughlin, who died 
in July, 1874. ^^s second marriage was February 22, 1876, to Miss 
Ella, daughter of Lyman and Margaret (Cramer) Crabbe, of London, 
Ohio. They are the parents of one child, Grace W. Bryan. 

Burgess, Jonathan., farmer, Madison township, postoftice, Mt. 
Perry. He was born June 24, 1848, in this township : is a son of Amos 
and Mary (Reddick) Burgess. He was raised on a farm, and still fol- 
lows agricultural pursuits, now owning about one hundred and fifty 
acres of fertile land. He was married January 4, 1872, to Virginia 
McCarty, daughter of John and Catharine (Eversole) McCarty. They 
have two children : Edward G., and Daisy O. 

Burgess, Levi J., attorney at law, Logan, Ohio. Among the 
first settlers of Madison township. Perry county, (then belonging to 
Muskingum.) were Joseph and Richard Burgess, brothers, who emi- 
grated from Maryland about the year 1810. Richard, after serving in 
the war of 1812, moved to Hocking county, Ohio, to the farm on which 
stands the village of New Gore, and the noted Gore Furnace. From 
him also a church took its name, and the " Burgess Meeting House " 
was, for along time, a familiar name and place to hundreds of people 
in Perry and Hocking counties. Joseph continued to live in Madison 
township until 1856, when he died, leaving nine sons and one daughter, 
some of whom had found homes in the far west, and all of whom are 
yet living. Four sons and the daughter continue to reside in Perry 
county, near their birth-place, where they have acquired comfortable 
homes, and are among the leading and influential people of that locality. 
A number of their children have long been known as being among the 
leading scholars and educators in Perr}^ count}-, having aided largely 
in establishing and maintaining Madison Academy, at Mt. Perry. Pro- 
fessor E. J. Burgess, one of the descendants, is at present the President of 
Ashland College. Perhaps the most prominent member of this old 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 353 

pioneer family of Perry county, is Hon. Levi J. Burgess, of I/Ogan, 
Hocking county, Ohio, a grandson of Joseph Burgess, and son of Jer- 
emiah and Eliza (Evans) Burgess. He was born at Mt. Perry, Perry 
county, Ohio, September 4, 1848, and received his education in Perry 
county, with the exception of a short time at Muskingum College, New 
Concord, Ohio. He began in 1870, the study of law with the Hon. 
William E. Finck, at Somerset, and was admitted to the bar in the fall 
of 1873. Before and during the time he was studying law, he was en- 
gaged in teaching, and was one of the leading voung teachers of Perry 
and Muskingum counties. In the spring of 1874, ^^^ located in New 
Lexington and began the practice of law, forming a partnership with 
Hon. L. J. Jackson. His rise was rapid, and in the fall of 1879 ^^^ ^'^^ 
nominated b}^ a overwhelming majority over all competitors tor the office 
of Prosecuting Attorne}-. Shortly afterwards Hon. John S. Friesner, of 
Logan, was nominated and elected to the office of Common Pleas Judge, 
and Col. Burgess declined the nomination of Prosecutor, and moved to 
Logan where he succeeded to the large and extensive practice of Judge 
Friesner. He is at present the attorney tor the Columbus, Hocking 
Vallev & Toledo Railwa^'^Companv, and also lor a number of the lead- 
ing coal and iron companies in the Hocking Valley region. He was a 
prominent candidate before the Democratic State Convention of 1881, 
for the office of x\ttornev General and though not seeking it, came near 
receiving the nomination. He was, the same year, honored with the 
Chairmanship of the Congressional Convention of his district, and also 
of the Senatorial Convention, composed of the counties of Fairfield, 
Hocking and Athens, and although a resident of his county less than 
two years, was unanimously tendered the nomination for State Senator, 
which he declined to accept. As a lawyer, advocate and political 
speaker. Col. Burgess stands in the front rank of the yo\nig men of 
Ohio. He is popular wherever known, and numbers among his acquaint- 
ances and friends, manv of the leading men of the State and Nation. 
His successful course reflects honor upon himself, credit upon the family 
name and serves to make him a conspicuous figure among the prom- 
inent men of Perry county, who have achieved a reputation at home 
and abroad, and of whom the countv may justly be proud. He was 
married December nth. 1870, to Rebecca A., daughter of Jacob 
and Mary (Fulton) Weller. They have three children, Lulu, Alma, and 
Levi J., Jr., living, and two, Annie and Fannie, deceased. 

BuRGOON, Isidore, farmer, Jackson township ; post office. Junction 
City ; born April 5th, 1829, in Clavton township ; son of Levi and Ann 
(Lilly) Burgoon, who were among the first settlers of Perry coimty. 
Mr. Burgoon was broiight up on a farm, and has been following farm- 
ing ever since. He moved to his present residence, in Jackson, in 185 1. 
He married, in October, 1857, Miss Nancy Clark, daughter of Hugh 
and Rose (Conely) Clark. The}' have seven children, viz. : Rose A., 
Hugh J., Patrick H., Margaret, Mary, James J., John I. Rose A., 
Mary and James J. are deceased. Mr. Burgoon has a farm of two hun- 
dred and sixty-five acres of choice land, and deals largelv in thorough- 
bred cattle. 

Burley, Lazilere, farmer : post office, Crooksville. Born in 
Greene county, Pennsylvania in 1804. Came to Perry county with his 

38 



354 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

parents in 1815. John Burley, his father, died in this county in 1842. 
Hannah (Lazilere), his mother, also died in Perry county in 1844. Mar- 
ried in 1832, to Miss Rachel Ilift', daughter of John and Anna Iliff, who 
died in 1873. They had nine children, viz. : Jan, John, Rebecca, 
James, Hannah, Harriet, Nute, Thomas, (deceased), Mary E. 

Burley, W. N., merchant; post office, Crooksville ; born in Perry 
county in 1846; son of Lazilere and Rachel (Iliff) Burley; mtirried 
August 20th, 1872, to Miss Maggie McKeever, daughter of Samuel and 
Hannah McKeever. They are the parents of four children, viz. : John 
G., Samuel V., Zane W. and Wilson L. Mr. Burley enlisted three 
different times in- the army; first, in 1863, in Company K, One Hun- 
dred and Twenty-ninth Regiment; second, in 1863, One Hundred 
and Sixtieth Regiment, Company H ; third and lastly, in 1864, in First 
Ohio Heavy Artillery. Was in several engagements during his time of 
service. 

Burns, George M., physician, Maxville, Ohio, was born in But- 
ler count}^ Pennsylvania, January 21st, 1838; son of David and Eliza- 
beth (McCaslin) Burns. Brought up on a farm and began teaching at 
the early age of sixteen years, and for four years continued to teach in 
Butler and Allegheny counties. He then went to McLean county, Illi- 
nois, and taught one term, but not being contented, returned to Penn- 
sylvania, and continued teaching until the spring of 1862. In August, 
of the same year, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-fourth 
Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry, and served in the Army of the Po- 
tomac until honorably discharged from service, June, 1863. In 1859 
he began the study of medicine, aud studied at intervals, but after re- 
tiring from the army, he gave his chosen profession his entire attention. 
In November, 1863, he entered the Homoeopathic College at Cleve- 
land Ohio, and graduated from the same in February, 1865, and began 
the practice of medicine in Detroit, Michigan ; but in a short time re- 
moved to Mitchell, Indiana, and thence to Vincennes, Indiana ; and in 
October, 1866, located in Maxville, Ohio, and remained for two years. 
He then returned to Pennsylvania and practiced in Allegheny City, 
Pennsylvania, until 1870, when he returned to Maxville, Ohio, where 
he has ever since resided. Dr. Burns was married August 6th, 1866, 
to Mary, daughter of Amos and Harriet (Harper) Manton3'a, of Gran- 
ville, Ohio. Dr. Burns has an extensive practice, and is considered 
one of the first physicians in this part of the State. 

Burrell, a. H. and Son, proprietorsof Premium Marble Works, 
New Lexington, Ohio. A. H. Burrell was born September i8th, 1809, 
in Newport, Penobscot county, Maine ; son of Nathaniel and Rachel 
(Springer) Burrell. Mr. Burrell with his parents emigrated to Ohio in 
the spring of 1838, and located in Athens county, where he was en- 
gaged on a farm, which occupation he followed until 1840, when he be- 
gan teaching school, which he followed several years ; three years of 
which he taught in Athens. During the time he taught school, he 
studied medicine with Dr. Blackstone, and began its practice in the fall 
of 1846, in Nelsonville, Ohio. In the spring of 1847 he went to Ames- 
ville, Ohio, where he practiced eighteen months and returned to Nel- 
sonville, remaining until the spring of 1868, when he came to New 
Lexington, Ohio. In 1863 he retired from the practice of medicine on 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 355 

account of his eyesight failing him, and in 1868 he engaged in his pres- 
ent business. Dr. Burrell was married the first time, March 28, 1832, 
to Miss Almira, daughter of John and Maria (Shaw) Wilson, of New- 
port. They became the parents of two children, viz. : Wilson H. and 
John O. Mrs. Burrell died June 21, 1839. He was married the second 
time, November 22, 1842, to Isabella, daughter of Thomas and Mary 
Jane (Blatch) Claxton. The}' are the parents of four children, viz. : 
Maria L., married to H. H. Miles of Racine, Meigs county, Ohio; 
Emma B., married to Josiah Wilson of Nelsonville, Ohio; Frank C. 
and Almond Rochester, whose sketch is also here given. Almond R. 
was born March 21, 1848, in Amestown, Athens county, Ohio; came 
to Nev^ Lexington in February of 1868, and opened in business in the 
south end of town, in one of the primitive log buildings on the corner 
of Main and Walnut streets, which is now occupied by a brick building. 
In September of the same year they bought and removed to their pres- 
ent place of business. Almond Rochester was married July nth, 
1 88 1, to Miss Anna N., daughter of S. S. and Deborah (Graham) 
Smith, of Washington county, Ohio. They are the parents of one 
child, viz, : Maine Burrell. January 5th, 1864, he enlisted in Company 
G, Eighteenth Regiment, O. V. V. I., and served until October 23d, 
1865, when he was honorably discharged. Mr. Nathaniel Burrell, 
father of A. H., and grandfather of Almond R., was engaged in the 
Revolutionary war ; was at General Burgoyne's surrender, and helped to 
guard the Hessian prisoners at Albany. Died October i8th, 1842, in 
Athens, Ohio. 

Burton, Nathan, Pleasant township, blacksmith at Oakfield, born 
in Muskingum county, July 20, 181 7 ; son of Isaac and Mary (Fill- 
brooks) Burton, both natives of Maine, and came to Muskingum coun- 
ty in 1815. Worked with his father until seventeen years of age, and 
then learned his trade at Roseville, Muskingum county ; located in 
Oakfield in 1845, and went to Logan, Hocking county, in 1846, and 
blacksmithed there twenty years. He returned to Oakfield in 1881. 
In 1843 he married Nancy Poe — her father was a nephew of Andrew 
and Adam Poe, who distinguished themselves fighting Indians in Vir- 
ginia. They are the parents of the following named children : Sarah, 
Ida, Bell, Benjamin, Clarence, Edgar. 

Butler, John, family grocer. Main street, New Lexington, Ohio, 
was born July 10, 1862, in this place; son of attorney at law Reuben 
and Jane (Frantz) Butler. Mr. B. established his present business, 
November 15, 1880, in which he is very successful. 

Butts, Mechach, deceased, was born October 5th, 1819, in Mus- 
kingum county, Ohio, son of Overton and Sarah (Kirbv) Butts. Mr. 
Butts was brought up on a farm, until he was sixteen years of age, 
when he began the wagon makers' trade with Joshua Cites, with whom 
he remained about six months, and went to Mt. Sterling, Ohio, and en- 
gaged with Joshua O. Hook, serving in all about five years appentice- 
ship, after which he was employed as follows : Springfield, Ohio, short 
time ; Zanesville, Ohio ; again with Joshua Cites ; and then was mar- 
ried to Phoebe, daughter of Absalom and Mary (Campbell) Burley of 
this county. They are the parents of nine children, viz. : Elizabeth, 
James L., Emery A., William H., Eliza Jane, John, Mary Ann, de- 



356 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

ceased ; Amanda, deceased, and Abi, deceased. After his marriage, 
he was employed as follows: At Mt. Sterling one year, with J. O. 
Cook ; Perry county, near Roseville, farmed one year ; Morgan coun- 
ty, farming about two years ; Perry county, cropping one season ; Mt. 
Sterling, with J. O. Hook, until 1862 ; Morgan county, farming two 
years ; thence to Portersville, Perry county ; and in January, 1864, en- 
listed as a mechanic in the government service, from which he was dis- 
charged June 17, 1864, by reason of sunstroke ; and in the fall of 1864, 
he volunteered as a recruit from Malta township, Morgan county, Ohio, 
and remained in the service until the close of the war. Was on Sher- 
man's March to the Sea, and was sent to Ltttle Rock, Arkansas. After 
receiving his discharge, returned home, and was engaged at his trade 
until seven years ago, in June, 1874, when he came to Shawnee, where 
he followed his trade and undertaking until September of 1881, at which 
time he went to Hemlock, Ohio, where he was engaged in furniture 
dealing and undertaking, until his death, October 5, 1882. 

Butts, Emery A., furniture dealer, Shawnee, Ohio, was born 
December 18, 1840, in Mount Sterling, Muskingum county, Ohio ; son 
of Mechach and Phoebe (Burley) Butts. Mr. Butts was raised in the 
towns of Mount Sterling and Portersville, Perry county, Ohio, to the 
age of fifteen years, when he employed to work on a farm with Daniel 
Sayer, and spent about four years farming : three years with Sayer, 
five months in Franklin county, Ohio, and four months near Wilming- 
ton, Clinton county, Ohio, and again in Franklin county, Ohio. He 
also worked some seven years upon a portable saw mill, in Morgan and 
Perry counties, Ohio. Upon leaving the farm the second time he was 
in Franklin county, he came to Shawnee, Ohio, and engaged in wagon 
making about four years, and then went into the present business of 
furniture and undertaking, with George Martzolft\ in April of 1881. 
Mr. Butts was married September 2. 1876, to Margaret J., daughter of 
George and Catharine (Diller) Martzolft', of this township. The}^ are 
the parents of two children, viz. : George C. and Alta Beldon. 

Butts, James L., furnaceman, Shawnee, Ohio, was born January 
23, 1845, in Morgan county, Ohio ; son of Mechach and Phoebe (Bur- 
ley) Butts. Was brought up, to the age of seventeen, in Mount Ster- 
ling, Muskingum county, Ohio, and moved back to Morgan county, 
Ohio, with his father, in 1862, where he enlisted, in August of that 
year, in Co. D, 30th Regiment O. V. I., for three years, or during 
the war, and served in the Army of the Potomac up to January, 1863, 
and the Western Army the balance of the time. Fought in the battles 
of South Mountain, Antietam, Second Bull Run, in Army of the Poto- 
mac ; in battles of Arkansas Post, Black River, Walnut Blufts, and in the 
charge upon Vicksburg, charging Stockade Fort, at which place he 
was wounded in the hip and thigh, permanently injuring him, so that 
he is now unable to obtain a livelihood by his labor. After receiving 
his wound he came home November 27th, and stayed until next March, 
when he returned to his regiment, and remained to the close of the 
war. Was in Atlanta campaign and " Sherman's March to the Sea." 
After receiving an honorable discharge he came home and engaged in 
agricultural pursuits until 1874, when he employed as a miner at New 
Straitsville, Ohio, working one year, and then came to Shawnee, Ohio, 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 357 

continuing in the same business for about two years. Then employed 
at N. Y. furnace until the spring of 1881 ; engaging then with the 
Fannie furnace, where he has been, top tilling, watching furnace, and 
attending hot blast, up to this time. Was married March 28, 1868, to 
Elizabeth, daughter of Francis and Margaret (Stoneburner) Hane, of 
Morgan county, Ohio. Their children are Scott Monroe, Delia 
Isabelle, Nellie France, Mechach and Mettie. 

Butts, William H., blacksmith, Shawnee, Ohio, was born Janu- 
ary 10, 185 1, in Mount Sterling, Muskingum county, Ohio; son of 
Mechach and Phoebe (Burle}^) Butts. Remained in his native town 
until 1861, when, with his father, he went to Morgan county, Ohio, and 
worked on a farm until he was eighteen years of age, when he went to 
his trade with Edward Addison, near Porterville, Morgan county, Ohio, 
and remained one year, when he went to Portersville, Perry county, 
Ohio, where he worked with his brother-in-law, Mr. Brock, with whom 
he completed his trade. During this time he worked three years at 
four dollars per month, after which he went to Deavertown, Morgan 
county, Ohio, with his brother-in-law, where he remained for six 
months, when he came to Shawnee and worked for Finley B. McGrew 
three 3'ears, going from there to the Fanny furnace, and took his pres- 
ent position. Mr. Butts was married November 14, 1877, to Harriet 
Pettet, daughter of Thomas and Jane Pettet, of Perr}^ county, near 
Porterville, Ohio. The}^ are the parents of one child, viz. : Delmer 
Clyde, deceased. 

Butt, Samuel W., mine boss N. Y. Straitsville Coal and Iron Co., 
Shawnee, Ohio, was born October 26, 1842, in New Philadelphia, 
Tuscarawas county, Ohio ; son of Samuel and Emma (McCune) Butt, 
Samuel W. was brought up on a farm until ten years of age. His 
father died when Samuel W. was five years of age. In 1852 the widow, 
with her family, moved to Nelsonville, Athens county, Ohio. Mr. 
Butt came to this place in 1872, and in a few weeks assumed his pres- 
ent duties. August 7, 1861, Mr. Butt enlisted in Co. D, O. V. I., 
and served to the close of the war. During his service he was Orderly 
Sergeant, and was commissioned First Lieutenant of Company H, 
same regiment. He also served as Mayor of Nelsonville, Ohio. Lieut. 
Butt was married to Miss Ruth J., daughter of Robert and Lydia 
(Orme) Kinney, formerly of Athens county, Ohio. They are the 
parents of three children, viz. : Emma M.. George C. and William J. 

Caine, Alexander C, commercial traveler, was born in the 
year 1849, ^^ Somerset, Ohio. His father, Isaiah Caine, was born 
in the same township, and had three brothers, John, Lewis and James. 
His grandfather, John Caine,' deceased at Zaleski, Ohio, at the 
advanced age of eighty years. His mother's maiden name was 
Campbell, a sister of Samuel C. Campbell, of Effingham, Illinois, 
deceased in 1880, leaving Alexander C, Samuel, John L., Frank 
and Wallace, and an onlv sister, Cora. John L. is united in marriage 
to Miss Emma Law, and resides in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and Samuel 
to Sophia Exner, and resides in Somerset. The other brothers and 
sister are single. A brother, Henry B., was wounded at Mission 
Ridge, and died at Nashville, in January, 1863. Alexander C, 
at the age of twelve years, went with Captain L. Jackson, of the 31st 



358 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Regiment, O. V. I., and afterwards went with his uncle, Samuel C. 
Campbell, who was sutler of the 90th Regiment. After six months 
service there he returned home, and entered the union school of his 
native town. He afterward entered the drug store of F. Moeller, in 
Somerset, where he remained three years. He then clerked for H. C. 
Filler, dry goods merchant, of Somerset, and from here he went to 
Indianapolis, Indiana, where he served as clerk for the firm of William 
Glenn & Co. From there he went to Pekin, Illinois, where he served 
as clerk in a hotel, and after one year's service, went to Butler, Bates 
county, Missouri, and took the management of the store of W. T. 
Smith & Co., where he remained four years. From there he went to 
Kansas City, Missouri, and became commercial traveler for J. M. 
Shelly & Co., in which capacity he served eighteen months. He then 
returned to Ohio in 1874, '"^^^^ clerked for Thomas Drake, dry goods, 
Somerset ; afterwards for Benjamin Whitmer, grocer, and from here 
he went to Shawnee, Ohio, where he took charge of the mercantile 
business of William Shields & Co., afterward J. C. Hamilton & Co., 
making all purchases, and carrying a business amounting to as high as 
$150,000 a year, and in this capacity the business flourished for 
over five years. He is now connected as commercial traveler for the 
wholesale house of Miller & Hustons, Columbus, Ohio. His political 
career was marked with eminent success as a manager of campaigns. 
He was chairman of the Republican convention which first nominated 
John H. Kelly for Probate Judge, and Henry Martin for Sherifl", both 
successful in a county which had been giving six hundred Democratic 
majorities. He was a delegate to the state convention that first nomi- 
nated Charles Foster for Governor. He was the only Blaine delegate 
to the state convention from the Twelfth Congressional District, against 
a bitter and powerful opposition. He nominated W. T. Shriver, first 
and last, for Treasurer of the county, and H. C. Greiner, the last time 
he was elected, in 1881, for Representative. All these acts exhibited 
his keen sagacity as a Republican leader, the majority of the opposing 
party sinking as his tactics advanced to the front. 

Caldwell, J. W., blacksmith, Shawnee, Ohio, was born Sept. 10, 
1856, in Perry township, Licking county, Ohio ; son of Thomas and 
Margaret (Legg) Caldwell. Was raised in Brownsville, his native 
county, and learned the blacksmith trade with his father. In 1875 he 
began business for himself, working for two years for E. P. Evans, of 
Elizabethtown, Licking county, Ohio ; two years for Rufus Swinehart, 
at Newark, Ohio, when he returned to Brownsville and formed a co- 
partnership with his father, which continued one year, at which time he 
came to Shawnee, March, 1881, and was engaged six months with J. 
D. Davis, after which he went into partnership with Finley B. McGrew, 
of this place, where he is engaged at his trade at this time, and where 
they enjoy a good business. 

Call, Edward, collier. New Straitsville. He was born in Philadel- 
phia, January 5th, 1849 ; is a son of Edward and Mary (Sweeney) Call, 
natives of Donegal county, Ireland, and who came to Philadelphia in 
1844. They resided there ten years, and then moved to Perry county, 
Ohio, where Mr. Call died May 27th, 1878, and where Mrs. Call is yet 
living. June 16, 1873, Edward, Jr., was married to Dora, daughter of 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 359 

Thomas and Emily Sherraden, natives of Ohio, but who now reside in 
IlHnois. Mr. and Mrs. Call have three children, twin bo3'^s, born in 
Illinois, August 3, 1874, and a third child born October 9, 1875, in the 
same State. 

Cannon, Wm. A., Clayton township, postoffice,Rehobeth. Farm- 
er and stock raiser. Born in Delaware, in 181 1. Settled in Perr}'^ 
county, Ohio, in 1817. Son of Isaac and Katharine (Lyons) Cannon. 
They both died about the year 1845. The subject of this sketch was 
married in 1832, to Miss Mary A. Scofield, daughter of John and Jane 
(Moore) Scofield. They have eleven children, viz. : Harriet O. (de- 
ceased), Katharine, Isaac J., Jasper, (deceased), Wm. H., Lucy, 
David, Mary J., James, Wesley, Matilda. All married. 

Carney, Michael, Jackson township, farmer. New Lexington 
postoffice. Born June 30, 1841, in Reading township, this county. 
Son of John and Rose (Kating) Carney, who came to this country from 
Ireland in 1818, and settled in Reading township, Perry county, Ohio. 
Mr. Carney was brought up on a farm, and still continued until he en- 
listed in the Sixty-first ~0. V. V. I., Company G, under Captain 
Gruart}'. He first went to Virginia, and there served under McClellan 
in the army of the Potomac, and also under Mead, and Hooker, when 
he was transferred to Tennessee, under Sherman, and served the remaind- 
er of his time under him. In the battle of Lookout Mountain, he was 
wounded in the foot and laid in the hospital until the close of the war, 
when he was discharged. He was married June 12, 1869, to Miss 
Susan Wommaker,daughterof Ose and Christina (Stroble) Wommaker. 
They have seven children, viz. : Francis D., Albert, Mary M., Joseph, 
Catherine, Daniel, Rose A. 

Carroll, H., lumber merchant, McLuney postoffice. Born in 
1842. Settled in this county in 1878. Son ofM. A. and Anna (King) 
Carroll. Grand-son of George and Hannah Carroll. Married in 1875 
to Miss Nancy Cooper, daughter of Wesley and Cynthia Cooper. They 
have three children, viz. : Bertha, Carrie and Millie. Mr. Carroll 
volunteered in the late war in 1862, Company H, Captain Beachley, 
Twenty- sixth Regiment, Indiana Infantry. Participated in the follow- 
ing engagements : Springfield, Missouri, Vicksburg, Morganza Bay, 
Mobile, Alabama. 

Carter, Charles, Pleasant township, Moxahala postoffice, farmer. 
Born in Hampshire, England, April, 182 1 ; emigrated to this country 
when fifteen years of age. He served an apprenticeship at carpentering 
in Putnam ; followed the trade but a few years and then began farming 
in this township, and he has resided here ever since. April 16, 1840 
he married Rachel Sharp, of this township. They are the parents of 
the following named children : Mary, born August 20, 1846 ; Margaret, 
born March 30, 1848 ; George, born August 20, 1846 ; James, born 
December 29, 1849; Charles, born November 10, 185 1 ; William, born 
January 2, 1854; Thomas, January 10, 1856. Mrs. Carter died in 1859. 
In 1861 he married Mary A. Berry. Their children are Jerome, 
born March 21, 1863 ; Martha E., born February 18, 1869, ^^^^ Sep- 
tember 18, 1873 ; Culley M., born June 6, 1870. Two of the daughters 
reside in the west. 

Cartlich, Rev. Abraham, was born 1807, in Fauquier county, 



360 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Virginia, and when yet an infant his parents arrived in Clayton town- 
ship, Perry county, Ohio. After a brief residence here, they lived in 
Kentucky nine years, and returned to Perry county, Ohio. Abraham 
engaged in business as a saddler and harness maker, which he pursued 
very successfully for ten years, at Adelphia, Ross county, Ohio. From 
this forth for thirty-seven years he preached as an intinerant in the 
Methodist Episcopal connection. His ministry was attended with great 
success, and at least three thousand members were added to the church 
under his pastorship. During three 3^ears of his pastorate, one of which 
was 1850, he added at the rate of three hundred members per year. 
Sincerit}^ and earnestness, combined with a purit}' of character which 
was maintained through life without a stain, added to his perseverance 
and fortitude, were the elements of his ministeral success. At the age 
of twenty-four, he was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Will. This 
estimable lady departed this life in 1852. The children by this mar- 
riage are George W. of Creston Iowa, a merchant who landed there 
with $40, in 1855, and is now estimated at $40,000 ; Jesse, now of Har- 
lan, Iowa, a physician, who went from Ohio in 1865. Both these sons 
were in service of the war department during the late Rebellion. The 
only daughter living is Clara Tway, now of London, Ohio. Mr. Cart- 
lich w^as always a small eater, and the proverbial "yellow-legged chick- 
en," set apart for the preacher, could not tempt him from his code of 
prudence. As for tobacco and spirits, he never used either, and has 
managed to arrive now to a ripe old age of seventy-five years, in good 
health, without them. His father, Jesse Cartlich, though chronically 
feeble, by observance of the same temperate habits, lived to the age of 
eighty-three years, and died in Minnesota, about the 3'ear i860. The 
second and present wife of Rev. Abraham Cartlich, was Miss Jane \^an 
Gundy, of Ross county, whom he married in 1854. ^^^' father was 
Rev. John Van Gundy, who labored as a minister in the Methodist 
Episcopal Church for thirty years, and after removal from Ross county, 
Ohio, where he possessed large landed estates, died in Atchison count}', 
Missouri. He settled in Ohio in 1806, and served in the War of 181 2. 
Her grand-father was also named John Van Gundy. Her mother's 
name was Margaret Search, whose father was Thomas Search. Mar- 
garet died on one of her husband's farms near Chillicothe, in 1833, 
when Jane was in her seventh year. Her bi'others, all of whom are 
prosperous, are Jonas, St. Joseph's, Missouri; and James, John, Wil- 
liam and Samuel, near Milton, Atchison county, Missouri. Tradition, 
which seems well founded, ascribed to the ancestry of this Van Gundy 
family close official relations to the Crown of Prussia, and a rupture of 
these relations which sent it to Pennsylvania, and thence to Ohio. The 
sisters of Mrs. Cartlich are Sarah Scarlet, who, when only seventeen, 
was successfully courted by a widower with three children, and she has 
never regretted her youthful resolution. The other sister is Rachel 
Williams, and both have the same postoffice address, as the brothers al- 
ready named. Jane Cartlich is remarkable for her business like meth- 
ods, economy, hospitality and kindness to the poor. Though the 
daughter of a Methodist minister, and for twenty-six years the wife of 
a Methodist minister, she preserves a commendable liberality and 
charity for others. She refers to the preservation of an aunt given up 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 36 1 

to die and yet living to rear a useful family, while her mother was 
taken from life in sound health, by cholera, in the same house and at 
the same time of her aunt's illness, as a remarkable dispensation of 
Providence. The same fact applies to her step-daughter, Mrs. Tway, 
who, when yet a child, seemed affected beyond possibilit}- of recovery, 
and 3^et she grew to womanhood, and is now the mother of five children. 
Mrs. Cartlich, though in easy circumstances, labors as if she derived 
comfort, health and pleasure from exercise. Her husband, too, has a 
fine income, which secures ease and comfort, and they live alone, with 
no household dependents. 

Cassel, Samuel, born November lo, 1814, in Reading township ; 
served apprenticeship of four years in Newark at the tinning and cop- 
persmith trade, in i824-'5 lived in Lancaster, Ohio, where he saw Gen- 
eral Andrew Jackson ; in 1835 foi'med a partnership with John Beck- 
with, as tinner and coppersmith, continuing in this ten years. July i, 
1841 he was united in marriage to Susan A. Maines, daughter of the 
late venerable Frederick Maines, of Somerset ; moved to the family 
homestead in 1846; bought out the other heirs: had it all paid for 
but two hundred and fifty dollars. He had property at this time in 
Somerset worth four hundred and fifty dollars. Henry K. Cassell, 
a brother, then residing on the same farm, finding that cropping 
in partnership was not remunerative, proposed that Samuel, being 
able to borrow, should get four hundred and sixty dollars for him and 
let him go to California, the gold fever then first beginning to rage. 
This was done. Henry K. returned in about two years, unable to 
repay the borrowed money, and Samuel paid out over thirteen hundred 
dollars before that debt was finally discharged. So much for generosity, 
debt making, and the California fever. Samuel's grandfather Cassell 
came from Holland, where he had an aunt, Ann Cassell, and w-hile 
residing in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, he received a letter 
from said Ann, saying she had made her will and he, the grand- 
father aforesaid, was about doing so when he took sick and died. Sub- 
sequent efforts, through Christian L. Griener of Somerset, a Baltimore 
merchant, and a Kentucky lawyer, were made to recover the large 
estate said to have been willed to Samuel Cassell's grandi'ather by his 
aunt Ann as stated, but up to this time without avail. Samuel's father, 
John, came from Middletown, Pennsylvania, to what is now Perry 
county, in 1808. The other sons of John, living, are William of Lan- 
caster, and Henry King Cassell, near Mt. Vernon. Christian, Abram 
and Reuben died after marriage, leaving heirs ; the sisters are Elizabeth 
Pitcher, afterwards France , Isabel Beckwith, Catharine Ann Brock, 
now of Columbus, Ohio. He has living tour sons, John, Edward, Wil- 
liam and George, and three daughters, Almeda, single ; Sarah, married 
to George Berkheimer ; and Kate, single, and one granddaughter, 
Nettie. Samuel Cassell, being the seventh son, when only four years 
old, had a call from a man who spent a small farm in trying to be 
cured of king's evil, or scrofula. The lad retreated under the bed for 
safety, but was coaxed out by the gift of a penknife. The suffering pa- 
tient placed the lad's hand on the sore neck, came a second and a third 
.time, and twenty years after, told a brother of the young doctor, that he 
was cured by the rubbing thus obtained from the seventh son of his 



362 BIOGRAPHICAL SKE'^CHES. 

mother, Mrs. John Cassell. From that day to this, Samuel Cassell, of 
Somerset, has been called on by hundreds of patients and has been 
called away to visit others many miles from home, and his success has 
been unquestioned, but he refers this success, not to his being the 
seventh son, or to any magic art, but tb the influence of electricity, 
now advancing to the front as a curative agent. He sa3^s he never 
failed on neuralgia ; treats rheumatism, goiter, tumors and other dis- 
eases, and never failed on those nervous diseases akin to St. Vitus' 
dance. Mr. Cassell does not seek practice as a doctor, but is ever 
ready to lend his aid when called upon. He attends a large garden, 
and, in 1880, from the twentieth part of an acre, he raised eighty bush- 
els of ripe tomatoes. 

Charles, Owen D., mine boss, New Straitsville, Ohio, was born 
April 2, 1846, in Llenlly, Carmarthanshire, Wales, son of David and 
Margaret (Morgan) Charles. Was raised a miner, and in Wales was 
employed in a mine owned by his father, and known as the Furnace 
mines. His father also was superintendent of mines for Sims, Wil- 
liams, Neville & Co., and employed one thousand hands at this one 
mine. Mr. Charles emigrated to America, landing August 6, 1867, in 
New York, from where he went to Indiana and engaged in mining at 
that place for one year, and since has been emplo3'ed at the following 
places : Pennsvlvania, one j^ear, mining ; Missouri, six months ; Indi- 
ana, one y^ar, and then took a trip to Pomeroy, Ohio, Rockwood, 
Tennessee, through the States of Georgia and Alabama, returning via 
Memphis, Tennessee, to Illinois, and thenc6 to this place, landing 
about 187 1, and engaging with the Walga Lancaster Coal Co., mining 
two months, when he went to Shawnee, and opened the Shields mine, 
making three openings, which required him six months to complete. 
He again returned to this place, and has been employed as follows : 
Mine boss at Plummer Hill, one year ; opened the Central mine, 
requiring him eight months, at the expiration of which time he em- 
ployed with the then Troy mine, now the Thomas Coal Co., where he 
mined one year, and then opened the new mouth by contract, finishing 
the work April 4, 1881, at which time he was employed as mine boss 
at this place, which position he now holds, and there is now three hun- 
dred and twelve hands employed at this mine. Mr. Charles was mar- 
ried November 13, 1872, to Miss Blanche Loyd, who was born August 
27, 1854, ^" Myrthatydvil, Wales, daughter of David and Mary (Jones) 
Loyd, and lived in this place at the time of her marriage. They are 
the parents of five children, viz, : Mary, who died at seven years of 
age ; David, died in infancy ; David now living ; Owen Artie and 
Harriet. 

Chenoweth, John, Pike township, New Lexington, Ohio, farmer; 
was born October 11, I809, in Hampshire county, Virginia; son of 
Elias and Nancy (Carlon) Chenoweth. Mr. Chenoweth came to this 
county with his father in 18 14, and has been a resident of it since that 
time, with the exception of eighteen months that he lived in Franklin 
county, Ohio. He was raised a farmer, and has followed agricultural 
pursuits up to the time of this writing. His first postoffice was at Som- 
erset, this county, although he lived in Clayton township. In those 
times they went to Zanesville to mill, and afterward the horse mill was 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 363 

introduced for grinding their breadstuff'. Mr, Chenoweth was married 
May 22, 1834, to Marjor}^ daughter of Joseph and Mary (McBride) 
Gates, of Hampshire county, Virginia, who came to Perry county, 
Ohio, with her father, in 1824, of which she has been a resident up to 
the present time. They are the parents of twelve chtldren, viz. : Julia 
A., Mary E., Nancy, Sarah J., Mahalah, Rachel, Harriet, Margaret 
M., Angeline, William, John and Thomas, of whom three are de- 
ceased, viz. : John, Sarah J., and Margaret M. 

Christman, Daniel, farmer, Pike township. New Lexington, Ohio, 
was born July 14, 1832, in Bucks county, Pennsylvania ; son of Daniel 
and Hannah (Sullivan) Christman. Was raised a farmer, and has fol- 
lowed agriculture up to the present time. Mr. Christman came to Ohio 
with his parents in 1836, who settled in Belmont county, where they 
lived eleven years, when they moved to Harrison county and lived three 
or four years, and again moving, went to Morgan county, where they 
bought forty acres of land, where his father lived up to the time of his 
death, in April of 1857. Within one 3^ear after his death, Mrs. 
Christman and her son Jacob both died of t3^phoid fever : a daughter 
Hannah died in 1857. Mr. Christman, the subject of this sketch, 
lived with his father up to the time of his death, and took charge of the 
farm at that instance. In 1862 he buried his sister, Mary G., and in 
the spring of 188 1 also buried his youngest sister, Isabelle, and the 
youngest of his father's family. After the estate was disposed of by 
an administrator, he lived with a man by the name of Lynn, remaining 
with him until 1861, when he enlisted in Co. H, 17th Regiment, O. V. L, 
for three months, and served four months ; was discharged by reason 
of expiration of term of enlistment; returning home, and in the fall of 
1861 re-enlisted in Co. E, 78th Regiment, O. V. L, for three years, or 
during the war, serving nearly three 3^ears ; was again discharged, by 
reason of veteranizing for three 3'ears, serving during the siege at 
Vicksburg, Tennessee, and until the close of the war in 1865, when 
he was discharged the third time from the service. During his service 
he was upon detached duty the most of the time, serving upon recon- 
noitering expeditions, and was one of the number who ran the blockade 
at VickslDurg to Warranton Grand Gulf, on the night of the 21st of 
April, 1863, with transports. After receiving his last discharge, he re- 
turned home and spent the year from the winter of 1866 to the winter 
of 1867, in Fayette count}^ Illinois. Returning to Ohio he lived in 
Morgan county until the fall of 1873, when he moved to this county, 
where he has since lived, two years near Rendville, and two years near 
Sulphur Springs, and then came to the farm he now lives on, and where 
he owns forty acres of land. Was married July 30, 1868, to Miss 
Maggie J. Patterson, born May 5, 1840, daughter of Clark and Rebecca 
J. (McCurdy) Patterson, of Deerfield township, Morgan county, Ohio. 
They are the parents of five children, viz. : Daniel C, Charles W. T., 
Julia E., Jennie E. and Robert Worley. 

Church, David, born September 28th, 1832, in Somerset, Ohio, is a 
prosperous farmer ; postoffice, Somerset. His father was the late David 
Church, who came to Somerset in :8i8, a blacksmith by trade, with only 
fifty cents in his purse. He was a native of Chenango county. New York, 
born near the town of Oxford. He had a brother, Bradford, near Lee 



364 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Center, Illinois, and a sister — Ficha McNeil — who died in New York. 
His half brothers were John, William and Sylvester. He was married at 
the age of twenty- four to Miss Mar}^ Mohler, daughter of Solomon, who 
died on the farm near the east toll-gate, near Somerset. Depending 
solely on his strong arm and anvil, David Church, Sr., became a man of 
wealth in his neighborhood, and helped all his children to good homes. 
The sons are John and David, farmers, postoffice, Somerset; Sylvester, 
postoffice Salem, O. ; and Thomas, postoffice Pleasantville, O. The 
daughters who survived infancy are Mary, wife of Thomas Watson, 
Philadelphia, Pa. ; Emil}"-, wife of William Love, a very noted farmer 
near Somerset ; Sarah, wife of James Derolph, near Pleasantville ; and 
Martha, wife of Eli Rousculp, near Somerset. He died in 1868 in his 
seventy-first year. His widow still lives in her eighty-second year. 
The successful example of David Church, Sr., to poor but industrious 
and virtuous young men is worth}'^ of record. He was a Whig in 
politics, a Methodist in religion, and a thrifty, urbane man in social life. 
David, Jr., was married in 1859 ^° Miss Elizabeth Rutter, and settled 
on the fertile aud beautiful farm where he now lives in the enjoyment 
of thrifty agricultural and social life. His is a home of hospitable 
welcome to its friends. There are two children only — Ira L. and Miss 
Bertha S., who not only has learned the art of cookery from her mother, 
but the art of music and entertainment of friends. Mrs. Church is of 
the German Baptist belief, but David is not a member of an}^ sect. 
His farm comprises one hundred and eleven acres, and its quality vindi- 
cates the judgment of the Church name in selecting lands. Ninety-five* 
dollars per acre has been indignantly refused for it, and now since new 
buildings are erected — well, it is not for sale. 

Clark, P. F., Shawnee, Ohio, was born September 29, 1837, ^" 
county of Durham, England ; son of Francis and Catharine (McKin- 
nach) Clark. His parents were born in county of Tyrone, Ireland. 
Mr. Clark's grandmother, Donahew, lived to be one hundred and 
sixteen years old, and died onl}- about six years ago. His progenitors 
were wealthy, and he is the first of several generations who labored for 
a livelihood, the cause being that of his mother's disinheritance upon 
the occasion of her marriage against her father's wishes. At the age 
of seven years he went into the mines to labor, and was therebv de- 
prived of an education. He remained in mines until he was nineteen 
years of age, when he emigrated to America, landing in New York, 
from where he went to Pomeroy, Meigs count}^ Ohio, and remained 
about two years engaged in mining, and has been engaged as follows : 
Baton Rogue, La., as mine boss, three years ; Hadenville, three years ; 
Kanawha county, Va., eleven months, opening coal mine ; Reeves Sta- 
tion, St. Clair county, Ills., about nine months, sinking shaft; at Car- 
bondale, working iron coal-digger at $125.00 per month for about two 
years ; when he came to Shawnee, where he has made his home to this 
time. Since coming here he has visited Wyoming, Dakota, New 
Mexico, California, and Washington Territory. Mr. Clark was mar- 
ried October i. 1854, ^^ Margaret, daughter of James and Mary 
Daily, of county of Durham, England. They became the parents 
of four children, viz. : Mary, Frank, James and Catharine. Mrs. 
Clark died February 2d, 1862. After her death Mr. Clark Hved a 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 365 

widower seven 3^ears, when he was married to Anna, daughter of Jabez 
and Hannah (Scragg) Foster. They are the parents of six children, 
viz. : Patrick Henr}', Ella, Michael, Charles, Thomas, and John. Mr. 
Clark's grandfather was in the British army, and was the highest non- 
commissioned officer of his regiment, and was engaged in the battle of 
Waterloo. Since Mr. Clark's marriage he obtained the education he 
has Irom his little daughter after she started to school and learned her 
letters. 

Clark, W. D., farmer and coal operator. Pike township, Maholm 
post office, Ohio ; was born Februar}' 21, 1845, in Monda}' Creek town- 
ship, this county ; son of John and Eleanor (Robinson) Clark. Was 
raised a farmer, and has given his attention to agriculture principally 
during his life. Mr. Clark's parents were born and raised in Washing- 
ton count}^ Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in November, 1829, settling 
in Reading township, this count3% where the}' rented land for two years, 
when his father bought eighty acres of land in Monda}^ Creek township, 
where he lived twentj^-one years. He then bought the farm where 
William D. now lives. While in Monday Creek township, he bought 
and owned four hundred acres of land, which he sold, and purchased 
one hundred and sixty acres, as above stated, and also one hundred and 
sixtv acres one mile north of this place, which he owned at the time of 
his death. His son, and the subject of this sketch, now owns two hun- 
dred and eighty acres of land where he now lives. In August of 1880 
he entered into the coal business, which he continues to this time, ship- 
ping nearly all the coal he mines. Principally all of his land has some 
three different coal veins, and also Black Band iron ore, which has been 
worked to a small extent. Mr. Clark was married November 14, 1871, 
to Maggie, daughter of Peter and Ann (Walpool) Carroll, ot Morgan 
county, Ohio. They are the parents of the following children: Nel- 
lie. Annie, Laura, John, James, Peter J., and Lydia. 

Clark, Daniel, Infirmary Superintendent, Pike township, New 
Lexington, Ohio, was born May 16, 1836, in this township, and son of 
James and Mary (Gordon) Clark ; was raised a farmer, and has made 
that his business up to the present time. He was married January 15th, 
1861, to Rose, daughter of Thomas and Celia (Kelton) McBennett, of 
his native township. They are the parents of eight children, viz. : 
Elizabeth, Celia, Mar}^ E., Amanda, James, Rosellia, Thomas, and 
William Francis, living, and one deceased, viz. : John. Mr. Clark was 
employed by the infirmar}^ directors of Perry county, Ohio, and took 
charge of the infirmary March 26th, 1878, where he has remained 
up to the present time, and has been again employed b}' them for 
the ensuing year. He has, at the instance of the directors, been 
buying ready baked bread during the last year, and finds it to be a sav- 
ing of fifty-four dollars per quarter, or three months, without consider- 
ing any labor, which would make a still greater difference. There are 
now about ninety inmates, and the last 3^ear's average has been the least 
since Mr. Clark took charge of the place. In previous years the aver- 
age has been from one hundred and ten to one hundred and fifteen in- 
mates. The oldest inmate is eighty-nine years of age, and was one of 
the early settlers of this count}^ and known as H. H. Chappelear. The 
product of the farm are as follows : About one thousand five hundred 



366 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

bushels of corn, from three hundred to four hundred bushels of wheat, 
about twenty-five head of cattle, and a goodly number of hogs, and con- 
siderable of a hay crop usually. 

Clark, Alexander, farmer, Jackson township ; post office, Junc- 
tion city ; born January 29, 1822, in Jackson township ; son of Alexan- 
der and Mary (McElvoy) Clark, who came to this country from Ireland, 
and settled in Kentucky ; sta3'^ed there a short time and removed to Jack- 
son township. Perry county, Ohio, where they resided till they died. 
Mr. Clark still resides where his parents first settled, but does not work 
much any more, and spends most of his time in reading. 

Clark, James B., farmer, Monroe township, ; post office, Corning, 
Ohio; was born Dec. 30th, 1843, in Pleasant township. Perry county, 
Ohio ; son of James A. and Catharine (Gaver) Clark. Mr. Clark has 
given his entire attention to agriculture, in which he has been success- 
ful. Mr. Clark was married April 3d, 1872, to Miss Mary, daughter 
of Joseph and Catharine (Smith) Rogers, of Monroe township. They 
are the parents of one child, Walter Alvie. 

Clemson, George W., M. D., Glenford, was born in the village of 
Thornville, and is therefore a native of Perry county. He is the only sur- 
viving son ot Joseph Clemson, who was a native of Baltimore, Maryland. 
Emigrated to Ohio in 1840, and departed this life in the year 1878 ; twen- 
ty-one years after the death of his wife, who was Miss Elizabeth Clem- 
ens, daughter of Samuel Clemens of Lima, Michigan, or near there ; 
where he owned extensive landed estate, and where he died. Both the 
Clemson and the Clemens families were of English Presbyterian 
stock. Dr. George W. Clemson worked his way up from boyhood to a 
respectable education, taught school, read medicine, and finally gradu- 
ated in Starling Medical College in 1874, ^"^ began practice as the 
first physician who had ever attempted Glenford as a permanent loca- 
tion, and in the fall of the same year, was united in wedlock to Miss 
Almeda, daughter of Dr. Allen Whitmore of Thornville, Ohio. For 
the last eight years, theretore, Dr. Clemson has devoted himself to his 
profession and his librar}'^, until the range of his practice has grown 
with his growth in years, and until his presence in the midst of his 
chosen friends, as a physician, is regarded by many of them as indis- 
pensable to their welfare. He and his amiable wife belong to the M. 
E. chuixh, and two sons and one daughter have blessed their married 
life. They have a beautiful cottage, erected on an eminence overlook- 
ing the valley of Jonathan's Creek, and affording a fine view of a de- 
lightful landscape. He is Democratic in politics, but liberal and gen- 
erous in his political opinions. 

Clumb, Carlisle, post office, Somerset, Ohio ; born August 3d, 
1829; is a son of William Clumb, who came to Perry county in 1828, 
from Fairfield, where he lived near Foresman's mill property, and from 
Maryland to Fairfield in 1808. His mother was Nancy, daughter of 
Adam Binckley. His brothers are Allen, Adam, William, Benjamin 
and George. His sisters are Matilda, wife of G. W. Swartz ; Mary J., 
wife of George Shrider ; Margaret, wife of H. King; Sarah Elizabeth, 
wife of James Dupler ; Nancy Catharine, wife of Andrew Batson. 
Carhsle was first married April 22d, 1849, ^^ Miss Sarah, daughter of 
Isaac Drum. The children by this union were : Nancy J., wife of Lewis 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 367 

Winegardner, and Isaac, husband of Martha Drum, daughter of Jacob. 
After five years of bereavement, he married Miss Ellen, daughter of 
Moses Drum, February ioth,i859. The children by this marriage are : 
Margaret Emil}^ wife of William Perry ; John Henry, William Allen, 
Adam, deceased; Mary Ellen and Preston Carlisle Clumb. Mr. Clumb 
is an excellent carpenter and farmer, and for some time ran a saw mill. 
His first Republican vote for President was in 1856, prior to which he 
voted Democratic. He and his wife are Lutherans. His first annual 
tax was twent}^ cents, paid in Fairfield county. His tax now averages 
about sixty dollars a year on his farm of one hundred and thirteen acres, 
here, and on western land. His dwelling is a model of convenience, 
workmanship and comfort wherein the laws of health are admirably 
recognized. His reading is extensive, comprising political, religious 
and scientific subjects ; while the training of his children to habits of study 
and labor, and to practices of moralit}^ is regarded as an imperative 
duty. His land increases in fertility and his skill as an architect is vin- 
dicated in every effort. 

Cochran, Henry D., of the firm of Cochran & Retallic, attor- 
neys-at-law, New Lexington, Ohio, was born January 10, 185 1, in 
Jackson township ; son of Ira and Mary (Cohagan) Cochran. Henry 
D.'s grandfather was one of the pioneers of Jackson township. Young 
Cochran began teaching school when sixteen years of age, and taught 
eleven terms. Mr. Cochran's preceptors in the law were attorneys 
Jackson and Ferguson. He was admitted to practice at the bar in 
August, 1876. In November of the same year, the present firm was 
formed, and November 2d of same year he was married to Miss Maria,' 
daughter of William and Elizabeth (Brown) Larimer, They are the 
parents of two children, viz. : Edmond B. and William W. 

Colborn, Ephraim S., editor ; son of John and Elizabeth Colborn ; 
was born near New Lexington, Ohio, December 7, 1828. He attended 
the village school, summer and winter, for several years, and afterward 
in the winter months only, working on the farm in summer. At the 
age of twenty he became a teacher, taught three terms of select school 
in New Lexington, and three terms of public school at Selby's school- 
house, three miles east of New Lexington, reading law at intervals 
most of the time while teaching. In June, 185 1, he left his law books 
to become editor, business manager, and part owner of the Peny 
County Democrat, a newspaper published at Somerset. From that 
time until the present, with but brief intermissions, he has, in some 
way or other, been connected with the publication of newspapers. He 
served as a member of the Board of Education, both at Somerset and 
New Lexington, aggregating fifteen or sixteen years of such service. 
Upon the death of William A. Brown, in November, 1873, Mr. Colborn 
was appointed to succeed him as Superintendent of the New Lexington 
schools, and served until the close of the school 3'ear, a period of six 
months. He was appointed postmaster at New Lexington by the Lin- 
coln Administration, in May, 1861, and served in that office until Octo- 
ber, 1866, when, being required to indorse the " my policy " of Presi- 
dent Johnson, he asked to be excused, and sent in his resignation, 
which was accepted, and a successor appointed, of different political 
opinions. Mr. Colborn was brought up a Democrat, and through 



368 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

the years i85i-'52-'53, voted with that party, but on the organization 
of the Repubhcan party in 1854, identified himself with it, and remained 
therein until 1872, when he supported Horace Greeley for President, 
and, since that time, has generally voted the Democratic ticket, though 
not approving all the measures of the party, either State or National. 
He was admitted to the bar by the District Court, sitting at New Lex- 
ington, in September, 1857, but never engaged in the practice of the 
profession. He was married October 18, 1853. to Miss Martha J. 
Overmyer, of Somerset. Perry county, Ohio. His wife d3'ing in 1857, 
he was married May 29, i860, to Miss Mary A. Humbarger, also of 
Somerset. There are two sons, William J. and Otto D., by the first, 
and five daughters, Imie L., TilHe A., Mattie G., May E. and R. 
Blanche, by the last marriage. The oldest daughter, Imie, died in 
March, 1876, in the fifteenth year of her age. 

Combs, William H., son of James and grandson of John Combs, 
who settled in Perry county on the farm now occupied b}- William H., 
his mother, who was a Miss Mar}^ Ann Stoker, and his sister, Miss 
Kate Combs. The family is Baptist in belief, though Mother Combs, 
now living, is a member of the U. B. Church. She is the mother of 
Lewis, George, Levi, Rebecca, wife of D. Brown, John, Thomas, of 
Lamar, Missouri ; Ellen, wife of Dr. R. B. Woodward, and William 
and Miss Kate Combs — all residing in Fairfield and Perry, except 
Thomas ; were all born at the homestead of their great ancestor, John 
Combs, on the pike, two miles east of Rushville. The family has main- 
tained a name for integrity, and as the descendants of an honorable an- 
cestry, rank among the foremost in all that pertains to honorable conduct 
and purity of character. All are married except William and Kate. 

CoNAWAY, James, born in Virginia in 1818, died July 23, 1881. Mr. 
Conaway was three times married ; first, in 1835, to Miss Mary Baugh- 
man ; second, in 1853, to Miss Addaline George ; third, to Miss Kate 
Alexander, who still survives him, and lives on the homestead with her 
two children, Josephine and Ollie. 

Conaway, R. H., post office McLuney, farmer and stock raiser ; a 
native of Perry county, Ohio; born in 1846, son of James and Mary 
(Baughman) Conaway ; married in 1872 to Miss Mary S. Watt, daugh- 
ter of Israel and Rebecca Watt. They are the parents of four chil- 
dren, viz. : T. I., Mary R., James L., and William E. 

CoNLY, John J., of the firm of Conl}^ & Hull, druggists. New Lex- 
ington, Ohio, was born September 4, 1850, in Jackson township. Perry 
county, Ohio ; son of Hugh and Margaret (Scalley) Conly. Hugh 
Conly was born in the county Antrim, Ireland, and came to America 
when a ^^outh, and located in Pike township, Perry county, Ohio. 
Margaret Scalley was also born in Ireland, and came to America when 
a young woman. They are both deceased. The old gentleman died 
October 10, 1871, and the old lady, July 7, 1876. John J. established 
his present business in July, 1876 ; the present firm was formed in the 
spring of 1882. Mr. Conly, the subject of this sketch, was married 
October 9, 1875, to Miss Mary L., daughter of James J. and Mary L. 
(Griffin) Fink. The Finks are of German, and the Griffins of Irish 
ancestry. Mr. and Mrs. Conly are the parents of two children, viz. : 
Arthur James and Hugh Cuthbert. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 369 

CoNLY, James F., Prosecuting Attorney of Perry county, Ohio, and 
of the firm of Jackson & Conly, attorney s-at-hiw, New Lexington, 
Ohio, was born September 15, 1852, in Jackson township, Perry 
county, Ohio, son of Hugh and Margaret (Scalley) Conly. James F., 
in 1874, entered the olHce of Butler & Hutiman, as a law student, and 
was admitted to practice in April, 1878. Immediately thereafter the 
present tirm was formed. Attorney Conly was elected to his present 
office in 1879, ^^^ re-elected in 1881. 

Cook. Raphael E., carman. New Straitsville, was born June 7, 
1832. in Cuvaiioga county. Ohio: son of Elias and Almira (Brookins) 
Cook ; was raised on the water, and was employed at boating from 
Nelsonyille, Ohio, to Columbus. Ohio, Circleville, Ohio, and Chilli- 
cothe, Ohio, until 1859 • ^^'om Portsmouth, Ohio, to Waverly and Cleve- 
land for about two years for Emmet & Dayis ; excepting four years, 
during which time he \yas employed with P. Hagans, he was boating 
for himself up to 1859. ^^^ 1861 he enlisted in the service of his country 
in Compan}- E, Eighteenth Regiment O. V. I. for three years or during 
the war, and served three years, four months and thirteen days, and 
was engaged in the following battles : Chickamauga, Stone River, Elk 
River, Davis' Cross Roads, Bowling Green, LaVergne, Rossville, and 
Pulaski. At Bowling Green he took sick with lung fever and was in 
the hospital, at that place, about one month, when he again joined his 
regiment at Huntsville. Alabama, and remained with it until the time 
of his discharge at Camp Chase, Ohio, November 9, 1864, by reason of 
expiration of enlistment. After being discharged he returned home and 
engaged, for a short time, with one Brooks, of Nelsonville, Ohio, trim- 
ming coal-cars. Remained in the above place about six 3'ears, during 
the remainder of the time was employed by J. H. Summers, in hauling 
coal about three-quarters of a mile on a tram railway. Came to New 
Straitsville, Ohio, in 187 1. and has been employed as follows: Hard- 
ing railroad cars for J. D. Clark, about three years ; at Plummer Hill 
two years and six months, and the remainder of time, five years, has 
been with the Thomas Coal Company. Was married November 19, 
1865, to Miss Mary M. Spurrier, born March 7, 1842, in Morgan 
county, Ohio, daughter of William G. and Eleanor (Shelton) Spurrier. 
They are the parents of six children, viz. : Silvern Parker, William 
Eankford. Harley Dallis. Samantha Eleanor, Robert Edward and John 
Henry. 

Cooper. I. W., Beartield to\vnship. Porterville postoffice. farmer, 
born in Clayton tov.nship. March 6, 1839, ^^^^ ^^ Ruel H. and Rachel 
(Burkey) Cooper. His lather was a native of this county, and his an- 
cesters came from New Jersev. Mr. I. W. Cooper enlisted October 13, 
1861, in the Sixty-second O. V. 1., served all through the war, and was 
honorably discharged July, 1865. He received a gun-shot wound in his 
leg, near Richmond. Since the close of the war he has lived in this 
township, and moved on the farm where he now resides in 1869. Sep- 
tember 19, 1867, he married Hester A. Holcomb, of this township, and 
of New England ancestry. Tney are the parents of three children: 
Minnie L., born September 18, 1868, deceased: Howard B., born 
October 10, 1870, and Mary E., born May 16, 1881. 

CoTTERMAN, Amos, Mouda}' Creek township, tarmer, Maxville, 
34 



370 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Ohio. Was born December 23, 1839, ^^ ^^^^ township, son of Daniel 
and EHzabeth (Garison) Cotterman. He was raised a farmer, which 
he has made the business of his Hfe,and moved to the farm of 120 acres, 
which he owns and lives upon, in 1869. It has the best limestone to be 
found in the township, of which he opened a quarry at the time Baird's 
furnace first went into blast, and from it has accumulated a handsome 
fortune, with the assistance of what farming he has done. He was 
elected township trustee in 1877 and served several years. Mr. Cot- 
terman was married September 8, 1859, ^^ Elizabeth, daughter of Hiram 
and Nancy (Tucker) Wilson. To them were born six children, viz. : 
John W., James T., who died at twent}'' months of age ; Nanc}^ Sarah 
M., Laurettie and George. Daniel Cotterman, father of Amos, was 
born in Pennsylvania, and brought to Ohio, when a boy, by his parents, 
who settled in Reading township in the early part of this century, when 
this country was all woods. In 1838 he moved to Monday Creek 
township, where he has since resided, and is now one of the oldest men 
in the township. Mrs. Cotterman, his wife, was a native of Perry 
county, Ohio, and died February 28, 1880, and is buried in St. John's 
cemetery, this township. Unto them were born ten children, viz. : 
Israel, Rachel, Samuel, Amos, Elizabeth, James W., Margaret J., 
John H., Mariah E., and Salome C. Daniel is a shoemaker by trade, 
which he has given his attention. Hiram Wilson, father of Mrs Cot- 
terman, was born in 1808, in Virginia, and came to Ohio a few years 
after his marriage to Elizabeth Garison, who was born in 1814 in Mont- 
gomer}^ county, Virginia. To them were born nine children, viz. : 
Fletcher, Eli, Sarah J., Mary B., Olive E., EHzabeth A., Rachel E., 
Nancy E. and John F. 

CoYLE, James, mine boss, New Straitsville, Ohio. Was born July 
22, 1838, in Bearfield township, this county, son of Neil and Ann (Feal- 
ty) Coyle. He was raised a farmer, and followed farming until he was 
twenty-one years of age. At this time he began mining, which he fol- 
lowed about one year, when he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and 
Fourteenth Regiment, O. V. I., August 14. 1862, forthree years, or 
during the war, and serving out his time he was honorably discharged 
at Huston, Texas, July 31, 1865. Was engaged in the following bat- 
tles: Chickasaw Bluffs, Arkansas Post, Thompson's Hill, Siege qf 
Vicksburg, Champion Hill, Charge of Fort Blakely, Black River 
Bridge and Siege of Mobile, Alabama. During the entire time of ser- 
vice he was only off of duty about ten days. After receiving his dis- 
charge he returned home and engaged in mining from that time up to 
the holidays of 1865 and 1866 ; and was married January 9, 1866, to 
Miss Rebecca Miller, born April 5, 1846, in Noble county, Ohio, 
daughter of Adam and Sarah (Allbaugh) Miller. They are the parents 
of six children, viz.: Charlie (deceased), Charles H., George W., 
Francis M., John (deceased), and James. After his marriage he went 
to Hocking county, Ohio, where he engaged in mining until 1871, when 
he came to this place and engaged in mining until 1876, at which time 
he took charge of the Straitsville Coal and Iron Company's mine, re- 
maining in that position about two years, and in November of 1878, 
took his present position with the Straitsville Coal Compan}^ He has 
served as Countv Commissioner since October of 1876, having been re- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 371 

elected October, 1879; a^so, has served as township trustee three 
years of Coal township, and was a member of the school board of this 
place four years, during which time he was treasurer. 

CoYLE, Patrick, Sliawnee, Ohio. Was born January 28, 1844, in 
Beartield to^aiship, this county, son of Cornelius and Annie (Fealty) 
Coyle. Mr. Coyle was raised a farmer to the age of sixteen years, 
when he went to coal mining at Tunnel Hill, this county, where he re- 
mained abovit three or four years, and he has been engaged at mining 
in Pennsylvania six months ; Iowa four or tive months ; Missouri, Hock- 
ing Valley and Shawnee until 1874. Was marshal in this place three 
years, when he resigned his position, and drove delivery wagon for 
Hamilton's store for about five 3^ears, and then went into business for 
himself. Mr. Coyle was married April 5, 1869, to Mary A., daughter 
of Charles and Annie (Fealty) Noon. Thev are the parents of three 
children, viz. : Willie, Albert and Annie. 

Crawford, Wm. Jno., collier, Shawnee, Ohio. Was born August 
5, 1855, in Perry county, Ohio, son of William and Eliza (Neil) 
Crawford.' Mr. Crawford was raised a farmer, and lived on a farm un- 
til he was nineteen years of age, when he engaged in business for him- 
self, and was employed by the Central Coal Mining Company, of New 
Straitsville, Ohio, for about one year, at which time he came to Shaw- 
nee, Ohio, where he lias remained up to this time, and with the e - 
ception of three 3'ears he worked at the furnace, has been engaged in 
mining. Was married November 22, 1877, to Mary, daughter of Dan- 
iel and Mary (Hazleton) Harbaugh. They are the parents of one 
child, viz. : Charley. Mr. Crawford's parents were born, raised, and 
married, in Ireland, but emigrated to America in alter years. 

Crist, John, Thorn township, Peny county. Ohio, was born Feb- 
ruary 2, 1826. His father was Jacob Crist, and his mother's maiden 
name was Katharine Concle, both natives of Pennsylvania, and came 
to Thorn township as early as 1808. Father Crist died at the age of 
seventy-three, and mother Crist in her seventv-sixth vear, in Thorn 
township. The brothers of John Crist were. George (deceased), Dan- 
iel and Frederick, (deceased). His sister was Elizabeth, deceased wife 
of Absalom Winegardner. John Crist was married October 24. 1846, 
in his twenty-tirst year, to Miss Mary, daughter of John Miller. They 
have eight living, and three deceased children. Those living are Kath- 
arine, wife of William Poulton ; Leonard, husband of Lucv Spoon ; 
Andrew, husband of a Miss Ortman : Isabel, wife of Frank Diltz ; Jesse 
husband of a Miss Myers : Alice, wife of W. H. Shrider ; Miss Ida and 
John C. Crist, at home. John Crist began life as a renter. He was 
strong, healthy and industrious, and his success in farming may be 
judged by the fact that within a few years after his marriage he sold 
eight hundred bushels of wheat to one James Culbertson, and his forti- 
tude may also be judged bv the fact that he never got his pay for one 
bushel of it, and 3'et rallied like a brave man to new effort, not only as 
a farmer, but in a few years later as a shipper of stock to foreign mark- 
ets. Judge, then, of his success by the following facts : He has 155 
acres where he lives, 85 acres in another tract, 1 10 acres in a third farm, 
154 acres in a fourth and 70 acres in a fifth farm. The Crist ancestry 
were Lutherans in belief. Democrats in politics, but in 1854 thev became 



372 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

opposed to the party of this name, and generally act with the party op- 
posed to the Democracy, John Crist's taxes have gone as high as 
$352 in a single year. His care of horses and his goodness of heart 
may both be judged bv the fact that a few years after his marriage, he 
became the owner of a grey mare, which he kept and used on the farm 
until she was thirty-six years old, and this is proof of the .care he took 
of his property, and may be a hint to young men who read this, point- 
ing to wealth and success in life. John Crist never abused a horse, and 
the facts prove that he got more service out of one mare than man}' 
men get out of two or three. People were never fearful to buv a horse 
of him because they suspected bad usage, and the consequences of bad 
usage — disease and debility. 

Crocker, Wm. W., railroad engineer. Corning, Ohio, was born 
July 15, 1847. in Cainan, Connecticut; son of Israel and Elizabeth 
(Nobles) Crocker. When about fourteen, began work as a machinist. 
At the age of nineteen took charge of a passenger engine on the P., Ft. 
W. & C. R. R. He has worked in the railroad shops at Ft. Wayne, 
Indiana, and was foreman of the O. C. mechanical shops. at Corning 
one year. He can build an engine " from the ground up." Mr. 
Crocker was married July 16, 187 1, to Miss L3''dia C, daughter of Sam- 
uel and Julia A. (Stuck) Slagle of Crawford county-, Ohio. They are 
the parents of four children, viz. : Grace E,, Bertha. Ralph and Arthur 
John. Mr. Crocker came to Corning in March. 1881. at which place 
he now resides. 

Crook, J. E., station agent on the C. & M. V. road: post office, 
Crooksville ; born in Muskingum county in 1825 ; came to Perry county 
in 1868; son of Jacob and Nancy (Bowers) Crook: grandson of 
Thomas and Anna (Carter) Crook ; grandson of Andrew and Mary 
Bowers. Married in 1846 to Miss Mary A. Palmer, daughter of John 
and Mary Palmer ; the latter was born in Washington, D. C. They 
have seven children, viz. : Angaline (deceased), Olivia. Victoria, 
Anna, Dide, Susanah, Guy U. Mr. Crook served three years as Jus- 
tice of the Peace of Springfield township, Muskingum county, Ohio. 
Has been station agent at Crooksville, on the C. & M. V. road, some 
seven years. He was also engaged in the mercantile business some 
five years at Crooksville. Mr. Crook was also instrumental in ijettino- 
the postoffice located at Crooksville. 

Crosbie, Michael. Sheriff of Perry county, Ohio, was born March 
I, 1840, in Jackson township; son of Gilbert and Anne (Tempany) 
Crosbie. Sheriff Crosbie was brought up on a farm, and followed that 
occupation until October. 1880, when he was elected to his present 
office. He was married May 26, 1874, ^^ Miss Elizabeth, daughter of 
David and Margaret (Huston) Bowland, of Jackson township. They 
are the parents of three children, viz. : Maggie Ellen, Annie Violet 
and David William. 

Crosson, John, farmer ; postoffice. Somerset : born in 1815, in Don- 
egal county, Ireland ; is a son of Edward and Catharine (Cunningham) 
Crosson. Edward first came to America in 181 7, returned to Ireland, 
sold his possessions there, and set sail for America with his family, Neil 
and John, (the latter only three years old), and four sisters, and settled 
where his son John now resides, in 1820, after spending several years 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 373 

in Baltimore, and first taking counsel from the late Rev. Dominic 
Young. Here, in Perry, the family was joined by Neil Crosson, an 
uncle of John, who died in Perry a bachelor. Neil came to Philadel- 
phia in 1800, and after serving faithfully as a day laborer in the employ 
of John Davis, an English contractor, who built the first water works of 
the " Quaker City," took Neil with him to Baltimore in the same busi- 
ness. Neil soon made himself so indispensable that his wages were 
raised to $1,200 a year ; and he helped on the first pike and on the first 
waterworks ever erected in the United States. John, his nephew, also 
served as director of the Newark, Somerset and Straitsville Railroad, 
while Neil, the uncle, helped to build the Zanesville and Maysville turn- 
pike. The name of Crosson is thus honorably connected with the first 
water works and pike of the East, and the first railroad and pike through 
the town of Somerset. John's father, after settling his family comfort- 
ably, died in 1823, but his mother lived to the great age of eighty-five, 
dying near the year 1862. The death of his uncle and his brother, Neil, 
after that of his father, left John sole manager of the homestead. His 
maiden sisters are Fanny, Anna and Catharine, who reside upon a farm 
of their own ; post office. Junction City, Ohio, near where another sis- 
ter, Peggy, wife of Samuel Crosson, also resides. In 1841, John was 
married to Miss Susan Slavin, a daughter of Tully Slavin, and a sister 
of James and John Slavin, former residents of Perry, and afterward 
the famous wholesale merchants of this name in Louisville, Cincinnati, 
St. Eouis and New York, having as many as three wholesale houses at 
one time. Her surviving children are : Neil, post office. Somerset, and 
a thriving farmer ; James, a commercial traveler, who represents a New 
York house in Texas, and has also extended his sales far into the Re- 
public of Mexico. There are also two daughters, Rosa and Anna, 
both students at the Academy of the Sacred Heart, Somerset, Ohio ; 
each in turn remaining at home to take charge of their father's house- 
hold. Mrs. Crosson died in 18S0, at the age of fifty-seven. Her 
husband, John Crosson, though often importuned and amply qualified, 
was never a candidate for any office. He built a beautiful and elegant 
brick residence in T840, enjoys the society of friends and the life of a 
farmer. 

Crossan, David, farmer, Madison township ; post office, Mt. Perr\'. 
He was born in Somerset county. Penns3'lvania, December 22, 1824. 
His parents were Isaac and Elizabeth (Philips) Crossan. He has al- 
ways been a farmer and stock raiser, and now owns an extensive and 
excellent farm. He moved to this township May ist, 1849. ^"^ ^^^^ 
since made it his residence. He was in the one Inmdred davs' service 
as first corporal of Company H. One Hundred and Sixtieth Regiment. 
Mr. Crossan was married April 19, 1849. to Elizabeth Weaver, daugh- 
ter of Benjamin and Margaret Weaver. They are the parents of the 
following children: William A.. Hanner. Ida (deceased), Rachel A., 
Laura C, Charles H., Isaac O. and Thomas E. 

CuRRAN, Robert, Justice of the Peace ; son of Michael and Mary 
(Robinson) Curran ; was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 
November 6i;h, 1819. Came to Ohio with his parents in 1820, and set- 
tled at Blotzleysville, Wayne county, Ohio ; lived there until 1830, 
when they came to Jackson township, Perrv countv : stayed till 1842, 



374 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

then went to Hocking county, and worked in a wholesale tobacco store 
till 1851. Then purchased a farm and followed farming till 1872, and 
was then elected slieriff, and held the office four years. In the winter 
of 1876, he established a cigar manufactor^^ and retail store of the 
same and tobacco, till 1880 ; then came to Junction City, and was 
unanimously elected Justice of the Peace in 1881, and still holds the 
office. Was married in 1851, to Miss Arabella W., daughter of Eli and 
Elizabeth (Sholts) Barker ; are the parents of the following children, 
viz. : Mollie E., Emma I., Clara, Ella, Eddie, Michael. Mr. Curran's 
parents were of Irish descent ; his wife's parents were of German descent. 
Had one brother who .served during the late war ; was wounded in both 
arms at battle of Gettysburg. Mr. C. has been interested, more or le'ss, 
in public affairs all his life. 

CuRRAN, J. C, born 1835, post office, Somerset, O., occupation jewel- 
er and watchmaker. With his own rude tools, while yet a bo}^ on the farm, 
he began mending and cleaning watches, and achieving such wonders 
in the art that in 1863 he began business in Somerset, and since then has 
not only sustained it against severe and educated competition, until 
now, when local effort, though often attempted, has entirely withdrawn 
from the contest. J. C. is a son of Samuel Curran, County Surveyor, 
Justice of the Peace, and who for more than half a century, beginning 
in 1818, resided on the same farm, section 10, Clay township. The mother 
of J. C. was Miss Lucy Cartlich, a sister of the Rev. Abraham Cart- 
lich of Somerset. She is still living at the age of 73, but her husband, 
after a long and honorable life, passed away in 1877, in his seventy-eighth 
year. The grandfather of J. C. was Robert Curran, who died on the 
Curran homestead, in Clayton, a few years after his settlement there in 
1818, from Pennsylvania. He was born in Ireland, was sent by his father 
with a cargo of goods for sale in America. The ship was seized by 
pirates, and young Robert found himself at the age of seventeen, 
though robust and large in size, a pauper in property but a patriot in 
politics. He joined the army of Washington, and it was his boast 
through life that he could put his hand on the rump of the General's 
white horse at the battle of Princeton, when that officer exclaimed, 
" Come on my brave lads, follow me." After the war he married Miss 
Nancy Chilcote, a first cousin of the late venerable Enzer Chilcote, all 
pious and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. While 
the name of Curran was fighting for independence, J. C.'s great an- 
cestor, a slave baron of Southern Virginia, Major Charles Cartlich, 
was fighting for the king. His son Jesse, afterwards Reverend Jesse, 
and father of Rev. Abraham Cartlich, now of Somerset, refused 
to take charge, or accept ownership in the slaves of the father, which 
resulted not only in the loss of paternal good will but of patrimony also. 
He died in the ministry after living to see the triumph of his sentiments 
against human bondage, and the end of African slavery in his native 
land. He was educated in Bordeaux, France, well versed in the science 
of medicine, and preferred his convictions of right to all the wealth he 
might have enjoyed by disobedience to those convictions. J. C. Curran 
was married Christmas, 1859, ^^ Miss Margaret Jane, daughter of James 
Collin, and granddaughter of Thomas Beard, an early settler in Perry, 
and also ancestor of the " Billy Beard," who was an old time stage 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 375 

contractor. Their children are, James E., William E., and Miss Jesse 
Aurilla. Mr. Curran may be said to have been successful in business, 
and his deposits are estimated at $15,000 in the banks of Hocking 
county, located in sections 30 and 36 of Ward and Falls. The vaults 
there contain coal fourteen teet thick on one shelf and eight feet on 
another; clay, white as chalk, fourteen feet thick; thirty-five per cent, 
of one hundred and eighty acres of timber ; limestone in immense 
thickness, and sandstone in layers, fine grit, used for grindstones, good 
for window sills and caps. These deposits are held under recognized 
consignments, and far more certain to respond to drafts than ordinary 
banks of discount. The Baltimore & Ohio extension line runs through, 
and passes the door of these famous banks, and these princely deposits. 

Curran, William, Monroe township, farmer, post office, Corning, 
O., was born February 22, 1840, in Monroe township, son of Peter and 
Mary (Townsend) Curran. Peter Curran was a native of Ireland, but 
settled in Perry county, Ohio, when there were but five or six families 
within an area of ten miles distance. Mary Townsend was a native of 
New York State. They raised a tamily of five sons, of whom William, 
named above, is the third. He has been quite successful, having given 
his entire attention to farming. Mr. Curran was married May 6, 1861 , to 
Miss Mary, daughter of Anthony and Annie (Mulrine) Kilkenney, of 
Morgan county, O. Her parents were natives of Ireland. They are the 
parents of four children, viz. : Geo. T., Annie L., Mary J., and Frances. 

Dambach, Philip Jacob, tinner, Shawnee, Ohio, was born Novem- 
ber 28, 1848, in Lancaster, Fairfield county, Ohio, son of Daniel and 
Catharine (Shoeman) Dambach. Mr. Dambach was raised in his na- 
tive town, where he lived until 1867, and where he learned his trade, 
serving an apprenticeship of three years from March 21, 1864 to March 
21, 1867, with John Work & Son, and has since been employed at the 
following places: Chillicothe, O., Portsmouth, O., Washington C. H., 
Fayette County, O., stamping tin ware for M. S. Sager, six months ; 
again in Lancaster, one year; New Lexington, O., Logan, O. ; again 
at home sick for about eight months, and upon his recovery again went 
to New Lexington, O., with Morehead & Whipps about one year, 
where he was married in October, 1870, to Catharine Loretta, daugh- 
of Michael J. and Grace (Kinner) Braddock. of Logan, O. They are 
the parents of five children, viz. : Gracie Catharine, Mary Elizabeth, 
Osais William, Ellen Gertrude, and Clara Louisa. After his marriage 
he has been employed at the following places : Lancaster, until the 
spring of 1871 ; Bremen, three months; New Lexington, about one 
year in his own shop ; Straitsville, O. ; Shawnee, that fall and moved 
to Iron Point, and into Shawnee the following tall, soon after which 
came the great miner's strike and he moved to Lancaster, staying nine 
months, and again setup in business in New Lexington, O., in partner- 
ship with his brother-in-law, M. R. Braddock, and in about four momhs 
broke up and made tin ware without the assistance of machines and by 
that obtained a livelihood for the winter that was upon them ; again 
moved to Shawnee and since has made this his home. Has paid up 
all he owed, and now owns a business house on Main street, and a com- 
fortable dwelling in this place. 

Daniel, George, born August 5, 1811, in Hopewell township, on 



376 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

the farm of his uncle John Daniel, who died in 1848. George is the 
only son of J. George Daniel, who came from Northumberland county, 
Pennsylvania, in the same year his son was born. The mother of 
George Daniel was Saloma Seitz. Two sisters of George, and elder 
than he, were born in Pennsylvania. These were Katharine and Sar 
loma. Another sister, younger than George Daniel, was born in Perry 
county ; her name was Lydia. The father soon moved his family' to 
Somerset and here carried on the carpenter trade, but he must have 
stayed in Hopewell township until after i8i5,for it was while living there 
that he made the coffin in which the Rev. William Foster was buried in 
that same year. After a residence in Somerset, up to 1820, four or five 
years perhaps, father J. George Daniel bought the southeast one-fourth 
section 22, Thorn, Perry count}-. Grandfather Daniel died in 
Pennsylvania, at the advance age of ninety-four. It was this grand- 
father Daniel that was the brother of grandmother Foster, wife of Rev. 
William Foster. J. George, who made the coffin for Rev. William, 
was theretbre a full cousin of grandmother Foster, by blood. This 
makes their children second cousins, and old Uncle Ben. Foster and 
his brothers and sisters were second cousins to the present George Dan- 
iel and his brothers and sisters, and the children of these are third 
cousins. In 1820 there were only thirty acres deadened on the farm. 
It had no buildings. The father of the present George Daniel lived on 
the farm fort}^ years, and died in i860. His wife died before that date, 
and her maiden name being Seitz, may interest others of the same 
name in Fairfield count}^ and elsewhere. The first marriage of George 
Daniel was in 1833, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Andrew, and sistet ■ 
of the present venerable George Smitii, of Hopewell. By this marriage 
there were four sons and two daughters ; one son died when a child. 
Jacob became the husband of Sophrona Dorris, Thorn ville post office ; 
Samuel, the husband of Eliza Chaney, Fredonia post office ; Levi, the 
husband of Martha From, Thorn ville post office ; Mary Elizabeth, be- 
came the wife of Samuel Rarick, farmer. Middleportpost office. Van 
Wert county, Ohio, and Miss Leah at home. The second marriage of 
George Daniel, was to Miss Elizabeth Troup, in 1848, December 12th, 
a daughter of Adam Trovip and a sister of the present Israel Troup, of 
Hopewell. The children by this marriage are two sons — Noah, who be- 
came the husband of Miss Martha, daughter of Harrison Lyle, of Thorn. 
He is a farmer, and his post office is Thornville. The other son, George 
W., became the husband of Miss Mary K. Lyle, a sister of Martha, the 
above name. To go back to 185 1, or 1852, the present venerable George 
Daniel, bought the then home farm of his father, who, with his aged 
wife, retired to a small farm oi forty acres, in the same neighborhood. 
The price agreed was $4,000, one thousand down, five hundred in one 
year and two hundred dollars a year until paid, and one-third the crop 
during his father's life time, making about $6,000, as it turned out. 
The head of Mr. Daniel is twenty-two inches ; height, five feet and sev- 
en inches ; weight, one hundred and sixty-five and up to one hundred 
and eighty-four pounds. He holds the original papers, dated 1805, or- 
ganizing Zion Church, and from him were obtained many interesting 
particulars, which appear under the head of Church History. He is Re- 
form in belief, and Democrat in politics. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 377 

Danison, Hiram, born 1829, a farmer, Glenford post office, Ohio, 
is a son of the late venerable James Danison, who came to Hopewell 
township from Maryland in 181 2, when his father, Jared Danison, set- 
tled on section fifteen. The sons of this old pioneer were William. 
Jared, Asa, Elisha and James, the father of Hiram Danison. The 
daughters were Elizabeth, wife of John Ward, and a Mrs. Petty. As 
late as the year 1830, James, in partnership with two brothers, purchased 
one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 16, forty of which fell to 
James, and is the same land on which he afterwards lived and died. 
Tradition, derived from the mother of Hiram, asserts that James worked 
on the National pike, and thereby earned the money with which to buy 
and pay for this first forty acres of land, the price of which was then 
$1.25 per acre, due perhaps to its rocky surface and the date of its pur- 
chase, and the fift}^ cents per day earned by labor. James Danison died 
in 1864, owning- one hundred acres of land, leaving his widows whose 
maiden name was Dorcus Wilson, an aunt of Jeremiah Wilson, residing on 
section 21, Hopewell, with one son, Hiram, and one daughter, Mrs. 
Harriet Walser, wife of Jefferson Walser, Glenford post office, Ohio. 
Hiram has added twenty acres to the old homestead, comprising two 
hundred acres, of which his sister obtained seventy-five acres, leaving 
him one hundred and twenty-five acres at this time. His first wife, 
and also the mother of all his children, was Miss Rebecca Wilson, 
daughter of John Wilson, w^ho died in 1865. Her children are Clara- 
rissa, widow of Ezra Plane, (killed by accident) ; Allie, wife of John 
Plane, Chalfants post office ; Martha, wife of E. W. Cooperider,Thornyille 
post office ; Jane, wife of John Beard, Mount Perry post office, and Miss 
Ida. Hiram Danison married a second wife, Miss Huldah Heck, 
daughter of Henry Heck, late of Reading township. Mr. Danison has 
just returned from a visit to Richmond, Virginia, to inspect some of the 
wonderful bargains in land, and houses advertised in that vicinity of 
Virginia since the Rebellion. He professes himself well pleased with 
the prospects for capital invested and says if he moves there he wishes 
to take as much of old Perry with him as he can. 

Danison, Jefferson, Monday Creek township, farmer, Maxville, 
Ohio, was born April 8, 1853, in Monday Creek township, son of Jared 
and Elizabeth (Ward) Danison. Mr. Danison was raised a farmer, 
and has made agricultural pursuits the business of his life to this time. 
Was married October 19, 1876, to Matilda, daughter of Thomas and 
Sophia (Huston) Kennedy. They are the parents of two children, 
viz. : Sophia Bell and Elsie M. Mr. Danison was elected trustee of 
the township in the spring of 1882. 

Darst & Ream, hardware. Began the business in 1879, '" ^'^^ 
room across the street. They now occupy the old Leavitt building on 
the south side of Main street, west of the square. They deal in hard- 
ware, agricultural implements, buggies, lumber, etc. 

Daugherty, John, Pike township, farmer, Maholm post office, 
Ohio, was born December 24, 1816, in the city ot" Baltimore, Maryland, 
son of Constantine and Bridget (Porter) Daughert3^ Was raised a 
farmer, and has made agricultural pursuits the business of his life to the 
present time. Mr. Daugherty came to Ohio with his father at the age 
of seven years, who settled in Jackson township, this count^s where he 



378 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

purchased a farrri that adjoins the one now owned by John, his son, and 
subject of this sketch where he lived to the time of his death, which occur- 
red in April of i860. Mr. Daugherty's parents were born in Ireland, where 
they were married, and after which they emigrated to America in the 
year 181 1, landing in Baltimore, Maryland, where they lived seven 
years, and in all, lived twelve years in Maryland. After coming to 
Ohio his lather gave all attention to agricultural pursuits. Mr. Daugh- 
erty, the subject of this sketch, lived with his father, taking charge of 
the home farm until he was thirty-two years of age, when his father 
gave him eighty acres of land of the home place, where he built a house 
and where he lived twenty-one years, when he purchased the Mac- 
Gahan farm, and moved into the house where Janarius A. McGahan, 
author of "Campaign on the Oxus," "The Fall ofKihva" and "Under 
the Northern Lights," was born, where he now lives. He owns two 
hundred and live acres of land in range 15, in section 19, one hundred 
and twenty-four and one-half acres, and eighty acres in section 30, 
Pike township. Mr. Daugherty was township clerk in Jackson town- 
ship five years, and assessor of same township four years, and in 1875 
was candidate for County Representative before the Democratic con- 
vention. Was married April 26, 1846, to Miss Ann McGreevy, born 
November 10, 1819, in Washington county, Pennsylvania, daughter of 
James and Elizabeth (Carroll) McGreevy. They are the parents ot 
eight children, viz. : James, born April 22, 1847, and married to Cath- 
arine Goodwin ; Bridget, born July 26, 1848, and married to Henry 
Robbin : Elizabeth, born August 5, 1850, and died November 3, 1877 ; 
Mary, born September 23, 1852, and died May 4, 1876 ; Sarah A., born 
December 24, 1854, married to Patrick Hennesy ; Philip, born March 6, 
1857, coal operator at Bristol Station, this county ; John J., born Feb- 
ruary 17, 1859, ^t home, and Constantine T., born December 19, 1861, 
at home. When Mr. Daugherty first came to this county, it was prin- 
cipally a woodland, and southward there was no dwelling for six miles 
distant. There was plenty of deer, wolves and turkey, and those were 
the days of buckskin pantaloons and moccasins. 

Davis, G. R., Pike township, New Lexington, Ohio, carpenter,was 
born Januarv 2, 1821, in Maryland, son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Es- 
secks) Davis. Mr. Davis was raised a farmer, and followed agricul- 
tural pursuits for some ten or twelve years after he become of age. He 
was married March 24, 1842, to Rebecca, daughter of John and Ann 
(Guinn) Whips, of Perry county, Ohio. They are the parents of eight 
children, who are living, viz. : Ann, Jane, John,Letha, Lydia, Susan, 
Thomas J., and Sarah Ellen, and four dead, viz.: Martha, Elizabeth, 
Mary and William. Mr. Davis came to Belmont county, Ohio, in 
1827, and ten years later to Perry county, of which he has remained a 
resident up to the present time, at first farming, and afterward running 
an engine of his own from 1852 to 1856, and afterward one at Sulphur 
Spring grist mill for three years, from that he took up the carpenter 
trade, working one year, when he went to Athens, Ohio, where he run 
an engine until the breaking out of the Rebellion of 1861, at this time 
enlisting in Company H, Twenty-second Regiment O. V. L, serving 
three months, when he re-enlisted in Company G, Eighteenth Regi- 
ment, O. V. L, of which Company he was Fourth Sergeant. He re- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 379 

mained in the service about sixteen months, and was discharged because 
of disability by heart disease. He now Hves in New Lexington, and 
owns, besides the house he Hves in, three acres in northwestern part of 
Real Estate addition. 

Davey, William, Mayor, Shawnee, Ohio, was born December 2, 
1841, in the Parish of St. Neots, Cornwall county, England; son of 
Joseph and Anne (Skewes) Davey. He served about five years in 
the British Navy. Three years of this service was on the west coast of 
Africa. When about twenty-three years of age he came to America, 
and located in Athens county, Ohio, where he made his home until 
about 1868. He enlisted in 1864 in the i8th O. V. I., and served to 
the close of the war. He was elected Mayor of Shawnee, Ohio, in 
April, 1876, and is now serving his third consecutive term. Mayor 
Davey was elected Justice of the Peace in the fall of 1877, ^"^ is now 
serving his second term. He was married December 25, 1867, to Miss 
Cecelia, daughter of William E. and Elizabeth Roberts, of Jackson 
county, Ohio. 

Davis, David E., collier, Shawnee, Ohio, was born February 10, 
1828, in Carmarthenshire, Wales ; son of Samuel and Margaret (Old- 
ham) Davis. Mr. Davis was raised in Carmarthenshire, and remained 
there until he was about fifteen years of age, when he went to Glamor- 
ganshire, where he learned the puddler trade, or what in Amrica is 
called boiler in rolling mill, where he remained about eight years, at 
which time he was chosen foreman of a rolling mill at Llandaft', remain- 
ing three years, and afterward of a rolling mill at Workington for two 
years, from where he went to Aberdare, running a coal shaft engine for 
three years. Emigrated to America, and landed in New York, Octo- 
ber 6, 1857, going directly to Covington, Kentucky, where he was em- 
ployed at his trade for a few months, and has been engaged as follows : 
Minersville, Meigs county, Ohio, mining coal, sixteen years, from 
which place he came to Shawnee, Ohio, in April of 1875, where he has 
remained up to this time, and has been engaged as a miner, except two 
years he was check-weighman. Mr. Davis was married August, 1850, 
to Elizabeth, daughter of Robert and Margaret (Pugh) Lloyd, of 
Glamorganshire, Wales. They are the parents of two children, now 
living, viz. : Samuel E. and John L., and six deceased, viz. : Robert, 
William, David, Thomas, Mary Jane and Maggie. While living in 
Meigs county he was school director twelve years, and is at this time 
township trustee and cemetery trustee of this place. 

Davis, David, superintendent Ore mines, Shawnee, Ohio, was born 
in April, 1840, in Llanboidy, Carmarthenshire, Wales ; son of John 
and Mary (Davis) Davis. Was raised in his native shire to the age of 
twelve years, when he went to the coal regions at Aberdare, Glamor- 
ganshire, and was employed as a driver in the mines until i860. At 
this time he emigrated to America, leaving Liverpool in February, and 
landing in New York April 3, i860. From New York he went direct 
to Coshocton, Ohio, and engaged as miner, and was mine boss for four 
3'^ears at his uncle James Davis' coal mine. In 1864 he began boating 
on the Ohio canal, running from Newark, Ohio, to Clev^eland, Ohio, 
which he continued eight years, and owned the boat called the " Three 
Brothers." At the end of this time he came to Shawnee, in August of 



380 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

1872, where he has been employed as follows: Hauling coal out of 
Shawnee Valley coal mine, one year ; superintendent of drivers for 
Newark Coal Company, until September, 1876, and at that time he, in 
partnership with T. J. Davis, of Newark, Ohio, contracted to deliver 
twenty thousand tons of iron ore from Iron Point to the XX furnace, 
which contract they completed in eighteen months from the date of com- 
mencement. At this time, December of 1873, he was employed as 
superintendent of the iron ore mines at Iron Point, by the XX Coal and 
Iron Ore Company, which position he s^ill holds. He owns eighty-six 
acres of land in Trimble township, Athens county, Ohio, with twelve 
feet vein of coal, and a three feet vein of iron ore, the dwelling in which 
he lives, and one-half interest in the new Upson Coal Company store 
building. He has been a member of the school board for the past three 
years in this place. Mr. Davis was married in December of 1855 ^^ 
Anna Davis, of Carmarthenshire, Wales. He was married in Aber- 
dare, Wales. They became the parents of the following children, viz. : 
Benjamin John, James Howard, William, Mary Jane, Sarah Ann, 
Dora, Belle and Thomas (deceased). Mrs. Davis departed this life 
Februar}^ 3, 1882, and is buried in Shawnee cemetery. 

Davis, J. W., grocer, Shawnee, Ohio ; was born December 8, 185 1, 
in Morgan county, Ohio ; son of Samuel and MarA^ (Keever) Davis. 
Mr. Davis was brought up on a farm, and followed agricultural pursuits 
up to 1874, at which time he came to Shawnee, Ohio, where he engaged 
as a teamster, following that occupation for about two 3^ears, and tlien 
began t.o dray, and followed that for about five years, when an acci- 
dent occurred by which he broke his ankle, which so disabled him 
that he was obliged to abandon that business, and has established 
himself in a retail family grocery store, where he is in business at this 
time. Was married April 13, 1S69, to Mar\^ J., daughter of James 
Devit, of Morgan county, Ohio. They are the parents of three chil- 
dren, viz. : Madgie, Charles C, and Bertie Estella. 

Davis, Samuel E., contractor, Shawnee, Ohio, was born April 13, 
1852, in Monmouthshire, Wales ; son of David E. and Elizabeth (Loyd) 
Davis. His father lived about three or tour years in Aberdiaire, Eng- 
land, previous to coming to America. Emigrated June 10, 1859, land- 
ing in New York, whence he went to Minersville, Meigs count}', 
Ohio, where Samuel E., the subject of this sketch, made his home for 
thirteen 3^ears. and has been engaged as follows : While in Minersville, 
mining and driving in mines ; Jackson Company, at Star furnace, three 
months ; returned home ; Johnstown, Pennsylvania, three months, min- 
ing ; Raymond City, West Virginia, thirty days, mining ; returned 
home and went to Ironton, Ohio, in a skiff with three other men, a dis- 
tance of seventy miles, where he employed in a boiler yard six months ; 
Ironton tunnef, three months, driving in mine and mining ; again at 
home, and next came to Shawnee, Ohio, where has made his home to 
the present time. Since coming here he made a trip West into Illinois ; 
was also at Coshocton about two months, mining. He is engaged at 
this time bv a contract with the New York Furnace Company, deliver- 
ing: coal for its use, which he has followed for the last three vears, and 
previous to this laid track in mine, clerked thirteen months, and owned 
a grocer}^ store at one time in this place. He now owns the property 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUMY. 3S1 

in which he Hves, at 132 Ehn street. He is u member of the town 
Council, and is Past Worthy Chief of Good Templars Lodge in this 
place; clerk of Fire Department; and recording secretary, trustee 
and treasurer of the Welch Congregational Church of this place. 
Was married January i, 1873,10 Catharine, daughter of David and 
Mar\' (Reese) Reese. They are the parents of four children, yiz. : 
Mary Elizabeth, Margaret, David S. and Rachel. 

Davy, George C, merchant, Shawnee, Ohio ; was born Septem- 
ber 16. 1847, in Zanesville, Ohio; son of William C. and Sarah J. (Al- 
lan) Davy. Mr. Dav^^'s father was a merchant in Zanesville, Ohio, for 
about two years, and from there he went to Brownsville, Licking coun- 
ty, Ohio, where he engaged in the same business, and remained in it 
some three or four years, at which time he engaged in the hotel business, 
in which he continued up to the breaking out of the late war, when he 
enlisted and served in his countr3"'s cause. Upon his i^eturn from said 
service, he again entered the hotel business, in which he has continued 
up to the present time. Mr. Davy, the subject of this sketch, at the 
age" of tifteen years, engaged as a clerk with his uncle in Roseville, 
Muskingum county, Ohio, where he remained employed for about two 
years, when he returned to Brownsville, where he clerked for one 
Brown, who was engaged in mercantile business ; also for one Bell, in 
the same kind of business, remaining with both for some length of time. 
Next he went to Hebron, Licking county, Ohio, remaining about one 
year, when he again returned to Brownsville. Concluding to better his 
business education, he now takes a course of study at the Zanesville 
Commercial College, after which he went to Shawnee and employed 
as a clerk with the tirm of Alf. & All. Krumm, where he remained 
about three years : at the end of this time buying out the tirm with 
\^ hom he was engaged, and went into business for himself, where he has 
remained up to this time, and is enjoying a good general merchandise 
business. Mr. Davy was married December 29, 1878, to Miss Clara, 
daughter of P. P. and Rose Comisford of Licking county, Ohio. 
They are the parents of two childrsn, viz. : Nellie and Blanche. 

Deaver, Jonas B., retired farmer, Rendville, Ohio; was born Oc- 
tober 23, 1816, in Muskingum county, Ohio ; son of Jonas and Susanna 
(Hoover) Deaver, a native of Maryland. His paternal ancestr\^ is 
• English and French : his maternal, German. Mr. Deaver, the subject 
of this sketch, was brought up on a farm, but in earl}^ life learned the 
tanner's trade, which he followed about twenty-five years. Also taught 
school a number of terms. In more mature life preached the gospel. 
He also is a chairmaker. Mr. Deaver was married October 27, 1836, 
to Miss Sarah, daughter of Michael and Catharine (O'Harrah) Long- 
streth of Deavertown, Perry county. Ohio. They are the parents of 
ten children, viz. : Henr}' H., mortally wounded at the battle of Chat- 
tanooga. I'ennessee, September 19, 1863, and died on the 26th of the 
same month ; Michael L., married to Margaret Talbott : David Felton, 
died in infancy; Catharine E., married to William P. Weaver; Jonas 
N., married to Hester Shotwell : Francis G., married first to Sarah E. 
Keeran, and second to Amanda E. Sherick ; Erastus M., died when a 
child; Thomas E., married to Harriett Groves; Sarah J,, married to 
George E. Murphy, deceased ; and John W. F. Mr. Deaver is an old 



382 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

pioneer of Monroe township, having Hved forty-six years in his present 
residence. About the year 1832 his father-in-law entered the land where 
Rendville is located. Mr. Weaver subsequentl}- became owner of the 
farm. He began for himself in life with no financial aid, but by faith- 
ful, honest industry, he obtained an ample competence for himself and 
family by an intelligent and moral life, exerted an influence of great 
good in his community. 

Deaver, Uriah H., Buckingham, Ohio, was born January 9th, 
185 1, in Morgan county, Ohio ; son of David H. and Sarah Jane (Vest) 
Deaver, of English ancestry. The doctor was brought up on a farm ; 
began teaching school at twenty-two, and taught seven terms ; began 
the study of medicine in 1880, and attended the Starling Medical Col- 
lege at Columbus. He, with Dr. Kochenderfer, began practice at Buck- 
ingham, Ohio, in the spring of 1882. Dr. Deaver was married July 3, 
1873, to Miss Jane, daughter of Ephraim and Eliza (McKeever) Koontz, 
of Bearfield township. They are the parents of three children, viz. : 
Leotha, Emma L., and Beulah J. 

Deaver, William E., farmer. Pleasant township ; post office, Mox- 
ahala ; son of Abraham and Esther (McCaslon) Deaver His paternal 
ancestors were Welsh, and his maternal ancestors were Irish. His pa- 
rents came to Morgan county in 1831, and located near Deavertown, 
that town being named after the Deavers. His father resides there now ; 
his mother died in 1864. The subject of this sketch left home when 
twenty-one years of age, took a trip West and returned and learned the 
carriage making trade. He next moved on the farm, one hundred and 
sixty acres, where he now resides. He married Evaline Rose of Bear- 
field township. They are the parents of the following named children : 
Charles, deceased; Ellsworth, Willie, Carrie, Esther and Millie. 

Delong, J. B., farmer; post oflSce, Crooksville ; born in this coun- 
ty in 1817 ; son of Isaac and Nancy (Bowers) Delong ; married in 1841, 
to Miss Sarah J. Taylor, daughter of Thomas and Mary A. Taylor. 
They are the parents of twelve children, viz. : Susan, Nancy, J. Wm., 
deceased; Mary R., George, James F., Sarah, Catharine, Isaac, de- 
ceased ; Francis, deceased ; Thomas, deceased ; John, deceased. Mr. 
Delong is notary public at present. He served as County Commis- 
sioner some twelve years, and as Justice of the Peace about twenty 
3'^ears. 

Delong, T. J., farmer and carpenter ; postoflSce, Rehoboth ; born 
in Ohio, in 1818 ; settled in this county about the year 1833; son 
of Edward and Rachel (Baker) Delong. The former died about 
the year 1846, the latter in 1855. Mr. Delong's parents are of French 
and Irish descent. Grandson of George and Jane (Ward) Delong; 
grandson of Tilman and Mary (McName) Barker. Mr. Delong 
was married in 1847, to Miss Secalia Snider, daughter of Jacob and 
Elizabeth Snider. They are the parents of eight children, viz. : Jacob, 
deceased ; Francis, deceased ; Elizabeth, deceased ; William, deceased ; 
Albert, Liddie, Lil. 

Delong, Philip B., farmer and stock raiser, Clayton township ; 
post ofiice. Buckeye Cottage ; born in Perry county in 1833 ; son of 
Isaac and Nancy (Bower) Delong. The former was born December 
22d, 1779, the latter April 5th, 1788. The former died April 6th, 1842, 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 383 

the latter in 1864. The parents of the subject of this sketch were mar- 
ried April 17th, 1808. Mr. Delong's father entered the land now 
owned by the subject of this sketch, in 1823. The subject of this sketch 
is the youngest of a family of eight children, two of whom are still liv- 
ing. He purchased the homestead in 1865. 

Denny, Isaac, New Lexington, Clayton township, Ohio ; farmer ; 
was born March 20, 1817, in Bedford county, Pennsylvania; son of 
Isaac and Ester (Gordon) Denny. Mr. Denny lived in his native 
State until 1854, when he came to Perry county, Ohio, where he now 
lives. While in Pennsylvania he was engaged in wagoning and stage 
coach driving, but upon coming to Ohio he engaged in agricultural 
pursuits, which he has followed up to this present time. He was mar- 
ried July I7,«i837, to Mary Jane, daughter of Jacob and Nancy (Mc- 
Donald) Richards, of Somerset county, Pennsylvania, who departed 
this life July 6, 1881, aged sixty-one years. They are the parents of 
nine children, of whom Robert, William. Charlotte, Ella, Jacob, and 
John are living, and Isaac Newton, Jennie and infant are deceased. 
Mr. Denny is nicely situated upon his own farm, and has a full suf- 
ficiency for an old age, which he bids fair to see. Few in life are so 
prosperous who are dependent, as was he, upon their own efforts. 

Denny, W. B. ; post office, Rehoboth ; farmer and stock raiser; 
boi-n in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, in 1845 ; came to Perry 
county in the year 1855 ' ^^^ ^^ Isaac and Mary J. (Richards) Denny ; 
grandson of Isaac and Ester Denny, and of Jacob and Agnes 
(McDonald) Richards ; married in 1867 to Miss Anna S. Ogborn, 
daughter of Joseph and Susan (Usher) Ogborn. They are the parents 
of three children, viz. : Rosa K., Emma J., and James N. Mr. Denny 
enlisted in the army in the fall of 1861, in Company C, Sixty-second 
O.V.I. Mr. Denny's regiment was in the following engagements: 
Winchester, Port Republic, Black Water, Morris Island, Fort Wagner, 
Petersburg, Walthall Junction, Virginia, Deep-Bottom, Deep Run, and 
Darby town. 

Dew, Andrew J., Monroe township ; farmer ; post office. Corning, 
Ohio ; was born in Bearfield township. Perry county, Ohio, August 
28th, 1842 ; son of Andrew and Mary Ann (Getty) Dew. Mr. Dew 
was brought up on a farm until eighteen years of age, when he volun- 
teered, August 4th, 1861, in Company A, Thirty-first O. V. I., and did 
duty with his regiment until September 19th, 1863, when he received a 
musket wound in the leg at the battle of Chickamauga. This wound 
caused amputation of the leg a necessity. Mr. Dew was married Sep- 
tember 25th, 1870, to Miss Nancy Jane, daughter of Jesse A. Wilson, 
Hartleyville, Athens county. They became the parents of one child — 
Elton lona. Mrs. Dew died July 28th, 1872. Mr. Dew was married 
the second time April ist, 1875, to Mary Jane Latta. They are the 
parents of four children, namely: Devine Dudley, Silvia S., Odis O., 
and Roe Roy. 

Dick, S. C, born April 27, 1817 ; married to Sarah Jones, January 
22, 1843 ; died May 20, 1876. After his marriage he lived entirely in 
Reading township. Perry County, Ohio, except nine years that he re- 
sided in Clayton township. Began his married life with only a small 
portion of this world's goods, but by teaching for twenty-seven winters 



384 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

and farming in the summer he accumulated a property estimated to be 
worth $15,000 in hind and chattels, free of all debts, which he was never 
hasty to incur. His married children are Mattie, married to David T. 
Shaw, near Bremen, Fairfield county, a farmer, and Sarah, married to 
James A. Biggs, near Junction, in Perry county. The single children 
are John Weslev. the executor of his father's will ; Jehu Brook Jones, 
Grafton Findley, Thomas Wilson, and Hattie E., all of whom reside 
with their mother at the family homestead, Stephen C. Dick's example 
and sviccess in life, working on the farm in summer, and teaching 
twenty-seven winters, prove that all the great, and good, and useful 
men are not bred to professions, or selected to make and execute the 
laws. He repeatedly sat down in the morning, and before closing his 
eyes to sleep, had the Clayton township assessor's book ready for the 
Count}'^ Auditor the next day. Mrs. Dick's memory, like her physical 
frame, is strong and healthful. In 1824 her father emplo3^ed one Karsh- 
ner to hew puncheons for the kitchen floor. Karshner employed Wil- 
liam Williams, afterwards esteemed the richest man in Perr}' count}-, 
to assist at 37 cents per da^^ The floor wore smooth and soon became 
not only useful but even beautiful. 

Dickson, Alexander, born March 23, 1826, farmer and carpenter, 
post office, Rushville, O., son of David Dickson, and grandson of Mar- 
tin Dickson, who was a native of county Kent, Ireland, and came to 
America late in the eighteenth century, after which his marriage to a 
German wife gave to their descendants an Irish-German parentage. 
David, the father of Alexander Dickson, and his wife Mary Ann Cover, 
cousin of John and Lawrence Cover, came with their family to Ohio in 
1830 from Fayette county, Pennsylvania. Beside David and his wife, 
there came with them their sons, Alexander, Samuel A.. James H., 
and David Dickson, and their daughters, Margaret and Mary Ann, 
wife of Levi Downhour, all now residents of Reading township, post 
office, Avelon. Alexander was married in 1852 to Miss Ann Elizabeth 
Bryson, a sister to Dr. Bryson, of Millersport. The Dicksons all be- 
long to the Brethren church except Margaret, who is a Presbyterian, 
and David, who is a Methodist. One brother, Martin, remained in 
Pennsylvania, and one, Searight, moved to Holt county. Missouri. On 
the death of father Dixon, his large farm was divided among his child- 
ren by partition, and this arrangement gave pleasant but not extensive 
farms to the heirs, and is believed to be far better for them than a sale 
and subsequent investment in cash at that time. 

DiLTZ, Milton, was born January 10. 1830, in Fairfield county, 
Ohio, post office, Thorn ville ; is by occupation a farmer, but being gen- 
erally ingenious he works with the anvil, the plane, at edge tools, and 
other mechanical pursuits. His son Charles seems to have inherited 
these mechanical gifts and has produced some useful and very beautiful 
articles of furnitiu'e for use at home, and an elder son, Frank, now mar- 
ried, also manifested the same genius in wood working. These sons 
were reared (as all boys should be), to the use of tools, and inherit the 
skill and adaptabilit}^ of their maternal grandfather ^ Benjamin Foster, 
and also of their father, Mr. Diltz. George Foster, uncle of Mrs. Diltz, 
also was distinguished for his mechanical skill. On the Diltz side also 
this same natural adaptation to mechanics not onl)- exists, but there is 



HISTORY OI* PERRY COUNTY. . 385 

added thereto a disposition to read, investigate, criticise, and tind truths 
in art, science, mechanics and philosophy in general. " Let us inquire," 
is the motto. Nothing is taken tor truth that will not stand the test of 
reason and of criticism. Milton's father was Cornelius, and his grand- 
father was George Diltz, and is of Scotch, German, French and Eng- 
lish extraction. His grandmother's maiden name was Sarah Crell, 
whose brotlier, George Crell, then a lawyer, was one of the thirteen pall 
bearers at the funeral of the great George Washington, the father of his 
country. Tlie pall bearers were all of the name of George, and their 
number corresponded to the thirteen colonies. His motlier's maiden 
name was Jaques (Jakes), whose father was John Milton Jaques, who 
lost his life bv accidental drowning while going to or coming from a 
school he was teaching. His mother died at the age of twenty-nine, 
when Milton, her son, was only nine years of age, and she w^as buried 
in Salem. Milton was married February, 1856 to Miss Eliza A., daugh- 
ter of the late venerable Benjamin Foster, who was the last surviving 
child of Rev. William Foster, of Perry count}^, and who died in 
1815. Except a residence of six years in Whitley county, Indiana, they 
have lived in Thorn township, section 28, where the}^ have ever since 
resided. Their children are Frank, married to a daughter of John 
Christ ; Charles, and Miss Lizzie at home. He has land in Tama county, 
Iowa ; has built him a beautitul new house, from which a steeple two 
and a half miles distant from Thornville can be seen, and northward 
"the high lands of Licking bound the horizon. His head is twenty-three 
inches in circumference ; his weight, one hundred and sixt}^ pounds : 
height, live feet nine inches ; his hair is auburn ; his speech slow and 
deliberate, and in hospitality, inteiligence, and solid virtues of good citi- 
zenship he has no superior and few equals. On section 27, Thorn, 
upon the great ridge dividing the waters of Rush creek, Walnut creek 
and Honey creek, a well was sunk thirty-two feet in depth, when a ce- 
dar or pine trunk of a sapling was found. It is in possession of Milton 
Diltz, section 28 ; is three and one-half inches in diameter, retains the 
bark, shows the heart, and the knots running into it plainly. The well 
was farther sunk to the depth of tifty-six feet without fmding any more 
fossils, and was again filled up for lack of water found in it. Mr. Diltz 
witnessed a falling of meteors, November 14, 1868, an account of which 
he read before a society, and which is reproduced in this volume. 

DiMOND Daniel, Jackson township, Maholm post office, Ohio ; far- 
mer and stone mason ; was born November 20, 18:2. in Cambria 
county, Pennsylvania ; son of John and Elizabeth (Dempsey) Dimond. 
Was raised upon a farm to the age of 14 3'ears, when he went to the 
stone mason trade, which he followed for 30 years. During the sum- 
mer season, and during the winter season, was engaged in farm work, 
and since the expiration of the 30 3'ears has given much attention to 
agricultural pursuits, but still worked some at his trade. Came to Ohio 
in April of 1834, with his father, who lived in Thorn township one ^^ear, 
Jackson township one year, Pike township three years, Clayton town- 
ship one year, and again moved into Jackson township, where he con- 
tinued his residence up to the time of his death, which occurred 
in December, 1844. Daniel lived with his father until he was twenty 

years of age, when he began business for himself', and has been engaged 
35 



386 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

at the following places : Marietta, three months on river dam ; Hock- 
ing canal, abowt three months on locks ; Zanesville, three months on 
Catholic church ; in vicinity of New Lexington, tive or six years in all 
and at different times ; on Catholic church in Jackson township, one 
summer ; at St, Joseph's College, one summer ; Catholic church at Mc- 
Luney, one summer ; Catholic church in Somerset, one summer ; court 
house in New Lexington, one summer ; Knox county, Ohio, on bridges, 
one season ; remainder of mason work was done principally in Pike 
and Jackson townships. In 1848 he bought a farm of forty acres, a part 
of which Dicksonton is now built upon, which he sold in 1852 and pur- 
chased the farm he now lives upon, containing eighty acres, which had 
a hewed log house upon it, and which he has supplanted by a fine brick 
mansion, in which he now lives. Was married May 24, 1842, to Mary 
McGahan, born December i, 1822, in Pike township, this county, 
daughter of James and Francis (Brown) McGahan. They are the 
parents of eleven children, viz. : Frances, now in Knox county, Ohio ; 
John, married to Julia Ward ; Sarah, married to John Minaugh ; James, 
married to Margaret Ankney ; Mary, now in New Mexico ; Patrick, 
married to Sarah Cochran ; Mathias, in New Mexico with Mary ; 
Catharine, in Knox county, Ohio ; William, in Knox county, Ohio; 
Daniel and Monica at home. Mr. Dimond's grandfathers Dimond and 
Dempsey were early settlers in America, and lived to good, ripe years. 
Mrs. Dimond can remember when deer were plenty, and the wolves 
chased the dogs around the house at night time, and knew of a lady, by 
the name of Hite, shooting a panther from the window of her dwelling. 
Mrs. Dimond is a half sister to Janarius A. McGahan, author of 
the " Campaign on the Oxus," " The Fall of Khiva," and " Under the 
Northern Lights." 

DiTTOE, Peter, deceased ; born July i8th, 1793, in Maryland ; died 
Julv 30th, 1868, at Moimt Harrison, near Somerset. Came to Ohio in 
1802; served as a volunteer in the war of 1812; was a leading and 
successful merchant in Somerset, from 1813 to 1839; married July 4th, 
1817, to Miss Ann Spurk, daughter of Peter Spurk, of Chillicothe, 
Ohio. They had eleven children, of whom eight survive. He was 
recorder of the county, postmaster under John Qiiincy Adams, Jack- 
son and Van Buren ; though a staunch Whig, and the devoted 
friend of Clay and Ewing. Without ever having seen an or- 
gan, and unaided, except from the books, he constructed an 
organ for the Catholic church in Somerset, over fift}' years ago, which 
is still used there, and which sounded the solemn requiem at his 
funeral. He was a close student, a great reader, possessed of ster- 
ling integrity, a devout Catholic, an esteemed citizen, a kind parent, 
and valued friend. When he and his wife had lived happily for fifty 
years, their golden wedding was celebrated at Mount Harrison, the 
building on which was erected in 1839. The eight surviving children 
are : Elizabeth, married, first, to Joseph Elder, of Emmitsburg, Mary- 
land, one son ; second, to Bernard Wagner, lawyer, Evansville, Indi- 
ana, one son ; Cecelia, married to Martin F. Scott, merchant, of Somer- 
set ; Francis R., married, farmer, died in Jackson county, Iowa, leav- 
one son and one daughter; Lewis H., married, owner stock ranch, 
Idaho, one son ; George M., editor, five sons and one daughter, New- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 387 

port, Kentucky; William T., married, lawyer, Davenport, Iowa; 
Gertrude, marrfed to E. D. Wiseman, Peoria, Illinois, merchant, one son ; 
Peter, Jr., married, farmer, residing at the old homestead, Movmt Har- 
rison. 

Peter Dittoe, Jr., raised a farmer, left home at the age of nine- 
teen, learned telegraphing ; took position in St. Louis as tuner and 
repairer of pianos and organs, afterwards in Cincinnati in the same 
position, and aiter four 3'ears thus spent, he began business on his own 
account. After trying his business in Covington and Baltimore, he 
settled in Evansville, Indiana, in 1872, where he became eminently 
successful, and in 1879 ^^ returned to Mount Harrison, saved it from 
going into the hands of strangers, and is making it his home. Novem- 
ber 2ist, 1867, he was united in marriage to Mary Aloysia Zinn, daugh- 
ter of Peter Zinn, of Wheeling, West Virginia. It seldom happens 
that so young a rnan, starting out in life when only nineteen, succeeds 
in achieving sufficient means to purchase so fine an estate, and retiring 
so earl}' from active life, surrounded with so many of its real comforts 
and means of happiness. 

Dittoe, Frank A., born May 9th, 1849, merchant, Somerset, Ohio. 
On his birth day, 1882, was married to Miss Mary E., daughter of Hon. 
W. E. Finck, of Somerset. His father was Jacob Dittoe, a native of 
Lancaster county, Penns3'lvania, who came to Somerset with Frank's 
grandfather, Joseph Dittoe, in 1813. The great grandfather, whose 
name was also Joseph, came from Alsace, France, where the name is 
spelled De Toe. Jacob Dittoe had an uncle John, who went to the 
State of New York, — Francis, who died in Pickaway county, Ohio ; 
Anthony, who died in Perry county, Ohio ; Peter, who lived and died 
in Virginia, — all of whom were brothers of Joseph Dittoe, the grand- 
father of Frank. The mother of Jacob, and grandmother of Frank, 
was, in her maiden days, a Miss Helen Grimm. The uncles of Frank 
A. Dittoe were: John, a farmer of Perry, who died up in ninety years 
of age. in Perry count}^ Ohio ; Michael, a carpenter, who died single, 
in New Orleans, about the year 1829; Joseph, who was drowned in the 
Mississippi River a few years prior to the death of Micheal, and Anthony 
Dittoe, the youngest brother of Jacob, who died in Edgar county, Illi- 
nois. Frank's father, Jacob Dittoe, was married in 1826 to Miss Sarah 
Cain, by Rev. N. D. Young. The daughters born to this wedlock 
were: Sarah and Mary, of Washington, D. C, where the latter de- 
ceased ; Miss Lizzie and Eugenia, of Somerset, Ohio ; Margaret, wife 
of William Dittoe, a lawyer of Davenport, Iowa; and Cecelia, wife of 
Hon. T. P. Cox, of Lancaster, Ohio. The sons were: Frank A., the 
subject of this sketch, John, and William, who died at the family home- 
stead, in Somerset, sole and unmarried, and M. J. Dittoe, who went to 
the City of New York nearly thirty years ago, engaged as carpenter 
and architect, never married, and amassed a large fortune, which he 
divides liberally with his only surviving brother, Frank A., and the 
kindred of his household. In 1879 ^^^ writer obtained the following 
facts from the lips of Jacob Dittoe, then in his seventy-eighth year : 
There was not a house on Columbus street, Somerset, in 1813, 
and not one brick house in all the town. It had two taverns, and one 
dry goods store. Then, too, there was not a house in Zanesville from 



388 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

the present site of the court house there to the river bank — all commons, 
cow pasture, etc. Then Lancaster had but two dr}^ goods stores, and 
the "Ohio Eagle" newspaper, St. Joseph's being the first Catholic 
church in Ohio. There came thither, not only the sons and daughters 
of the church to worship, but to enter the holy bonds of wedlock. Then, 
as now, no loyal daughter of the church would marry Catholic or 
Protestant husband who refused to be united in wedlock by a priest of 
Mother Church. Here the elder Thomas Ewing, afterwards the great 
jurist, lawer, and statesman, of Lancaster, came to marry his wife, a 
Catholic daughter of Hugh Boyle, Clerk of Fairfield Common Pleas 
Court. Mr. Ewing had no notion of doing without a beautiful and 
charming wife because of such exacting rules of his wife's church, since 
these did not bind him to become a Catholic, but only the husband of a 
Catholic wife, which latter was agreeable to his preferences. It is a 
singular fact that the same priest, Rev. N. D. Young, who performed 
the marriage service, also performed the funeral service of^ this well 
known man. 

Donaldson, Wm. A., of the firm of Tussing & Donaldson, attor- 
neys-at-law. New Lexington, Ohio, was born December 21, 1853, in 
Hocking county, Ohio, son of Joshua and Catharine (Marlow) Donald- 
son. Young Donaldson was graduated at Denison University, at 
Granville, Ohio, in 1876. He began teaching school when about seven- 
teen, and taught three terms. In the spring of 1877 began reading law, 
and was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1878. Began practice with 
A. W. Scott, firm name, Scott & Donaldson, which was dissolved in 
September, 1880, when the present firm was formed. 

Donnelly, J. J., Justice of the Peace, Monroe township, Corning, 
Ohio; born December 21, 1831, in Reading township, Perry county, 
Ohio ; son of Hugh and Susannah (Galley) Donnelly. Hugh Donnelly 
is a native of county Tyrone, Ireland ; was born February 22, 1794, 
came to America in 182 1, and is now living in Perry county, Ohio. 
Susannah Galley was born in Maryland, of German ancestors. They 
became the parents often children, viz. : Mar3^ married to LeviSisler ; 
twins, died not named ; Susannah ; Joseph Patrick, married to Rose 
McGonnagle ; John Joseph, the subject of this sketch: Owen, died in 
childhood ; Catharine, married first to Patrick Daugherty, and second 
to David Webster ; Eliza, died in infancy ; Elizabeth, married to Elijah 
Blizzard. John Joseph, named before, was brought up on a farm, began 
teaching school at eighteen years of age, and taught thirt3'-nine terms. 
Has resided in Pike, Bearfield, Pleasant and Monroe townships. Perry 
county, Ohio, and one year in Miami county, Ohio. He enlisted May 
4, 1864, in Co. B, 1 60th Regt., O. N. G., and served four months. In 
1880 Mr. Donnelly discovered the greatest deposit of iron ore in 
Perry county, Ohio, one mile south of Oakfield, Pleasant township. He 
also has made several discoveries of valuable deposits of iron ore since. 
Mr. Donnelly was elected Justice of the Peace of Monroe township, this 
county, in May, 1881. Esquire Donnelly was married August 31, 
1858, to Miss Elizabeth Caroline, daughter of Patrick and Mary Ann 
(O'Ferry) Toole. They are the parents of five living children, viz. : 
Annie Isabel, Hugh Dessadarius, Philip A., Loretto Susannah, and 
John Sylvester. Patrick Toole was a native of the city of Cork, Ire- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 389 

land. Mary Ann O'Ferry was a native of County Donegal, Ireland. 

Drake, J. M., Monroe township, carpenter, Corning, Ohio; was 

born March 24, 1847, in Pennsville, Morgan county, Ohio; son of C. 

D. and Hannah (Rusk) Drake. Mr. Drake was brought up from four 
years of age to his twenty-first year in Ringold, Morgan county, Ohio, 
where he learned his trade, and' at the age of twenty-one years he went 
into business for himself. Was married January 7, 1869, to Miss Sarah 

E. Shell, who was born June 15, 1852, in Morgansville, Morgan county, 
Ohio; daiighter of John and Mary (Dawson) Shell. They are the 
parents of four children, viz. : Ara Ellen, Hannah Louisa, Patience 
Elizabeth and Austin Hermon. After his marriage he lived in Morgan 
count}', Ohio, for eleven 3^ears, when he moved to where he now lives 
May II, 1880. Mr. Drake's father was born in Alexandria county, 
Virginia, and came to Ohio at an early day and settled on Wolf creek, 
Morgan countv, where he lived up to the time of his death, September 
18, 1879. His mother, Hannah Rusk, was born in Perry count}-, Ohio, 
and moved into Morgan county when a child, where she lived to the 
time of her death, October 3,"^ 1875. ^^'- C. D. and Hannah Rusk 
Drake became the parents of ten children, viz. : Rachel D., married to 
Franklin Amos ; Sarah, died October 25, 1874, ^^^ married to Richard 
Williams : Matilda, luarried to John Hanesworth ; George E., died in 
Andersonville prison, August 12, 1864; H. D., died June 10, 1882, jn 
Corning ; J. M., the subject of this sketch ; Elizabeth J., first married 
to Asbury Kirkbridge, who died April 5, 1874; married the second time 
to Thomas Hamilton ; Lucy E., married to Charles Scott ; William C, 
died November 30, 1878, and Mary C, died September 2, 1875. 

Driver, Esther, Shawnee, Ohio, was born June 29, 1831, in Car- 
marthenshire, Wales; daughter of John and Ann (Hopkins) Jenkins. 
Mrs. Driver came to America in September of 185/, landing in New 
York and going thence via Syracuse to Meigs county, Ohio, where 
she joined her husband, James Driver, who had preceded her in emi- 
gration some four years. Mr. Driver had been a collier in Wales, and 
was engaged in mining at this place, which remained their home for 
fifteen years. Upon the breaking out of the Rebellioii he enlisted in 
Company A, Fourth Regiment, Va. V. L, servinghis full time, and was 
honorably discharged, returning home and moving to Shawnee in 
August of 1872, living here until February, 1875, when he departed 
this life, and was buried in the Shawnee cemetery. There were few 
houses in this place upon their coming, and they were obliged to take 
shelter in a barn, but now enjov a good frame dwelling for their home. 
Mrs. Driver was married May 30, 185 1, to James, son of James and 
Margaret (Bassett) Driver. Thev became the parents of six children, 
now living, viz. : Ann, Mary J., James, William, Elizabeth and Esther, 
and two who are deceased, Margaret and John. A peculiarity of the 
family is that only two of the children can see sufficiently to read. Some 
of the girls have been educated in the Blind Asylum, and have become 
proficient musicians, and give concerts, by which they are enabled to 
assist in obtaining a livelihood. 

Droege, Edward T., was born March 22, i8i7,in the city of Dub- 
lin, L^eland. His father was of German descent, and landed in Ireland 
as a soldier. Edward, at a tender age, came to America with two 



SgO BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

brothers and a sister, married to Lawrence Gill, who died in Philadel- 
phia. His father's name was Hardwick Droege, and his brothers were 
William, deceased in Philadelpeia ; John, who also died in Philadel- 
phia, after his discharge from service in the army. He has two sons 
living. At the age of seventeen Edward went to the saddler trade, 
and served over three years as an apprentice. Soon after he followed 
his brother John to New Orleans, on board a mail ship, starting Decem- 
ber 23, 1838, and found the climate, after getting into the gulf stream, 
extremely pleasant, and the voyage very agreeable, lasting twent3'-one 
days. He found his brother there as if by accident, and both being of 
the same trade, found their way back to Cincinnati, where they found 
an old shopmate of the same trade, by the name of Thornhill. They 
finally arrived in Somerset, and both obtained work ; John with Thomas 
Wiles, Edward with George M. Houser and John Poorman, now of 
Tiffin, Ohio, whose shops were located on the Dittoe corner, where Gen- 
eral Law had carried on the same business. At that date, February, 
1839, there were five saddler shops in Somerset, some of these em- 
ploying six workmen, of which H. C. Filler was one. Somerset then 
enjoyed the entire trade in saddler}^ for the whole county, and 'Squire 
McDonald, of Monroe township, was a customer. Edward Droege 
went to Zanesville to find the trunks he had left at Cincinnati, intend- 
ing to go on to Philadelphia, but the fact of not finding them brought 
him back to Somerset, where he has remained ever since. Four or 
five months afterward Peter Smith found the trunks at Newark by 
accident, and they were then hauled to Somerset. Much trade then 
went by wagon to Newark from Perry county. Edward worked as 
a journeyman saddler to the year 1845. He was married November 
22, 1840, to Cecelia R. Finck. They have living eight children — 
Mary ; Maria, married to Samuel Eder, residence Somerset ; Charles, 
married to Ellen McEntire, residence Indianapolis, Indiana ; Agnes ; 
Julia, married to John Slinger, residence Bogstown, Indiana; Edward, 
married to Emma Migga, Indianapolis, Indiana : Lucy, married to 
Edward Droege, residence Indianapolis ; Cecelia. Mr. Droege is 
a man of high character and persevering industry, and as an evi- 
dence of his sterling integrity, he has served nineteen years as 
township treasurer, and for many years also as town and school district 
treasurer, which offices he is still holding. He is found every day at 
his saddler shop, where the business is carried on under the firm and 
style of Droege & Frymute. No man in Somerset works more days in 
a year, or relies more exclusively on his labor for a livelihood, than 
Edward Droege. 

Duckworth, Ralph, collier, Shawnee, O. ; was born February 7, 
1856, in Steubenville, Ohio ; son of James and Ann Duckworth. Was 
removed from his native city during his infancy to Syracuse, Meigs 
county, Ohio, remaining with his father in that place until he was twen- 
ty years of age, from where he came to Shawnee, and where he has 
remained up to this time, with the exception of three months, when he 
took a trip to Niagara Falls, Buffalo, New York, and Saginaw, Michigan, 
from whence he made a seven weeks' trip on the lake, and from Sagi- 
naw returned home. Has been employed at different kinds of work in 
the mines since coming to the place. Mr. Duckworth was married De- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 39I 

cember 7th, 1876, to Isabel, daughter of Robert and Dorothy Kirton, of 
Missouri, near St. Louis, whose home, at the time of her marriage, 
was in Shawnee, Ohio. The}^ are the parents of one child living, viz. : 
James, and two deceased ; Daisy, and one who died in infancy. 

Duffy, Peter, was born in Madison county. New York, January 
8th, 1837 ; moved to Chapel Hill, Perry county, Ohio, in 1841 ; taught 
school in Monroe township from 1859 ^^ 1863. Was married in i860 
to Lydia S. Tinker. Moved to New Lexington in 1864, and engaged 
in the mercantile business with Ogle, Yeoman & Co., until 1866. Was 
elected to the office of Clerk of Courts in November, 1866, and filled 
that office until February, 1876. Soon after his election to this office, 
he bought an interest in the New Lexington Herald, and was one of 
the proprietors eight years ; first, under the firm name of Butler, Duffy 
& Meloy, afterwards Duffy, Green & Meloy ; and still later, Duffy & 
Meloy. After leaving the office of Clerk, he sold his interest in the 
Herald and engaged in mercantile business, in which he has been en- 
gaged ever since. He has been an active and influential worker in the 
Democratic party. 

DuNLAP, John, born June 28th, 1834, ^^ Muskingum county, Ohio; 
a working man, whose post office is Somerset, Ohio. His father, Adam 
Dunlap, a native of Virginia, died at Point Pleasant, Virginia, at the 
age of fift3^-eight years, a member of Compau}^ C, Thirteenth Virginia 
Infantr}^. The mother of John Dunlap was Lydia Bozman, eldest 
daughter of Benjamin and Priscilla Bozman, whose maiden name was 
Brady, and whose sister is the wife of Benjamin Norrisof New Lexing- 
ton. The grandfather of John was Josiah Dunlap, whose wife was 
Sarah Cox. The ancestry is Scotch-L"ish. John Dunlap enlisted in 
Company G, Fourth Regiment of West Virgfinia, afterward consoli- 
dated with the Second Veteran Virginia Infantr}-. He taught school in 
1856, andyvas married January r4th, 1858, to Miss Elmira, daughter of 
Thomas and Martha Davis, a native of Muskingum county, Ohio. 
Her parents went back to Virginia, when she was quite young. She 
has five sisters and two brothers. Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap have four 
children, all of whom are deceased. They have an adopted son, Wil- 
liam Benton Dunlap, whom they took at the age of two years. He is 
now past sixteen. A former playmate of Mr. Dunlap, Mr. John Laugh- 
lin, whose wife and three children are deceased, finds a welcome and 
happy home with the friend of his childhood. John Dunlap, who has been 
in twenty-seven battles for the Union, owes his life to his wife's presence 
when sick in hospital ; where she also was taken sick, sent home on a 
free pass from Colonel Lightburn, after which she renewed her devotion 
to the Union cause by attendance on the sick. John Dunlap was taken 
prisoner by Mosby, and with twenty-one others drew lots to decide 
which of these were to die. He was an inmate of Libby prison, and 
had the good luck to capture the rebel guerrilla. Captain Mobly. This 
Mobly had seven men, who would dress in blue uniform, assume duty 
on our picket lines and fix themselves for all kinds of mischief. This 
Mobly was the son of a widow whose residence overlooked the valley 
before, and sat at the foot of a mountain behind. Private John Dunlap 
was sent out to capture Mobly by strategy, a task to which he seems to 
have been fully equal, for he marched Mobly into camp at the point of 



392 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

the bayonet. The full particulars of this capture are extremely thril- 
ling, and exemplify the daring and address of the soldier and his cap- 
tive, but too lengthy for insertion here. He is always hospitable, and has 
a Virginia welcome to his visitors. His head is tv^entv-two and a fourth 
inches ; weight, one hundred and sixty-five to one hundred and ninety 
pounds : height, Hve feet, eleven and one-half inches. 

Dunn, John V., of the firm of Dunn & McTeague, druggists, 
Rendville, Ohio, was born Ma}^ 14, 1855, in Pike township. Perry 
county, Ohio; son of James and Elizabeth (Ward) Dunn, of Irish de- 
scent. John V. was brought up on the farm and taught school five 
years. In the spring of 1880, began the drug business at Junction City, 
Ohio, and established the present firm in the spring of 1882. 

DuNWOODY, Jacob, born 1818, in Lancaster county, Pennsyl- 
vania; post office, Thornville ; occupation, for forty years, shoe 
and boot maker. Son of James Dunwoody, a native of Ireland, and 
who married a Miss Margaret Sponhauer, a native of Pennsylvania, 
and of German descent. Both parents died in Pennsylvania. He had 
three brothers — one Levi, still living ; post office, Bareville, Pennsylva- 
nia ; John, who died near Pleasantville in 1839, and one who died young. 
He had an only sister, who also died young. Father James died at the 
age of fifty-eight years, after being a widower several years. Both pa- 
rents were Lutherns in belief^ Had he voted in 1840, the year he came 
to Ohio, Jacob would then have cast his ballot for General Harrison, be- 
lieving Van Buren to have been extravagant, as charged. In 1850 he 
was married to Miss Emsey, daughter of the late venerable Thomas 
Smith, a native of Virginia, and who was one of the earl}^ settlers in 
Somerset, Ohio. But two of the seven children of this marriage are 
now living, the others having died while 3^et in tender years. I'he sur- 
viving son is Thomas Dunwoody, for many years a clerk in the drv 
goods house of Seth Johnson, Glenfbrd, Ohio, for several years, and 
now the clerk of Hopewell township, and the husband of Nelia Graves, 
daughter of B. F. Graves of Somerset, a Virginian by birth, and, like 
the father of her husband, a shoemaker by occupation. The surviving 
daughter is Miss Anna, who is mistress of the homestead since the 
death of her mother in i860, since when her father has remained a wid- 
ower, carrying on a prosperous business in Thornville. Jacob Dun- 
woody has served his township as Justice of the Peace, Treasurer, etc., 
and no more faithful servant in these stations ever honored them by ac- 
ceptance and service. He never used strong drink except in modera- 
tion, never used tobacco, and for some years past drinks wine and cider 
of his own manufacture. While his weight is only one hundred and 
thirty povmds, his head measures twent3'-three and five-eights inches 
around, and his heighth five feet eight inches. He is a member of no 
church, and his views are liberal and conservative. 

DuPLER, Gilbert W., formerly marshal of New Lexington, Ohio, 
was born August 16, 1854, i" Millville, Hocking county, Ohio; son of 
Noah and Elizabeth (Williams) Dupler. His father's ancestors were 
German, iiis mother's English. At the age of twelve he came to this 
place, and began the carpenter trade at the age of fifteen, and followed 
it three years. Then he took the mail contract on route No. 21,243, 
from this place to Chancey, and held the place four years. He was 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 393 

elected to his present office April 5, 1880. Marshal Dupler was mar- 
ried April 16, 1878, to Miss Almeda M., daughter of Lyman and Eliza- 
beth (Rambo) Richards. They are the parents of three children, viz. : 
Burt F, and Roy, F. (twins), born March 19, 1879, ^"^ now, Decem- 
ber, 1881, their weights are equal ; and Mort E., born August 15, 1881. 
Marshal Dupler is a member of Compan}- A, Seventeenth O. N. G., 
having enlisted in this company in March, 1878. 

Dupler, Thomas, merchant, Pleasant township ; post office, Mox- 
ahala ; born in Athens count}', August 14, 1846; son of Samuel and 
Elizabeth (Edwards) Dupler. His father was of Irish descent, and his 
mother of English ; both were natives of Pennsylvania, and came to the 
State in 1835. ^^^^ father was a shoemaker, resided in this county, and 
died in Athens county. Thomas Dupler enlisted in 1863, in the One 
Hundred and Twenty-ninth O. V. I., and remained in the service until 
the close of the war in 1865. He was sergeant. After the close of the 
war, he farmed until 1872, when he went into the drug business at Mox- 
ahala. He is also proprietor of a dry goods store at Moxahala, and a 
wholesale liquor store atRendville. He is postmaster at Moxahala. He 
is married to Sarah Biddison of Athens county. They are the parents 
of four children, viz. : Clarence, Harley, Fred and William. 

DusENBURY, J. W., editor, publisher and proprietor of the Inde- 
pendent, New Lexington, Ohio, was born June 22, 1858, in Harrison 
township, Perry county, Ohio ; son of A. J. and Sarah (Hitchcock) 
Dusenbury. At the close of the late civil war Mrs. Dusenbury, with 
her children then at home, moved to New Lexington, where she has 
since resided, and where J. W. spent his boyhood days in attending 
school at the public school of this place, making such rapid strides in his 
studies that at the early age of sixteen years he graduated with the first 
graduating class of this place. Soon after graduating he became a 
teacher, and with good success taught in several parts of the county, 
the last year of his teaching being in the grammar school department 
of his own village. In 1880 he was emplo3'ed by a Chicago publishing 
house as general agent, and for them traveled over the States of West 
Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio, remaining with them until 
the fall of 1881, when he returned to New Lexington, and in partnership 
with Mr. A. F. Moore founded the newspaper known as the Independent, 
which, by diligent and faithful effort upon their part, soon became one 
of the leading and most prosperous journals in the county, of which 
its widespread circulation is convincing evidence. In 1882, A. F. Moore 
retiring from the newspaper business, Mr, Dusenbury became sole pro- 
prietor, which he successfully manages, in connection with his school 
teaching. A business so aptly managed, by one so 3"Oung, certainly 
points to better things in the future, as well as being an evidence of 
prosperity at the present. Mr. Dnsenbur}' is one of a family of four 
children, viz. : Josie, married aud living near Beverl3^ Washington 
county, Ohio ; Jemima, who resides with her husband, Mr. Columbus 
Pletcher, of Junction City, Ohio; and William J., who, having grad- 
uated at the head of his class in the New Lexington High School at the 
age of only fifteen years, is at present teaching. Mr. Dusenbury's 
great grandfather, John Dusenbury, came to Perry county in 1802, 
and settled on Bear Run, in Bearfield township. His grandfather, 



394 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Benjamin Dusenbury, was also one of the oldest settlers, and here 
passed through the ordeal of a pioneer life, which is so well told else- 
where in this history. Mr. Dusenbury's father was among the first 
to take up arms in defense of his country in the time of the late 
Rebellion, having enlisted in 1861, and served over three years with the 
famous Thirtieth O. V. I., participating in all its battles, and at last 
laid down his life to fill a soldier's grave. His memory is perpetuated 
with those of fallen comrades by the monument reared in New Lexing- 
ton by the then surviving members of the regiment. Mr. Dusenbury's 
ancestors, upon his mother's side of the house, were of English descent. 
His grandfather, Wesley Hitchcock, came, when a boy, from Mary- 
land to Ohio wath his father, who, on account of his anti-slavery prin- 
ciples, left that State and came to what was then the frontier, having 
freed all his slaves before starting, prefering to endure the hardships of 
the Western wilds to the wealth and affluence of a wrong-doing, slave- 
driving State. J. W. is at present residing with his mother in New 
Lexington. 

Ebert, J. M., post ofiice, McLuney, hotel proprietor and liveryman. 
Born in Morgan county, Ohio, in 1842. Came to Perry count}^ in 1880 ; 
married in September, 1866, to Miss Anna E. Brown, daughter of Wil- 
liam M. and Amanda (Pickro}-) Brown. They are the parents of two 
children, viz. : Minnie E., and John D. Mr. Ebert enlisted in the war 
of the Rebellion in 1862, in Company I, 114th O. V. L, and was en- 
gaged in the following battles : Chickasaw Bluft', Arkansas Post, Black 
River Bridge, Champion Hill, Siege of Vicksburg, Fort Blakely, and 
Alexandria. 

Edwards, William, collier, Shawnee, Ohio. Was born May 18, 
1826, in Tredegar, Monmouthshire, Wales, son of John and Mary 
(Davis) Edwards. Mr. Edwards was raised a collier, and lived in 
Tredegar, except one year he spent at Aberdare, Glanmorganshire, 
and followed his business in that country until 1862, when he came to 
America, landing in New York, from where he went to Broad Top, 
Pennsylvania, where he spent about five months, and was engaged in 
Kanawha, West Virginia, and Ironton, Ohio, about ten months, when 
he returned to his native home, where he remained about six 3'ears, and 
again emigrated to America, and returned to Broad Top, Pennsylva- 
nia, and to Trusco, Pennsylvania, where he remained about three months, 
and as follows: Mason City, W. Va., one year; Ironton, Ohio, about 
two years ; and from whence he came to Shawnee, Ohio, where he has 
remained to this time, and is comfortably situated in his own dwelling, 
having lived here about eight years. Mr. Edwards has property in 
Wales, willed to him by his father, that in 1854 was valued at 900 pounds. 
His father died in 1856, but the property has not yet come into his pos- 
session. While in West Virginia, and just after the breaking out of 
the war he was arrested in going to Kanawha, W. Va., but was passed 
through and made his hazardous trip between the fire of two armies. 
Mr. Edwards was married October 10, 1848, to Catharine, daughter of 
David and Mary (Davis) Williams, of Carmarthenshire, Wales. They 
are the parents of six children, viz. : Mar}^ married to Benjamin M, 
Morgan ; John, William, Catharine, married to Evan E. Evans ; David, 
and Lizzie A. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 395 

Edwards, David W., collier, Shawnee, Ohio. Was born June 17, 
1842, in Cardiganshire, South Wales, son of John and Jane (Rowlands) 
Edwards. When David W. was two years old he lost his father, and at 
nine years of age he lost his mother, at which time he went to li\'e with 
his uncle, brother of his father, who attempted to compel Edward, when 
he was twelve years of age, to go to the shoemaker's trade, when he 
left his uncle and went to his grandfather, with whom he stayed one 
year, and then went to a second cousin, and herded sheep for him on 
Plinlimmon Mountains for six months, after which he lived with a farmer 
by the name of Moganes, working one year, and hired with another 
farmer by the name of Owens and worked six months, and returned to 
his birthplace and lived with his sister, working in coal mines two years 
and six months ; again hired to work on a farm for eighteen months 
with Morgan Davis, and went to the Deliv}'^ mines where he remained" 
four months ; then to Lancashire, England ; St. Ellen mines a short 
time, and then to Brimbo miijes, Denbigshire, North Wales, and 
returned to Deliv}- mines, sta3nng a short time ; he then began 
railroading in Murraysville, North Wales working about four months. 
Emigrated to America, landing in New York, September 12, 1863, 
and went direct to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, staying until July, 1864, 
at which time he enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard, one 
hundred days service, and served four months in INIaryland and 
Pennsylvania. After receiving his discharge in November, 1864, he 
went to Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where he re-enlisted, but did 
not go into service because of the close of the war. In Jul}^ 1865, he 
returned to Pittsburgh, remaining until July, 1868, when he went to 
Irondale, Jefferson county, Ohio, and went to Canton, Stark county 
Ohio, then to Coshocton, Ohio, sta3nng but a short time in each place, 
and from there went to Bristol, this county, working one year on tun- 
nel ; in April, 1871, came to Shawnee, Ohio, where he has made his 
home to this time excepting four months he was in Hocking Valley as 
a mine boss. In February, 1882, he went to southwest Missouri, where 
he bought a farm, and returned in March of the same year. Mr. Ed- 
wards was married, December, 1865, to Maggie, daughter of David 
and Margaret (Jones) Davis. They are the parents of six living child- 
ren, viz. : David J., Jennie Y., Horace G., Rebecca, William, and 
Annie. 

Edwards, Josrph, Rendville, Ohio, was born March 5, 1849, in 
Lancashire, England, son of Robert and Grace (Hall) Edwards. Mr. 
Edwards was reared and lived in the place of his nativity until May 7th, 
1870, when he came to America, taking shipping at Liverpool and land- 
ing at Qiiebec, from where he went to Leetonia, Columbiana county, 
Ohio, and remained until 1879, and on March nth moved to Moxahala, 
whence he moved to Millertown on the i6th day of June in the 
same year ; on the July following became toRendsville, Ohio, where he 
has remained up to this time, January, 1883. Mr. Edwards was mar- 
ried Jul}' 12, 1873, at Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, to Miss Frances, 
daughter of George and Alice (Moores) Chadwick, of Lancashire, 
England. While living in England he was engaged at the age of nine 
years in the Waterloo Limes Coalery, where he was employed until 
November, 1869, when he met with an accident as he was engaged 



396 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

upon an incline, catching his right arm between a train of ten loaded 
cars and a pulley, completely crushing it so that amputation was ren- 
dered necessary, which was performed in seventeen days afterward, a 
loss he has severely felt. In Leetonia he was employed in the Cherry 
Valley mines by Mr. Zachariah Tetlow, where he hitched cars at the 
bottom of a slope. Was employed in a mine while at Moxahala. During 
his stay at Millertown he peddled jewelry and notions, and upon coming 
to Rendville he opened his present business. 

Elder, Levi, was born 1825 in Perr^^ count}^. He is a son of Rob- 
ert Elder and Susannah (Haines), who came to Ohio in 1818. Robert 
died in 1867, in his eighty-first year, and Susannah followed him No- 
vember 20, 1881, in her eighty-ninth year. Their children were Sarah 
Kelsey, Joel, Mary Middaugh, Levi, Asbury, Charlotte Durrh, Simeon 
and Cyrus, who was last heard from in Arkansas some seven years 
since. The children of Levi and his wife, who was Miss Amy R. 
Rutherford, are Artamesa, Samantha Ellen, and Eva May. Their two 
sons died of diptheria. His daughter Artamesa is married to Mr. 
George W. Zartman. Levi never had a law suit, never was a juryman, 
and was but twice called as a witness, and is opposed to capital 
punishment. The famil^^ is of Scotch-German descent, including Rob- 
ert and his two brothers, William and John, who came with Robert to 
Ohio. The Elder family, now extensive, is generally distinguished for 
its thrift, its Protestant piety, its industry, and its success in business 
life. Levi has added to the one hundred and seventy-three ancestral 
acres, where he resides, one hundred and sixty acres in Jackson town- 
ship, and pays nearl}^ $100 of State taxes annuall}-. 

Elder, Asbury. born Februar}^ 10, 1827, in Reading township. 
Farmer and grazer. April 13, 1848 was married to Charlotte Durrh. 
Bought the farm of two hundred and seven acres v/here he now resides 
in 1854, for the sum of $5,175. His children are Levi Ellis Elder, hus- 
band of Hannah, daughter of Thomas Middaugh ; Jacob Elder, hus- 
band of Martha, daughter of C. Henrv, whose wife was Rachel Hodge ; 
A. P. Elder, husband of Emma, daughter of Adam Householder; Mis- 
souri, wife of David, son of Tobias Ream ; Minnesota, Matilda, Iowa, 
Mary Eliza, Hannah Loucevia, Melzena, Callie Barbara, and John 
Durrh Porter Elder. Mr. Elder is a brother of Levi, of Reading town- 
ship. His first tax receipt was as low down as $2 to $3. paid to General 
John Lidey. Since then they have run to $100 and over. He was in 
the one hundred da3's' service. Plis wife died April 7, 1880. His 
house is of brick, and is two-story, well finished and very comfortable. 
The inside finish of his dwelling cost $1,000, and no house in Perry 
county extends more freely a generous hospitality to its friends and visi- 
tors. He is of the Brethren church belief, opposed to secret societies ; 
a Republican in politics ; a peace maker in the neighborhood and church 
affairs ; a true friend and a generous foe. 

Elder, D. R., Shawnee, Ohio, proprietor of the American House, 
was born August 15, 1832, in Fairfield county, Ohio, and is the son of 
Jesse and Isabelle (Pugh) Elder. Mr. Elder was raised a farmer. At 
the age of sixteen years he went to Delaware, Ohio, and attended the 
Ohio Wesleyan University about one year, when the college was sus- 
pended on account of the cholera in the fall of 1852, which obliged him 



HISTORY OF PERRY C ")UNTY. 397 

to seek some other quarters, when he went to Sugar Grove, Fairheld 
county, Ohio, and engaged in school teaching up to 1862, after which 
he went into the mercantile business, keeping a line of general mer- 
chandise, and he was so successful in this line that in the year of 1864 
his business reached the sum of thirty-seven thousand dollars. He 
continued in business in this place up to 1873, when he went to Logan, 
Hocking countv, Ohio, where he was again engaged in mercantile 
business up to 1875. In April of 1877 ^^^ moved to Shawnee, Ohio, 
and entered the hotel business, where he has remained up to this 
present time. From 1863 to 1873 he was post master at Sugar Grove ; 
was township clerk eight years, and mayor two y.ears, at Sugar Grove, 
also. Mr. Elder was married March 25, 1855, ^^ Martha, daughter of 
Enoch and Amanda (Powell) Van Dyke, of Svigar Grove. They are 
the parents of nine children, viz. : Eliza J., Charles Cyrus, James 
Madison, Clara Isabelle. Edward Ellsworth, Rosa Ellen, David Rees, 
Joseph Ray and Franklin. Of these David Rees is deceased ; Eliza 
Jane is married to Arthur McGarey, of Floodwood. Athens county, 
Ohio. Mr. Elder's father was born in Frederick county, Maryland, 
and his mother in Westmoreland county, Virginia. His grandfather 
came to Perrv county, Ohio, in 1816, from the slave states, having lib- 
erated his slaves ; but four of them would come with him, for whose 
good behavior he was obliged to give security upon entering into Ohio. 
He was a farmer, and settled in Somerset, Ohio. 

Elder, Joseph P., overseer at Fannie furnace, Shawnee, Ohio, was 
born May 6, 1845, in Seneca county, Ohio ; son of Thomas and Ellen 
(McGoghin) Elder. Mr. Elder was raised to the age of eight or nine 
years upon a farm, when his father bought a grist mill near Thorn ville, 
where he moved, and lived from about 1854 ^^ 1861. At this time 
he moved to near St. Joseph's Church, and built a grist mill, -which he 
run until about 1868. In 1865, Joseph P., the subject of this sketch, 
went into business for himself, running an engine and sawing lumber, 
and also grinding. In 1868 he began farming, which he followed for 
about sixteen months, near Somerset, this county, and, changing farms, 
remained the next place about one year, when he moved to Shawnee, 
where he has remained up to this time, and has been engaged as 
follows : kept a boarding-house three years ; at this time he moved 
into his own property, where he still lives, keeping boarding-hoiise 
and mining at N. Y. mines about three months, where he was injured 
by the falling of a soapstone rock upon his foot. After his recovery he 
assisted in grading the foundation of the XX Iron Furnace, and until 
the furnace was completed, when he became top filler, w^orking onh^ 
about five or six weeks, when he was badl}^ burned b}^ a stip-slip in the 
furnace, which disabled him for about two months. After recovering 
he was again employed by the same company, and in all continued 
with them about eighteen months after the furnace started, and about 
two years altogether. At this time he was elected street commissioner, 
and served two years, when he again mined six or seven months, at N. 
Y. mine, after which he ran a saw mill and hauled water from the mine 
about six months ; drove team for Finlev B. McGrew about two months, 
and then engaged with the Fannie Furnace Company as top filler, 
working three or four months, and at New York top filling about two 



398 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

months, when he returned to Fannie furnace as overseer of laboring 
hands, which position he still holds. He was married April 25, 1865, 
to Miss Mary, daughter of Patrick and Mary (McElroy) O'Brien. 
They are the parents of seven children, viz.: Thomas H., Sarah C, 
Mary Ellen, Emily B., Charles Pius, Martha Cecelia, and John 
Francis. 

Elder, J. C, coal dealer. New Lexington, Ohio ; born October 31, 
1837, ^n Somerset, Perry county ; son of James and Mary (Linch) 
Elder. The former was a native of Maryland, and was brought in 
1814 to Reading township by his parents, who located within one mile 
of the present town of Somerset, and brought up a family of seven or 
eight children. J. C.'s mother was a daughter of John Linch, of Zanes- 
ville, a native of Ireland. J. C.'s grandfather Elder was one of the 
emigrants who came with Lord Baltimore, and settled in Maryland. 
The subject of this sketch was brought up in Cla3'ton township, where 
his father was proprietor of a flour and saw mill, and died at the age 
of eighty-two years, and by his request was buried at St. Joseph's, on 
a spot of ground cleared by his own hands many years before. J. C. 
was engaged in the coal business from 1859 ^° 1868, under the firm 
name of Elder & Sons. He established a furniture and undertaking 
business in this place in 1870, which he followed until 1881. Mr. Elder 
was married in 1862 to Miss Catharine, daughter of James "and Mar- 
garet (Fealt}') Meenan. They became the parents of six children, viz. : 
William, James, Annie Rose, Katie (deceased), Frances V., and Char- 
les J. (deceased). Mrs. Elder died August 15, 1880. 

Elder, Daniel N., brick mason and contractor. New Lexington, 
Ohio ; born May 2, 1845, in Tiffin, Seneca county, Ohio, son of Thomas 
and Ellen (McGlaughhn) Elder. John Elder is a native of America; 
Ellen McJ^aughlin, of L'eland. Daniel N. Elder began business for 
himself by running a portable saw mill, and followed it four years, when 
he went to his present trade. Mr. Elder was married February 3, 1879, 
to Miss Rosa, sister of John J. and James F. Conly, of New Lexington, 
Mr. Elder has been contractor and builder of some of the best buildings 
in Perry county, Ohio. 

Emery, Dr. Glen A., phvsician and surgeon, Rendville, Ohio ; was 
born December 18, 1850, in Limerick Square, Montgomery county, 
Pennsylvania, son of Jacob and Mary (Razor) Emery. Dr. Emery's 
father moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he lived for nine 
years when he removed to Brookville, Pennsylvania. In the above 
places Dr. Emery was brought up and remained in the latter place un- 
til 1879. Dnring his stay at that place he studied medicine with Drs. 
C. M. and W. F. Watson. He attended lectures at Columbus, Medi- 
cal College of Ohio, and received a diploma of graduation in the spring 
of 1879. After receiving his diploma he went to Crestline, Ohio, where 
he entered the practice of medicine and surgery, in copartnership with 
Dr. C. W. Jenner of that place, and remained there eighteen months, 
at the end of which tin\e they dissolved partnership, and Dr. Emery 
came to this place one year and six months ago and began his present 
practice, in which he has been signally successful. In surgery he has 
performed some very difficult operations, viz. : Two of trepanning, one 
provmg successful ; six successful amputations, and quite a number of 



* HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 399 

fractures have come under his successful treatment. As a young phy- 
sician, Dr. Emery certainly has had a very large experience ; and of 
such a nature has it been, as to test his ability in his chosen field of use- 
fulness, and surely few have been so eminently successful. Dr. Emerj'- 
was married June i6, 1869, to Olive B., daughter of the Hon. R. J. and 
Anna (Anderson) Nicholson, of Brookville, Pennsylvania. This union 
has been blessed by two children, viz. : Robert and Etta. 

Essex, Calvin, grocer, baker and undertaker. New Straitsville, 
Ohio ; was born August 5, 1848, in Noble county, Ohio, son of Nathan 
H. and Elizabeth J. (Morris) Essex. Mr. Essex was raised a farmer, 
and followed agricultural pursuits until he was twenty years of age. At 
this date he began mining coal at what is known as Lick Run, doing 
the first work at the mine, of which Jno. G. Edwards was President; 
remaining there until February of 1871, at which time he came to this 
place, where he has been emplo3'ed as follows : Contracting with 
and moving the coal for the Straitsville Coal and Iron Company, fur- 
nishing teams until 1874, '^''^^ ^^^^ mining during this time. Closing his 
contract with the aforesaid company, he engaged with the Patterson 
Coal Mining Company, opening and starting that mine, which required 
his attention until May of 1877, at which time he opened a feed store in 
this place, and in the following fall he added to his business a grocery 
and bakery, and again in 1880 he added that of undertaking, all of 
which he still continues up to this time. Mr. Essex served as council- 
man of this place from 1878 to 1880. Was married December 22, 1871, 
to Miss Evaleen Stalter, born April 20, 1850, in Logan county, Ohio, 
daughter of Wm. and Jane (Rose) Stalter. They are the parents of 
three children, viz. : Zelda Llewella, Charles Summerbell and Mabel 
Ehzabeth. 

EssiNGTON, George, farmer, Rehoboth post office, Clayton town- 
ship ; born in Perry county, Ohio, in 1837, ^^^ o^ William and Edith 
(McConnell) Essington. The former died in 1874; the latter in 1866. 
They were natives of Pennsylvania, and came here about the year 1830. 
Mr. Essington was married in 1875, to Miss Durenda Frampton. Mr. 
Essington enlisted in the late war in 1861, in Compan}- G, Thirty-fourth 
Regiment, Lyman J. Jackson, Captian ; engaged in the battles of Stone 
River, Corinth and Chickamauga. 

Essington, William, farmer, Rehoboth post office ; born in Perry- 
county, Ohio, in 1838, son of William and Edith (McConnell) Essing- 
ton. The former died in 1874 '•> ^^"^^ latter in 1866. They were natives 
of Penns3'lvania. Mr. Essington was married in 1865 to Miss Acta 
Fowler, of New Lexington, Ohio. They are the parents of two chil- 
dren, viz. : William C. and Josie. 

Eversole, John, farmer. Mount Perry post office ; born in 1808, on 
Baldwin's Run, Fairfield county, Ohio, son of Peter, a native of Lan- 
caster county, Pennsylvania, wlio emigrated to Ohio a few years prior 
to the birth of his son, John. Peter came to Hopewell township. Perry 
county when John was six years old, and settled on sections one and 
twelve, in 1814. John has therefore lived longer on one farm than any 
other citizen of Hopewell township, except, perhaps, John Fullerton. 
He found near his new home only the wild beasts, but further 
away were the families of Plank, Schofield, Nye, Reichle}^ averaging 



400 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



perhaps one cabin to a section of land. Peter Eversole left a Bible to 
his son that is now one hundred and fifty years old. It is printed in 
German, and is nearly two feet long by one foot in width, and about 
eight inches in thickness. He died at the age of eighty-seven, his wife 
having preceded him to the land of rest at the age of sixty-nine years. 
They were German Baptists in belief. John was married at the age of 
twenty-tour, to Miss Jane Spencer, a daughter of Thomas, who was a 
brother of William Spencer, Sr., and uncle of William, Jr., now the fath- 
er of Henry Spencer, of Reading township. Thomas King, afterwards 
the first Representative of Perr}^ county, was married to a sister of 
Thomas Spencer, and his wife, who reared a family of other people's 
children, chiefly because she was affectionate and benevolent, and part- 
ly because she had no children of her own, was the aunt of Mrs. Ever- 
sole. The children of John Eversole, and his wife Jane Spencer, were 
five living and two dead ; Sarah Ellen at the age of fourteen, and George 
when an infant. Those living are Louisa, wife of William Williams, 
third, deceased, and now the wife of Mr. Van Fossen of Zanesville, 
Ohio ; John, husband of Emma Cochrell, merchant ; David,'farmer, hus- 
band of Mar\% daughter of Abraham Bowser ; Peter, farmer, husband 
of Matilda, sister of Samuel Cochran ; and Emma Jane, wife of Frank 
Johnson, farmer, son of Harvey ; all of whom have the post office ad- 
dress Mount Perry, Ohio. The mother of Mrs. Eversole was Margaret 
Spencer, who made herself useful as a mid-wife over twenty-five years, 
mounting her horse day or night, in storm or sunshine, asserting the 
right of her sex to that office, and died much regretted at the age of 
sixty-five. William Spencer, Sr., was a Universalist in belief, a faith 
that still lingers in the Spencer family. John Eversole and his wife are 
of the Christian Church. They are both readers of sacred books and 
patronize learning and the means of knowledge. 

Feebler, Firdnan, manager of Upson Coal Company's store, 
Shawnee, Ohio ; was born February 8, 1850, in Somerset, Ohio ; son of 
Jacob and Elizabeth (Lentz) Feedler. When Firdnan was two years 
of age, his father moved to Cardington, Morrow county, Ohio, where 
he was brought up, and clerked in a dry goods store five years, for W. 
Shunk & Co. ; and at Delaware, Ohio, clerked for Z. L. White two 
years. He returned to Cardington, and entered into partnership with 
his twin brother in the grocery business, remaining two years, when he 
sold his interest and went to Richwood. and clerked for J. Cratty & Co., 
in dry goods store, about two years, when he moved with the same firm 
to Ashland, Ohio, where they remained about eight months and then 
moved to Shawnee. Mr. Feedler remained with this firm in all about 
three years, when he went in partnership with his brother, under the 
firm name of Feedler Brothers. They went into general merchandise 
business, which they continued about eighteen months, when the firm 
was dissolved, his brother going home and dying within about one 
month. Mr. Feedler then engaged as clerk for E. M. McGilen & Co., 
Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained two years and one month, and 
then returned to Shawnee, Ohio, April ist, 1881, and took his present 
position. He was married November 28, 1876, to Aldia, daughter of 
Simeon F. Kern of Burbank, Wayne county, Ohio. They are the pa- 
rents of two children, viz. : Geo. Rodney and Carrie Belle, deceased. 



HtSTORY OF PERrV COttN'l'V; 40I 

Ferguson, John, of the tirm of Ferguson & Nooil, Attorneys at 
Law, New Lexington, Ohio; was born February 3, 1846, in Jackson 
son township ; son of Terence and Bridget (Nangle) Ferguson. At 
the age of nineteen, young Ferguson began teaching school, and taught 
about six ^-ears. In 1868 he began reading law with Colonel Lyman J. 
Jackson of this place, and was admitted to practice in August, 187 1. 
After practicing alone a short time, he formed a partnership with his 
preceptor, which continued until the f^ll of 1877. In 1878 the present 
firm was formed. Attorney Ferguson was married April 6th, 1875, to 
Miss Lizzie, daughter of David and Susan (Gordon) Hewitt, of Somer- 
set, this county. The}' are the parents of three children : Zuleme, 
Charles and Genevieve. 

Ferguson, Arthur B., shoemaker, Shawnee, Ohio; was born 
March 28th, 1846, in Scotland, county of Lanark, in Lanarkhall ; son 
of John and Elizabeth (Browning) Ferguson. Mr. Ferguson was raised 
in his native town, where he lived to the age of twenty years, during 
which time he learned his trade with his father, and is the fifth genera- 
tion of his family who has successfully followed that business. From 
the age oi seventeen years, he worked at journey work, which he con- 
tined about two years, when he employed on the railroad as brakeman, 
and where he had his leg mashed, which left him a permanent cripple, 
having followed the railroad about one year at the time of the accident. 
After his recovery he again found employment at his trade for about 
two years, in the counties of Ayr, Renfrew and Lanark. At this time 
he emigrated to America, arriving at New York, January 21, 1867, and 
from thence he went to Maryland, Alleghany county, where he was 
employed at his trade and mining, for about two years, when he returned 
to the place of his nativity, remaining during the winter of 1868 and 
1869, when he again returned to America, landing in New York, April 
23, 1869, and again went to Maryland, to Illinois and Pennsvlvania, re- 
maining about six months in each of these States, when he spent an- 
other summer in Maryland, from whence he went to the Hocking val- 
ley of Ohio, and remained about six months, when he was married, 
January 24, 1872, to Amanda L., daughter of James and Martha (Zar- 
lie) LoFollet, of Vinton county, Ohio, but lived in Athens county at the 
time of her marriage. They are the parents of three children, viz. : 
John LeFollet, Maud Agnes and Archibald Boyd, wnd one deceased, 
Arthur Morton. After his marriage he lived in the Hocking valley 
about five years, when he came to Shawnee, Ohio, where he has since 
lived, and engaged in mining until about four years ago, when he was 
obliged to quit mining on account of his health. Since then he has 
been weighmaster at the New York furnace. Mr. Ferguson was cor- 
poration clerk for two 3'ears, and lor the past six years has been town- 
ship clerk; and in the spring of 1882, was elected Mayor of this 
place. 

Fink, Joel A., farmer, Jackson township; post office. Junction 
City; son of Joseph and Magdalene (Dittoe) Fink; was born August 
17, 1816, in this township ; has since lived in the countv, and alwa3^s 
led a farmer's life from boyhood. He was married in 1840, to Miss 
Margaret, daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Doran) Ryan. Thev 
are the parents of five children, viz. : Joseph, Sarah, Mary, William 

86 



402 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

and Charles. His parents were of German descent. Mr. Fink's 
father came to Somerset in 1805. His grandfather, John Fink, assisted 
in laying out the town of Somerset. 

FiNCK, William E., lawyer, Somerset; was born in Somerset, in 
the year 1822. His father was Anthony Finck, and his mother's maiden 
name was Mary Spurk. His grandfather was John Finck, an early 
settler, if not the first, in Somerset. His wife was Cecelia Garaghty 
of Lancaster, Ohio. Their sons are, William E., Jr., and Michael G. 
Finck ; the latter a grocer and the former a lawyer. Their daughters 
are Mary, now wife of F. A, Dittoe, merchant of Somerset, and Miss 
Martha. Mr. Finck is of French-German extraction. He studied law 
and was admitted to practice in Somerset when only twenty-one years 
of age. His first position was that of Clerk of the Perry County Com- 
mon Pleas and Supreme Courts, under the old Constitution. In his 
twenty-eighth year he was the Whig candidate for Congress, in a district 
counting six hundred Democratic majority, and was defeated by only 
forty-six votes, by Hon. James M. Gaylord of McConnelsville. He was 
elected to the Senate of Ohio in 1851, and in 1852 was a delegate to the 
National Convention which nominated General Winfield Scott for the 
Presidency ; was an elector on the Scott ticket in Ohio ; joined the 
Democratic party in 1854, when Know-Nothingism swept the Whig 
party out of being; was elected to the Senate of Ohio in 1861, defeat- 
ing the Hon. T. J. Maginnis of Zanesvillein a hotly contested canvass ; 
was elected to Congress in 1862, defeating the Hon. C. A. Trimble of 
Chillicothe ; was re-elected to Congress in 1864, defeating the Hon. Job 
E. Stephenson of Chillicothe ; was again elected to Congress to fill the 
unexpired term of Hon. Hugh J. Jewett of Columbus. He has twice 
been a candidate upon the Democratic State ticket, once for Attorney 
General, and once for Supreme Judge. He has repeatedly refused a 
candidacy for Common Pleas Judge, preferring his law practice, which 
has secured for him a large amount of lands in Missouri and Iowa, a 
handsome property in and around Somerset, several farms in Perry, 
and though he cannot be ^gaged at the usual fee of young attorneys, 
his practice is still very remunerative and engages all his time. No 
man was ever more systematic in keeping his accounts, truer to the 
faith which he professes to believe, or more honest toward his fellow^ 
men. 

Finck, Judge James E., carpenter and builder; post office, Som- 
erset. He was born in 1825 ; son of John, Jr., and grandson of 
John, Sr., who was the first of the Finck name in Perry county, and 
who cut much of the road for his wagon from Zanesville to Lancaster, 
and who a year later came back to where Somerset now stands, which 
town he laid out into lots and built a hotel where the public schools are 
now located, on the hill above the east railroad depot. Judge Finck's 
father was eighteen 3^ears of age when his grandfather, John, came to 
Ohio. His mother was Elizabeth Walker, a native of Maryland. She 
was born in the year 1800, and lived into her seventy-second year. 
Her children were Mary, deceased ; Cecelia, wife of Edward Droege ; 
and Sarah, wife of William Blakeney ; Amanda, wife of Joseph Kir- 
cher ; Miss Emily, and James E., all of whom have Somerset, Ohio, as 
their post office address ; also William, carbuilder, Zanesville, Ohio ; 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 4O3 

Jacob, deceased, and Miles, engaged in mercantile life in Cincinnati. 
James was married in 1847, to Miss Catharine Foncannon, and on the 
same day his cousin, Hon. W. E. Fink was also married ; 'neither know- 
ing of the other's intention. Her father was an early settler of Perry, 
where he died in his seventy-eighth year. Her brothers married and 
went West, so that at this writing she has neither sister nor brother liv- 
ing in Perry. The children of this marriage are Ida, wife of Conrad 
Letsinger; post office, Somerset; Elva, wife of Mark Heffley, Omaha, 
Nebraska ; Miss Blanche, Endora and Alberta ; Fabian, a carpenter of 
Terre Haute, Indiana; Hydalius, Urban and Edgar. Judge James E. 
Finck ranks in general esteem as a iirst-class carpenter and builder. 
St. Joseph's, McLuney, South Fork and Holy Trinity Church edifices, 
stand as monuments of his skill ; but the recent convent building at St. 
Joseph's crowns all with a taste, a beauty and elegance but seldom 
equaled, and rarely, if ever, excelled. He aided the building of St. 
Patrick's Church edifice, and is now engaged as the superintending car- 
penter and architect of Sacred Heart Convent, Somerset. He put up 
the spire of the Reform Church edifices in Thornville and Somerset, 
and it has not fallen to the lot of any man in Perry to build more 
churches, or finer ones. In the fall of 1872, he was made the Demo- 
cratic nominee for Probate Judge by the popular vote against a field of 
candidates who ranked high in popular favor, such as Henry McLaugh- 
lin, his cousin, A. A. Fink, Peter King and Charles F. Brush, ex-Treas- 
urer. He was afterwards twice elected, and served the customary two 
terms with credit to himself and the public. Since his retirement he has 
again devoted himself to his favorite occupation of carpentering. 
His rural home nestles beautifully among the coal hills of Perry ; 
and here his garden and fruit culture occupy his leisure hours. His 
head measures twenty-two and one-half inches ; is also high and long ; 
his health is excellent and his disposition cheerful. Height, five feet 
eight inches. Weight, one hundred and seventy-five pounds. 

Finck, Austin A., was born in 1829 in Somerset ; son of Anthony 
and grandson of John Finck, the grand progenitor of this family in Perry 
county. The sons of this ancient pioneer were Jacob, Joseph, George, 
Anthony, John, Adam, and David Finck ; the daughters were Mrs. 
Sarah Johnson, Mrs. Elizabeth McDonald, Mrs. Frances Hewett, and 
Mrs. Mary McGowen. Austin A. was educated in Perry county and 
drilled in the duties of a dry goods clerk. In May, 1854, he was mar- 
ried to Miss Caroline Lewis, of Rushville. Their children are William 
B. Finck, Miss Cai-rie and Miss Ellie Finck. Austin A. Finck runs 
far ahead of his ticket for clerk of his township, which office, as also 
that of village clerk, he is now filling, as for a long time since, to the 
satisfaction of the public. His great capacity as a dry goods clerk, 
ripened also by experience as a merchant on his own account, has 
secured for him a situation in the famous store-rooms of F. A. Dittoe, 
Esq., of Somerset. Here his urbanity, honesty and attentiveness to 
customers are winning a large trade for that celebrated establishment. 
The store-room was built by Mr. Mike Dittoe, an architect of thirty 
years experience in New York City, which was presented to his brother, 
F. A. Dittoe, and is equal to the best in Ohio in finish and adaptation 



304 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

to its present use, and for many coming years will stand as a model of 
architectural taste. 

Fink, David, tarmer : post office, Somerset, Ohio. He was born 
in 1830, and is a son of Joseph and grandson of John Finck, the great 
ancestor of all the Fincks in Reading township, and who is the father 
of Somerset, having settled where the Union school-house of that town 
now stands in 1804 or 1805. His house, which served for a tavern, was 
the first ever erected in the town, of which John Finck and one Miller 
became the original proprietors. He owned the famous " Finck's 
Spring," now the property of his grandson, Hon. William E. Finck. 
No Catholic name antedates that of John Finck and his wife, whose 
maiden name was Mary Sneeringer. This venerable pair, with their 
family, were themselves numerous and devoted enough to form 
the nucleus of the first Catholic church not only in Perr}^ count}' but in 
the State of Ohio. David Fink's mother was, prior to her marriage, 
in 1815, Miss Magdalena Dittoe, daughter of Jacob, Sr.. and sister of 
Jacob, Jr., who deceased in Somerset in 1880. The brothers of David 
are Joel A., post office Junction City, Ohio ; James J., post office New 
Lexington, Ohio ; and his sisters are Sarah, wife of Thomas Largey, 
post office Altoona, Iowa ; Elizabeth, wife of Daniel Riffle, Lancaster, 
Ohio. David Fink was first married in 1853 to Miss Bridget Dittoe, 
who died April 29th, 1856. His second marriage was to Miss Lizzie 
O'Brien, February, 1861, who is the mother of Emerantia, Imelda S., 
Margaret L., Oscar M., Mary Nora, Helen C, and Estella C. Fink. 
David obtained his farm by deed from his father, who died in 1870, at 
the age of seventy-nine years, his mother having died in 1863. This 
delightful homestead is in sight of St. Joseph's ; contains the nearest 
coal vein to Somerset; is well adapted to fruit and small grain. Four 
hundred gallons of lona and Concord wine, the vintage of 1881, testify 
its capacity for fruit growing. Like his ancestors, he is a devoted and 
sincere Catholic ; has also served in various official stations, by the favor 
of his fellow citizens, and is by no means among the hindmost in the 
march of progress. 

Flanigan, John, tarmer and stock raiser, post office Rehoboth ; 
born in Westmoreland count}-, Pennsylvania, in 1820. From there he 
came to Wheeling, West Virginia, where he remained two years ; from 
there he came to Perry county about the year 1824 ; son of Edward 
and Cecelia (Katon) Flanigan. The former died in 1823, the latter in 
1874. Married in 1844 to Miss Rachel Beaver, daughter of George 
and Elizabeth (Bridge) Beaver. They have three children, viz. : 
Katharine S., deceased, Mary E. and Thomas E. 

Flautt, George, was born in 1799: died in 1862. His father, 
Joseph, and his mother, were born, reared and married in one of 
the Rhinish provinces of France. Grandfather Joseph Flautt and his 
wife came to America and settled in Canawaga county, Maryland, 
where all their children were born. These children were Deborah. 
Hannah, Jacob, Joseph and George Flautt. All lived to be over eighty. 
Hannah married William Mooney, who became a justice of the peace, 
and member of the Legislature of Maryland. Jacob was twice mar- 
ried. Joseph was married and one of his sons was a devoted Catholic 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 405 

priest. They all lived and died in Maryland, except George, who was 
twice married. His first wife was Miss Mooney, the mother of six 
children— William, Patrick, James, John, Mary and Nancy Flautt. Of 
these, William taught school, read medicine, practiced his profession 
forty years, and died in Hocking county, Ohio ; Patrick still lives in 
the same county, a justice of the peace, a chair maker and painter hy 
trade ; James also was a physician for thirty years, and died in Reads- 
burg, Sauk county, Wisconsin: John came to Ohio in 1834: in 1836 
went to Texas on horseback, served in the wars there, and in 1848 set- 
tled in Hocking county, where he married Miss Ellen White, daughter 
of Alexander White ; was elected Sherifl" of the county, served several 
months of his second term, when he met his death by accident of a 
runaway team. He was a Mason and an Odd Fellow. Mary married 
Willam Burns, and moved to Richland county, Ohio; Nancy's second 
husband is Isaac Koons. She lives in Maryland. Her deceased hus- 
band was John Harman, by whom she had two children. The second 
marriage of George Flautt was to Margaret Harbaugh. This marriage 
also occurred in Maryland, several years after the death of his first 
wife. The children of this marriage"^are : Ambrose, a successful mer- 
chant of Amanda, Fairfield county, Ohio; Juliana, deceased, wife of 
Edward Kellv, a stone mason of Somerset, leaving two children ; Joseph, 
a cooper, a farmer, a clerk of the township, and assessor. He was also 
trustee of the township for some years. His wife was Mary McDon- 
ald. They have had ten children, tour daughters and six sons. Three 
of the daughters are married. The next son of George Flautt is 
Henry, a man of sterling judgment as a farmer. He married Catha- 
rine Sanderson, and they have seven children. Sebastian is a cooper 
and farmer, and lives on the Flautt homestead, in Reading township. 
He married Ellen Mooter, and they have two children. Jerome Flautt, 
like his father, learned the cooper trade and the gunsmithing trade. 
He was successively elected clerk of the town for some years. He 
writes an excellent "^hand, and takes much delight in rearing the best 
fruits and poultry. He spent nearl}^ two years near Mobile, Alabama, 
experimenting in gardening early vegetables for the Northern markets. 
He married Sarah Freeman, and they have five children — Leta, Fanna, 
Kata, Ferdinand and Murray. George Flautt, the youngest son, is 
also a cooper, making the Flautt churn, invented by his father, and for 
man}^ years past the leading churn. He has built three new houses, 
and for many years was clerk of the township. He married Cecelia 
-Divit, and they have four children, Elizabeth is the wife of John Mc- 
Donald, of Nelsonville, Ohio, a brick mason, and a soldier who served in 
the Union army with faithfulness to the end. They have six children. 
Margaret married L. P. Guisinger, a native of Perry, a teacher, a 
farmer, a plasterer, an agent, and a genius in mechanics. They have 
seven children. His post office is Challants, Perry county. 

Flowers, Thqs., farmer and stock raiser, post office New Lexington, 
Clayton township, Peny county; born in Muskingum county in 1814; 
came to Perry countv in 1820 ; son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Ambrose) 
Flowers, The former died January 17, 1867, the latter in 1864. Mr. 
Flowers was married in 1837" to Mis"^s Mary Daugherty. They are the 
parents of ten children, viz. : Elizabeth C., Rebecca S., Simon H., 



406 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

William, deceased, John J., Anna A., George, Andrew G., Emanuel 
F., Charles V., two of whom are married. Mr. Flowers had two sons 
in the late war, viz. : William and Simon. They enlisted in Company 
K, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth O. V. I., Captain Lampton. They 
were engaged in the battle of the Wilderness, where it is supposed 
William lost his life, as he was never heard of afterwards. Simon was 
wounded in that engagement. Simon was also engaged in the following 
additional battles, viz. : Martinsburg, Locust Grove, Mine Run, Siege 
of Charleston, Winchester, Cedar Creek, Fisher's Hill, Middletown. 

Flowers, Jefferson, mechanic, foreman in Bent Works of Brin- 
gardner & Company, Junction City, Ohio ; son of Mathias and Mary 
(Elder) Flowers; was born December 5, 1845, in this county, and has 
since lived in the county. His boyhood days were spent on a farm 
until he was nineteen years of age. He then went to the carpenter 
trade, and worked at it till 1879, then went into the bent works. He 
was married in 1870 to Miss Mary, daughter of Joel A. and Margaret 
(Ryan) Fink. They are the parents of two children, viz. : Teresea C. 
and Maggie L. His parents are of German and Irish descent. 

Forquer, William, Pleasant township, Moxahala post office. He 
was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, October 25, 1822 ; son of 
William and Rose (Dugan) Forquer, who were both natives of Ireland. 
They emigrated to this country in 1795 ; stayed in Philadelphia about 
three years, and then moved to Butler county, Pennsylvania. They 
came to Pike township in 1823, and both died on the farm he entered 
there. William Forquer married Catharine Donahoe, in 1845 ; she is a 
native of this township. After his marriage he moved to the farm 
where he now resides. Her pa:rents were born in Ireland, and both 
died in the United States. His children are George, who married 
Mary Bennett, and resides in this township ; Peter, married Celia Ben- 
nett, and resides in this township: Mary A., married F. B. Bennett, 
resides in this township ; Sarah, married John A. McDonagle, who is 
now elected Clerk of the Court of this county, and resides in New 
Lexington ; Rose, married Thomas Bennett ; she died in New Lexing- 
ton ; William is at home ; Loretta deceased, and Loretta living. 

Foster, Emanuel, born 1823, on the farm where he now resides. 
Post office, Thornville. His mother's maiden name was Maria Mech- 
ling. His father, Andrew Foster, died in his sixty-ninth year, in 1849, 
and Mother Foster in her sixty-ninth year in 1858. It is not certain 
when the Rev. William Foster, the father of Andrew, arrived with his 
family in Perry county, then Fairfield, but from a document signed 
by him in 1805, organizing Zion's church, which document is now in 
possession of the venerable George Daniels, it must have been prior to 
1805. The wife of Rev. Foster was a Daniels, and thus the connec- 
tion between the Fosters and the Daniels name in Thorn township. 
Grandfather Foster came to Thorn township, when the low flat lands 
were avoided and more rolling lands were in demand. He died in 
181 5, the first preacher of the Lutheran faith who settled in Perry 
county. The sons of Rev. William Foster were William, Daniel, An- 
drew, Henry, George, Christian, Samuel, Benjamin and John. The 
daughters were Magdalena, wife of John Walters ; Mrs. John Fox, and 
Mrs. Jacob Mechling, of Fairfield county. Mrs. Fox's only daughter. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 4Q7 

that ever lived in Perry or Fairiield counties, married Peter Custer, of 
Fairfield count3% The mother of these nine sons and three daughters 
was Magdalena Daniels, who died in 1823, her husband. Rev. Wil- 
liam Foster, having preceded her to the grave some eight years be- 
fore. Of these twelve children, John is the only one who never mar- 
ried, and he is supposed to have lost his life on a trip to New Orleans. 
All got from their father one hundred and sixty acres of land, and the 
quarter section bought for John went to the other heirs. Thus it re- 
quired no less than three sections or nineteen hundred and twenty acres 
to reach round to all the children. To return to Andrew, the father of 
Emanuel Foster. Ot ten children only the following grew to mature 
age: Jacob, deceased, whose wife was Elizabeth Holt; Joseph, de- 
ceased, whose wife was Elizabeth Suit ; Mary, deceased wife of James 
Clifton ; Elijah, of whom more hereafter ; Mahala, wife of Peter W. 
Sprinkle, post office, Holden, Johnson county, Missouri, and Emanuel 
who was married to Susan E. Franks, daughter of Rezin Franks, late of 
Thorn township, a noted and very successful stock dealer and farmer. 
The children of Emanuel Foster and his wife Susan, are Benton C. ; 
Maria Edith ; William E. ; Martha May, and Aaron Harlan, now eleven 
years of age. Mr. Foster has two farms in Thorn township and eighty 
acres in Van Wert county, Ohio, is a firm Democrat in politics, and 
Lutheran in religion, and enjoys the confidence of all for honesty and 
his moral worth. 

Foster, Elijah, born November 30, 1820, son of Andrew and 
brother of Emanuel Foster. In 1849 Elijah was married to Miss Jane 
Turner, who after bearing him one son, Charles Foster, of Pickering- 
ton, Ohio, died in May, 1852. He then went to California, and after a 
protracted stay of fourteen years in the mountains of California, Ore- 
gon, Idaho, Utah and Montana, prospecting as a miner and undergoing 
all the hardships of camp and frontier life, in 1869 returned home and 
was married to a Miss Katharine Anderson, daughter of Thomas An- 
derson, an early settler of Fairfield county who shares with him the 
joys and comforts of their beautiful and fruitful home in the suburbs of 
Thornville. There are no children by this last marriage. Mr. Foster 
is a benevolent, kind and generous citizen, modest, and retiring tor 
pleasure to the precincts of home, and seeking the abodes of the needy 
only to gratify his exalted benevolence and humanity. He has followed 
the elk waist deep in snow The Gallatin valley is the w^armest he saw, 
and it has frost high up every month in the year, and snow in sight all 
the time. Up toward the sources of the streams named, the whole year 
round the snow^ line is in sight. Mr. Foster is six feet one inch tall, 
weighs one hundred and sixty pounds, and when in California his weight 
ran up toone hundred and ninety pounds. There is a volume of the most 
thrilling adventure, instructive facts, and profitable experience in his four- 
teen 3-ears of mountain lile as a miner, a gardener, a lumberman, and 
a hunter. 

Foster, James, was born where he now lives in Thorn township, 
Perry county, in 1833, on section twenty, the homestead of his father, 
George Foster, and of his grandfather, "Rev. William Foster, who died 
in i8r5, and whose tomb is on the same farm. The maiden name of 
James Foster's mother was Christena Bean, and that of his grandmother 



40S BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

was Magdalena Daniels. His brothers were Samuel, deceased, in Van 
Wert county, Ohio, who left two sons and three daughters ; Simon, the 
husband of Susan Fisher; and John, deceased, leaving one son and 
two daughters, all of Van Wert county, Ohio. His sisters were Mary, 
wife of Henry Cover ; Elizabeth, wife of Charles Denman ; and Salo- 
ma, wile of John Aver}^ all of Van Wert count}-, Ohio. These with 
James are four sons and three daughters. The father of this family, 
George Foster, died in 1858, in his sixty-ninth year, and the mother in 
1857, in her sixty-third year. The 3'ear prior to the latter event James 
Foster was married to Miss Diana, daughter of Henry Boyer, Jr., and 
granddaughter of Henry Boyer, Sr. It will be observed that he was 
one of seven heirs to the homestead, and after the death ot his father, 
the law^ distributed the estate. It was valued in i860 at $5,530, 
each share being estimated at $790, at wdiich price James became the 
purchaser of the home -farm, comprising one hundred and sixty acres, 
more or less. He not only paid for it, but has now erected a splendid 
dwelling house, and spacious barns, and the entire farm presents the 
marks of thrift and comfort. His children are six in number, five sons 
and one daughter, Leoh Katharine, the eldest, being the wife of Joseph 
Beck, post office, Thornville. The sons are all at home. Their names 
are Charles Allen, Henry Lee, William Edward, James Albert, and 
George Simon, now^ three .years old. He and his wife are of the Lu- 
theran faith. The first draft in 1862 took James Foster, and he paid 
James Richey, of Somerset, $375 to go as his substitute. It is sup- 
posed his farm was first occupied by grandfather Foster in 1803, but 
other recollections put it anywhere between that and 1807. James 
weighs one hundred and sixty-five pounds, is five feet ten inches tall. 
His father was six feet one inch, and weighed two hundred pounds. 
He was no hunter, like Uncle Ben Foster. He related the fine appear- 
ance of Kentucky soldiers who passed through northward in the war 
of 1812. They were all six-footers. James was administrator of his 
father's estate, and executor of his father-in-law^'s ; owns two hundred 
acres of land, and is a living witness to the fact that farming pays, and 
that industry and economy win the prize. 

Fowler, David C, farmer and tanner. New Lexington, Ohio, was 
born October 18, 1822, upon the quarter section w^iere he now lives. 
He is a son of John and Sarah (Brown) Fowler. Mr. Fowler w^as raised 
on a farm, and at the age of nineteen years went to the tanner's trade 
with John H. Stewart, of New Lexington, Ohio, remaining tw'O 3^ears 
with him when he went to Baltimore city, Maryland, and finished his 
trade in fourteen months with William Jenkins & Sons, of No. 4 Water 
street. After learning his trade he returned to this place and opened a 
tanyard of his own, where he continued as a tanner until January, 1883 ; 
in all thirty-six years. Having sold out to John A. Armstrong, of 
Athens county, Ohio, he gave his entire attention to farming, and 
the running of a stationary steam saw-mill, which he has been running 
for the past thirteen 3^ears. During the above time he bought eighty- 
four acres of land, most of wdiich is a part of his father's homestead, 
and has farmed more or less for ten or twelve years past. In 1864 he 
went into the army as Captain of Co. F, One Hundred and Sixtieth 
Regiment, Ohio National Guards, and served four months, receiving 



HISTORY OF PERKY COUKtV. 409 

an honorable discharge, and reUirned home in September. He also 
had four brothers in the service, viz. : Isaac, John W., Benjamin and 
William, two of whom were captains, John and Benjamin, serving in 
the Thirtieth Regiment, Ohio Vokinteer Infantry, three years' service, 
and were both wounded, partially disabling each of them for life. 
Benjamin veteranized, and was engaged in eleven battles, and was on 
Sherman's march to the sea. Isaac died while in the army. In all the 
tive brothers served about twelve years in their country's defense, and 
their father was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Fowler has, upon 
his father's side of the house, a great aunt, Ann Fowler, who is ninety- 
six years old, living in Maryland ; and upon his mother's side of the 
house, a great uncle. Rev. Mathew Brown, of Wood county, Ohio, 
who is ninetv-six years of age. Patriotism and longevity is seldom so 
marked as in the Fowler family, and their ancestors. Mary Fowler, 
the oldest sister of D. C. Fowler, saw her great grandmother, on her 
mother's side of the house, married at the age of eighty years to a man 
by the name of Goodin, aged eighty-one years, who after their mar- 
riage kept house ten 3ears, when they became so feeble that in after 
life they lived W'ith their children, she living to be ninety-six years old. 
Mr. Fowler's father, John Fowler, was born July 18, 1786, in Bal- 
timore county, Maryland, came to Ohio in 181 1, and was the first settler 
in Pike township, Mr. Brown became the father of twenty children by 
two marriages, all of w^hom he raised to manhood and womanhood. 
The oldest, Sarah Brown, was born Jul}' 17, 1796, in Hampshire county, 
Virginia, came to Ohio at an early day and was married to John Fow- 
ler, September 12, 1816. They became the parents of eleven children, 
viz.: Mary A., Susannah, Richard, David C, Eliza, Isaac, John 
W,, Mariah, Cyrus, Benjamin, and William H.. of whom David C, 
is the subject of this sketch. Father Fowler died in March, 1874, at 
the age of eight3'-seven years. Mother Fowler died in March, 1863, 
aged sixty-seven years. Mr. Fowler, the subject of this sketch, was 
married March 26, 1846, to Miss Cornelia S., daughter of Vincent and 
Ellen (Hogland) Smith, of Washington county, Ohio, They are the 
parents of five children, viz. : Acta C, now Essington, living in this 
county; James C, Superintendent oi the New Lexington Union 
Schools at this time ; Alice C, now Kennen, of Licking county, Ohio ; 
one daughter who died in infancy ; and Lucellie. now Morgan, living 
in New Lexington, Ohio. Mrs. Fowler's parents came to Washington 
county, Ohio, from Connecticut at an early day, Mr. Fowler is now 
one of Perry county's oldest citizens, having been born and raised 
here; has enjoyed remarkably good health, and never saw^ a person 
shake with ague. 

FoM'LER, William H., farmer, Pike township. New Lexington, 
Ohio ; was born February 3, 1837, ^^ ^^^^^ township, son of John and 
Sarah (Brown) Fowler; was raised a farmer, and has followed agricul- 
tural pursuits to the present time, and made his home with his father 
up to the time of his death some eight years ago. He is the 3^oungest 
member of the family of eleven children, and became the support of his 
father in his declining years. He now lives upon the first land entered 
by his father in 1811, and where his father died. At the time of his en- 
try there w^as but little timber cut between here and the Ohio River, 

87 



-J.IO BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

consequently he was obliged to clear out his farm of o'ne hundred and six- 
ty acres, by the assistance of his sons. Game of all kinds was plenty, 
and he traded four acres of land, a part of the present site of New Lex- 
ington, for a gun that was valued at $40. Mr. Fowler, the subject of 
this sketch, was married November 5, 1859, ^^ Miss Harriet, daughter 
of William and Rachel (Skinner) Davis. They became the parents of 
two children, viz. : Albert and Cora. Mrs. Fowler departed this life 
in March, 1874. ^^ ^^^ married the second time, Nov. 3, 1875, ^^ 
Martha, daughter of John and Sarah (Strawn) Davis. They became 
the parents of one child, Wilbert Franklin. Mr. Fowler enlisted 
in Compan}^ G, One Hundred and Fourteenth Regiment, O. V. I., 
August, 1862, for three years, or during the war, and served just to the 
close of the war, and his term of enlistment, and was engaged in the 
following battles : Mobile, Alabama ; Graham's Plantation ; Chicka- 
saw Bluffs, and Vicksburg. Held the office of Corporal, and also had 
four brothers in the army, three of whom were Captains, viz. : John, 
Benjamin and David, and his father served in the was of 1812. 

Fow^LE-R, Prof. J. C, Superintendent of New Lexington public 
schools, born November 4, 1852, in this place ; son of D. C. and Cor- 
nelia S. (Smith) Fowler. Young Fowler was educated in the public 
schools of his native town and by self culture he has become a thorough 
English scholar. At the age of seventeen. Professor Fowler began 
teaching, and has been constantly in the profession up to the present 
time. He took his present position in 1877. 

Fox, George, butcher. Corning, Ohio, was born February 23, 
1857, near Logan, Hocking count3% Oliio, son of John G. and Cath- 
arine (Weiland) Fox. George was brought up on the farm w^here his 
father now lives. At the age of fourteen he went to the blacksmith 
trade and worked one 3'ear. Then he went to New Lexington, Ohio, 
and worked in a butcher-shop for his brother-in-law, Weiland, until 
1876, when he went to Columbus and worked in a meat shop one sea- 
son. He then traveled about one year, and worked in a number of 
places until he located at Logan, and carried on a butcher shop until 
March, 1881, when he came to his present place. Mr. Fox was mar- 
ried in March, 1880, to Margaret, daughter of Anthony and Catharine 
(Rectenwald) Steden. They are the parents of one child, Annie Cath- 
arine Fox. 

Fox, Frank E., formerly of the firm of Huston & Fox, family gro- 
ceries, New Lexington. Mr. Fox was born May 26,1861, in Logan, Hock- 
ing county, Ohio ; son of John and Catherine Fox. Young Fox came to 
this place in 1872, and attended school four years, then entered a gro- 
cery store as clerk, where he remained until the present firm was form- 
ed, January 21, 1880. He has since sold his interest and now does 
business in Corning. 

Francis, Erastus F., contractor, Shawnee, Ohio, was born Feb- 
ruary 16, 1830, in Licking county, Ohio, son of WilHam and Lavina 
(Boilen) Francis. Mr. Francis was brought up on a farm and followed 
agricultural pursuits up to 185 1, at which time he went as an apprentice 
to learn the distiller's trade, serving one year, and then followed the busi- 
ness about seven years in Peru, Miami county, Indiana. Again he re- 
turned to agricultural pursuits, in Indiana, for three years, and for 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 4II 

twelve years in Licking county, Ohio, upon his brother's farm, and two 
years upon the Shawnee Valley Coal Company's farm in this county. 
After this he engaged with the Straitsville Cannel Coal Company of 
New York, for five years, as long as it existed, and then employed with 
the Ohio Central Coal Company of Corning, and has remained with 
them up to this time as a contractor and otherwise. Mr. Francis was 
married June i, 1856, to Mary, daughter of James and Elizabeth 
Davis, of Miami county, Indiana. They are the parents of two child- 
ren, viz. : Charles and Walter. He was married a second time, De- 
cember 6, 1869, to Mariah, daughter of Courtney and Margaret De- 
bevoise. They are the parents of seven children, viz.: Three living, 
Milton, Annie and William, and four dead, Hester, infant, Lovina and 
Edward. Mr. Francis was enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and 
Thirty-fifth Regiment, O. N. G., and served in the army of the Potom- 
ac four months, and was in an engagement at John Brown's school 
house. Was drafted while in the service and again, soon after re- 
turned into the service and remained until the war was over, and served 
five years in the State service. 

Franklin, R. H., butcher. Junction City, Ohio, was born in Car- 
roll county, Mar3dand, June 16, 1836; is a son of Nathan and Susan 
(Demit) Franklin ; lived on the farm until 1865, then went to his present 
business in Centerville, Carroll county, Maryland ; came to Junction 
City in 1873, following the same business. Was married in 1857, to 
Miss Ann M., daughter of Joshua and Martha (Porter) Barnes. They 
are the parents of four sons and one daughter, viz. : Nathan G., Au- 
gustus, Catharine, Joseph Ellsworth and Joshua Edward. 

Free, John W., attorney, New Lexington; son of Dr. John and 
Catharine Free, was born in York county, Pennsylvania, August 8, 
1830. His mother's maiden name was Catharine Newman. She was 
of English descent, and nearly related to the Newmans who were the 
first settlers of Richland county, Ohio. Dr. Free, the father, was of Ger- 
man descent, and an Evangelical (Albrecks) preacher, as well as a phy- 
sician. When John W., was about one year old, the family moved to 
Mansfield, Ohio, and in 1841, to the neighborhood of McCutchenville, 
Wyandot county, in the same State. Here, for several years, he divid- 
ed his time between attending school in the winter and working on the 
farm, and at the plastering trade in the summer. He taught school for 
a number of terms, commencing when only sixteen ^^ears of age. He 
also attended two sessions at Heidleberg College, Tiffin. Ohio. In the 
year 1856, he came to New Lexington, Perry county, Ohio, and en- 
gaged in the mercantile business. He was engaged in Straitsville in 
the same business, when, August i. 1861, he received an order from 
Governor Dennison to raise a company of three years troops. The men 
were raised in a ver}- few days, and August 7th, he reported to Gover- 
nor Dennison with one hundred and ten men, and was commissioned 
Captain of Company A, Thirty-first Regiment, O. V. L This was the 
first three years men enlisted in the covmty. February 28, 1862, Cap- 
tain John W. Free was promoted to Major of the regiment. He follow- 
ed the fortunes of the regiment, and was engaged in most all the im- 
portant battles of the Army of the Cumberland, to which department 
the regiment belonged. After, being mustered out of the Militarv ser- 



412 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

AHce, December 21. 1864, Major Free resumed mercantile pursuits at 
New Lexington, and also read law in the office of Butler & Jackson, 
During the winter of 1867-68, he attended a course of lectures at the 
Cincinnati Law College, and graduated there in the spring of 1868, 
since which time he has practiced his profession at New Lexington. 
Major Free is a Republican in politics, and has generally taken an ac- 
tive part in political atlairs, but always declined office. Mr. Free was 
married April i, 1858, to Miss Catharine Frantz, daughter of Solomon 
Frantz, of the neighborhood of New Lexington. His first wife died 
April 14, 1865, and he was again married, Februar}- 2, 1866, to Miss 
Martha Moore, daughter of Andrew Moore, then of Hocking county, 
now of Perrv. His second wife died in 1873, and in 1876, he \a as mar- 
ried to Mrs. Laura E. Watkins, of Washington, C. H., Ohio. He is the 
father of four children, two being dead. 

FucHS, N., butcher. New Straitsville. He was born October 25, 1828, 
in Venningen Rheinbegern, Germany ; is a son of Jacob and Mary ( Val- 
inger) Fuchs, natives of the same place. He came to America in 1853, 
and settled in Cincinnati, where he followed the trade of a barber. Ten 
years after, he returned to Germany and married Clementine Englert. 
Mr. Fuchs remained in Germany several years, keeping hotel. Two 
sons, Charles and Euguene, were born there. In 1868 he returned to 
America, and located in Lancaster, Fairfield county, where he remained 
until 1872, keeping a grocery. Here his son, Frank, was born. Mr. 
Fuchs next moved to New Straitsville, where he kept a general assort- 
ment of goods, three or four years, since which time he has been carry- 
ing on a good business as a butcher. Four children were born here, 
viz. : Christ, August, Lee and Anna. 

FuLLERTON, WiLLiAM, merchant and postmaster, Mount Perry. 
He was born June 9, 1845, in Hopewell township, this county ; is a son 
of John and Matilda (Crawford) Fullerton. He was brought up on a 
farm, where he resided until 1878, when he came to Mount Perry and 
established his present business. He carries a general stock of dry 
goods, groceries, and such articles as are needed in stores in small 
towns, and has an excellent trade. He was married March 13, 1877, to 
Amanda, daughter of Henr^^ and Sarah Jones. They have two child- 
ren, Martin P., and Annie May. 

FuNDERBURG, NoAH, farmer, post office, Somerset ; born 1827 ; is a 
son of Jacob Funderburg and his wife, who was Priscella Henthorn, 
grandson of Noah Funderburg, who, with his wife, emigrated from Ger- 
many to Frederick count}-, Maryland, where Jacob was born in 1785, and 
who, with father, mother, one brother, and six sisters, came to Perry 
county, in a six-horse and one-horse wagon. He bought a half section of 
land near Somerset, and soon found half of it was only a tax title, and 
the other half no better. He must thus have lost nearly $1,500, and he 
gathered up his effects, and with money still left, bought one hundred 
and sixty acres in section three. Thorn township, where he lived and 
died a few years afterwards. His widow died at the hmise ot" one of 
her daughters, in Jackson township, some years later, at the age of 
ninety. Jacob became the owner of the Thorn township farm, on 
which he lived to the date of his death, in 1878, and in his eighty-fifth 
vear. Noah is of Enjjlish-Welsh extraction on the maternal side, and 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 413 

thus his mother tongue is English. October, 1851, he was married to 
Miss Phebe Skinner, daughter of WilHam, who came to Perry county 
in 1808, and whose hrst wife and her infant were drowned in Kent's Run 
while returning on horsebacl>: from Zanesville. Her maiden name was 
Sarah Jones, and her only surviving child became the second wife of 
Judge George Kishler, of Perry. Mr. and Mrs. Funderburg own and 
reside where she was born, and in the same brick house erected by her 
father, about 1820, and which preserves all its tine appearance, without 
any sign of deca}'. after sixty odd years of exposure.. This farm, with 
additions, now comprises one hundred and seventy-five acres. Like all 
good farmers, his land grows better and not poorer. He prefers wheat 
to wool-growing, and has, for five years averaged $125 per acre from 
a vineyard lot. His first tax was tifty-four cents, and has since risen to 
as many dollars. The care of her atfiicted mother, the second wife of 
her father, William Skinner, who was, prior 10 her marriage, Miss 
Mary Oatley, fell upon Mrs. Fundenburg, and to this task, of some 
3'ears duration, was added the care, also, of her husband's uncle, 
" Sammy " Funderburg, who suffered from his seventh year a mental 
disease, caused by scarletina, so that he was placed under guardianship, 
which office was kindly and taithfully performed by Mr. and Mrs. 
Funderburg, who, like her ancestors, is an O. S. Baptist, and like them, 
also, distinguished for her kindness and hospitality. Their children 
are: Mary E., George C, Laura C, Minerva B., William T., Jacob 
R., Rachel C, John H.. and Noah E. 

Gallagher, Peter, mine boss, Sheldon, Ohio. Was born Febru- 
ary 15, 1845, in Athens county, Ohio, son of Peter and Bridget (Farrie) 
Gallagher. Was raised on a farm, and followed agricultural pursuits 
until 1861, at which time he enlisted in Company A, Sixty-third Regi- 
ment, O. V. L, under Captain Nathan Picket, for three years, or dur- 
the war, and was engaged in the capture of Island Number Ten, bom- 
bardment of Fort Pillow, and under hot fire at New Madrid, serving- 
eleven months, when he was discharged by reason of disability, caused 
by measles, whooping-cough and cold. After receiving his discharge he 
was unable, for two 3'ears, to engage in an}' kind of business : at this 
time he again engaged in farming, which he continued for about two 
years, since which he has been engaged as follows: Grading on Hock- 
ing Valley Railroad, taking charge of a squad of men for three or four 
months ; laying track about six months ; took charge of gravel train two 
months ; foreman of laying iron three months ; then took charge of 
railroad switch for the Straitsville Great Vein Coal and Iron Company 
for one year, at whice time he gave up that position on account of the 
many miners' strikes, and mined lor two years, when he went into 
grocery and provision store, continuing until the panic of 1872 and 
1873, which obliged him to close up business, having largely credited 
customers ; again engaged in mining for about one year, when he was 
elected Marshal of New Straitsville, serving three years, during which 
time he also was constable. Resigning his office at this time, he ac- 
cepted the position of guard at Ohio Penitentiar}^ remaining about two 
years. Returning at this time, and engaged with the Consolidated 
Coal and Coke Company, which had charge of the Great Vein Coal and 
Iron Company's mine, at track laying, mining, and check w^eighman. for 



414 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



one year. He was then appointed to his present position, mine boss. 
He was married November lo, 1874, to Miss Rosa McChiin, born May 
18, 1850, in Monday Creek township, this connty, daughter of Alex- 
ander and Mary (Hoy) McClain, They are the parents of four chil- 
dren, viz. : James F., Charles L., Sarah T., and Maggie. 

Gallagher, M. J., proprietor American House, Somerset. Born 
September 28, 1858, in Reading township. His father, Charles ^., 
was born in 1836, in St. Johns, New Brunswick. ^He came to this 
county in 1842. He was married November, 1857, to Miss Mary 
Dumoit, of Hocking county. She was born in 183'^. They were the 
parents of eight children, six of whom are living. M. J. is the 
eldest. He and his sister came into the hotel November 22, 1880. In 
December the old people came to live with their children in the hotel. 
The father of the subject of this sketch died January 29, 1881. The 
hotel is still being run by M. J. Gallagher. His grandfather, Francis 
Gallagher, died March 25, 1881. 

Garry, Jacob, postmaster, Maxville, Ohio. Was born in Reading 
township. Perry county, Ohio, November 11, 1835 '■> son of Charles and 
Mar}- (Hontz) Garry. Brought up on a farm, and at the age of 
eighteen was apprenticed to the trade of shoemaker. Came to Maxville, 
Ohio, in 1862, where he has ever since resided. Enlisted May, 1864. 
in Company F, One Hundred and Sixtieth Regiment, O. N. G., 
and was honorably discharged from^ the same in September of the same 
year. Was appointed postmaster April 23, 1879, which position he has 
ever since filled with credit. Mr. Garry was married December, 1852, 
to Malinda, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Strohl) Bowman, to whom 
were born six children : Caramay, Ida Elizabeth, Amanda C, William 
E., Harvey F,, Elmer E., the two oldest of whom have passed to the 
" bright beyond." Mr. Garry is one of the substantial citizens of Max- 
ville, and can ever be found busy at the bench, plying his trade, in that 
village. 

Gibson, Mathew, track layer. New Straitsville Ohio, Was born 
January 17, 1849, in Northumberland, England ; son of Mathew and Isa- 
belle (Mason) Gibson. Was raised in a mining region, and began work 
about a mine at the age of nine years, and has given his attention to 
that business up to the present time. Emigrated to America in 1856, 
with his father, who, landing in New York, went to Mason City, Vir- 
ginia, where he still lives, and has been engaged in mining. Mathew 
remained with his father until he was nineteen years of age, and was 
employed at Mason City about ten years, three months of which was for 
himself. Since that time he has been employed at the following places : 
Galva, Illinois, two months; again at Mason City about two 3'^ears ; 
Coalton, Kentucky, about eight months ; returned to Mason City, and 
in September of 187 1 went to Nelsonville, Athens county, Ohio, remain- 
ing only about two weeks ; Lick Run about nineteen months. During 
his stay here he was married. May 19, 1872, to Miss Mary Ann Parker, 
who was boi^n September 7, 1853, in Peach Orchard, on Big Sandy 
river near Catlettsburgh, Bo^^d county, daughter of Michael and Ador- 
tha (Natress) Parker. They are the parents of three children, viz. : 
John William, Ellen and Margaret. After his marriage he moved to 
Shawnee, Ohio, where he lived about five years, when he moved to 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 415 

Knightsville, Indiana, remaining about six months, and returned to 
Shawnee, from where he moved in six months afterward, September, 
1879, ^° ^^^^^ place, where he has remained up to this time and become 
a permanent citizen, owning his present place of abode, and upon which 
he has erected a neat cottage dwelling. Mr. Gibson is at this time a 
member of the Town Council. While living in Shawnee he held the 
office of Township Trustee for one term, and served as Street Commis- 
sioner also in that place. He is now Past Grand of the Kincaid Lodge 
of Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Shawnee, Ohio. 

GooDLivE, Henry, deceased ; was born July 8, 1808, in Switzer- 
land, and died December i, 1867. Mr. Goodlive was raised a farmer, 
and followed that business during his life. He was married October 
8, 1830, to Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob and Catharine Good, who was 
born in January, 181 2, They became the parents of twelve children, 
viz. : Martha, Catharine, Mary A., Jacob, George, Sarah A., Abraham, 
Elizabeth, Julia A., deceased, Matilda, Amanda and David L. In 
1839 ^^'' Goodlive came to Monday Creek township, which he after- 
ward made his home up to the time of his death, and where his family 
still reside, upon a farm of eighty acres. 

Goodlive, Adam, Monday Creek township, farmer, Maxville, Ohio ; 
was born August 3, 1841, in this towmship ; son of Abraham and 
Christina (Bear) Goodlive. Mr. Goodlive was raised on a farm, and 
has followed farming pursuits up to this time, except time spent in the 
military service. In October of 1861, he enlisted in Compan}^ C, 
Sixty-second Regiment, O. V. I., and participated in all the engage- 
ments of the Army of the Potomac. He retired from active service 
in July, 1862, and returned home. He was married December 24, 
1865, to Miss Martha Nunemaker, born April i, 1840, daughter of 
Peter and Catharine (Hammer) Nunemaker, of Hocking county, Ohio, 
to whom were born four children, viz. : Charley, William H., Thomas 
H. and John S., all of whom are living. 

Gordon, Josephus, post office Rehoboth, farmer and stock raiser ; 
born in Perry county in 1835 5 ^^n of Samuel and Doroth}' (Wells) 
Gordon, who emigrated here from Greene county, Pennsylvania, about 
the year 1834. ^^^^7 ^^'^ ^^ German and Irish parentage. The sub- 
ject of this sketch was married in 1859 to Miss Harriet J. Kelly, daugh- 
ter of James and Elizabeth (Shaw) Kelly. They are the parents of 
ten children, viz.: John E., Samuel C, George V., Mary E., Emma 
W., Maggie K., Joe M., Paul, Earl, James, deceased. 

Gordon, P. A., M. D., physician and surgeon. Junction City, Ohio, 
was born March 7, 1853, in Perry county; son of Basil and Margaret 
(Keeman) Gordon. His boyhood days were spent on a farm until the 
age of nineteen years ; then taught school and attended normal school 
until twenty-five years of age, after which he took a course at the Ohio 
Medical College, Cincinnati. Mr. Gordon located in Junction Citv in 
the spring of 1880, and at present writing has established a good 
practice. He was married April 6, 1880, to Miss Kate, daughter of 
Michael and Rebecca (Beckwith) Forquer. This union has been 
blessed with one child, viz. : Earl Augustine, born January- 26, 1881. 
Mr. Gordon is employed by the B. & O. Relief Association, for med- 
ical and surgical assistance. 



jj.l6 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

GoRMLKY, John E., book-keeper, New Straitsville, Ohio, was boni 
April 9, 1850, in St. John's, New I5runswick ; son of Patrick and Mar- 
garet (Denny) Gormley. While living at home his father moved to 
Boston, Massachusetts, in 1852, where they lived until John E. was 
fifteen years of age, when they moved to Columbus, Ohio, where John 
E. lived twelve years and engaged in business at the early age of six- 
teen 3'-ears, with Miller, Green & Joyce, with whom he remained nine 
years, first a chore boy and assistant clerk, after which he was appointed 
entry clerk, book-keeper and cashier successively. He was next em- 
ployed as book-keeper for the New York & Ohio Coal Company, witli 
whom he remained one year, when he came to this place and took his 
present position. Mr. Gormley was married March 2, 1875, to Miss 
Belle M. Cushman, daughter of George W. and Belinda (Mitchell) 
Cushman. Thev are the parents of three children, viz. : Harry, 
Blanche and Grace. Mr. Gormley's Either, Patrick Gormley, was 
born in 1816, in County Tyrone, Ireland, and emigrated to America in 
1837, settling at St. John's, New Brunswick, where his family was born 
as above mentioned. But all;er living in Columbus for some length 
of time, he returned to Boston, Massachusetts, where he now lives. 
His mother, Margaret Denn3^ was born and raised in Londonderry, 
Ireland; was married in 1837, ^and ^^^^ '" Columbus, Ohio, February, 
1870, where she is buried. 

GouLDiNG, Jabez, miner, New Straitsville. He was born in Gurn- 
diftath, near Pontypool, Monmouthshire, in 1837 5 ^s a son of Samuel 
and Mary Goulding, natives of Gloucestershire, who settled in Gurn- 
ditfath early in life, and raised nine children, six sons and three daugh- 
ters. Mr. Goulding married Ruth Randall, July 27, 1866. and the 
same year moved to Glamorganshire, South Wales, where he was em- 
ployed bv the Greenhill, Church & Pentre Company to open a new mine 
called the Chvuxh mines, on the number three vein. He was employed 
by this company till 1869. In March, 1869, he started for America, 
arriving in New York, March 28th. He was first employed in the Poto- 
mac mines, on George Creek, Maryland. After four months work here 
he came to Jackson county, Ohio, wdiere he located and sent for his 
family in South Wales. They arrived in this country in 1872, and 
after residing in Jackson county for eight years they moved to New 
Straitsville, where he engaged in the mining business, and success has 
attended him. 

Granger, George A., proprietor ot the Merchant and Custom 
Mill, New Lexington, Ohio, was born Januarj^ 25, 1842, in Suffield, 
Hartford county, Connecticut ; son of Aratus K. and Cordelia M. 
(Hathaway) Granger. George A. wras brought up on the farm, where 
he remained until he was twenty-one years of age, when he engaged 
in his present business. He came to this place in 1863 ; he expected 
his present mill building in 1879. ^^^'' Granger was married June 16, 
1868, to Miss Josephine E., daughter of Abner M. and Margaret C. 
(Chapalier) Wiiite. They are the parents of one child — Joan, de- 
ceased. Mr. Granger's mill grinds about one hundred and fifty bush- 
els of wheat per day the entire year. 

Grant, John A., farmer. Saltlick township; P. O., Shawnee, O. ; 
was born August 15, 1828, in Fauquier county, Virginia : son of Samuel 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. '4^7 

and Mariu (Hitch) Grant. Mr. Grant was raised a farmer, and has 
followed agricultural pursuits to the present time. Was brought to 
Ohio by his father in 1828, who first settled in Muskingum count}', where 
he remained until 1835, when he came to Perry county, and settled up- 
on the farm of one hundred and twenty acres, where Mr. Grant now 
resides. It was bought from Alvah Buckingham, who entered it. 
When he came, he had to build his cabin and clear the land, it being an 
entire wilderness. Here he lived until his death in September, 1861. 
By will of the father, John A. became owner of the farm by pa3nng the 
stipulated sum of $900. John A. has added one hundred and twenty 
acres to his farm, and erected a fine frame dwelling. After the death 
of his father, John A. took care of his mother until her death in 1875. 
Mr. Grant served as Justice of the Peace of this township for eight 
years, and resigned one year before the closing of his last term. Was 
township clerk one ^^ear, and land appraiser in 1880. Mr. Grant was 
married October 13, 1853, to Margaret M., daughter of Robert and 
Margaret (McClelland) Adams of Clayton township, this count}^ They 
became the parents of two children, viz. : Robert F., married, and 
lives in Nebraska, and Samuel R. Mrs. Grant died December 21st, 
1858. Mr. Grant was married the second time, January 10, 1861, to 
Jemima, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Watlin) Rockhold of Harri- 
son township, Perry count}-, Ohio. They are the parents of six living 
children, viz. : Iva, Joshua T., Maria E., Earl C., Roscoe Conklin, 
and Mandie M., and one, deceased, Joseph Madison, died March 2d, 
1875, aged eleven years and six months, with inflammation of brain and 
lungs. This was an exemplary boy, who was fond of the words of God, 
and became familiar with many passages ; he was a regular church and 
Sunday school attendant ; said he was going to Jesus, and prayed for his 
parents, brothers and sisters. His interest in the welfare of others was 
more than ordinary, even remarkable ; his knowledge and manners 
would have adorned one of riper years, and will ever be a pleasant re- 
membrance to his friends. Mr. Grant enlisted February 7, 1864, in 
Company A, Thirty-first O. V. I., for three years, or during the war, 
and served to the close of the war. Was engaged in the battles of Re- 
saca, Buzzard Roost, Peachtree Creek, where he became disabled. 
Was sent to Louisville, Kentucky, where he was recruited and dis- 
charged, on his way to rejoin his regiment. 

Griggs, Samuel, born in New Jersey, November 19th, 1794; was 
a son of Daniel Griggs, and brother of John, Christopher and Joacum, 
the first and last named having died in Pennsylvania, while Christopher, 
when last heard from, was in Iowa. Samuel sent a substitute into the 
war of 1812, and in 1833, came in a two-horse wagon with his wife, 
who was Debby Fields, and their two children, John and Elizabeth, to 
Somerset, where they rested until they purchased the Henry Bowan 
farm, a few miles west of Somerset, now known as the Miles Dittoe 
larm, which he sold in less than three years ; and after visiting Indiana, 
Illinois, Missouri and Kentucky, in search of another home, and find- 
ing no place that suited him, purchased the farm where he afterwards 
lived until his death, and where his only son, John Griggs, now resides, 
in the south-west corner of Reading township. Debby Fields, the wife 

38 



4l8 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

ol" Samuel Griggs, is a full cousin of the famous Cyrus W. Fields, 
thus connecting the name of Griggs with that of Fields. 

Griggs, John, was born 1819, in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, 
and was therefore only fourteen years old when he came to Ohio, and 
seventeen when he began life where he now resides. He was united 
in marriage to Miss Mary Lechrone, in March, 1843. Their children 
are Katharine E., wife of John Kerr, deceased, and w^ho ended her 
w'idowhood by marriage to Joseph Newton Eyman. William Griggs 
was married to Miss Josephena D. E^-man, daughter of Br3^an Eyman, 
Esq., and departed this life in 1881, leaving his wife, one son, and three 
daughters. Henry W. Griggs was married to Miss Ida Phillips, daugh- 
ter of Mr. Reuben Phillips, and resides in Walnut township, Fairfield 
county ; post office, Millersport. Watson Griggs was marrisd to Mima 
M. Neely, daughter of John Neely, and resides on the home farm. 
The family is Scotch on the Griggs side, and English on the Fields 
side of its ancestry. Here lives John Griggs, independent as a sover- 
eign, his gentle wife and aged mother comprising the household — that 
aged mother whose memor}^ yet sparkles with gems of recollection, and 
whose dark eye flashes with thought. Her son John has added to his 
possessions the celebrated Lyde}^ Rock farm, just one mile up the Wag- 
ner valley, from the Newark, S. & S. R. R., which contains a strong 
magnesian, chalybeate spring, three feet of iron ore, and a landscape 
wild and picturesque. 

Grimes, F. M., farmer. Pleasant township ; post oflice, Moxahala ; 
he was born April 7, 1844; son of David and Nancy (Hollingshead) 
Grimes, both natives of this State. His grandparents were natives of 
Pennsylvania. Mr. F. M. Grimes was born on the farm on which he 
now resides, and his farm contains two hundred and twelve acres. He 
married Miss M. E. Buxton February 6, 1873 ; she was of Monroe 
township. They became the parents of three children, viz. ; Burt, 
born Dec. 12, 1873 ; John, September 16, 1877 ; Grace, June 21, 1879. 
' Grimes, H. C, dentist. Somerset; he was born in 1828 in Som- 
erset. His father and mother were both born in Wurtemburg, 
Germany. The subject of this sketch went West in 1850, and came 
back in 1853, being inside that time one year in Dakota. He went into 
the army, Thirty-first O. V. I., in 1861 ; he enlisted as Lieutenant, and 
was promoted to a Captaincy. He resigned in 1863. He remained at 
home six months on account of sickness. He enlisted as Captain in 
the spring of 1864, and came back in fall of 1864. The last time he 
was under General Thomas. Mr. Grimes was elected to the State Leg- 
islature in 1879. ^^® ^^ ^^^^ author of the famous " Hawk Bill." He 
learned his profession since the war. He was married to Miss Mar}'" 
P. Rankin of Brownsville, Licking county, Ohio. She was born in 
Muskingum county, Ohio. They are the parents of three children, 
two of whom are living: Caddie, Willie, (dead) ; John D. 

Hadden, Samuel, proprietor planing mill. New Lexington, Ohio. 
Mr. Hadden was born Februar}^ 14, 1842, in Union township, Muskin- 
gum county, Ohio ; son of Samuel M. and Ann (Lorimer) Hadden. 
They were the parents of twelve children — nine sons and three daugh- 
ters. Four of the sons served in the late war, two of whom lost their 
lives on the battlefield. Samuel was brought up on the farm, where he 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 4I9 

remained until twenty-two years of age. He came to this county in 
1868, and in the following year came to this place, and engaged in his 
present business, with a partner the greater part of the time. In the 
meantime Mr. Hadden traveled in the West, one year, in the interest 
of a mining company. He is now sole proprietor of an active business 
in this line. Mr. Hadden was married October 8, 1867, to Almira, 
daughter of Dr. J. W. and Sarah (McConnell) Law, of Tuscarawas 
county, Ohio. They are the parents of six children, viz, : William, 
Francis, Charles, Samuel, Annetta and John. 

Hamilton, Thomas H., New Lexington, Ohio, was born September 
14, 1859, in New Lexington, Ohio ; son of Thomas and Helen (John- 
son) Hamilton. Thomas Hamilton was a native of Virginia, and Helen 
Johnson, of Perry county, Ohio. Mr. Hamilton, the subject of this 
sketch, was married November 24, 1881, to Miss Libbie, daughter of 
William Haines, of Somerset, Ohio. 

Hammitt, Samuel, farmer, Madison township ; post office, Mt. 
Perry. He was born April 3, 1823, in Madison township. Perry county. 
He is a son of George and Jane (Bergrin) Hammitt. He was brought 
up as a farmer, which occupation he has since followed. Mr. H. en- 
listed in Company H, i6oth Regiment O.V. L, and served four months 
as a corporal. He was married December 22, 1850, to Mary J. Ford, 
daughter of Charles and Harriet Ford. His second marriage was to 
Mary J. Danison, daughter of Edward and Aletha Danison. Mr. and 
Mrs. H. are the parents of eight children, viz. : William R., Charles N., 
Clarissa J., Andrew J., Jacob L. (deceased), John B., Adelaide R., and 
George W. 

Hammond, John, the venerable ancestor of the very respectable 
family which bears his name, was born in county of Donegal, L^eland, 
from whence he and his brother Thomas came to Dauphin county, 
Pennsylvania, where John was married to Miss Rebecca James. On 
the first day of November, 1805, he and his wife, with her mother and 
father, and his brother Thomas, arrived in a four-horse wagon at a spot 
near where Trinity Church now stands in Somerset. Here they began 
cutting a wagon road toward their destination, and were soon discovered 
by Jacob Finck, who at once offered his aid, and who, by his natural 
kind heartedness, won' the friendship of the Hammonds, which was 
ardently reciprocated to the end of their long and worthy lives. Ar- 
rived at last on the half section they had selected for their future homes, 
they erected a tent around a dogwood tree, yet standing as a living wit- 
ness, near the Sulphur spring, on the south side of the farm. Under 
this temporary shelter grandmother James, most probably wearied by 
the long journey just completed, took sick and died, November 17th, 
1805. Her venerable husband followed her a few years later, and they 
are most probably the first aged pair whose death may be recorded in 
the county. John Hammond and his devoted wife, now deprived of 
the affectionate support of her parents, bravely adhered to the purpose 
of hewing a home out of the frowning forest for themselves and their 
children. In this purpose they were also effectively assisted by Thomas, 
who- made his home with them until June 30th, 1852, when he departed 
this life, at the age of seventy-seven years, but not until his aim at suc- 
cess and independence had been realized. He was a soldier in the 



420 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

War of 18:2. It was no uncommon thing for this famil}^ and others 
scattered here and there, to go as far as Chilhcothe or Zanesville for 
grain grinding, and often the brave wife of John Hammond was left 
alone in her cabin home, with her little ones, to answer the demands of 
the roving Indian for salt or bread, and to defend her home against the 
intrusions of wild beasts. The life of John Hammond was prolonged 
to the age of eighty-eight years and that of his wife to eighty-nine 
years. They lived to behold the fruitful fields which their firrnness and 
industry had rescued from a forest waste, and to see their children grow 
to the estate of womanhood and manhood and take rank among the fore- 
most in useful life and in the esteem of society. Their children were 
Thomas, husband of Miss Olive Spencer, and who, about eighteen 
years since, removed from Perry county to McLane county, Illinois ; 
John, who died in East Rushville in 1832; Nancy, who preserves her 
maiden name, and resides with her sister, Mrs. Stewart ; Mary Ann 
Cowen, wife of the late George Cowen, of Hopewell ; James, who died 
in California, and whose wife was Miss Eliza Hukel, vet living with 
her sons in Iowa. 

Hammond, Jesse, is the only survivor of all the sons of John and 
Rebecca Hammond, and to whom descended a share of the ancestral 
acres, and all of the manhood and social character of his ancestr^^ 
He is the husband of Miss Elizabeth Cowen, with whom he spent many 
years of a happy life, hrst clouded by her departure from it, a few 
years since. He is supported in his irreparable bereavement and in his 
declining years by the kind offices of a niece to his departed wife. 
Next in age to Jesse was Cyrus, who died on his farm in sight of Som- 
erset. Elijah and William died before coming of age ; and next is 
Rebecca, wife of Mr. John Stewart, who occupies the homestead, hal- 
lowed by all the holy remembrances of childhood, and blessed with a 
daughter, now sixteen, the only prospective heir to all the patrimonial 
domain, and a husband, whose skill as a farmer and success as a hus- 
bandman have added beauty, as well as acres, to the old home, where 
there ever has been, as there is now, an unaffected welcome to its kin- 
dred and its friends. The maiden name of Mr. Stewart's mother was 
Nancy Meldrem, whom, with all his brothers, he left in county Done- 
gal, Ireland. His father was James Stewart. His marriage ceremony 
was pronounced by Rev. P. V. Ferree, in 1862. 

Hanley, Edward, proprietor of restaurant, New Straitsville. He 
was born May 5, 1830, in Glasgow\ Scotland ; a son of P. Hanley, a 
native of Ireland, who moved to Scotland when Edward was young. 
His parents had four children, two of whom are yet living. While the 
children were yet young, Mr. Hanley lost his life in a coal mine. Ed- 
ward began work in the mines when but seven years and eight months 
old. At the age of fifteen he was a contractor, and at the age of twenty 
was married to Elizabeth Holmes, a native of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hanle}^ became the parents of seven children, all born in Scotland, five 
of whom are still living. In 1866 they came to America, and four 
months after Mrs. Hanley died. Mr. Hanley began mining in the 
Kanawha River region, in Virginia, where he worked eleven days with 
a " pick and drill," and had charge of two hundred men. In 1870 
Mr. Hanley married Margaret Croal, a native of Ireland, and daugh- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 42I 

ter of Edward and Catharine Croal. She had two brothers — James 
and Francis — both of whom were killed in the late war, the former at 
Spottsylvania Court House, the latter at the White House Road, two 
miles from "Old Church," on the 13th of June, 1863. In 1871, Mr. 
and Mrs. Hanley came to New Straitsville, where he took charge of 
the Tro}^ mines until 1874. ^^^' ^^^^ excellent work in this mine he re- 
ceived well merited praise from Andrew Roy, State Inspecter of Mines. 
Mr. Hanley now conducts an excellent restaurant. 

Hannon, John Sylvester, Rector of St. Mary's Catholic Church, 
Shawnee, Ohio, was born October 28, 185 1, in Steubenville, Ohio, son 
of Bernard and Rose (O'Harra) Hannari. He received his preparatory 
education at Mt. St. Mary's of the West, then entered St. Alo3'sius 
Seminary, and completed his philosophical and theological education, 
at Columbus, Ohio. He was ordained November 7, 1879, ^y Arch- 
bishop Purcell, at St. Francis Church, at Cincinnati, Ohio. After his 
ordination he was stationed at St. Joseph's Cathedral, and had charge 
of the surrounding missions attached to the cathedral. At the same 
time he was chaplain to the Ohio State Penitentiary. From these du- 
ties he was transferred to Athens, Ohio, and had charge at St. Paul's 
Church about three months. He came to his present charge May i, 
1880. Before his appointment here this congregation was attended 
once a month from Straitsville. During his labors here he has built 
the present church building, and the congregation is steadily increasing. 

Hansberger, Joel J., proprietor of Park House, and lumberman 
and contractor, Corning, Ohio, was born September 14, 1840, in Amanda 
township, Fairfield county, Ohio, son of Joel and Elizabeth (Loose) 
Hansberger. Joel was brought up on the farm. At the age of twenty 
he enlisted in Company K, Seventeenth O. V. I., and veteranized, serv- 
ing four years, and never was absent from his regiment on, account of 
sickness, and was engaged in thirty-two different battles. During his 
service he was commissary sergeant eighteen months. At the close of 
the war he engaged as dry goods clerk ; subsequently was drug clerk. 
He conducted a hardware store about six months ; after selling this out 
he engaged in general merchandizing, which he has conducted for the 
last eleven years. At this time he owns a store at Baltimore, Fairfield 
county, Ohio. In the fall of 1881 he established his business here, and 
opened his hotel in the spring of 1882. Mr. Hansberger was married 
February 14, 1867, to Miss Caroline, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth 
Tschopp, of Pleasant township, Fairfield county, Ohio. They are the 
parents of six children, viz. : Ulysses Franklin, Harry Grant, William 
C, Carrie Clementine, Ernest Eugene, and Arthur Garfield. 
' Harbaugh, Daniel, farmer, Shawnee, Ohio, was born December 
4, 1818, in Somerset coimty, Pennsylvania, and son of John and Rox- 
ana (Wymer) Harbaugh. Mr. Harbaugh was raised a farmer, and 
has followed agricultural pursuits pretty much all his life. He lived to 
the age of seventeen years in Penns3'lvania, when he came to Ohio 
with his father and settled in Perry county, Ohio, and of which county 
he has been a resident up to this present time. He was married Feb- 
ruary 14, 1845, to Mary, daughter of John and Jane (Travars) Hazel- 
ton. They are the parents of nine children, viz. : John, Henry, James, 
Gabriel, Sarah Jane, Barbara Ellen, Hannah Lydia. Mary, Louisa, and 



422 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



William T. S., all living but one — Louisa. All who are living are mar- 
ried, with but one exception, that of Willie, who is at home. Mr. Har- 
baugh has, at this time, twenty-five grandchildren, and is quite vigor- 
ous of his age. He helped to roll logs, in the days of yore, where now 
are the present sites of Shawnee and Straitsville, and has seen the 
farms change from $io and $12 per acre to $60, $70, $100, $150, and 
up to $300 per acre, all upon the account of developed mineral wealth, 
which was opened to commerce by the building of the Baltimore and 
Ohio Railroad branch that reached this point, the first meeting of which 
he attended at Newark, Ohio, and which brought a copious shower of 
wealth into his community. He has been, and at the present time is, 
one of the reliable citizens of this county, and has tilled the offices of 
township treasurer and trusted for several years. He also has held all 
the society official positions of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Shaw- 
nee, Ohio. He now owns two hundred and thirty-four acres of land at 
McCuneville, two miles from Shawnee, the coal of which is leased to a 
New York coal company, at ten cents per ton. His statement as to 
how Shawnee came by its name is as follows : In an early day, when 
the country was sparsely settled, and there were no Sunday schools and 
but few churches, the youngsters were accustomed to grow up almost 
uncultivated, and with but little literary culture. During a winter term 
of school it so happened that some difficult}-^ arose between the master 
(Stephen Wise) and a scholar by the name of James Small, and it hap- 
pened that the master attempted to correct the scholar, who proposed, 
by pugilistic force, to resist the punishment, and thus ensued the tussle 
for predominance ; but the master — perhaps being the better of the two, 
and undoubtedh^ in the right — came off' conqueror. Of course, the 
thing became news and took wings, flying from ear to ear, and came 
to the hearing of an elderly gentleman of the community — Mr. Henry 
Hazelton — who had served in the Indian wars ; upon which he re- 
marked that they (the boys of that community) reminded him of the 
Shawnees, meaning the tribe of Shawnee Indians ; from which it be- 
came a title of the boys, and later the creek they lived upon, and still 
later to the mining town of that name. 

Hardy, David, farmer, Maxville, Ohio ; born in Fairfield county, 
Ohio, July 2, 1829; son of Thomas and Jane (Huston) Hardy. At 
the age of three j^ears he, with his father, came to Perry county and 
located in Monday Creek township, where he has ever since resided. 
His boyhood was spent on his father's farm, and he has continued to till 
the soil through his entire life. He was married October 25, 1852, to 
Lucretia R., daughter of Ralph and Sarah (Gunder) Webb, to whom 
were born six children — Sarah, Jane, Margaret, John R., Thomas W. 
and Gustavus A., all living in Monday Creek township, except Mar- 
garet and John, who died several years since. Mr. Hardy is a sub- 
stantial farmer, owning one hundred and twenty acres in Monday 
Creek township, and enjoys the respect of all who "know him. 

Harlan, B. F., post office Somerset, Ohio, was born in tlie State 
of Delaware, May 5, 1831. His father was William Harlan, who died 
in Pennsylvania, in 1850, in the sixtieth year of his age. He was a 
good mechanic in all kinds of wood work. His mother was Miss Sarah 
Hewlet, who died in 1865, in her seventy-third year. She was the 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 423 

mother of three sons and three daughters, who grew to manhood and 
womanhood. Of these, one sister, Mrs. Sarah Tague, wife of John Tague, 
post office Rehoboth, resides in this county. The family is of EngHsh 
descent on both sides. Its religion was of those Baptists known as 
Christians, or Campbellites. Mr. Harlan and his wife are Lutherans. 
In politics he was always Whig or Republican. He was married No- 
vember 31, 1827, to Miss Mary Smitley, daughter of the venerable 
John Smitley, near Newtonville, Ohio. They lived in Muskingum and 
Licking counties until 1861, when they came to Perry. His occupation 
being that of a miller caused several removals, until 1874, ^^ bought 
the farm on which he now resides. He has been successful as a miller, 
and still pursues this occupation. His sons are John William and 
Joel. His daughters are Sarah Louisa and Elizabeth Ann, both single. 
Inheriting no patrimon}^ but honesty, industry, and a reasonable 
degree of health, Mr. Harlan and his wife have attained to circum- 
stances of comparative independence, while much of the time he nursed 
his health, and qualified himself for his avocation of a first-class miller. 
A close student of passing events, he has gained a competence by the 
stern virtues of industry, economy, perseverance and temperance. 

Harsh, Jacob H., merchant, Rendville, Ohio; born June 25, 1844, 
in Franklin county, Pennsylvania ; son of Jacob and Mary (Gantz) 
Harsh. Jacob Harsh was a native of Virginia, and Mary Gantz a 
native of Washington count}^ Pennsylvania, of German ancestry. Jacob 
H. was brought up on a farm until about twenty years of age, when he 
emigrated to Russellville, Kentucky, and clerked in a store about four 
years. From there he went to Owensboro, on the Ohio River, and 
engaged in the manufacture of brooms, in which employment he con- 
tinued about three yeai's. He then taught school one year, after which 
he returned to this State and located at Columbus. His first employ- 
ment in that city was to clerk in a dry goods house, which he followed 
for five years. He came to Rendville, his present abode, in August, 
1879. ^^ ^^^^ married September 30, 1879, to Miss Leanna, daughter 
of Thomas and Penelope (McFarland) Barron, of Owensboro, Ken- 
lucky. Thev are the parents of one child, Thomas Barron Harsh. 

Hartsough, Daniel F., minister of the gospel, Maxville, Ohio, 
was born April 10, 1826, in Fairfield county, Ohio ; son of Daniel and 
Catharine (Fulcarth) Hartsough. He was brought up on a farm, and 
came to this township soon after his marriage, where he remained one 
and one-half years, and then went to Indiana and remained about 
thirteen years and six months in Huntington and Kosciusko counties. 
At the end of this time he again returned to this township, where he 
has since resided. His father was a German Baptist in religion, and 
he, at the age of twenty-one years, united with the same church, and at 
twenty-four years of age became deacon of the same, and at thirty 
years of age entered the ministry of that church, and at this time holds 
the second degree in that relation. He is now pastor on the Rush 
Creek District, and officiates at Bremen, Marion, and Durban Run. 
Rev. Hartsough was married March 8, 1849, ^^ Susannah, daughter of 
George and Elizabeth (Fink) Henricks. They are the parents of six 
children, viz. : George, Isaac, Aaron, John, Elizabeth C. and Ira C. 

Harvey, Humphrey, grocer and baker, Shawnee, Ohio, was born 



424 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



in 1829, in county Cornwall, England ; son of John and Thomasine 
(Cornish) Harvey. He came to America in 1850, and located in New 
York City, and worked in a bakery two years. He then went to Alle- 
ghany county, Maryland, and remained about twenty years. Mr. Har- 
vey was married in 1850 to Miss Jane, daughter of Henry Bishop, of 
county Cornwall, England. They became the pfirents of one child, 
viz. : John. Mrs. Harvey died in 1856, and Mr. Harvey was again 
married in 1858 to Miss Lucinda Jane, daughter of Travis and Blanche 
(McCoy) Coppage, of Maryland. They are the parents of eight chil- 
dren, viz. : Thomasine Blanche, married to John Ritz, Lucinda Jane, 
William Alfred, George Travis, Henry James, Thomas Humphrey, 
Hattie May and Iva Grant. Mr. Harvey's is the oldest business house 
in Shawnee, and is succeeding well. 

Hatfield, John, miller, Monroe township, Corning, Ohio, was 
born February 17, 1820, in Pennsylvania; son of William and Mar}^ 
Ann (Miller) Hatfield. Mr. Hatfield was brougnt up on a farm, and 
followed agricultural pursuits and running threshing machines for 
twenty-four years, until about twent}^ years ago, when he engaged in 
his present business of running a saw mill, which he is now about to 
change into a flouring mill. He also hits managed threshing machines 
since he quit farming. Mr. Hatfield came to Ohio with his parents at 
an early da}^ who settled in Richland township, Muskingum county, 
and afterward moved to Indiana, where they lived about one year, 
when they returned to Fairfield county, Ohio, where they lived up to 
the time of their deaths. His father was a soldier in the War of 181 2, 
serving two six months terms. His grandfather, Edward Hatfield, 
was married in England to Miss Mary Lee, and emigrated to America 
during the Revolutionary War ; became a soldier for freedom and 
right ; endured the hardships and cruelties of war, but was encouraged 
by a brave wife, who continued with him during the campaign, and 
where their first child, Edward, was born, and afterward the}^ became 
the parents of William, father of the subject of this sketch, and Samuel. 
John Hatfield lived with his father until he was past twenty-two years 
of age, when he was married to Miss Alice C. Darnell, born January 
13, 1822, in Culpepper county, Virginia, daughter of Jeremiah and 
Narcissa Frances (Coppage) Darnell. They are the parents of nine 
children, viz. : Harriet Ann, married to James Moore ; Eliza Jane, 
married to Joseph Bougie ; Narcissa Frances, married to John Eberts ; 
Lewis, married to Elizabeth Irwin ; J. M., married to Cynthia J. Post; 
Mar}?^ Alice, married to John W. Roberts ; John Wesle}^, married to 
Frances Maxwell; Charles Calvert and Maggie E., at home. Mrs. 
Hatfield's parents came to Ohio when she was a small girl, where they 
lived up to the time of their deaths. Mr. Darnell died in Morgan 
county, and Mrs. Darnell in Licking county, each living to a good, ripe 
age. 

Hays, George L., post ofiice clerk. New Lexington, Ohio, was 
born December 14, 1840, in Jackson township ; son of John and Zelda 
(Rinehart) Hays. Young Hays was brought up on a farm, where he 
remained until 1867, when he came to this place and established a pro- 
vision grocery, which he conducted till 1872, after which he clerked in 
a store and taught school until 1877, when he took his present position. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNtV. 425 

Mr. Hays w£is married January 19, 1864, to Miss Barbara E., daughter 
of Isaac and Susan Baily. They are the parents of three children, 
viz. : Susanna E., George FrankHn and Isaac Arthur (twins). 

Hazelton, Henry, fai;mer. Saltlick township, Shawnee, Ohio ; 
was born in this tov\aiship ; son of John and Jane (Traverse) Hazelton. 
Mr. Hazelton was brought up a farmer, and has made farming the busi- 
ness of his life. Having all his life been a citizen of Saltlick township, 
he is now the second oldest citizen in it. Was married Ma}^ 20, i860, 
to Lois x\manda,. daughter of Joseph and Susan (Raymer) Woodruff', 
of Orange county. New York. They are the parents of three children, 
viz. : Ulysses S. Grant, John M. and Mar\^ Jane, who are living, and 
one that died in infancy. Mr. Hazelton's "father came from Pennsyl- 
vania to Ohio at an early day, and settled on Congress land at $1.25 
per acre ; the same land is now considered worth $100 per acre, and 
some in the neighborhood has sold as high as $300 per acre. The land 
here, as farming land, ^nelds about fort}- bushels of corn per acre; 
wheat, about twenty bushels per acre. By good management Mr. 
Hazelton raises fifty bushels of corn per acre, and twenty-five bushels 
of wheat per acre. He now owns one hundred and sixtyacres in Pike 
township, and four hundred and ninety acres in this township. 
That in Pike township, and eighty acres in this township, are 
optioned as mineral land. He enlisted in September of 1861, in Com- 
pany H, Sixt^'-second Regiment, O. V. L, as Second Lieutenant for 
three years, or during the war, but was discharged in May, 1864, by 
reason of disabillity, caused by a wound received at Fort Wagner, 
South Carolina, in the attempt to carry the fort. Upon that 
charge the regiment lost three hundred and fitty men, killed and 
wounded, and every officer but one was killed or wounded. The Brig- 
ade Commander was also killed. Mr. Hazelton enlisted in the ser- 
vice as Second Lieutenant, and was discharged as First Lieutenant. 
His wound has made him a permanant cripple. 

Hazelton, James P., teacher, Straitsville, Ohio; born in Saklick, 
township, Perry county, Ohio, May 7, i860 ; son of Harrison and Lou- 
vina ( Mario w) Hazelton ; brought up on his father's farm, and attend- 
ed school at vStraitsville, and began teaching at the age of twenty years, 
in the grammar department of the Straitsville Public Schools. United with 
the Baptist Church at Old Straitsville, at the age of fifteen years, and at 
the early age of seventeen years became superintendent of the Baptist 
Sabbath school at that place, in which honored position he remainefl 
for three years. At eighteen years of age he was chosen clerk of the 
Baptist Church and has continued to perform the duties of that office 
ever since. Mr. Hazelton is a young man whose future is bright. In 
the spring of 1882 he entered the Penmanship Department of the Ohio 
Wesleyan Universary, at Delaware, Ohio, and graduated in plain and 
ornamental penmanship at the Art Hall, under the instruction of Prof 
G. W. Michael. 

Heck, A. R., born March 7, 1815, on the farm where he now lives, 
near Somerset, Ohio ; a successful and prosperous farmer. His father 
was Judge John Heck, born in 1790, who came with his father, Frederick 
Heck, from Franklin county, Pennsylvania, to Ohio in 1796, and to 
Perry count}' in 1802. Frederick's sons were Judge John, of Perry 

39 J O J J 



^26 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

county, and George Heck, of Seneca count}', Ohio ; his daughters were 
Susan, wife of Jacob Pence ; Margeret, wife of Peter Middaugh ; Eliza- 
beth, wife of WilHam McCormick ; Katharine, wife of Isaac Pence, and 
Maria, single. Frederick Heck, on his arrival in Perry, purchased the 
splendid tract of three hundred and twent}- acres where his descendants 
vet reside. The father of A. R. Heck was married in 1811, to Peggy 
Sanderson, a sister of the late venerable General George Anderson, of 
Lancaster, Ohio. Their sons were George and Alexander R ; their 
daughters, Elizabeth, wife of Henr^' Brehm, and Huldah, wife of Hiram 
Dennison. George resided and died in Iowa, and of two sons, one fell 
in the battle of Franklin, Tennessee. Alexander R. Heck was united 
in marriage, June 25, 1833, to Rachel Linville, daughter of Solomon, 
who was the brother of Joseph and Benjamin Linville, of Fairheld 
county, Ohio. They had six daughters : Margaret, wife of Isaac Brook- 
hart, who has two daughters ; Elizabeth, wife of George L. Brehm, who 
has one son and one daughter , Katharine, wife of Ra3^mond J. Dittoe, 
who has one son and one daughter ; Susan, wife of Clinton S. Dorris, 
who has one son, and Hannah, wife- of Hayden Arnold, died 1881. 
Alexander A. Heck, is a church member, conservative independent in 
politics, a good, if not a superior specimen of American citizenship, and 
the last of his name now living in the countv. His taxes in 1881, were 
$140. 

Henry, Franklin L., farmer, Ferrara, Perry county, Ohio; was 
born August 5, 1849, in Monroe township, Perry county, Ohio; son of 
Cyrus and Abigail (Dye) Henry. Cyrus Henr}- was born in Carroll 
county, Ohio, and came to Monroe township with his father, John 
Henr}', who entered a farm in the township about the year 1837. Abi- 
gail Dye was brought up near Cla^^'s Monument, about five miles east 
of Wheeling, West Virginia. Franklin L.. Henry was brought up on a 
farm. Began teaching school in 1869 ; taught first in the Dougan school 
Monroe township; taught, in all, about six terms. He received a pre- 
paratorv education at the Lebanon Academy. He entered the Ohio 
University at Athens, in the fall of 1871, and w'as graduated in the 
spring of 1876. In 1879 ^^^ formed one of a surveying part}^ under the 
supervision of Major J. W. Free and E. N. Maxwell. They first visited 
Fort Griffin and Fort Worth, Texas. On his return to the frontier he 
w^as taken with typhoid fever, compelling him to abandon the enter- 
prise and return to Albany, Texas, where he lay fourteen weeks, a part 
of the time at the very point of death. When he became convalescent 
he returned to his native home, where he has remained up to the pres- 
ent time. 

Henricks, Daniel, farmer, Maxville, Ohio ; w^as born in Monday 
Creek township, November 2, 1832 ;son of George and Elizabeth (Fink) 
Henricks. He was brought up on a farm ; in 185 1 he was elected town- 
ship clerk ; in 1856 he moved to L3'on county, Kansas, where he lived 
fourteen years, and served as Justice of the Peace seven years, resign- 
ing the office when he left there. In 1870 he moved to the Indian Ter- 
ritory, where he remained three years ; in 1873 he moved to Texas, 
stopping in the northern part, where he resided four years, and return- 
ed to Monday Creek township in 1877, and located on his present farm. 
Mr. Henricks was married the first time February 15, 185 1, to Nancy 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 427 

daughter of James P. and Austis (Sherwood) Black, who died Feb- 
ruary 28, 1875. They became the parents of three children, viz. : John 
W., Elizabeth J. and James C. He was married the second time April 
10, 1879, to Annie, daughter of Thomas and Jane (Huston) Hardy. 
Mr. Henricks' grandfather, John Henricks, was a native of Germany, 
and emigrated to America shortly after the Revolutionary War, and 
settled in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, but in 1809, moved with his 
son, George, to Ohio and settled in Perry county, where he built the 
first grist mill on Jonathan's Creek. Mr. Henricks' father, George 
Henricks, moved into Monday Creek township in 1826. 

Heppell, James W., engineer, Sha-wnee, Ohio; was born Novem- 
ber 30, 1844, ^" Northumberland, England ; son of James and Hannah 
(Brodee) Heppell ; was brought up in the country, and worked in a 
coal mine up to 1863, beginning at the age of nine years ; was engaged 
as fireman on the railroad for nine years, and then on a ship for one 
year as engineer, running from England to France. He came to 
America in 1873, landing in New York, and has been employed at the 
following business since his arrival : At Dennison, Summit county, 
Ohio, one year ; Shawnee, Ohio, as a miner nine months ; on the Balti- 
more & Ohio Railroad, fireing engine fifteen -months ; as engineer at 
the XX furnace, where he has remained up to this time. Mr. Heppell 
was married July 7, 1864, to Miss Barbra, daughter of George and 
Elizabeth (Miller) Campbell; they are the parents of six children living, 
viz. : Elizabeth, Christena, George, Barbra, Fannie and Mary, and six 
dead, viz. : George, James, Hannah, Walter, Thomas and Edward. 
Mr. Heppell has passed some narrow escapes of his life ; at one time he 
was forty-eight hours bound in a coal mine, in England, whose shafr 
was one thousand and seven hundred feet deep. This shaft was sunk 
in 1799, and is still running coal. It is the mine in which Stevenson 
first proved his elevator engine to be a success, by which he amassed a 
fortune. 

HiGGiNS, James, was born in 1816, in Pennsylvania ; son of Arthur 
and Mary (Brown) Higgins ; he was brought up on a farm, and fol- 
lowed farming all his life, and was very successful. He came 
to Ohio at the age of fourteen 3^ears, with his father, who settled upon 
the farm now owned by the family of the subject of this sketch. Mr. 
Higgins was married June 8, 1847, to Miss Ellen McMenomy, born 
November i, 1822, in the northern part of Ireland, daughter of Roger 
and Marjory (McGinley) McMenomy. They became the parents of 
eight children, viz. : Arthur, John, James, Mar}^ (deceased), Elizabeth, 
Francis, Stephen and Thomas, deceased. Mr. Higgins departed this 
life May 13, 1874. His wife, who still survives him, was brought to 
America when a child, whose paients settled in New York State ; at 
the age often years her uncle. Judge McGinley, brought her to Ohio, 
where she has since resided. 

Hill, Robert, farmer, born in 1843, in Thorn township, Perry 
county, Ohio ; post office, Rushville. In 1867 he was married to Miss 
Levina Lehman, a daughter of Christian Lehman, whose wife was the 
daughter of Frederick Siple of Fairfield county, Ohio. The father of 
Robert, was James Hill, deceased, in Perry county, Ohio ; and his grand- 
father was Robert Hill, deceased, in Virginia. His mother's maiden 



428 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

name was Margaret Tailor, and that of his grandmother was Sarah 
White, a native of Maryland, and deceased near Thornville. The 
children of Robert and Levina Hill are : George, John Richard, Mar- 
tha, Rezella, Ann. Robert served his country in Company L, Fourth 
U. S. Artillery', six years in the regular army ; was discharged in March, 
and married in May, 1867. His tirst lieutenant was a son of Henry 
Ward Beecher. This eminent divine was visiting his son and saw a 
soldier shot down by the rebels while carr3nng sugar suspended from 
one end of a stick and coffee at the other, the slick being swung over 
his neck. The sight of this event, and the carelessness of the soldiery 
which seemed to border on indifference, made a deep impression on the 
manner and conversation of their distinguished visitor. Mr. Hill's wife 
is a descendent of that Rev. Adam Lehman, whose name is connected 
with the first United Brethren Conference ever held in America ; a 
name that will live in history while letters preserve its records. Her 
grandfather, Jacob Adam Lehman, was also a preacher in the same 
church. 

HiLLERY, Marshall, was born in Virginia, March 2d, 1827. 
Emigrated with his parents to Ohio in 1830, and located on a farm near 
Lancaster, Ohio. After remaining a few years in Fairfield count}-, he 
removed with his parents to Monda}' Creek township, where he has re- 
sided ever since. His father, Elijah Hillery, was a native of Virginia. 
He served in the War of 181 2, and was a great friend of the Union 
cause during the late troubles. He died October 9th, 1873. Marshall 
Hillery is a farmer by occupation ; although not largely engaged in 
farming, yet he maintains his position as one of the progressive farmers 
of the community. He w^as married to Sarah Martin, October 30th, 
1850. She was born August 18, 1827. She is the daughter of Elli- 
son Martin, of Logan, Hocking count}-. Mr. Martin was a prominent 
man in his party and society; holding, at the time of his death, the 
offices of County Auditor, Justice of the Peace and Postmaster. He 
died November 3, 1839. Marshall and Sarah Hillery are the parents 
of five children. The first, a son, died in his infancy; Elizabeth J., 
born September 20, 1854, died April 12, 1856; John M., born Sep- 
tember 30, 1857; Charles E., born July 16, 1861 ; Laura May, born 
July 2, 1865, died February 25, 1870. John M., a teacher by pro- 
fession, is engaged in teaching in the county of which he is a resident. 
Charles E. is a clerk in a dry goods establishment. 

HiLLis. Edward, farmer. Pike township. New Lexington, Ohio; 
was born May 31, 1833, ^^^ Jackson township, this county; son of Eli- 
jah and Elizabeth (Freshour) Hillis. Mr, Hillis was raised a farmer, 
and has followed agricultural pursuits up to the present time. Mr. Hillis 
remained at home until the date of his marriage, October 26, 1852, to 
Miss Ellis Ferguson, born in December, 1837, daughter of Patrick and 
Margaret (McCabe) Ferguson. They are the parents oi six children, 
viz. : Richard, John, deceased : Mary, married to Clestin Mattingly ; 
George, Edward and Charles. Mr. Hillis' father came to Ohio at an 
early day, and after some time he entered eighty acres of land near 
what is now known as Nortli Ferrara, but soon after he was killed 
at a house raising about one mile south of where the Moxahala furnace 
now stands, on the Vanwev farm, leaving a wife and ten children. Af- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 429 

ter her husband's death, Mrs. Hillis still remained upon the farm, and 
her sons cleared it up and farmed it. Mrs. Hillis was again married in 
two or three years, to John Haughran, who lived with the Hillis 
family until the time of his death, which occurred in December, 1847, 
at which time Edward, the subject of this sketch, took charge of the 
farm. Haughran, after his marriage to Mrs. Hillis, bought the eighty 
acres she lived upon, and also purchased eighty acres that Mr. Hillis 
now lives upon ; and upon the occasion of his death, the property w^ent 
into an admiinistrator's hands, when Mrs. Haughran bought the eighty 
acres she lived upon at the time of her last marriage, which her two 
sons, Edward and Thomas, assisted her in pa3'ing for, but was after- 
ward allowed the amount of their assistance in the purchase in partner- 
ship of this same eighty acres of land. She also bought eighty-three 
acres at the same time, which she sold to her two sons, James and 
Washington. Two years after the partnership purchase by Edward 
and Thomas, Edward bought the share belonging to Thomas. At the 
administrator's sale, David, her oldest son, bought the eighty acres en- 
tered by Mr. Hillis, with whom sJie made her home until she died. 
James bought out Washington ; and Edward, after the death of James, 
bought out his heirs in 1879 '■> ^^^ upon the death of his brother, David, 
who was killed at a railroad bridge raising, on the O. C. R. R., bought 
out his heirs also ; and owns a house and three lots in the Third ward, 
Zanesville, O. He acted as administrator for his brother David's es- 
tate. He also purchased in the spring of 1882, seventy acres of the 
John Riley farm. All of the original Hillis family were natural me- 
chanics. Edward does all of his own work, such as blacksmithing, 
wagon Quaking, carpentering, etc. In connection with his other work, 
he ran a threshing machine lifteen years. His health has been remark- 
ably good, as there has never been a physician called to see him yet. 
When he was a boy, deer were so plenty that they had to guard the 
wheat held, having seen as many as twenty-tive or thirty in one herd. 

Hitchcock, Colonel N. F., was born December 29, 1832, in Perry 
county, which has since been his home ; boyhood was spent on farm ; at 
the age of eighteen he commenced teaching ; followed it ten 3^ears, 
then organized a compan}- of militia and went to the army as Captain ; 
was promoted to rank of Lieutenant Colonel ; served three years ; was 
in the following battles: Richmond, Perryville, Stone River, Chicka- 
mauga, Chattanooga, Resaca, Rome, Jonesborough, Atlanta, Nashville, 
Franklin. Was married March 6th, 1854, ^*^ Miss Gemia, daughter of 
John F. and Rosanna (Kelh^) Angle ; are the parents of nine children, 
living, viz. : John H., Mary, Rosanna, James H., S. Clinton, E. Ross, 
Harvey F., Alice J., Lyda U. Mr. Hitchcock's parents are of English 
and Irish descent ; has two brothers who were in the arm}-, one being- 
Captain. Mr. Hitchcock's grandfather on his father's side, Isaac H., 
was one of the first pioneers. 

HiTE, C. E., M. D.. was born 1845, in Lancaster, Ohio ; is the onh' 
son of Jacob Hite, an old and highly respected citizen of Lancaster, 
and a grandson of John Hite, a Baptist minister of the old school. Dr. 
Hite's mother was iVTargaret Guseman. His sisters are Miss Mar}- and 
Miss Ella Hite of Lancaster. He was educated in the excellent free 
schools of his native city ; read medicine in the office and under the 



430 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

tuition of Dr. G. W. Boerstler, long celebrated as the foremost in his 
profession in Lancaster ; graduated in Cleveland Medical College in 
1868 ; located in Rushville, where he became acquainted with and mar- 
ried Miss Sue Lewis, daughter of the late venerable W. B. Lewis, of 
that village. In 187 1 he changed his location to Thornville, and a few 
months later became a partner of the late Dr. Allen Whitmer, who then, 
and to the day of his death in 1881, enjoyed a very lucrative practice. 
By the death of this faithful physician and very excellent citizen. Dr. C. 
E. Hite succeeded to the very large practice theretofore enjoyed by the 
firm of Hite&Whitmer. Hehas been Master of Lodge 521, F. and A.M., 
since its organization in 1879; a member of the L O. O. F., and in all 
respects a useful citizen, an ardent Democrat, and a thrifty man of af- 
fairs. He has two sons — Charles, the eldest, and Harry, now three years 
of age. Jacob Hite, his father, has been in business for nearly a half 
century as a merchant tailor in Lancaster, and such is the general con- 
fidence in his integrity and capacity that he has served as executor, 
without bond, at the request of the testator. 

Holmes, Capt. James M., former cashier of the Perry County 
Bank, New Lexington, Ohio ; was born June 15, 1837, ^^^ Liberty town- 
ship, Fairfield count}', Ohio ; son of Eli and Catharine (Brown) Holmes. 
James M. was brought up on the farm, where he remained until twenty- 
six years of age, when he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and 
Thirty-fifth Regiment O. V. L, and served about one year. When he 
came out of the service he engaged in the grocery business at Terre 
Haute, Indiana, and remained about one year, after which he came to 
Zanesville, Ohio, and engaged in the coal business, which he followed 
until 1873, when he came to this place and engaged in the Peri-^ Coun- 
tv Bank as book-keeper, and was elected cashier in 1878. February 22, 
1 88 1, he was elected Captain of Company A, Seventeenth Regiment 
O. N. G., having previously held the office of Lieutenant of the com- 
pany. He commanded the squad of the company which suppressed 
the miners' riot at Corning in 1880. Captain Holmes was married No- 
vember 9, 1862, to Miss Frances, daughter of James and Fannie (Stolts) 
Turner. They became the parents of three children, viz. : Hattie A., 
Fannie K., and Mary E. Mr. Holmes is now a clerk in the Pension 
Department at Washington City. 

Householder, Adam, was born in Reading township, in 1816 ; is a 
farmer by occupation, his postoffice being Avion, on the county line. 
His father was Adam Householder, Sr., and his mother was Christina 
Siniff, who came to Ohio, in 1802, on horseback, carrying her eldest 
son, Philip, while her husband accompanied her on foot, carrying his 
trusty rifle, until they reached her father's (Philip Siniff ) house, where 
the Wagner farm now is. The brothers of Adam Householder, Jr., 
were, Philip, John, Andrew, George, and Levi ; and his sisters were, 
Polly, wife of Levi Hodge ; Bets}', wife of John Griggs ; Margaret 
Ann, wife of John Hiles : Christina, wife of George Griggs, and Nancy, 
wife of John M. Johnson. Adam Householder, Jr., first married Miss 
Margaret Lehman, daughter of Warner Lehman. The only son living 
by this marriage is Thomas Lehman, whose occupation is that of a 
farmer, and whose postoffice is Avion, Ohio. His second marriage 
was to Efizabeth, daughter of John Lehman, about the year 1847. The 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 43 1 

sons of this marriage are, Lewis, Balser, and D. F. ; all married, and 
postoffice, Avion, Ohio, and all living near t\\e paternal homestead in 
homes of their own. The daughters were, Margaret Ann, wife of 
Abanus Purvis ; Caroline, wife of Earney Purvis ; Emma, wife of Tur- 
ner Elder, and Levina, yet at home. The Householders were of 
Dutch Reform parentage, but are now generally of the Brethren 
Church and of the Republican faith. Adam Householder, Jr., start- 
ing in life, as a married man where he was born and reared, about 
the year 1840, depending alone upon his industry and good health 
for success, and rearing to manhood and to womanhood four sons 
and four daughters, that rank in society with honorable names and 
encouraging portions, illustrate the benignity of American institutions, 
and the thrift, as well as respectability, of the Householder name in 
the county of its adoption and its birth. 

HovvDYSHELL, MiCHAEL, farmer, Monday Creek township, P. O., 
Webb Summit, O. ; born May 4, 1810, in Rockingham county, Virginia, 
son of Jacob and Mary (Miller) Howdyshell. He was brought up a 
farmer, and has made that the business of his life. In 18 14 his father 
came to Ohio and located in Fairfield county, remaining about two 
years, when he moved to Hocking countv, Ohio, and from there he 
went to Indiana, where both he and his wife died — Jacob at eighty-five 
years of age and Mary at ninety-five years of age. Michael came to 
this township about 1842, and located upon and entered the farm where 
he now lives. At the time of his coming that part of the county 
was a wilderness, and he cleared up his own land. When his father 
lived in Hocking county, Logan was unknown, there being but one 
log cabin at that place, occupied by a man by the name of Rhodes. 
They packed their wheat to Lancaster on horseback, and had to go to 
Zanesville for salt, which cost one dollar per bushel, and it required 
about four days to make the trip. When a boy, Michael used to ac- 
company his father, who made hunting his special business. At one 
time his father killed three bears without moving from his position. 
Wild turkeys were plentiful ; deer and wild animals were a daily sight. 
Michael's early school days were spent in a log cabin schoolhouse with 
puncheon floor, a split log for a seat, greased paper for window lights, 
clapboard door, and a split stick chimney that would take in a backlog 
nine feet long. He is one of a family of twelve children, seven of 
whom were boys. As a citizen, he has had but one lawsuit, and that 
before a Justice of the Peace. He was married, in 183 1. His wife, 
Sarah, came with her parents to Ohio from Virginia. Mrs. Howdy- 
shell died May 14, 1877. They became the parents of seven children, 
viz. : Silas, Delilah, Frances, William H., died at nine 3^ears of age; 
Samuel S., Catharine, and Jerome, who died at the age of thirt}- years. 
Ho\VDYSHELL, IsAAC, farmer, Monday Creek township, P.O., Max- 
ville, O. ; born January 13, 1845, in this township, son of Samuel and 
Sylvy (Geiger) Howdyshell; was brought up on a farm, and attended 
common school m the winter season. At the age of twenty-five years 
he attended school in Logan, Ohio, and the following 3'ear began teach- 
ing, and continued that business for eleven years, teaching most of this 
ji time in Hocking county, Ohio, and five successive terms in one district 

"^ in Green township. He began life with no assistance, and now owns 



432 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



one hundred and sixtv acres of well improved land where he now li\'es. 
He was married April 30, 1874, ^^ Miss Nancy, daughter of Daniel and 
Elizabeth (Blosser) HutTord.- To them were born three children, viz. : 
Marv E., Zelda J., and Sarah Amanda. Samuel Howd\-shell, father 
of Isaac was born in 1816, in Virginia. He was brought by his 
parents to Ohio when a boy and at about the age of twenty 3-ears, he 
went to Hocking county, Ohio, where he married Sylvy Geiger, who 
was born in 1824. The}' moved to Perry count}- shortly before the 
birth of Isaac, their son. Unto them were born eleven children, viz. : 
Noah, David, Isaac, James A., deceased; Samuel, deceased; Phcebe, 
Philip, Henson, Sarah, Jacob, and Albert, deceased. 

HowERTH, J. W., farmer, Pleasant township; post office, Moxa- 
hala ; born in Belmont county in 1843 ; son of Samuel and Sarah (Bol- 
ton) Howerth, and is of English descent. Mr. H^owerth's parents 
emigrated to the United States about 1837. T'be subject of this sketch 
moved to Harrison county in 1857, and remained there until he came 
to this township, in 1871, and located on the farm where he now resides. 
In 1864 he married Miss N. Herriman, of Harrison county. They be- 
came the parents of three children: Etty M., Lydia E., and Effie C. 
In 1872 he married Rebecca Speer ; her mother was born in Pennsyl- 
vania, and her father was of Irish extraction. They are the parents of 
three children: Dasie A., Sarah F., and William B. Miss Lorena D. 
Randals, Mrs. Howerth's daughter by her first husband, makes her 
home with the family. 

Hov, Charles, attorney at law. New Lexington, Ohio ; was l)orn 
March 4, 1829, in Wayne, now Ashland, county, Ohio, son of Charles 
and Mary (daughter of Adam Poe) Hoy. Charles was brought up on 
the farm, and began teaching school when seventeen years of age, and 
taught about five vears. He was educated at Ashland and Wooster 
Academies and Western Reserve College ; began reading law in 1849, 
and was admitted to the bar at Mansfield, Ohio, in 1853 ; began the 
practice of his profession, in 1854, at Coshocton, Ohio. In 1857 he 
was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Coshocton county, and re-elected 
in 1859. Attorney Hoy was married, in 1855, to Miss Mary Jane, 
daughter of General Joseph and Rebecca (Lewis) Burns, of Coshoc- 
ton, Ohio. He came to his present location in September, 1877. 

HuFFORD, Daniel, farmer, Monday Creek township, P. O., Max- 
ville, O. ; born May 28, 1831, on the farm now owned by his brother, 
John H., son of Daniel and Nancy (Welty) Hufibrd. He was brought 
up on a farm, and has given his attention to agricultural pursuits to this 
time. During his boyhood days he attended school a few months in the 
year. He has served as township trustee five terms, four of which were 
in succession, during the war. He was one of the Ohio National Guards, 
who were called out during the war. Mr. Hufibrd was married March 
4, 1852, to Elizabeth, daughter of John I. and Hannah (HufTord) Blos- 
ser, of Hocking county, Ohio. They are the parents of six children, 
viz. : Nancy, married, April 30, 1874, ^'^^ Isaac Howdyshell ; John W., 
a school teacher, was married, October 14, 1878, to Jane Vanatta, of 
Jackson township ; Hannah J., married toJ.W. Davis, in 1875 5 Mary M., 
Alice A., died at the age of fifteen months, and Judson S. Mr. HufTord 
owns one hundred and fifty acres of well improved land wdierehe lives. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 433 

HuFFORD, John H., farmer, Monday Creek township, post office Max- 
ville, Ohio ; was born October 12, 1833, in this township ; son of Daniel 
and Nancy (Welty) Hufford. John H. was brought up on a farm, and 
while at home has made agricultural pursuits the business of his life. 
August 15, 1862, he enlisted in Compau}- G, One Hundred and Four- 
teenth Regiment, of w^hich he was chosen Second Lieutenant, and 
served in the Tennessee Army under Sherman and Grant. Was 
engaged in the batdes of Chickasaw Bluffs, Thompson's Hill, Magnolia 
Hills, Champion Hill, Black River, Siege of Vicksburg, and was in 
two charges after he went to New Orleans, and thence to Texas under 
General Banks. Was discharged on the Mississippi river, above Vicks- 
burg, July 4, 1864. While in the service he was promoted to First 
Lieutenant. Betbre going into the army he served three successive 
years as towmship assessor, and one since he returned. Was land ap- 
praiser in 1870. He was married the first time in Januar}-, 1853, to 
Elizabeth A., daughter of Peter and Margaret (Pulse) Beery, to whom 
were born two children, viz. : Margaret A. and Emanuel. Mrs. Huf- 
ford died March 23, 1856. Was married the second time October 9, 
1866, to Mary E. Kishler, widow of Daniel Kishler. They are the 
parents of two children, viz. : Dora Lorena and Nellie Blanche. Mr. 
Huftbrd owns one hundred and twenty acres of land where he lives, 
improved and well stocked. Daniel Huftbrd, father of John H., was 
born Januar}- 11, 1795, in Rockingham count}^ Virginia, and is of 
German parentage, and was brought to Fairfield county, Ohio, about 
1797, where he was raised a farmer. Nancy Welty, who became 
John H. Huftbrd's mother, was born November 27, 1797, in Lancaster 
county, Penns3dvania, and was brought to Fairfield county by her 
parents. After the marriage of Mr. Huftbrd to Miss Welty, they moved 
to and located in this township on the farm now owned b}^ John H., and 
was one of the pioneers of this vicinit}', and knew all the incidents of 
a pioneer life. 

Hull, David W., farmer. Pike township, post oftice New Lexington, 
Ohio ; born Februar}^ 15, 1824, upon the farm where he now lives ; son 
of Daniel and Elizabeth (Goodin) Hull. Mr. Hull's father came from 
Pennsylvania to Peny county, Ohio, and took up Congress land, the 
same that is now the farm of David W., where he lived until his 
death in 1858. Mr. Hull, the subject of this sketch, was raised a 
farmer, and has followed agricultural pursuits up to this date. He was 
married August 21, 1849, ^^ Eliza N., daughter of Arthur and Nancy 
(Rinehart) Ankrom. The}^ are the parents of five children, viz. : 
Arthur D., Emma M., William H., Nannie E. and x\nna Belle, all liv- 
ing, and two of whom are married, viz. : Arthur D. and Emma M. 
Mr. Hull is one of the most prosperous farmers in this township, and 
now lives in a fine frame farm house, which has supplanted both the 
log cabin of yore, and the hewed log house of his boyhood da^'s, and 
is one of the few who enjo}' the farm of their nativit}^ and the home- 
stead. 

Hull, John S., farmer and stock raiser, Clayton township, post 
office Somerset, Perry county ; born in this countv in 1825 ; son of 
John and Rachel (Sayer) Hull. The former died in 1867, ^^^^ latter in 
1854. "The former was a native of Pennsvlvania, the latter of New 

40 



434 BIOCiRAPHICAT. SKETCHES. 

Jersey. He is a grandson (jf Benjamin and Hannah Hull, and of Revel 
and Hope Sayers. Married in 1847 to Miss Anna C, daughter of 
Philip and Margaret (Chilcote) Miller. They are the parents of four 
children, viz. : Harriet E., Rachel E., deceased, James A. and Wil- 
liam A. 

Hull, David, farmer and wool grower, post office Rehoboth ; born 
in Perry county in 1826; son of Samuel and Mary (Goodin) Hull, 
grandson of Daniel and Rebecca (Mai out) Hull. Married in 1851 to 
Miss Sarah A., daughter of Reason and Julia A. (Thrall) Hammond. 
They are the parents of two children, viz. : Mary E., who is married 
to Austin Dells, of this county, and Alvah. Mr. Hull was drcifted in 
the late war, but furnished a substitute. 

Hl/mberger Adam, son of Peter and Mary Humberger, was born 
in Thorn township. Perry count}-, Ohio, in 1806. He worked on 
his father's farm a few years, after becoming old enough, but evincing 
a genius and desire for mechanical pursuits, he was apprenticed to an 
uncle to learn the trade of a gunsmith. After completing his apprentice- 
ship, he was united in marriage with a Miss Terrell, and soon afterward 
moved to Somerset, where he established a shop and carried on busi- 
ness successfully for many years. He had but a limited education — 
such as the schools of the day afforded — but he was a great reader and 
student all his life. When some of his children were old enough to go 
to school and study Comstock's Philosophy, he also became a ver^^ close 
student of the book. When he came upon the statement that Com- 
stock then made and taught — that a ball shot from a gun directl}^ up- 
ward would return to the earth with the same force and velocity that it 
left the gun — he declared that " all nonsense ; for," said he, " the re- 
sistance of the air against the ball, both ascending and descending, 
must be taken into account, and that would make it an impossibility for 
the ball to return with the same force it leaves the gun." Satisfied 
himself, he at once proceeded to make a practical experiment, to con- 
vince Prof. Nourse and others that Comstock's book was teaching 
erroneous doctrine. He carefully weighed his powder and balls, then 
loaded his gun and placed the muzzle thereof against a board of a 
certain thickness. He then built a shed, covered with boards of the 
same character and thickness, set a gun upright in the center thereof, 
and sprung the trigger by means of a pulley and string, held by him in 
an adjacent building. The result was that, while the ball, shot from the 
gun, went through one board, and part of the w^ay through another, the 
ball shot directly upward and returning, only buried itself about half in 
the board upon which it fell. Prof. Nourse w^as convinced, and wrote 
to the publishers of the philosophy referred to. The book was changed 
in this respect, and whoever will take the pains to examine a Com- 
stock's Philosophy, published thirty years ago, will see that it contains 
and teaches the error which the practical experiment herein related 
disproved. Mr. Humberger also invented and manufactured three 
revolvers, several years prior to Colt's invention and patent. One of 
these revolvers was fired on a general muster day, at Somerset, in the 
presence of hundreds of people, years before Colt's revolvers were 
heard of. The three revolvers made by Humberger were hunted up, 
taken to the East, and used in law suits growing out of the right to 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 435 

manufacture revolvers. He also visited New York, Washington, D. 
C, and Hartford, Connecticut, as a witness in some celebrated law suits 
pertaining to the same subject. Mr. Humberger also invented, and 
took out three patents, upon a corn harvester, upon which he worked 
and studied much during his later years. His harvester was tried, and 
worked with some degree of success, but he would never engage in 
selling the patent right, for the reason that the machine was not per- 
fected, and not what he designed it to be. He was still thinking and 
working about his harvester when his health began to decline, and his 
labors were done. Mr. Humberger died in May, 1865, at the residence 
of a daughter in New Lexington. He has three daughters — Melinda, 
married to Samuel Boyer, living at Pleasant Hill, Missouri ; Matilda, 
married to Jackson Parrott, and lives in Cass county, Missouri : Mary 
A., married to E. S. Colborn, and lives at New Lexington, Ohio. 

Humberger, Henry, farmer, post othce Thornville. He was 
born December 26, 1842, in section 26, Thorn township, Perry county, 
Ohio, where he still resides. His father was John Humberger, born 
in section 35, Thorn township, February 22, 1803, the same year Loui- 
siana was purchased from France by Thomas Jefferson. October 9, 
1828, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Basore, who was 
born February 24, 1809, whose father was Frederick Basore, who set- 
tled south from Rushville, in Richland township, Fairfield county, in 
1803. Her mother's maiden name was Mary E. Keister, and her 
parents were of the Reform Presbyterian belief. Her father died at 
the age of sixty-rive, her mother in her eightieth year, near New Read- 
ing, Perry county. The grandfather of Henry was Peter Humberger, 
who must have landed in Perry county in 1802, where his brothers 
John and Henry also came, and settled on section 35, where they 
found John King. The children of this Peter Humberger were, 
beside two who died young — Katharine, the wife of Philip King ; 
Peter, deceased in Thorn township ; Margaret, wife of John Louis ; 
Hannah ; and Adam, who lived as a gunsmith in Somerset, is said to 
be the true inventor of the first revolving pistol ; died in New Lexing- 
ton, buried in Somerset, and was the first Universalist who had a M. E. 
minister promise to preach his funeral, and tell the congregation he 
died in the faith, as he had lived in it, that all mankind would be ulti- 
mately happy in the land beyond the grave. In addition there was 
Adam's brother Benjamin, who died in Sandusky count}^ Ohio ; David, 
who moved to Whitley county, Indiana, and died there ; Henry, who 
died in the same county ; Mary, wife of Jacob Civits, post office Colum- 
bia City, Whitley county, Indiana. The children of John and Marv 
Ann Humberger were David, the husband of Eliza Ann Karr, Colum- 
bia City, Indiana ; Frederick, husband of Elizabeth Hetrick, same 
post office ; Mary Ann, wife of Simon Long, deceased, post office 
Tiffin, Ohio; Peter, who was three times married, and died, leaving 
sons and daughters in Pike count}^ Indiana ; Elizabeth Rankin, whose 
post office is Thornville ; Margaret, deceased wife of Bernard Mech- 
ling, of Hopewell ; Rev. John, husband of Mary Coolman, of Somer- 
set, post office Petersburg, Mahoning county, Ohio; George W., hus- 
band of Emma Hudgel, Plj^mouth, Jefferson county, Nebraska ; 



436 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Benjamin F., husband of Elenora Karr, post office Thornville ; and 
Henry, the 3^oungest, except the last two named, who was married 
on tlie 14th of April, 1867, to Miss Eliza Ann, dauf^hter of Daniel Sny- 
der, of Thorn township. They have two living children — Miss Mary 
and Elva May. Henry Humberger, their father, is the proprietor of 
the ancient homestead, around which the precious memories of 
the family cling as a vine to the ancient oak. He joined the 
One Hundred and Fifty-second Indiana Regiment in 1865, and having 
served to the end of the war, was honorably discharged at Indianapolis. 
After the death of his father in 1846, his mother, yet living, at the age 
of seventy-foiu% had her maintenance in the homestead, which went 
into Henry's name in 1867, subject to her rights. The family mansion 
is a spacious two-story brick ; the farm is just a round one hundred 
acres ; the spring, like the location, ranks among the foremost in the 
county, and, to Henry, it is matchless in beauty and contentment. 

Hunt, Hixson, carriage manufacturer. New Lexington, Ohio ; born 
May 24, 1819, in Sussex county. New Jersey : son of John and Jemima 
(Hixson) Hunt : his grandfather Hunt came from England. Hixson 
was brought up on the farm until the age of fourteen, when he went to 
his trade and served seven years. In 1840 he came to this place, where 
he has followed his trade to the present time. Mr. Hunt was married 
December 23, 1842, to Miss Ann Eliza, daughter of William and Mar}^ 
(Eagle) Pruner, of W3^the county, Virginia. They are the parents of 
eight children, viz. : Mary, deceased ; Almeda, deceased ; William 
Austin, deceased; Ann Eliza, deceased ; Catharine, married to W. C. 
Hickman; Almira, married to John E. Parker; John H., married to 
Clara M. West, aftd C^harles W. Mr. Hunt is one of the best mechan- 
ics in the county. 

Huston, Andrew, farmer, Monday Creek township, post office New 
Straitsville, Ohio ; born August 16, ^805, in Erie countv, Pennsylvania ; 
son of Christopher and Elizabeth (Work) Huston. He came to Fair- 
field county, Ohio, vviUi his father, in 1806; spent his bojdiood days on 
a farm ; came to Monda}^ Creek township in the spring of 1836, where 
he has lived, except a short time, ever since. Was married to Anna 
E., daughter of Alexander and Margaret (Love) Buchanan, of Fair- 
field county. The}^ became the parents of one child, John. Mrs. 
(Buchanan) Huston died some time after. He was married the sec- 
ond time to Elizabeth Hardy, to whom was born one child. Was mar- 
ried tlie third time to Margaret Gosser, by whom he had one daughter, 
Elizabeth C. Mr. Huston took charge of the post office at Old Straits- 
ville, under President Fillmore's Adm.inistration, for nearly seven years. 
He was elected justice of the peace in Saltlick township in 1859, and 
re-elected in 1862, and served six years. 

Huston, John W., farmer, Madison township, post office. Mount 
Perry. He was born September 27, 1829. in Madison township, and is 
a son of Edward and Jane Huston. His father was born in Ireland, 
and came to this township in 1812. Mr. H. has always followed farm- 
ing, and now owns an excellent farm. He enlisted in Company H, 
One Hundred and Sixtieth Regiment, serving four months as Lieutenant 
in that company. He was married March 30, 1852, to Eliza McBride, 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 437 

daughter of Andrew and Mary McBride. They are the parents of 
seven children, Edward G., Mary M., (deceased), Andrew J., Malan- 
thon F., Hannah J., AnnaR., and LesHe A. 

Huston, R. W., proprietor provision grocery, corner of Main and 
Brown streets, New Lexington, Ohio. He carries a large stock of gro- 
ceries, queensware and glassware : also 03'Sters and ice cream in season. 
He has a full share of the trade in his line. 

Huston, James A., druggist,, New Lexington, Ohio. 

Hynus, Henry, born Mav 20, 1834, ^" Cambria county, Pennsyl- 
vania ; post office, Somerset, Ohio. His father was Myrod Hynus, and 
his mother's maiden name was Mary Ann Swope. He had one brother, 
Joseph, who died belonging to the Regular Army, and who left a widow 
and one daughter in Newark, Ohio, from whence he enlisted. Henry's 
father died in Newark in 1877, at the age of eighty-two. His mother 
died at the age of lifty-six, and is buried in the Catholic cemeter^^ in 
Somerset. His sisters were Martha, wife of Martin Kureth ; Rachel, 
wife of Henrv Flowers : Maria, wife of Ellis Bader, all of Newark, 
Ohio : and Mary x\nn, wife of Jacob Retry, supposed residence in Cali- 
fornia. After his marriage to Miss Rebecca Barker, daughter of John 
Barker, an old settler of Perr}' , and sister of Rev. David Barker, an 
Old School Baptist minister, who deceased at Pleasantville in 1882, 
they emigrated to Crawford county, Illinois, came back to Perry count}^ 
in six months, and three years later, in 1867, again moved west to 
Adams county, Iowa, and from here he again returned to Perry county, 
where he has since resided, in prosperous circumstances. These jour- 
ne3's were performed in a wagon, and that to Iowa required thirty-two 
days going, and the same returning. Mr. H^-nus exhibits " Old Nance," 
a mare twenty-two vears old, which has performed all these journeys, 
and which animal, if she had kept a strict book account against her 
master at twentv-five cents per dav for her work, and a fair allowance, 
for her colts, would have him in debt over $4,000. Mr. H3aius is an 
enterprising gardener, and has proved that onions as large as tea cups 
can be raised from the seed in one year. During 1881, he experimented 
with forty-eight kinds of potatoes and forty of corn. He took the first 
premiumat the Ohio State Fair in 1881, on best amber and red wheat, 
and bushel of meal, and yellow corn ; also first on best display of ce- 
reals, and best new varieties of potatoes, the Belle, and best on other 
varieties, Mammoth and Pearl. Also a premium on the ten best kinds 
of potatoes, with many second premiums on other articles. His pres- 
ence at the State Fair has elevated Perr3r to a high rank in premium 
winning. He is equally up in hogs and horses, and is called far and 
near as a doctor of the last-named animals. His sons are Jellerson J., 
Vincent, a teacher; Isaac Y., Arthur and John H. Hynus. His daugh- 
ters are Miss Mar}- E., Nancv Jane, and Clara E. Hynus. 

Iliff, Wesley, post office, McLune}' ; born in Pennsylvania in 1814. 
Settled here in a very earl}' da}^ Son of John and Anna (Henry) Iliff. 
Mr. Iliff has been twice married, first in 1836 to Miss Harriet Teal, 
who died in 1878. This union was blessed with seven children, viz. : 
Sarah A., deceased, Isaac, deceased, Elizabeth, deceased, John F., 
Thomas C, Acy T., James W. Thomas C, after graduating at iVthens 
University, entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church, 



438 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

where he has risen to quite an eminent position. Mr. IHff was married 
again in 1878 to Miss Nettie Shetron. 

Jackson, Joseph, born at Rockaway, Morris county, New Jersey, 
November 15, 1832 ; came to Ohio in 1857, settled at Johnstown, Lick- 
ing count}^, Ohio ; entered the army of the United States, August, 1862, 
One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment, Company F, Ohio Vohmteer 
Infantry. He was wounded at the battle of Chicamauga, September 
20, 1863, in left arm, which is seriously impaired. Was discharged on 
account of wound, December 31, 1863, at Camp Chase. Removed to 
Perry county, October, 1878, being engaged in the business of insurance. 
Was married in Januar}-, 1861, to Abbie A. Merrill, of Johnstown, 
Licking county, Ohio. She was born in the State of Maine, and came 
after her parents, about the year 1858. Their living children are : 
Henry Merrill, Joseph Elsworth, and Lilly E. Jackson. The grand- 
father, whose name is borne by the subject of this sketch. Colonel Jo- 
seph Jackson, ranked as Colonel in the War of 1812 ; was postmaster 
under Washington at Rockaway, New Jersey, which office he held 
until deposed by Tyler in 1842. He claimed to have built the first roll- 
ing mill in the United States, at Rockaway, in 1824 or 1825. Joseph is 
a persevering insurance agent, and is deemed highly successful and 
strictly reliable. 

Jackson, Colonel Lyman J., of the firm of Jackson & Conly, at- 
torneys-at-law. New Lexington, Ohio ; was born January 12, 1834, i^ear 
West Rushville, Fairfield county, Ohio. His father, John J. Jackson, 
was born in Otsego county. New York, February 7, 1792, and was 
descended from Abram Jackson, who emigrated from England to Ply- 
mouth, Massachusetts, in 1624. His mother, Mary C. Grate, was a 
native of Emmettsburg, Maryland, but resided from 1804 till 1827, at 
Franklinton, Franklin county, Ohio, with her parents, who died there. 
In March, 1839 ^^^ Jackson family removed from Rushville, Fairfield 
county, to a farm near New Reading, Peny county, Ohio. The parents 
lived here during the rest of their lives, the mother dying in March, 
187 1, and the father in September, 1876. Lyman lived and worked on 
the farm until October, 1851, when he was sent to St. Joseph's College, 
in that county, and attended its sessions until 1855. From this time 
until 1857 he worked on the farm in summer, and taught school in win- 
ter, at the same time stud3'ing law and continuing his college studies. 
In May, 1857, he was admitted by the Supreme Court to the practice 
of law, graduated at St. Joseph's College, July 7, 1857, and in that 
month commenced the practice of law at New Lexington. In the fall 
ot 1859 ^^ ^'^^s candidate for Prosecuting Attorney of Perry county, 
running on what was then the Northern ticket in a county seat contest, 
and was elected, though the rest of the ticket was heavily defeated. 
He was the first volunteer from the county in the Union army. Imme- 
diately after the firing on Fort Sumter, he raised Company E, Seven- 
teenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Militia, which he commanded as Cap- 
tain during its three months service in Western Virginia. When it was 
mustered out, he was appointed in August, 1861, Captain of Company 
G, Tiiirty-llrst Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served as such 
until January, 1862, when he was promoted and commissioned as Ma- 
jor of the Eleventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. With this 



HISTORY OV PERRY COUNTY. 439 

regiment, a great part of the time in command of it, he served, in 1862, 
in Maryland and Virginia through some of the severest battles of the 
war. Resigning this position, he was in May, 1864, appointed Colonel 
of the One Hundred and Fifty-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 
and commanded it during its term of service. In the fall of 1865 he 
served for a short period by appointment to till a vacancy as Prosecu- 
ting Attorney of Muskingum county. February 17, 1863, he was 
married to Miss Mary E. Taggart, daughter of Arthur Taggart, Esq., 
late of Morgan county, Ohio. Resuming the practice of law at New 
Lexington shortly after the war, he was, in April, 1873, elected delegate 
for Perry county to the third Ohio Constitutional Convention. In Oc- 
tober, 1877, he was elected State Senator from the district composed of 
Muskingum and Perry counties, and in October, 1879 ^"'^ '^^^ re-elected 
to the same position. In religion. Colonel Jackson is a Roman Catho- 
lic, and in politics has always acted with the Democratic party except 
during the Rebellion. 

James, H. C, farmer and stock raiser ; post office, McLuney, Ohio ; 
born in Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1833; settled in this county in 
1876; son of Isaac and Mary (Hollow) James. Married in 1855, to 
Miss Hannah, daughter of William and Abigal (Search) Barrel. They 
are the parents of nine children, viz. : Milton J., Alice, Edmund, Cor- 
nelia, deceased ; Mary C, Linna B., Cora. Curtis, Matilda. Two are 
married, one living in this county and one in Morgan county. 

James, Cyrus Matson, shoemaker, New Straitsville, Ohio ; was 
born July 10, 1838, in Coshocton county, Ohio ; son of William and 
Sarah (Bagley) James. Was raised a farmer, and followed agricultural 
pursuits until he was twenty-one years of age. His father having 
moved into Athens county, Ohio, while he was quite young, he was 
raised in that county, and went to his trade at Millfield, working with 
J. W. P. Cook, who was employed with one Woodworth of that place, 
where he worked about eight months, when he began journey work for 
himself, working in all in this place some eight or ten 3^ears, and one 
year in Nelsonville, Ohio, and has been engaged at the following places ; 
Amestown about six months ; again in Milltield until 1874 ; Chauncy, 
same county, four months ; Hemlock, Perr}^ county, Ohio, about six- 
teen months, from whence he came to tliis place, where he has 
since remained to this time, engaged at his trade. Was married Octo- 
ber 6th, 1861, to Mary King, born March 21, 1842, in Washington 
county, Ohio, daughter of Job and Elizabeth (McCants) King. They 
are the parents of three children, viz. : Albert, Eugene and Charley- 
James, Thomas P., collier, Shawnee, Ohio; was born January 13, 
1853, in Risca, Monmouthshire, England ; son of Daniel M. and Mary 
Ann (Price) James. Was raised a collier and emigrated to America 
with his parents at the age of twelve years, who, landing in New York, 
September 19, 1865, went to Newark, Ohio, where they lived about one 
year, when they moved to Summit count}^ Ohio, and where James, the 
subject of this sketch, remained ten years, from whence he came to 
Shawnee, Ohio. While living ot Newark, he worked on a farm lor his 
uncle, since which he has been engaged at his business of mining. 
Was married November 11, 1873, to Ann, daughter of David B. and 



440 BIOGRAPHICAI. SKETCHES. 

Mary (Tucker) Jones. They are the parents of three children, viz. : 
Mary Ann, Sarah Jane, and Winnifred. 

Jenkins, John, collier, Shawnee Ohio; was born July 12, 1833, in 
Tregaron, Cardiganshire, Wales ; son of David and Mary Jenkins. 
Lived in Cardiganshire until he was twelve years of age, when he 
moved to Monmouthshire, and lived there until 1864 ; at this time he 
again moved to Brecknockshire, remaining one year, from where, in 
1865, he emigrated to America, landing in New York, and thence to 
Pomeroy, Meigs county, Ohio, which place he made his home until 
1872. Leaving his family in Pomeroy, he went to Straitsville in July, 
and remained until February following. He then moved his famih' 
to Shawnee, and there they have lived to the present time. Mr. 
Jenkins is, at this time, township trustee, and has been elected four 
terms in succession. He has seen Shawnee grow from its infancy. 
Has made mining his business during his life. Was married August 6, 
1853, to Mary, daughter of Daniel and Eliza (Price) Jones of Bryn- 
mawn, Wales. They are the parents of eight children, viz. : David, 
Daniel, Mary Jane, John, Mordecai, Lizzie, William, deceased, and 
an infant, deceased. 

Johnson, John K., millwright, Shawnee, Ohio ; was born February 
13, 1817, in Adams county, Pennsylvania; son of John and Mary 
(Koon) Johnson. Was raised a farmer, and followed agricultural pur- 
suits until he was eighteen years of age, when he went to the millwright 
trade, which business he followed until 1872, building flouring mills 
at Tuscarora, Mt. Union mill in Maryland, and rebuilt some in Penn- 
sylvania ; one near Cumberland, Muskingum county, Ohio, for James 
McClurg ; one on Meigs Creek, Morgan county, Ohio ; one in Sharon, 
Morgan county, Ohio, now in Noble county; two at Sulphur Springs, 
Perry county, Ohio, on same foundation, one burning down ; one in 
West Virginia, on Twelve Pole River, nine miles Irom Guyandott ; one 
for John Dickerson, in Meigs township, Morgan county, Ohio ; and re- 
modeled quite a number in different places ; also built a steam tannery 
in Perry county, Pennsylvania, for John McFarland, that is calculated 
to tan thirty thousand hides per 3^ear. In 1854 ^^^ bought a farm of 
seventy-eight acres in Saltlick township. Perry county, Ohio, for $1,000, 
which he sold to the Smith Mining Company of Shawnee, for $7,800, 
in 1873, since which he has been living a retired life. Was married 
January 16, 1845, to Margaret, daughter of James and Nancy McClerg, 
of Muskingum county, Ohio. Mrs. Johnson died April 30, 1873. 

Johnson, Jacob J., President Perry County Bank, New Lexing- 
ton, Ohio ; was born August 28th, 1821, in Waynesburg, Greene coun- 
ty, Pennsylvania ; son of Jacob (who died in Penns3'lvania), and Sarah 
(Gorden) Johnson. His ancestors came from New Jersey. When Jacob 
J. was about nine years of age, his mother located on a farm in Read- 
ing township, where he was brought up and remained until eighteen, 
when he began teaching school, and taught several terms. In 1850, 
Mr. Johnson was elected SherifT of Perry county, and served eight 
years in all. In 1870, Sheriff' Johnson was elected Treasurer of Perry 
county, and served four years. In 1880, he was elected member of the 
State Board of Equalization. In Januar}^ 1879, ^^^ ^'^^^ elected Presi- 
dent of the Perry County Bank- — the last two offices named he now 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 44I 

holds. Mr, Johnson was married in April, 1847, to Miss Permelia, 
daughter of John and Nancy (Greene) Tutwiler. They are the parents 
of ten children, viz. : Susan, deceased ; Mary, deceased ; Lucretia, Al- 
bert v., Francis J., Victoria, William, Jacob, Martina, and Sarah, de- 
ceased. 

Johnson, John, superintendent of laborers at XX Furnace, Shaw- 
nee, Ohio; was born April 10, 1827, in the county of Durham, in the 
northern part of England ; son of Adam and Ann (Ayer) Johnson. 
Mr. Johnson came to America at the early age of thirteen years, land- 
ing in New York, July 3, 1840, and has been engaged at the following 
places and busines : At Sackage's Iron Works, North River, New 
York, about six months ; Troy, New York, in rolling mill, fifteen 
months ; White Hall, New York, two months ; St. John's, Lake Cham- 
plain, New York, about live months ; Alban}^, New York, worked on 
levee, about seven months ; Saratoga Springs, on hsh pond, six months ; 
Buffalo, New York, on streets, six months ; Erie, Pennsylvania, on 
docks, six months ; Brady's Bend Iron Works at Blast Furnace, two 
ye.ars ; Guitanquin Iron Works, in rolling mill, one year; Pittsburg, in 
roiling mill, (before any blast furnace was built in Pittsburgh), six 
months ; Cincinnati, a da}^ laborer ; Cleveland, Ohio, on canal docks ; 
Sandusk}^ Ohio, in lumber ^^ard ; Detroit, Michigan, two months; 
Port Huron, two or three months in lumberyard ; from Cleveland, Ohio, 
to Baltimore, Maryland, driving cattle ; fisheries on Bush River, South 
Carolina, hauling seine for herring, six weeks ; Baltimore, Maryland, 
engaging as fireman and strokeman on a steamer, sailing to ports of St. 
Petersburg, Russia ; Konstadt, Prussia ; Copenhagen, Denmark ; Elsi- 
nore, Denmark ; Rochelle, France ; Cadiz, Spain ; Gibralter, Spain ; 
Malaga, Spain ; Carthagena, Spain, for two ^^ears and six months,. re- 
turning to Baltimore, Maryland ; Mt. Savage iron works, Alleghany 
count}^ Maryland; at furnace one year; Cleveland, Ohio, at furnace; 
Detroit, Michigan, at furnace ; Ann Arber, at furnace ; Flint, Michigan, 
walked across Indian Reserve to Saginaw Cit}^ about 100 miles distant ; 
took berth of firing on steamer, one year and six months ; Cleve- 
land and Portsmouth, on Ohio canal ; Hanging Rock furnace region, 
among furnaces, five or six years ; Easton, Pennsylvania, about five 
months ; at Cooper's iron works, Jerseytown, Pennsylvania ; again in 
Mount Savage; at Isesferry, Virginia; in Monongalia, Preston, Har- 
rison, Marion and Taylor counties, Virginia, digging iron ore and 
working at furnaces for twenty-one years ; at Zanesville, Ohio, on court 
house, six weeks ; at Frazeysburg, Ohio, digging iron ore four months 
for Zanesville furnace ; Glenford, Perry county, Ohio, and opened lime- 
stone quany for Fannie Furnace, while it was in Newark, Ohio, work- 
ing about eight months. Came to Shawnee in 1875, and by his advice 
as to the paying quality of iron ore at Iron Point, the Fannie Furnace 
was moved to this place, whei'e he has remained up to this time ; he is 
now overseer of laboring hands at XX Furnace in this place. Was 
married June 12, 1854, ^^ Mary, daughter of Henry and Sarah Frank- 
inville. They are the parents of two children, Henrj^ and Mary, both 
deceased. 

Johnson, Thomas, was born in 1829, in Washington county, Penn- 
sylvania ; he is a son of the late venerable Aaron Johnson. The maid- 

41 



44- ' BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

en name of his mother, who is still living at the age of eighty-six years, 
was Sarah Law, a daughter of Robert Law, of Scotch descent. His 
father was of English and Irish parentage, and both his parents were of 
Qiiaker extraction ; both became Baptists, of which church Aaron 
Johnson died a member in full fellowship, in 1879, ^^ ^^^^ age of eighty- 
eight years. He was tall and athletic, and in his younger days com- 
plained very much, and often of ill health. Ten children were born to 
this marriage, all of whom grew to be men and women ; the wife of 
John Skinner being the eldest ; two brothers live in Iowa, and one, 
Aaron, in Kansas. One uncle, Nimrod Johnson, died in Van Wert, 
Ohio, without children. Thomas sold the farm he had bought of his 
father for $2,000, after adding twenty acres to it, for the sum of $4,100, 
and embarked in mercantile life in Somerset, and is one of the very 
few who have been successful after such a change. In religion he is a 
Methodist, while his present wife, who was Miss Lizzie Levitt, is a 
Lutheran. His father brought the first fine sheep to Perry county, and 
on account of his success and devotion to sheep husbandry was often 
called "Shepherd Johnson." He was elected to the Senate of Ohio, 
about the ^^ear 1843, on the Democratic ticket, and remained a firm 
supporter of that part}' to the time of his death, and sank to his grave 
respected for his sterling honesty and sincerity through a long life. 
The first tax paid by Thomas Johnson did not exceed ten dollars, which 
rose afterward to $300. One hundred and sevent}^ one acres of land in 
sight of Somferset, stocked with cattle and sheep, a large stock of dry 
goods, and valuable town property, are the witness of that excellent 
judgment of what the market demands, and how and when to supply 
it, which testify to his solid success, while he indulged the utmost hos- 
pitality, and his purse was ever open to the demands of want. 

Johnson, A. D., farmer, Madison township. Mount Perry post ofiice. 
He was born November 22, 1838, in Shelb}^ county, Ohio, and is a son 
of John H. and Christenia (Rhinehart) Johnson ; has always followed 
farming, now owning an excellent home. Mr. Johnson was married 
August 23, 1863, to Caroline Fullerton, daughter of Samuel Fullerton ; 
they have four children, Louisa L., Samuel S., Emma B. and Anna F. 

Johnson, George M., trader, Corning, Ohio ; born April 29, 1848, 
on Malta Hill, in Morgan count}', Ohio ; son of Stephen and Catharine 
(O'Leary) Johnson. His father was a native of Maryland, and his 
mother of Morgan county, Ohio ; her parents were natives of Ireland. 
Her mother was first married to William Townsend, by whom she had 
two children, Mary and William ; her second husband's name was Mor- 
gan O'Leary, by whom she had one child, Catharine, named above. 
George M. Johnson was brought up on a farm, and has followed agri- 
culture and dealing in stock up to the present time. In 1862, he came 
to Monroe township, this county, and located on a farm adjoining the 
town of Corning, which he held until the spring of 1882. Mr. Johnson 
was married February 15, 1872, to Lucy A., daughter of William and 
Delilah (Miller) Fisher, of Monroe township, who entered and owned 
the land where Corning now stands. The present site of Corning was 
once a sugar camp. They are the parents of one child, George M. 

Johnston, James E., of the firm of Johnston & Bryan, attorneys at 
law and notaries public, New Lexington, Ohio ; was born February i, 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 443 

185 1, in Brownsville, Licking county, Ohio ; son of Seth R, and Isabell 
(Miner) Johnston. James E. Johnston was brought up at Glentbrd, this 
county, and assisted in his father's store until 1874, when he began 
reading law with W. E. Finck. He graduated at the Cincinnati Law 
School, in 1878. Began practice at Shawnee, where he remained one 
year, then came to this place and continued the practice of his profes- 
sion alone until March, 1S81, when the present lirm was formed. Mr. 
Johnston was married in October, 1878, to Miss LydiaL., daughter of 
James Brown, then of Bowling Green township. Licking county, Ohio. 

Jones, Jehu B., was born in 1813, in Somerset count}^ Pennsyl- 
vania, and was but two years old when his parents, Jehu Jones, Sr., 
and Jane (Kilpatrick), settled on the farm now held by the 
heirs of S. C. Dick. This farm had then about fifteen acres partly 
cleared ; here these pioneers lived until 1844, when mother Jones, and, 
ten years later, father Jones, were called to rest. The sons, who grew to 
manhood, are : David, who married Miss Jane Pugh, and who died in 
Pike township, leaving three sons and two daughters ; John, who lives 
in Warren county, Illinois, and who married Miss Elizabeth Rush, hav- 
ing live sons and four daughters ; Jehu B., who married Miss Ps.ebecca 
Goodin, March, 1846, and still resides on the farm adjoining the an- 
cestral homestead — his wife died in 1866, leaving two sons ; David, who 
resides in Blackford county, Indiana, and who is married to Miss 
Addie Shull, now the mother of two daughters, and George M., who is 
single, and remains with his father. There are two daughters, Phidelia, the 
wife of Charles Stickel, a successful- tanner and currier, near Somerset, 
blessed with four sons and one daughter, and Miss Mar^r, who shares 
with her brother, George, and her father, the comforts and the cares of 
the homestead. Jehu B. Jones is worthy of the beautiful home he en- 
jo3^s, and the broad acres he has transformed from a forest waste to 
fruitful fields. He has held several offices of trust and profit in his 
township, and never yet was a candidate when he did not show strength 
bevond the lines of his party. True to his convictions of right and dut}^ 
he has not alwa3's remained loyal to party, but while acting within 
party lines, no man is more faithful to his ticket, or more zealous for. the 
right. He possesses brave impulses, is true to his friends, generous to 
his foes, benevolent to the poor, sympathizes with the suflering and 
hates the oppressor, while he defends the victim. 

Jones, William J., colHer, Shawnee, Ohio; was born March 19, 
1840, in Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland ; son of John and Sarah (Leaky) 
Jones ; was raised in town to the age of seven years, and then in the 
countr}^ to manhood, and has worked in mines since he was nine years 
old. Was married March 12, 1861, to Jane, daughter of John and 
Susan (Paul) Cowie, of Stenhouseneuir, Stiriingshire, Scotland. The}^ 
are the parents of six living children : Sarah, Jennie, Susanna, Willie, 
Robert and Emma, and four dead : Susan, John, James and Jno. 
Mr. Jones came to this country, landing in New York, August 6, 1872, 
but left his famil}^ in Scotland. He came direct from New York to 
Shawnee, Ohio, and soon after sent for his family, who landed in New 
York January 2, 1873, from whence they came direct to Shawnee, where 
they have lived to the present time, and where he has been engaged in 



444 BIOGRAPHIC AIv SKETCHES. 

mining, and at this time is with the New York and Straitsville Coal 
and Iron Company. 

Jones, Lewis, collier, Shawnee, Ohio ; was born May, lo, 1845, in 
Tredegar, Monmouthshire, Wales ; son of John and Elizabeth (Rich- 
ards) Jones. Mr. Jones was emplo3'ed in the coaleries in Wales at eight 
years of age, and followed that business until 1869, when he emigrated 
to America, leaving Liverpool in October, and landing in New York 
on the 25th of October, 1869 ; from there he went to Pomeroy, Meigs 
county, Ohio, mining about two years, and soon after reaching Pom- 
eroy, his family, whom he had left in Wales, joined him and have re- 
mained with him up to this time. He has been engaged as follows : 
Syracuse, Ohio, remaining over two yeiirs ; New Straitsville, Ohio, one 
year, when he came to Shawnee, Ohio, where he has since made his 
home and been employed as a miner. Mr. Jones was married Sep- 
tember I, 1867, to Sarah, daughter of John and Ann (Byron) Reese, of 
Tredegar, Wales. They are the parents of eight children, viz. : Mar- 
garet, Elizabeth, Sarah Jane, John William, Caroline, Anna, Lewis 
and Elizabeth, deceased. 

Jones, Henry, of the firm of Jones Brothers, dealers in lumber, con- 
tractors, undertakers and dealers in real estate. Corning, Ohio ; was 
born Januar}^ 29, 185 1, in Liverpool, England; son of James E. and 
Rosanna (Henr}^) Jones. Henry came in 1871, and located in Shaw- 
nee, Ohio, in 1872. In 1873, went to Columbus, Ohio, and remained 
about three years ; then returned to Shawnee, where he remained until 
he came to his present residence in 1881. Mr. Jones was married in 
November, 1875, ^^ Miss Jane, daughter of Richard and Ellen (Jones) 
Richison, natives of North Wales. They are the parents of two chil- 
dren, viz. : Edith Madaline and Ellen. This firm is doing an active 
business, having quite an extensive trade. 

Kagay, Martin, P. O., Somerset; was born August 20th, 1825, in 
Berne township, Fairfield county, Ohio ; the youngest of the twelve 
children of Rudolph and Hannah (Siple) Kagay, who were born, mar- 
ried and united with the German Baptist Church in Shenandoah county, 
Virginia. The sons born there were John, Jacob, Christian, Abraham, 
and Rudolph Kagay, Jr. ; and those born in Fairfield county, Ohio, 
whither Rudolph and his family emigrated in 1819, were Henry and 
Martin. The daughters were five in number — Katharine, wife of 
Andrew, the son of John Hite ; Barbara, wife of Elder Lewis Seitz ; 
Hannah, wife of John Crooks, Sr. ; Elizabeth, widow of John Beaver ; 
and Poll}^ widow of Hezekiah Kanode, and the only one of the five 
yet living. Of the sons. Christian, Jacob, and Rudolph are no more. 
So that of the twelve children of father Rudolph and mother Hannah 
Kagay onl}^ five remain — John, in his eightj^-sixth year ; Abraham, in 
his eightieth year; Henry, in his sixt3^-first year; Mrs. Kanode, in her 
sixty-eighth year ; and Martin, in his fifty-eighth year. All lived to be 
men and women, and all reared large families except Jacob, who died 
a bachelor in his sixty-seventh year. All were farmers or the wives of 
farmers except Polly, whose husband was a plasterer and bricklayer, 
and Martin, who became a physician and engaged otherwise. Father 
Rudolph lived to the age of fifty-six, and is buried three miles south of 
Lancaster, while mother Hannah Kagay lived to see her ninety-first 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 445 

year and then died of hernia. Martin was left an orphan in his fourth 
year b}' the death ot his father, and to his twelfth 3^ear was sent to school, 
and then to the saddler's trade in Rushville to his fourteenth year. He 
resumed work on the farm and home of his brother Jacob to his eigh- 
teenth year ; taught his first school in his nineteenth year in Seneca 
county, Ohio ; taught one year in Marion county, Illinois ; attended 
college at Granville, Ohio, in 1847-48 ; read medicine and practiced his 
profession at Pleasantville ; was elected Clerk of the Court in 185 1 ; 
was beaten, with his entire ticket, in 1854 ? r^iised and sold eighty 
acres of corn in Licking county in 1855 ; became editor of the Dem- 
ocj-atic Union in Somerset in 1856, and spent that entire year and 
not less than one thousand dollars in cash to revolutionize Perry 
count}^ from the domination of the Know-Nothing and Republican 
part}', and succeeded in restoring that county to the Democrats that 
year by an average majority of forty votes against two hnndred and 
ninety-eight for Governor Chase in 1855 5 ^"^ in 1859, when the Union 
newspaper, which he then edited, had secured the entire county pat- 
ronage, he transferred it for a " song" to those who never appreciated 
his generosity ; engaged in a patent corn cutter invented by Rible ; 
taught school in Somerset ; inaugurated the purchase of the present 
school lot, and carried it by five majority in a poll of two hundred 
and fifty votes; stumped the county for Douglas, in i860; took a de- 
cided stand for the war against the South, which had, by its bolt, 
defeated Douglas and the Democratic party ; became the first As- 
sessor of Internal Revenue in Perry county, as he had been the first 
Clerk of the Courts, under the present Constitution, in Fairfield ; was 
appointed Commissioner of Enrollment, or " Draft Commissioner," as 
it was called, by President Lincoln, on recommendation of Hon. Alfred 
McVeigh and Hon. Carey A. Trimble, in 1862, in which capacity he 
served to the end of the war, receiving an honorable discharge from 
Secretary Stanton ; started the Somerset Advoxatc,Vi\ 1867, to revive 
the railroad idea from Newark to Straitsville, which cost one and a half 
million dollars, and moved, perhaps, twenty millions more of capital 
into furnaces, lands, towns, and mining, and added not less than ten 
thousand to the population of Peny county, directly or indirectly ; 
bought three sections of coal lands, on option, and realized large and 
sudden profits, and never sold to a man who did not also realize profits ; 
bought lands in and about Somerset, carried on a grocery trade, and, 
between the losses on the credit system of the latter and the deprecia- 
tion of land prices after the panic of 1874, ^o^t all his property, which 
had cost him more than double his liabilities ; was cast into jail on a 
charge of embezzlement, made by a perjured villain whom he never 
before had seen or known, and who could, therefore, know nothing as 
to guilt or innocence, and on which charge no indictment could be 
found, and hence the prisoner was discharged, with a reputation limp- 
ing in the hobbles of unjust suspicion ; but, with a spirit unbroken and 
a resolve unshaken, the conflicts of life were renewed ; sympathy for 
the oppressed toiler was awakened into newness of life by his return 
to labor in the fields. The flat and heavily timbered lands of 
North-western Ohio, joined to their scarcity of stone and gravel for 
pikes, and the great cost of these even where material is plenty, 



446 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

suggested to Mr. Kagay the application of trench and tile, with 
charcoal covering, to the making ot" pikes. Martin Kagay be- 
came the husband of Christina Walters in 1850. Their surviving chil- 
dren are, Samuel, Rudolph Rizzio, Delia, Ida, and Maggie. Three 
children died in infancy. The father of Mrs. Kagay was John Wal- 
ters, deceased, of Fairfield county. Her mother was Mary Magdalena, 
daughter of the venerable Rev. William Foster, of Thorn township. 
Her vocal powers were rare in her maiden days, and she was in request 
at the singing schools of those times, and her voice, even now, pos- 
sesses a compass and melody of the most engaging sweetness. She 
was reared and educated in the Lutheran belief. 

Kalb, George E., was born in 185 ij in Rushville, Ohio ; he is the 
editor and proprietor of the Thornville Nczus and the Junction City 
Advocate, both weekly, and both published in Perry county. He is a 
son of Elijah Kalb, a native of Washington county, Maryland, who 
settled in Rushville in 1837, where he engaged in the drug trade, and 
served as post master thirty-five consecutive years. His birth was in 
1803, and in 1829 he was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca, daugh- 
ter of James Tenant, Sharpsburg, Virginia. This gentleman ran o?i 
from England in his boyhood, and in after life became the owner of a 
line of steamers, and large tracts of land near Sharpsburg, Virginia. 
His steamers were captured, his houses and fences were burned by the 
soldiery during the Rebellion, and after the war ended he found his 
splendid fortune wrecked in the whirlpool of revolution. He lived 
to the year 1866, and died at the age of eighty, near Shepardstown, a 
poor man in fortune, but rich in all the elements of manhood which 
values convictions of right and duty more highly than gold or lands. 
Elijah Kalb died in May, 1876, ten years after his father-in-law, and 
Mrs. Kalb is still living, at the age of seventy. The family were strict 
members of the M. E. Church, and Mr. Kalb was a sincere, upright 
and honest citizen, and carried to his grave the homage ever paid to 
sterling worth. According to Daniel G. Kalb, of Springfield, Illinois, 
Elijah's family is connected with that of the Baron de Kalb, of Revo- 
lutionary fame — exactly how is not at hand now to state. The brother 
of George E. Kalb, and son of Elijah, is Mayberry, a carpenter, Rush- 
ville, Ohio. Three'sisters are all married and live in Rushville, except 
one in Zanesville. In 1874 George E. was married to Miss Ruth A. 
Siniff, daughter of Jacob Siniff, Sr., who died at the age of eighty 
years. The children of this marriage are Charles de Kalb and Roy de 
Kalb, of Rushville, the spelling and the naming being intended to 
assert the title of these sons to the form used by their ancient relative, 
the Baron de Kalb. 

Karr, Noah, born 1824, in Thorn township; son of Rev. William 
Karr, a teacher in German and English, and a Baptist preacher, who 
was among the earliest settlers of Perry. The first wife of Rev. Wil- 
liam Karr was Miss Hannah Good, aunt of the present venerable John 
Good, of Thorn, and sister of Joseph Good, the father of John. The 
two daughters resulting from this marriage are now deceased in Indi- 
ana. The second marriage was to Susan Griffith, the mother of Noah 
Karr, and four other sons, now deceased, and one daughter, the wife 
of David Humberger. Noah Karr worked as a farm laborer seven 



History of perry county. 447 

years, for William Yost, of Thorn ; was then married to Miss Katha- 
rine Smith ; moved into the house where he was born, and began three 
more years of service to the same employer. He was elected Sheriff' 
of Peny county in 1870, re-elected in 1872, and after serving two terms 
in 1878 was elected County Treasurer, in all of which trusts he served 
with credit to himself and to the public, and retains to this day the 
confidence and esteem of the people of Perr^^ His children are Noah 
Karr, Jr., now married to Miss Kate McWaid, of Somerset, and who 
was assistant treasurer to his father, and now assistant in the Somerset 
Flouring Mills, of which his father has purchased a half share. The 
daughters are Mrs. B. F. Humberger, Mrs. Amos Helser, and Mrs. 
George Meloy, and one yet single and at home with her parents. Mr. 
Karr, though social and fond of fun, is temperate and decorous in his 
habits. He paid eight hundred dollars for a substitute in the army, 
sold wool for one dollar per pound, and for five hogs he realized the 
war price of one hundred and eighty dollars, while his wheat went to 
market at two dollars and fifty cents. He has been engaged as a ship- 
per of horses, of eggs, and other species of trade, connected with a 
hub factory, and with a planing mill, and in all his career he has main- 
tained the same honorable record, and enjoyed the confidence of his 
fellow-citizens. 

Kating, Lawrence, Marshal of New Lexington, Ohio, was born 
July 4, 1858, in county Tipperary, Ireland : son of Joseph and Mary 
(Bryan) Kating; came to America in February, 1866, and located in 
Columbus, Ohio, where he remained about five years. The succeeding 
year was spent at Pickaway and Mount Vernon, Ohio, and came to this 
place in the spring of 1873 ; he was appointed to serve on the police 
force of New Lexington in 1874, ^"^ ^^^^ following 3^ear was elected 
marshal of the place ; served four years and was re-elected in the spring 
of 1882. 

Kear, Harry, Shawnee, Ohio ; was born January 19, 1854, ^^ 
Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean,. England ; son of John and Elizabeth 
(Hicks) Kear. Mr. Kear came to America in 1873, landing in New 
York April 3d, and thence via Baltimore to Cumberland and McKees- 
port, on the Monongahela River, Pennsylvania, where he worked as a 
miner for about two months, and thence to Frostburg, Maryland, also 
engaged as a miner in this place for about two years ; and from there 
he came to Shawnee, Ohio, in 1875, and mined some two years, and 
thence to Bussey, Morgan county, Iowa, via Ottumwa ; remained here 
some five or six months engaged as a miner, and in sinking a coal 
shaft. From here he went to Knoxville, where he ran a country bank 
for a farmer by the name of Woodruff"; next he appeared at Lucas, Lucas 
county, Iowa, where he mined six or eight months, and afterward assisted 
in sinking another coal shaft, and again went to mining ; remained here 
about thirteen months, and returned to Shawnee, via Chicago, Colum- 
bus and Newark, in 1877, again mining about eighteen months ; re- 
turned to Pennsylvania, and to Berkley Springs, Morgan county, 
Virginia, where he mined and worked for an iron ore company, 
of Dunbar, Pennsylvania, about four or five months. From here, via 
Baltimore, Maryland, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to New York, 
where he took the steamer, City of Richmond, of the Inman Line, 



448 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

setting sail for Liverpool, where he landed July 2, 1878, having left 
New York on the 22d of June previous, making the voyage in nine days 
and twelve hours. From Liverpool he went to the place of his nativit}", 
and spent six weeks in England, visiting London and other principal 
cities of that country, and again he set sail for New York, August 15, 
1878, from Liverpool, and landed August 25, 1878, remaining in New 
York four days, when he returned to Berkley Springs, Virginia, and 
to Frostburg, Maryland, and thence to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 
with the intention of buying some place of business, but not suiting 
himself here, he again returned to Shawnee, and went into business 
with his brother, who had come from Englanc} with him, but afterward 
bought out his brother, and went into business for himself, where he is 
still situated. Mr. Kear was married November 6, 1879, to Lida, 
daughter of Alfred Micklethwaite, of Shawnee, Ohio. They are the 
parents of one child, fourteen months old February 12, 1882, whose 
name is Bessie Kear. 

Keenan, John, New Lexington, Ohio ; was born October 22, 1833, 
in Greene county, Pennsylvania ; son of Patrick and Mary Keenan. 
They came to this county about the year 1837, ^^^ located near New 
Lexington, where they remained about two years, then removed to Salt- 
lick township, where John was brought up. Mr. Keenan was married 
January 16, 1859, to Miss Ellen, daughter of John and Mary McGarvey, 
of Jackson township. They are the parents of eleven children, viz. : 
Patrick, Thomas, James, William, Hugh, Mary, Rose, Catherine, de- 
ceased, Euphemia, Joseph, and an infant not named. Mr. Keenan 
came to this place in the spring of 1864, and has" resided here to the 
present time. 

Kelly, John Henry, was a son of Henry and Mary (Petit) Kelly, 
and was born in Madison township, Perry county, Ohio, December 29, 
1825, and died May 18, 1881. He was married to Miss Annie C. 
Poundstone, at Bowling Green township, Licking county, Ohio, Sep- 
tember 23, 1847. Mr. Kelly was brought up on a farm in Madison 
township. Perry county, attending as opportunity permitted, the district 
school. His father was a teacher — one of the best in his day — and 
John was early instructed in all the common branches of learning, and 
himself became a teacher at the early age of sixteen. After teaching 
for several years in the neighborhood of his nativit}^, he came to Reho- 
both to teacii in the fall of 1849. After teaching there one year he was 
employed in the same capacity at New Lexington, and from that time 
New Lexington became his permanent home, though after a few years 
he abandoned the occupation of teaching. As an instructor, he ranked 
considerably above the average, and he was more than ordinarily suc- 
cessful v\ herever engaged. After he quit teaching he tried merchan- 
dizing a little while, but did not succeed to his satisfaction, and disliked 
the business. He was, in 1856, the Republican nominee for County 
Auditor, and came within sixteen votes of being elected. He had studied 
-law for some time, and soon after his defeat for Auditor, was admitted 
to the bar, and opened an office in New Lexington early in 1857. He 
was very diligent and painstaking in business intrusted to his charge, 
and almost immediately secured a paying practice. In the summer of 
1862 he assisted in recruiting the One Hundred and Fourteenth Regi 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 449 

ment, O. V. I., and was commissioned as Major of the regiment. He 
was promoted to the office of Lieutenant-Colonel, then Colonel, and 
was tinally brevetted Brigadier-General for '' gallant and meritorious 
services at the battle of Mobile." Major Kelly was engaged in the 
first unsuccessful attack on Vicksburg by General Sherman, and was 
soon after in the battle of Arkansas Post. Then he lay with troops 
under Grant at Young's Point and Milliken's Bend, where, from ma- 
larial disease, so many of the gallant sons of Perry went down to death 
that the country might live. When the final hour came and the sick 
and disabled were sent up the river, Major Kelly was one of the well 
ones who moved silently and swiftly down the western bank of the Mis- 
sissippi, then crossed at Grand Gulf to the eastern side. He was en- 
gaged in nearh" all the important battles around Vicksburg which led 
to its capitulation July 4, 1863. Not long after this, he became com- 
mander of the regiment, and went with an expedition down to New Or- 
leans and across the Gulf to Galveston. Finall}-- the command was sent 
to Mobile and the One Hundred and Fourteenth participated in the 
bayonet charge that led to the capture of the city. This was the last 
battle of the war. A few months after this Colonel Kelly came to Ohio 
with his regiment, and was mustered out of service with it. After leav- 
ing the army. Colonel Kelly, now General by brevet, resumed the prac- 
tice of law, and to some extent engaged in farming operations. Upon 
the death of Henry Sheeran, Prosecuting Attorney, General Kelly was 
appointed Prosecutor to fill out the unexpired term. He was, also, in 
1871, nominated for Representative by the Republican party, but was 
defeated at the election. In 1879 ^^^ became the Republican candidate 
for Probate Judge, and was elected. General Kelly, in one way or 
another, has been much in public life, and was generally known. In 
addition to what has been related, he has been Mayor of New Lexing- 
ton, and frequently a member of the town council, board of educa- 
tion, and Sunday school superintendent, and other offices in the chuixh 
of which he was a useful member. And all public and official stations 
he filled with more than ordinary ability. General Kelly united with 
the Methodist Episcopal Church at Rehoboth in 1850 and remained a 
member until his death. He was brave, generous hearted and benevo- 
lent, and ever ready and ever willing to assist, to the utmost of his 
ability, the poor, afflicted and needy. Lie was plain spoken, but affa- 
ble, urbane and generalh^ popular with men of all creeds and parties, 
and his loss was widely and deeply felt. His death was sudden and un- 
expected and cast a very perceptible gloom upon the town and county. 
He was taken sick Sunda}^ evening. May 15th, while at church, and suf- 
ered severe pain, except when under the inffuence of narcotics, 
until his death. General Kelly left a wife and two sons. Two daugh- 
ters died not long since. His aged mother is still living ; also his 
brothers and sisters. His funeral took place Friday, May 20th, and 
assumed very much of a public and general character. The New Lex- 
ington and New Straitsville Masonic Lodges attended in a body, and 
many members of other Lodges were also present. General Kelly was 
a Past Master of New Lexington Lodge, and was its Secretary at the 
time of his death. The Ewing Guards were out in force and partici- 
pated in the ceremonies of burial. The members of the Perry county 

42 



450 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Bar attended in a body. Rev. Fagan conducted the services at the 
church, assisted by Revs. Tussing, Bradley, Beeman and Rose. The 
large church edifice was crowded to its utmost capacity. The usual 
Masonic services took place at the grave, the Rev. Adams, of Junction 
City, officiating. The mortal remains of the deceased were interred 
in the family lot in New Lexington cemetery. 

Kelly, George H,, teacher in New Lexington schools. Mr. 
Kellv was born April 23, 1858, in this place ; son of John H. and Anne 
C. (Poundstone) Kelly. Young Kellv was brought up and educated in 
his native town. He began teaching in 1879, '^^^^ has followed the pro- 
fession to the present time. 

Kelley, H. F., farmer; post office, Rehoboth ; born in this county 
in 1831. Son of James and EHzabeth (Shaw) Kelly. The former died 
in 1872, the latter in 1862. Mr. Kelly was married in 1852 to Miss So- 
phia Strait, daughter of Christopher and Katharine (Litle) Strait. 
They are the parents of ten children, viz. : Sarah E., deceased, Georgia, 
deceased, Mary F., Harriet J., James B., Caroline M., Lucy G., 
Charles A., WilHam A., John H. Mr. Kelly was a soldier in the late 
war. 

Kelley, James F., school teacher, Shawnee, Ohio, was born Au- 
gust 13, 1843, in Cla3^ton township, this county ; son of Wesley and 
Hannah (Huston) Kelley. Mr. Kelley remained at home on the farm 
until he was eighteen years of age, when he went to his uncle Huston, 
of Muskingum county, Ohio, whom he assisted on the farm in the sum- 
mer season, and attended school in winter, and also taught three months 
• in that county, when he returned to Peny county, and in Madison 
township, took charge of a school which he taught one month, and 
then enlisted for three years or during the war, in the United States 
Signal service, and w^as discharged at the close of the w^ar, having 
served about two years. Upon his return he attended school about two 
months, then resumed teaching in Oakfield, Pleasant township," and 
taught six months. He then was engaged in the grocery and notion busi- 
ness about three years. Again resumed teaching in the grammar room 
of New Lexington, Ohio, where he taught some five years, six months of 
which time he taught the high school. Then taught two six months 
terms in Van Atta district, followed by a five months term in Thorn 
township, and the following summer in McConnelsville, Morgan county. 
Then cam.e to Shawnee, where he has taught two years in grammar 
school, and one year was principal of high school. Mr. Kelley was cor- 
poration clerk in New Lexington seven years ; was married April 16, 
1868, to Mary, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Moody) Newell, of 
Muskingum county, Ohio. They are the parents of three children, 
viz. : Maggie E., Carrie E., and Charles W. 

Kelley, A. H., farmer, New Lexington, Ohio ; was born Januar}^ 
25, 1846, in Clayton township, this county, son of Wesley and Hannah 
(Huston) Kelley. Was raised a farmer, and has given most of his at- 
tion to agriculture during his life. Was employed as clerk in dry goods 
store with his brother James F., for about one year, and about 1868. 
Just after this he engaged in partnership with his brother in gro- 
cery business for about one 3^ear, when he engaged in farming, which 
he has continued to this time, together with huckstering. Was married 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 45 1 

May 5, 1870, to Harriet, daughter of John and Marjory (Yates) Cheno- 
with. They are the parents of five children, viz. : Olive M., Ross, 
Nellie F., Fannie M., and Archie ; also of one deceased, viz. : Mamie. 
Mr. Kelley now lives near New Lexington, Ohio, where he owns quite 
a nice farm home. 

Kemper, Elijah, farmer, brick mason, stone cutter, marble dealer 
and inventor; born in Fauquier county, Virginia, 1798; post office, 
Thornville; He is one of the two sons of Jacob Kemper who came to 
Perry county in 1807. His brother, Jacob, born the same year last 
named, moved to St. Marys, Ohio, in 1850, and has but one son, George 
W. Kemper. His mother's maiden name was Susan Bashaw. He had 
five sisters — Nancy Carey, deceased ; Lucy, the widow of Joel H. 
Kemper, Brownsville, O. ; Harriet Edson, deceased ; Susannah Mc- 
Mullen, deceased; and Mary, the widow of Judge R. F. Hickman, 
late of Perry county. Elijah Kemper was first married at the age of 
forty-five years, to Miss Nanc}^ Henthorn, whose father was James 
Henthorn, of Irish extraction, and whose mother was Sarah Fidler, of 
German parentage. This marriage was blessed with two children, both 
of whom died in infancy, and they w^ere followed by the mother. The 
second marriage took place in 1852, to Elizabeth, daughter of Eli Whit- 
aker, whose wife was Miss Mar}' Cherry. She died April 6th, 1882, in 
her eightieth year, loved and lamented by all who knew her, leaving 
her husband without children. She was a sister of John Whitaker, a 
merchant of New Lexington ; was a native of Washington county, 
Pennsylvania, from whence she came to Ohio in 1809 ; was a Methodist 
in belief, but with her husband, seceded, and united with Rev. James 
F. Given, who was silenced by the Methodist Episcopal Church, for his 
opposition to the war of 1861 ; and who with others of the same church, 
and other churches, organized a new church, known as the Christian 
Union. This organization has a paper printed at Newark, Ohio, called 
the Christian Union ^ and is the recognized organ of the new church, 
which seeks the union of all Christians on a common platform of toler- 
ance and fellowship. Elijah Kemper is a man of great force of char- 
acter, five feet nine inches tall ; weight, one hundred and sixty pounds ; 
head, twenty-three and one-half inches in circumference. He invented 
a popular gate, which slides and swings open with ease, and which was 
sold extensively in the East, and became a source of profit to its origin- 
ator under the patent laws. He found men wanting a full description, 
which when sent them, was used to infringe his patent, and was doubt- 
less procured for this purpose alone. In 1881, he patented a hand seed 
sower, which more than doubles the acreage sown by one man in a day, 
and delivers the seed with great regularity and precision. Its cost, with 
right of use on a farm, is onh' two dollars ; and tinners can make it for 
less than half the money. He is French on his mother's side, and Eng- 
lish on the Kemper side of his parentage. He has lived on one farm, 
near Thornville, for seventy- five years ; is a relative of Bishop Kemper 
of St. Louis, and Governor Kemper, of Virginia, was a cousin. He 
reads without spectacles now at the age of eighty-four years, and is one 
of the best preserved samples of physical activity in Ohio ; and to meet 
his equal in vigor of mind, body or memory, rarely happens. His 
uncle, Isaac Kemper and Dr. Daniel Kemper, came as early as 1805, 



452 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

and were the center posts of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Thorn. 
His memory links the following names with the settlement of Thorn 
township, prior to 1808: Joseph McMullen, who laid out Thornvillein 
1818, by name of Lebanon ; David Besecker, the Goods, John Kindal, 
1805 ; Keiths, Henry and Michael Boyer, 1802 ; Hendersons, Fosters, 
Groves, Hoopers, Bowman, Reams, Stoneman, Karr, Neil, Dombold, 
Fulton, WarHeld and Stockbarger. 

Kennedy, Thomas P., blacksmith, Maxville, Ohio; born in Fair- 
field count}', Ohio, September 9, 182 1 ; son of William and Sarah 
(Henry) Kennedy. His early days were spent in attending district 
school and assisting his father in the blacksmith shop, of which trade he 
became master. In the spring of 1832, he came with his parents to 
Monday Creek township. Perry county, Ohio, and has ever since been 
one of its most respected citizens. In 1847 he came to Maxville, and 
opened a blacksmith shop, and has ever since carried on his trade in 
that village. Was married February 12, 1847, to Sophia, daughter of 
Bennet and Luzilla (Angle) Huston. They are the parents of nine 
children, viz. : William Bennet, Luzilla H., Levi H., Sarah E., Matilda 
J., John N., Clara E., Estella M., and Cora B. All living except 
William Bennet, who served in the war of the Rebellion, and was 
wounded at Fort Gregg, and died of his wounds at Petersburg, Vir- 
ginia. Mr. Kennedy enlisted in Company C, Sixty-second Regiment, 
O. V. I., in 1864; pai'ticipated in the capture of Richmond, and at the 
close of the war, received an honorable discharge. Mr. Kennedy was 
one ot the first citizens of Maxville ; began life without a penny, but by 
strict application to his calling, has secured a good home for himself 
and family. 

Kennedy, Abraham. C, teacher in Straitsville schools ; was born 
January 10, 1848, in this place, and brought up in Jackson township. 
He is a son of John and Susan (Parmer) Kennedy. Abraham C. be- 
gan teaching January 11, 1868, and has taught fourteen 3'ears, and is 
now one of the best teachers of the county. Pie came to New Lexing- 
ton in 1879, ^^^ ^^ 1882, went to Straitsville. Mr. Kennedy was mar- 
ried May'26, 1870, to Miss Mary E., daughter of James and Julia A. 
(Mateer) Price. The}^ are the parents of four children, viz. : Frank V., 
Emma Florence, Charles W. and Francis James Longdon. 

Kennedy, George W., dealer in books, etc., Main street. New 
Lexington, Ohio; was born March 4, 1855, in Vinton county, Ohio; 
son of John D. and Susanna (Palmer) Kennedy. Young Kennedy was* 
brought up on the farm until seventeen. He began teaching school at 
eighteen, and taught eight terms. He then clerked in a general mer- 
chandising store in Athens county, Ohio. Came to this place in June, 
1879, ^"<^ established his present business, in which he is succeeding 
well. 

Kern, Joseph, Sr., deceased; was born in Berks county, Penn- 
sylvania, and was there married to Mary Swaivly in 1818. He kept a 
store in Reading until r83i, when, on the 12th da}- of May, the deed 
for the seventy-seven and one-half acres, where his son Joseph Kern, 
Jr., now lives, was signed by Asa Dennison. William Durrh, who 
married Joseph's sister, came to Ohio at the same time. The children 
of Joseph, Sr., were : Jeremiah, Hiram, Harriet, Sarah, Mary, Amanda, 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 453 

Nancy and Joseph, both single, and who own and occupy the home- 
stead. Joseph, Sr., lived to his eighty --first and his wife to her sixty- 
ninth year. They were of Lutheran extraction, but became United 
Brethren. Joseph was a very honest but not temperate man, until he 
joined the Washingtonians, after which he kept his pledge till death. 

Kessler, Frank, wagon maker, New Lexington, Ohio; w-as born 
November 25, 1842, in Hocking county; son of John and Elizabeth 
(Sharshel) Kessler. Frank was brought up on the farm until the age of 
nineteen, when he went to his present trade. He first established a 
shop at Logan, Hocking county, in 1865. He remained there two 
years, then came to this place, where he has since remained. He is 
doing a good business, being one of the best mechanics in the county. 
Mr. "Kessler was married in the spring of 1865 to Miss Catharine, 
daughter of John and Elizabeth Fox. They are the parents of seven 
children, viz. : Francis Anthony, James Edward, Mary Victoria, Rose- 
anne Elizabeth, John William, "Catharine and Charles Joseph. 

King, Michael, farmer, was born February 29, 1820, section 35, 
Thorn township ; his post office is Thornville, Ohio. He is a son of 
Christian King and grandson of Rev. John King, who was the first 
preacher ever settled on the soil of Perry county. This Rev. John King 
was a native of a Rhinish Province in Germany ; came to America with 
his wife and his sons, John, Peter and Christian, (the father of Mike), 
and one daughter, Morelius, with him, prior to the adoption of the Fed- 
eral Constitution, which fact naturalized him and made him a voter 
without papers. He must have come to Ohio and settled on section 35, 
in Thorn township, as early as 1802 or 1803. At any rate he found a 
very few neighbors, and of that best friend to man, money, he had but 
25 cents left on arrival in the forests of Perry. He had, however, a 
four-horse team of good horses and a good old fashioned wagon, and, it 
is to be presumed, a good share of provisions and clothing in it. He 
must have been a fine German scholar, as any one may learn by in- 
spection of the superb constitution, in his hand writing, of the Presbyte- 
rian and Lutheran church of Zion, dated in 1805, and now in posses- 
sion of the venerable George Daniels, of Thorn township. From the 
date of his arrival in America, probably in 1787, to 1802 or 1803, when 
he came to Ohio, he resided in the State of Virginia. He was an ex- 
pert in the selection of land in a new^ covmtry, and this characteristic has 
benefited his descendants to this day, who still hold the same acres, and 
many more, selected at first by this old patriarch of the early time in 
Perry county. He pre-empted a half section, began cutting a road from 
his cabin to the Zane Trace, and hauled salt from Chillicothe by way of 
Lancaster, tor a livelihood. He must also have saved some money, for 
a few years later, the searching glances 01 land buyers w'as turned upon 
his acres, not yet safe from their power to obtain, when he, through the 
friendship and aid of the Receiver at ChilHcothe, closed his pre-emption 
and got a patent. He was a teacher of German and music in the infant 
schools of his da3\ and his enterprise also erected a still house in Vir- 
ginia and Ohio, and the whisky he made was doubtless as pure as the 
gospel he preached. He was a heavy^ set, stoutly built man, of kind 
disposition, inclined to books and industrial vocations. His children, 
born in America, were George, Jacob, Mrs. Spoon and Mrs. Brock, 



454 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Christena King, Philip King and the Rev. Henry King, now of the Re- 
form Church, and still living, and who, with iMrs. Catharine Brock, 
post office Hamilton, Ohio, are the sole survivors of the ten children. 
Philip died near Salem, Ohio, and was the father of Peter King, late of 
Perry ; George died near Stouts ville, Fairfield county ; Peter King died 
near Glenford, Perry county, where some of his children still reside ; 
Morelius, wife of Alexander Costonion, died on the home farm, section 
35, where with Christian she shared the paternal homestead, Christian 
King, father of Michael, prior to 1812, was married to Margaret Basore, 
a sister of Mrs. John Hum.berger, still living. They became the parents 
o,f nine sons and three daughters, who grew to be men and women, and 
one child that died young. The sons w^ere, John, Samuel, Michael 
Henry, Christian, Frederick, David, Simon and Reuben. The daugh- 
ters were, Mary M., deceased, wife of Henry Humberger, also deceas- 
ed ; Margaret, widow of Daniel Fisher ; Mary Ann, wife of Jacob Ram- 
se3s Columbia City, Indiana. The father of the children died in 1852, 
and the mother followed in 1862, in the 69th vear of her age. He 
made a will and appointed his sons, Samuel and Michael, its executors. 
Michael King was married January 3, 1847, to Miss Franey Auspach, 
daughter of Christian Auspach. Their children are, Franklin, husband 
of Miss Ella, daughter of John Beagler, Thornville, Ohio ; William 
Henry and David, Miss Tena Ann and Miss Ida Alice — ^three sons and 
two daughters. lie began his married life, by buying, in partnership, 
one hundred and eighty-three acres, subject to dowser of Molly Hum- 
berger and two-elevenths belonging to heirs where he now resides, 
for $20 per acre, subject to dower... He paid in part a quarter section 
of land in Whitley county, Indiana, at $600. He now owns in fee 
one hundred and seventy-six acres alone and is helping his married 
son to pay for one hundred and twenty-eight acres in section 13, Thorn 
township. His barn caught fire in 1869, by a overheated threshing 
machine while in motion, and he lost it and its contents, but it was in- 
sured for i^8oo, and he has replaced it with a splendid structure. In 
i860 he built of brick, a comfortable farmer's mansion, and though not 
modern in all its parts, is a model of comfort and, especially the part 
devoted to the kitchen and dining rooms, where the best of bread 
and the most golden rose scented butter tempt the gustatory nerves and 
pronounce the highest eulogy on the high toned, practical education 
ot Perry county wives and their blooming daughters. 

King, J. R., blacksmith, Bearheld township, Portersville post office, 
born in Noble county in 1824, son of Jonathan and Mary (Swarthwood) 
King. His father w^as a native of Pennsylvania and his mother of Ohio. 
Mr. J. R. King came to this county in 1870, and lived in this tow^nship 
tw^o years, W'hen he moved to Sarahsville, and afterwards returned to 
this township, where he now resides. In 1841 he married Elizabeth A. 
Wright, of Noble county, and of Virginia ancestry. They are the par- 
ents of two children, Abraham and Catharine. The son married Miss 
Odell and resides in this township, and his daughter married J. W. Rob- 
inson. She died in 1867. 

King, John C, was born in 1835, ^" Perry count}', Ohio ; is a farmer 
and carpenter, post office Glenford. He is a son of Peter King, whose 
father came trom Germany when Peter was twelve years of age, and 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 455 

settled in Thorn township. Peter died on his farm, section 17, Hope- 
well, in 1858, at the age of seventy-tour years. His wafe, the mother 
of John C. King, was Mary Magdaline Whitmore, sister of the late ven- 
erable Peter Whitmore, of Reading township. She departed this life 
five years after her husband, leaving the following named children : 
Saloma, wife of Michael Cotterman, Little Sandusky, Ohio ; Katharine, 
wife of John Smith, deceased, Somerset ; Rebecca, wife of Isaac Zart- 
man, Glenford ; Lydia, deceased ; Susannah, deceased ; Thomas, de- 
ceased ; Mary M., wife of Porter Cline, Illinois ; Peter C, married to 
Miss Caroline Long, McCutchensville, Ohio; David C, married to 
Margaret Mechling, Glenford ; Leah, wite of Jeremiah Alspach, Thorn- 
ville, Ohio ; Elizabeth, wdte of Samuel Alspach, Thornville, Ohio ; 
William C, married first to Mary Ann, daughter of Henry Zartman, 
and after her death, to Kate Focht, Upper Sandusky, Ohio, dry goods ; 
Franklin C, married to Miss Rachel Zillinger, daughter of Jacob, 
Union Station, Licking county, Ohio ; served in the One Hundred and 
Twenty-sixth Regiment, O. V. I., Company K, and was wounded three 
times: and John C, w^ho, in 1859, became the husband of Miss Eliza- 
beth Rarick, daughter of the late Peter Rarick, of Thorn township, post 
office Glenford, Ohio. Their children are Altha, wife of Henry Lentz, 
post office Glenford ; Rufus Franklin, Henr)^ Wallace, and Miss Cora. 
Mr. King owns a part of the original King homestead and all together 
has one hundred and fifty acres of land in Hopewell. He is a member 
of the Reform Church ; a Democrat, and sustains the record of his an- 
cestr}^ for honesty, industry and frugality. 

King, David S., fai-mer, Madison township, post office Sego, Perry 
county, Ohio ; born June 11, 1837, i" Saltlick township ; son of Thomas 
and Sarah (Headley) King. David S. was brought up on a farm, and 
has followed agriculture to the present time. Mr. King served about 
four months in Company A, One Hundred and Sixty, O. N. G. He 
was married first November i, 1857, to Miss Miraet, daughter of 
Cyrus- and Hannah (Cleny) Adams. They became the parents of 
seven children, viz. : Martha Jane, married to Perry Brown ; Hannah 
E., Sarah A., Alzier L., Lewis S., Emma M., deceased, and Ida W. 
Mrs. King died April 23, 1870. Mr. King was married the second time 
to Miss Amanda R., daughter of James and Sarah (Hope) Wilson. 
They are the parents or four children, viz. : William E., Clara, de- 
ceased. Myrtle B. and Amanda Ellen. Mr. King came to his present 
residence in August, 1873, and is succeeding well. 

King, A. B., coal operator. New Straitsville. 

KisHLER, Thomas J., of the firm of Berkimer & Kishler, carriage 
and wagon manufacturers, New Lexington, Ohio. Mr. K. was born 
October 8, 1862, in Jackson township ; son of George and Susan Kish- 
ler, natives of Pennsylvania. Young Kishler went to his trade when 
about fifteen, and became a partner in the above firm in the fall of 1881. 

Klein, J. J., retail dry goods merchant and grocer. Junction City, 
Ohio ; was born in May, 1855 ; son of Lewis and Hannah Klein ; came 
from Europe to America in 1871. He went to his present occupation 
in June, 1881 ; w^as married in 1881 to Miss Fanny, daughter of Henry 
and Rachel Weber. Mr. Klein keeps a good stock of goods, and has 
a first-class trade. 



456 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Klipstine, Philip, farmer, Monroe township, post office Corning ; 
was born August 20, 1820, in Greene county, Pennsylvania ; son of 
William and Nancy (Shuman) Klipstine. When Philip was about four 
years old, his lather moved to T^der county, Virginia. When twenty- 
two years of age Philip came to Monroe township, Perr}- county. 
Having but little financial means he worked by the month as a farm 
hand, until April 23, 1843, when he was married to Miss Emeline Reese. 
He then purchased the farm where he now resides. They are the 
parents of four children — Sarah, married to James C. Dew ; Mary, 
married to William J. Todd ; Martha, married to Thomas Killkinney, 
since died ; Kate, married to Cvrus M. Brown. When Mr. Klipstine 
first came to this township, deer and wild .turkey were abundant. He 
has seen the hardships of pioneer life, having cleared over one hundred 
acres of rough timber land, and he now enjoys the fruits of his labor, 
living in a comfortable home, independent of work; 

Knotts, J. W., carriage painter, Thornville, Ohio; born in 1850, 
in Covington, Kentucky. He is a son of James B. Knotts, a carpenter 
arid builder, a native of Wirt county. West Virginia, who died in 1864, 
in the forty-sixth year of his age, of consumption, brought on by expo- 
sure in Arkansas. His brothers, the uncles of J. W. Knotts, are Isaac, 
of Missouri; Luke, of Virginia; and John, of Cincinnati, Ohio. Uncle 
Edward Knotts died in Roseville, Arkansas. An aunt, Rebecca Lee, 
wife of Captain J. B. Lee, of the Confederate Army, is still living, 
post office Palestine, Wirt county, Virginia — a relative of the late Gen. 
Robert E. Lee. Another aunt, Matilda Knotts, now deceased, was the 
wife of Joseph Cook, near Parkersburg, Virginia. His (J. W.'s) mother's 
maiden name was Ann S. Cook, who is the mother of three sons and 
five daughters, all living. His grandmother's maiden name was Mar- 
garet Prottsman, afterwards Cook. His great-grandfather, Absalom 
Knotts, came from Ireland, and is of Scotch-Irish descent, and tradi- 
tion alleges him to have been the owner of a large tract of land in 
Maryland, which he leased out for ninet3^-nine years, and on which the 
town of Dover now rests. Grandfather Edward Knotts was a son of 
this Absalom Knotts. J. W. Knotts became the husband of Miss Anna 
H. Ludtman, in 1871, at Marietta, Ohio. Her parents were natives of 
Germany, and her father was a shoemaker by trade, and died in the 
last named city. Their children are Charles, Edith, lolia and Grace, 
now^ three years of age. Mr. Knotts learned his ti'ade of painter in 
Marietta, under the tutilage of an eminent and very kind preceptor. 
He started a shop in that city, and carried on house, sign, carriage 
and decorative painting, and continued thus until 1881, since when he 
he was employed in the extensive carriage works of David Cherry 
& Compan}^ in Thornville, Ohio. He is distinguished for his excel- 
lence as a workman, his devotion to the interests of his employer, and 
for his steady attention to his work. 

KocHENDERFER, Dr. John H., Buckingham, Ohio; was born July 
29, 1841, in Lebanon count}^ Pennsylvania ; son of Joseph and Lovina 
(Artz) Kochenderfer. Came to Mansfield, Ohio, in 1856. He enlisted 
August II, 1862, in Company D, One Hundred and Second O. V. I., 
and served three years. He was captured at the battle of Athens, Ala- 
bama, and was held a prisoner about seven months. While being trans- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 457 

ferred from Vicksburg to St. Louis, on the steamer Sultana, she was 
blown up, causing about one thousand six hundred and seventy-five 
lives to be lost. The Doctor was thrown about three hundred feet from 
the vessel, and fell in the water, but was rescued in about five hours 
some eighteen miles below where the wreck occurred. He received 
an injury by being thrown against what was supposed to be a rope, 
from which he will never recover. The Doctor began the study of 
medicine in 1878; attended the Medical College at Cincinnati, and 
began practice with Dr. Deaver, in the spring of 1882. He was mar- 
ried November, 14, 1865, to Miss Malvina C, daughter of George and 
Hannah (Funk) Cox, of Richland county, Ohio. They are the parents 
of two children, viz. : Eliza C. and George J. 

KuHN, Joseph, farmer, son of Michael Kuhn, who emigrated from 
Strausburg, France, in 183 1, after which he married Nancy Clover, 
who became the mother of Rosanna, George, John, Lewis, Mary and 
Joseph Kuhn, the subject of this sketch, who was married to Miss 
Harriet Louisa Murdock, in October, 1875. When a boy only nine 
years old he began life in the service of George Skipton, and his child- 
less wife, who was Jane, daughter of James McCormick. Mr. Skipton 
died in 1880, at the advanced age of eighty-four, and by his will left 
his beautiful farm of sixty-seven acres to Joseph Kuhn, subject to the 
life estate of his aged widow. This high testimonial to the worth and 
faithfulness of Mr. Kuhn, was not more than he deserved, and is evi- 
dence of an appreciation thus worthily expressed by his benefactor and 
benefactress. 

KuLLMAN, George, was born in Schweinham, Germany, February 
22, 181 1 ; he died in Somerset, Ohio, September 8, 1877; his father's 
name was John ; his mother's maiden name was Goodwork ; he had 
five brothers, Conrad, Nicholas, Jacob, John and Joseph, supposed to 
reside in Denmark or Sweden ; of the others, Jacob only came to 
America, and after service in the late Rebellion, died in Somerset. His 
only sister Mar}^, married to Nicholas Culp, settled in Columbus, Ohio, 
four or five years prior to the arrival of her brothers, George and Jacob, 
in 1840. The same ship which brought George and his brother, also 
brought Henry Culp, Joseph Art, Mary Nagle and a niece of George, 
since married to Joseph Art. In 1840, George married the above named 
Mary Nagle, journeying on horseback from Marion, Ohio, to Tiffin, to 
find a priest. The happy twain remained in Marion, Ohio, until after 
the birth of their first-born, Nicholas, christened in Tiffin, forty miles 
distant, in 1842, and whose death occurred in Somerset, in 1845. Here, 
a stranger in a strange land, with limited capital, it required all the 
solid virtues of economy, caution and perseverance, for which his coun- 
trymen are proverbial, to establish his business as a butcher. To the 
faithful aid of his wife, to her firm resolution to succeed, to her sound 
counsel and unflagging industry — joined to his own calm purpose 
and steadfast efforts by day and by night, in storm or sunshine — are to 
be attributed that success which always crowns the union of will, mind 
and muscle. Thirty-seven years after his arrival in Somerset, he de- 
parted this life, in faithful hope of the life everlasting ; his books and 
papers show that he gave away, in uncollectable claims, more than 
ten thousand dollars, and these claims stand to the credit of the kind 
43 



458 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

heart and contiding humanity of George Kullman and his dutiful wife, 
Mary Ann Nagle, to whom were spared three sons: John, the eldest, 
united in marriage to Lizzie Elder, a daughter of John Elder ; he farms 
and assists in butchering. Lewds, the second, now living, is the cash- 
ier and salesman of the tirm and remains single. Samuel, the 3'oung- 
est, united in marriage to Amanda Burns ; he farms and assists also in 
butchering. The business is not changed by the father's death, but by 
the affectionate influence of the mother and the good understanding of 
the brothers, maintains its pi'osperit}' and vindicates the wisdom of the 
father's last will and testament. 

Kyle, Geokge Gordon, M. D., Corning, Ohio ; was born Novem- 
ber 14, 1857, in Vershire, Orange county, Vermont; son of Rev. John 
and Sarah (Gordon) Kyle. Dr. Kyle was educated in the public schools 
of Granville, Ohio, and at Denison University, Ohio, where he 
graduated in 1877, and received the degree of A.M. in 1880 ; he be- 
gan the study of medicine in 1877, and graduated at the Starling Medi- 
cal College, Columbus, Ohio, in the spring of 1880 ; the doctor began 
practice in Vermillion, Erie count}^, Ohio, and practiced about one year ; 
he located at Covington in August 1880 ; Dr. Kyle was married No- 
vember 17, 1881, to Miss Lillie Bell, daughter of Isaiah Jones, of 
Newark, Ohio. 

Larimer, J. B., proprietor of hotel and postmaster. Junction City, 
Ohio; was born in Jackson township, this county, in August, 1836; is a 
son of William and Margaret (Brown) Larimer ; followed carpenter- 
ing until 1861, after which he enlisted in Company C, Sixty-second O. 
V. L, and served until November of 1864, during which time he was 
promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant ; after the war he followed his 
former occupation until June, 1880, when he commenced his present 
business ; was married in i860 to Miss Lizzie, daughter of Josiah and 
Catharine (Thorn) Jones ; they are the parents of six children, viz. : Chas. 
J., Catharine, Margaret, Mary, Gertrude and Alice; Mr. Larimer is a 
kind, genial, accommodating landlord, and keeps the best hotel in 
Junction City. 

Larzelere, Benjamin, farmer and stock raiser ; post office, Rose- 
ville ; born in Pennsylvania in 1803 ; settled in Perry count}-, Ohio, in 
1837; son of Benjamin and Sarah (Brown) and grandson of Nicholas 
Larzelere and of Joseph Brown ; married in 1835, ^o Miss Mary Day- 
mond, who died in 1877. They have seven children, viz. : Sarah P., 
G. W., Robert A. G., Mary E., John Q^ A., Juha D., Morgan R.,five of 
whom are married. G.W. and Robert A., enlisted in the war of the Rebel- 
lion ; G. W., in the One Hundred and Fifty-ninth Regiment ; Robert in 
the Thirty-second. He was in the battle of Cheat Muontain, where he 
was taken prisoner. 

Latta, Albert G., farmer and stock raiser, Rehoboth post office, 
Clayton township, Perry county, Ohio ; born in this county, in 1848; 
son of Isaac B. and Nancy (Welsh) Latta ; grandson of George 
Latta, and of Henry and Mary Welsh ; married in 1869, to Miss 
Lizzie Brown, daughter of William and Mary (Haworth) Brown; they 
have but one child, Calia M. 

Laverty, Adam, farmer and miner. New Straitsville, Ohio ; was 
born Jan. 4, 1834, ^^^ Cullybackey, a little village three miles west of 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 459 

Ballymena, county Antrim, Ireland ; son of Archibald and Mary (Kil- 
len) Laverty. Mr. Laverty was raised in his native country, and re- 
mained in Ireland until 1866, when he emigrated to America, and, with 
his famil}^, has resided in Coal township, this county, since 1872. Mr. 
Laverty's father was a native of Ireland. His mother was born in Ire- 
land, of Scotish parentage. Mr. Lavert}^ the subject of this sketch, 
was married June 5, 1862, to Miss Ellen L\mch, of Greenock, Scot- 
land, daughter of Thomas and Jane (McGuire) Lynch, who were form- 
erly of Londonderry. They are the parents of seven children, viz.: 
Mary Ann, Archibald, Adam J., Ellen, Thomas Philip, Theresa and 
Clara. 

Lazier, Elza, potter by trade. Buckeye Cottage post office, Ohio ; 
born in this county in 1852 ; son of Isaac and Clara (Kelly) Lazier. 
The tbrmer emigrated from Maryland. Grandson of John Lazier, and 
of James and Nellie Kelly. Married in 1857, to Miss Pheobe J. Brooks, 
daughter of Hiram and Sarah A. (Cline) Brooks. They have nine 
children, viz. : Hiram H. ; Chas. Henry, deceased, Rosanna, Isaac, 
Ella E., Myrtle A. and two infants. Mr. Lazier's grandfather was in 
the War of 18 12. 

Leaman, Washington, carpenter and wagon maker, post office Gore, 
Hocking county, Ohio; was born January 22, 1824, in Montgomery 
county, Maryland ; son of Daniel and Jane (Sibley) Leaman. At an early 
age, he went as an apprentice to the carpenter and wagon maker's 
trades, which he learned ; came to Ohio with his parents in 1835, ^^^ 
remained four years in Pike township, when they came in 1839 to Mon- 
day Creek township, where he has since resided. Was married May 
5, 1843, to Hannah Massey, who died in 1845. Was married the second 
time May 11, 1847, to Susan, daughter of Jacob and Catharine (Valen- 
tine) Cavinee. Thej^ are the parents of nine children, viz. : Daniel, 
died in infancy ; John, Eliza, Marv J., George, Sarah C, Martha A., 
Matilda, died in infancy, and Samuel. 

Lehew, J. O., teamster, Shawnee, Ohio; was born November 3, 
1850, in Morgan county, Ohio, and son of Samuel and Temperance 
(Beall) Lehew. Mr. Lehew was raised a farmer, and followed agri- 
cultural pursuits up to the age of twenty-three years. He farmed in 
Athens county, about seventeen years ; in Morgan county, two years, 
and in Wood county, West Virginia, two years ; he began teaming 
while in Virginia, and followed it there about seven years, and in 
Athens count}^ two j^ears, and in Morgan county, eight months, when 
he went to Shawnee, Ohio, where he has remained up to the present 
time, and has done all the teaming for the XX Furnace since he came 
to this place. Mr. Lehew was married April 8, 1872, to Hannah, 
daughter of Jacob and Jane (Lafevre) Martin, of Hocking county, Ohio. 
They are the parents of three children, viz. : Charles, Samuel and 
John. 

Lehman, Christian, was born in 1802, in Juniatta county, Pennsyl- 
vania ; he was a son of Jacob Lehman ; his mother's maiden name was 
Hannah Peterson. These pioneers came to Perry count3^ in 1806, with 
eleven of their twelve children, comprising eight sons and four daugh- 
ters. He bought eighty acres of land in Jackson township, resided for 
several years in Rushville, and finally settled on the farm where Christ- 



j!^6o biographical sketches. 

ian, now in his eightieth year, resides, and where his father,Jacob, died 
in the ninetieth year of his age. A sister of Christian Lehman, Betsey 
Turner, wife of Joseph Turner, is yet hving in Rushville with her son, 
Abraham, in her ninety-sixth year. Christian was married in 1824, to 
Rebecca Siple, daughter of Frederick and Barbara Siple, then of Fair- 
field county. Their children are Richard, a blacksmith. Avion post 
office, who, in 1857, was married to Eliza, daughter of Moses, a broth- 
er of Jacob Pett3^ Richard has two sons. Christian, a blacksmith, who 
is offered $14 per week for horse-shoeing in Columbus, and Clinton, 
younger and at home. The daughters are. Miss Eva and Martha, two 
sons and two daughters, from eight to twenty years of age. Hannah 
Lehman, wife of George Houtz, daughter of Christian and Rebecca 
Lehman, resides in Missouri, post office Hamburg, Iowa. John L. 
Lehman, architect and contracting carpenter, married to Sally Vander- 
mark, daughter of Rev. Mathias Vandermark, residence, Columbus, 
Ohio. Mary Levina, wife of Robert Hill, residence at the homestead 
of her father, where, since the death of her mother, she presides as 
chief of the household, post office Avion, Ohio. 

Lehman, Richard, eldest son of Christian, has acquired a comfort- 
able home, which his strong arm at the anvil has beautified with a new 
and neat dwelling. He was a member of Company I, One Hundred and 
Twenty-sixth Regiment, O.V.L, Captain Yontz, attached to the famous 
Sixth Corps, which saved the day at Cedar Creek, after the rout of the 
Eighth and Nineteenth Corps, and thus saved, also, the valley of the 
Shenendoah from again falling back into the hands of the enemy. He 
served to the end of his enlistment, and was honorably discharged, 
when he resumed his occupation at the anvil and his place in that fam- 
ily circle, which had prayed for his safe return. 

Lemert, Richard D., engineer at mine No. 13, Corning, Ohio; 
was born April 19, 1852, in Crawford county, Ohio; son of Joshua and 
Caroline (Blackwell) Lemert. Richard D. Lemert was brought up on 
a farm until about the age of fourteen 3^ears ; at eighteen began braking 
on the railroad, served four j^ears, then fired two years, then took an 
engine and ran as railroad engineer two years. He took his present 
position in November, 1881. Mr. Lemert was married January 6, 1881, 
to Annie, daughter of Augustus and Mary Ucker, of Columbus, Ohio. 
They are the parents of one child, Maud Lemert. 

Lew^is, George, engineer, Shawnee, Ohio; was born August i, 
1832, in Cardiff, South Wales ; son of George and Mary (Lewis) Lewis ; 
was raised in Cardiff, where he lived until 1868, and served his ap- 
prenticeship of five years at machinist's trade with Taft' Bale Railroad, 
building engines. After completing his apprenticeship he ran an en- 
gine on the railroad three 3'ears ; at this time he began work for Mr. 
Booker, running an engine for tin and sheet-iron works about five 
years.up to 1861. He was next employed in putting up the Grangetown 
Iron Works, and was overseer of the engine at this place for seven 
3'ears, until 1868, at which time he came to America, landing in New 
York, and from thence to Pittsburgh, Peuns3'lvania, where he was em- 
plo3^ed at the Superior Iron Mill and Furnace as engineer for five 3'ears ; 
at the end of this time he went to Newark, Ohio, where he was en- 
gaged in the Rolling Mill as engineer, for about two years, when he 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 461 

came to Shawnee, Ohio, where he has been with the XX Coal and Iron 
Company, as engineer up to this time. Mr. Lewis was married March 
8, 1855, to Joan, daughter of Evan and Ann Thomas, of Cardiff, and 
niece of the manager of Booker's Furnace. They are the parents of 
six children, viz. : Eugenia, Frank, Henry, Edwin, Mary Ann and 
George, living, and hve dead, Thomas, Mary, George, John and Her- 
bert. ' 

Lilly, Rev. H. F., the present President of St. Joseph Convent and 
House of Studies of the Dominican Order in the United States, is dis- 
tinguished not only as such, but for his executive ability in advancing 
the interests, the usefulness and the fame of his Alma Mater. This in- 
stitution was founded in 1818 by Rev. Edward Dominic Fenwick, after- 
wards first Catholic Bishop of Ohio and the North West ; the first priest 
after Father Fenwick, was his nephew, Rev. M. D. Young, who de- 
parted this life so recently as November 1878 ; associated with Father 
Young were Fathers Martin, De Rymacher, O'Larey and Hill. These 
Rev. Fathers resided at St. Joseph's, and performed missionary duty 
inside of a circle of one hundred miles. As a house of education, pro- 
perly so called, the date is 1840, where students began to be received 
and a faculty of distinguished professors were engaged. Prior to this 
date no instructions were given in theology, or physics, but since then 
there have always been from ten to thirty students of philosophy and 
theolog}^. 

The College was opened in 185 1 for youth not aspiring to the Priest- 
hood. It deservedly bore a high reputation as a seat of learning, and 
was attended by students from all sections of the United States. It was 
closed in the first year of the war. chiefly on account of the withdraw^al 
of its southern patronage. The Presidents were in order as follows : 
Rev. James Whelan, to 1854; ^^^'- P- D. Noon, to 1856; Rev. J. A. 
Kelly, to 1858 ; Rev. M. D. Lilly, to i860, and the last President was 
Rev. J. A. Rochford ; the last three are still living. The College 
Building was one hundred and twenty by forty-five feet, of brick, three 
stories high and was torn down in 1880, when the material was used in 
the construction of the New Convent Building, which was dedicated, 
March 19, 1882. This magnificent edifice is one hundred and thirty-five 
by forty-five feet ; of brick, three stories and basement of stone, with 
slate roof; located a few miles south of Somerset. In solidity, elegance 
and fitness for the purpose intended it is unsurpassed in the United 
States. There is a hall in every story, and these halls lead to not less 
than seventy rooms or apartments, and are heated by a furnace below. 
Gas and water supplies are carried to all parts of the edifice, and the 
whole is completed with elevators and all the modern improvements. 

The Library is one of the most interesting features, rich in ancient and 
modern works and contains about seven thousand volumes, some of 
which were printed prior to the discovery of America. There are manu- 
scripts dated in the thirteenth century, some of which are magnificentl}^ 
illustrated on en vellum. Among its principal contributors were 
Bishop O'Finan, of Ireland, and Father Thomas Martin, already men- 
tioned. The officers of the Convent at present, are in order of rank as fol- 
lows : Prior, Rev. H. F. Lilly, Rev. A. V. Higgins, Rev. Stephen 
Byrne, Rev. P. V. Keogh, Rev. J. C. Kent, Rev. T. A. Scallon, Rev. 



462 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

J. F. Colbert, and Rev. E. F. Flood ; at this writing, December, 1882, 
there are twent}^ students. 

LiNViLLE, Joshua, born in 1823, in Richland township, Fairfield 
county, Ohio, on the farm now known as Foresman's ; his father was 
the late venerable and much esteemed Joseph Linville, who came to 
Ohio from Rockingham county, Virginia, some 3^ears prior to 1820, 
The grandfather of Joshua was Benjamin Linville, who died in Virginia. 
The grandmother, wife of grandfather Linnville, was Ann Matthews. 
Their sons were Joseph, the father of Joshua ; Benjamin, still living in 
Salem, Fairfield county, at the advanced age of ninet}' odd years ; Sol- 
omon, William, and Hugh Foster Linville. The mother of Joshua Lin- 
ville, was Margaret, daughter of Samuel Parrot. There were born to 
her and her husband Joseph Linville, Bruce and Samuel, in Virginia ; 
Joseph, Ann Armstrong, Sarah Eynman, Joshua, Delilah Coulson and 
Benjamin Linville, in Fairfield county. Bruce Linville, went to Edina, 
Knox county, Missouri, in charge of a stock of goods sent there b}' his 
patron and friend, a Mr. Cooney, formerly of Somerset ; he there rose 
to wealth and influence,' became the treasurer of the county, and en- 
gaged in banking ; Benjamin is in Circleville, Ohio, and Joseph is one 
of the solid farmers and cattle dealers of Fairfield county. In 1850, 
Joshua became the husband of Ann Louisa Rissler, daughter of an es- 
teemed farmer, Thojnas Rissler, whose wife, the mother of Ann, was 
Margery Daily. The farms of Thomas Rissler and of the Linvilles 
join, though separated by the Perry and Fairfield line, and Mrs. Lin- 
ville, when married moved to the adjoining farm, where she yet remains 
with her husband, having lived all her life in sight of her paternal acres. 
Their children are Mary Alice, wife of Monroe Andrews, post office, 
Rushville ; Marge Ann, wife of Rezin Baker, a druggist of Thornville, 
Ohio; Thomas R., husband of Clara, daughter of Alfred Melick ; 
Care}^, Martha, Coulson, James R., William and Benjamin F. Linville. 
Joshua Linville, the father ol these children, became the owner of the 
Linville homestead, to which he has added not only in area, but in sub- 
stantial improvements and the yielding capacity of his acres. He and 
his wife are strict members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and en- 
joy the confidence and social consideration due to virtue and consider- 
ate hospitality, linked with social standing, belonging to the oldest fami- 
lies of this vicinity. 

LiTSiNGER, John Purcel, was born August 27, 1847 ; his father was 
John Litsinger, and his brothers are Peter, Jacob, Albert and William ; 
his sisters are Isabel, single, living at home, Sarah, married to Joseph 
May, and resides in Reading township. All the brothers are living in 
the township of Reading, Perry county, where they were born, except 
Albert, machinist, married to Maggie Qiiill, residing in St. Paul, Min- 
nesota ; his grandfather was Jacob Litsinger, who settled here in an 
early day and was the father of John and Jacob, and Apple, who mar- 
ried Miles Clark, and is now deceased. John Litsinger, at the age of 
fourteen, went to Henry count}-, Indiana, and worked on a farm for 
twenty months. His wages were eight dollars per month for the first 
eight months, when his wages were raised to twelve dollars per month. 
He returned to Somerset and engaged with Jacob Grimm to learn the art 
of carriage blacksmithing, boarding with his mother and receiving 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. /^;^ 

three dollars per week, for three years, mainly under the instruction of 
Lewis Chilcote. He then worked in Logan at twelve dollars per week; 
then at Saltillo for about a year ; then again at Somerset for Albert 
Grimm ; then for Grimm & Bowman ; then for Grimm & Gallin, and 
finally in 1876, he became a partner with Thomas Smith, under the firm 
name of Smith & Litsinger, wdio have ever since carried on an increas- 
ing and satisfactory business as carriage and buggy manufacturers, em- 
ploying six hands, in addition to themselves. He was married in the 
year 1870, to Martha Smyrr, a step-daughter of R. M. Barber; their 
children are Flora Alice, Marj^ Laura, Elizabeth Gertrude and John 
Orlistus. The firm of Smith & Litsinger carried on business on one of the 
back streets of Somerset, where the buildings became too small and the 
location too obscure for their business, and they erected a new factory 
on Main street upon the site where Enzer Chilcote, in his life time re- 
sided, but which was visited by the fire, which destroyed the Russel 
hotel, the. old Exchange, Mrs. Filler's residence, a buggy factory, and 
the old residence of Dr. Pardee, afterwards that of R. S. Cox and John 
Motz. 

Lloyd, John, Jr., manager of the mercantile department of the 
New York and Straitsville Coal and Iron Company ; Shawnee, Ohio ; 
was born March 27, 1848, in Carnarvanshire, North Wales, son of 
John and Jane (Williams) Llo3^d. When Mr. Lloyd was three years 
old his father emigrated to America, settling at Utica, New York, 
remaining about one year, and went to Nelson Flats, Madison county, 
New York, remaining about nine years, from where he went to Pal- 
myra, Portage county, Ohio, living there four years, when he moved 
to Pomeroy, Meigs county, Ohio, where his son, the subject of this 
sketch, began the business of clerking in the wholesale and retail gro- 
cery store of Shriber & Silverman, which he continued over one year, 
when he was employed as clerk in the Coal Company store of E. L. Will- 
iams, remaining a number of years, and was employed as a clerk in the 
Pomeroy Coal Company store ; soon after which he became a junior 
partner, in which position he remained until 1868. At this date he sold 
out his interest in the company store and entered into partnership with 
his father, in a general merchandise store, in the same place, and was 
married June 28, 1869, ^^ Miss Mar}^ A., youngest daughter of Morgan 
and Elizabeth Reese, of Palmyra, Ohio. They are the parents of one 
child, viz. : Laura Eva. After continuing four 3'ears in the mercantile 
business they sold out and came to Shawnee, Ohio, at which place he 
engaged as clerk with Frank L. Krumm, in whose employ he remained 
only a short time, when he accepted the position of superintendent of 
the store of Huston & Hamilton, which he also held but a short time, 
when he, with J. B. Hamilton and James Ash, formed a copartnership 
under the firm name of Ash, Lloyd & Co. In a short time Ash with- 
drew and James Finley was taken in, and the firm name became Fin- 
ley, Lloyd & Co., which proved short lived, Mr. Finley withdrawing. 
In his stead Mr. Joseph Cratty was associated ; firm name, Hamilton, 
Cratty & Lloyd. This firm continued business for some time, when 
Mr. Shields was taken in ; firm name, Shields, Lloyd & Co. After 
Continuing business for some time Mr. Llo3'd withdrew and formed a 
copartnership with Joseph Vilas, A. H. Blood, and George A. Blood ; 



464 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

firm name, Vilas, Blood & Co., and conducted store for New York and 
Straitsville Coal and Iron Company. In this relation they did business 
for eighteen months, when they sold out to the company, and Mr. 
Lloyd became manager. Mr. Lloyd has previously been elected, and 
is now, a member of the city council. He is now a member of the 
school board, having served three years ; the first year as treasurer, 
second and third as president. 

Longshore, Thomas, post office, Moxahala, Pleasant township ; 
born June 8, 1812, in Belmont county, Ohio; son of Amos and Ann 
(Cox) Longshore. His mother was of English and his father of 
Welsh extraction. Thomas Longshore spent his younger days in the 
vicinity of Zanesville. In 1836 he married Mar^^ Ann Evans. They 
are the parents of the following named children: William H., born 
February, 1841, married Emily Rodgers in 1857, and now resides in 
Kansas; George W., born September 27, 1842, married Sarah Rose, 
and resides in Kansas; Isaac, born October 17, 1844, married Eliza- 
beth Griggs, and lives in Franklin county; Mary C, born November 
7, 1846, deceased ; Charles H., born June 29, 1849, married a Miss 
Holcomb, and resides in Kansas ; Albert died in infancy ; Howard, 
born January i, i860. 

LoNGSTRETH, M. H., farmer and dealer in live stock, post office, 
Rendville, Pleasant township ; born in this township in 1840 ; son 
of James and Elizabeth (Hanesworth) Longstreth ; maternal ancestors 
were English and paternal ancestors were Scotch and Irish. His father 
came to the United States when quite young, and came to this township 
in 1836. April 3, 1864, the subject of this sketch married Elizabeth P. 
Osburn, of Millerstown. She was of English descent, and died Feb- 
ruary I, 1877. They are the parents of the following named children: 
Mary, Cary Erastus, who died April 12, 1866; Elmore S., Edgar O., 
Viola P., who died October 25, 1876, and Clara E. Mr. Longstreth 
enlisted July 17, 1863, in Company K, 129th O. V. I., and remained in 
the service until March. He afterwards served four months in the one 
hundred day service. 

Love, David, was born Jan. 24, 1852, in Reading township, Perry 
county, Ohio. He is a son of William Love. His mother was Miss 
Emily Church, daughter of the late venerable David Church, of this 
county. He is the eldest of four brothers and two sisters. He was 
reared a farmer and grazer of stock, and also became qualified to teach 
the schools of his neighborhood, requiring, at his time of life, superior 
attainments in the fundamental branches. He now resides on a farm 
of two hundred acres, cut in twain by Rush Creek, and, because of its 
fertility and supply of everlasting water, pre-eminentl}- adapted to cat- 
tle grazing and sheep husbandry. David Love is not only a working 
man, but a reading man as well. He was also a reading boy, and 
found at home abundant material to gratif}^ his mental nature. His 
father often said David was too fond of newspapers to be most useful as 
a helper on the farm. At the age of twenty-four he was united in mar- 
riage to Lydia J., daughter of John Fisher, deceased, a native of Ken- 
tucky, who inherited a number of slaves, lost by the war, was a dealer 
in horses, and a man of business capacity. Her mother, Susan Mitch- 
ell, sister of Mr. Frank Mitchell, wholesale grocer of St. Louis, Mis- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY; ' 465 

souri, was therefore a daughter of Randolph Mitchell, Lydia Fisher 
lost her mother by death in St. Joseph, Missouri, when an infant only 
three months old. She was taken to the home of her grandmother — 
Mrs. Randolph Mitchell, of New Reading — where she was tenderly 
reared and educated. It is a comlbrting reflection to Mrs, Love, that 
she had it in her power to return this affection by assistance and kind- 
ness to her aged grandmother, the only mother she ever knew. Mrs. 
Love has one brother, John Breckinridge Fisher, who is yet unmarried 
and unsettled in life. David Love and his wife Lydia have one son, 
Lestie, and one daughter, Emma, now living. Their home overlooks 
the vallej' of Rush Creek. 

LowRY, A. A., farmer, post office, New Lexington, Pike town- 
ship, Ohio; was born February 12, 1853, in Pleasant township, Perr}- 
county ; son of Joseph and Eliza (Pence) Lowr}- ; was raised a farmer, 
and has followed farming to the present time. At the age of twen- 
ty-one years he began teaching school in winter season, and farm- 
ing during the summer season, which he continued for about 
three years, teaching at Miller's school house, in Bearfield township, 
four months ; in Richfield township, Henry county, about seven 
months ; and in another district, same township, Barnhill school house, 
about eight months. Returned to Perry county, and has been en- 
gaged in farming since that time, on the home place about two years, 
and the Wesley Moore farm one year, when he, in partnership with his 
mother and sister, bought the farm they now live upon. Mr. Lowry's 
father was a native of Muskingum county, Ohio, and went to Califor- 
nia in 1854, where he died in the year 1864, His mother was born in 
Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio about 1822. 

LucA, A. Theodore, merchant, Rendville, Ohio ; was born July 
22, 1842, in New Haven, Connecticut; son of Alexander C. and Lu- 
zetta (Lewis) Luca. Mr. Luca was brought up in his native city, 
where he lived until about 1867 or 1868, when he came to Ohio, where 
he has remained up to this time. At his home. New Haven, he attend- 
ed school, and from i860 to 1865, he was on the Island of Hayti, as a 
cotton speculator. Since he came to Ohio, he learned the shoemaker 
trade, which he made his business for twelve or thirteen years, when 
he entered his present business in this place in 1881. Mr. Luca is a 
son of Alexander C. Luca, Sr., musical director of the Luca Family of 
musicians who have won many encomiums in the United States, both 
collectively and individually, in vocal and instrumental music. His 
brothers, Cleveland C, Alexander C, Jr., and John W., with their 
father, were the Luca Family. That this family was possessed of rare 
musical genius, will be clearly evinced by a perusal otthe book, " Mu- 
sic and Some Musical People," by Trotter. 

LuTz, Michael, farmer, born September, 1836 ; .son of David 
Lutz, and grandson of Michael, the progenitor of the very numerous 
and respectable connection bearing the name of Lutz, who came from 
the State of Maryland. He was of German and Lutheran extraction, 
and landed in Perry county. in 1814. His sons were, Jacob, George, 
John, Samuel and Michael ; and his daughters were, Rebecca Stimel, 
Sarah Ann Souslin, Betsy Spohn and Katharine Sours. He died on 
the farm where his son Michael died, in sight of Somerset, and where 

44 



466 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Michael Lutz, a nephew, succeeds not only to the name but the ances- 
tral acres, derived from his uncle Michael, who was a bachelor, a Dem- 
ocrat, and one of the best farmers of the count3\ The farm, to-day, 
maintains its reputation for fertility and thrift, and certifies that it has 
not fallen into unworthy hands. Michael Lutz and his wife, Rebecca 
(Sours) Lutz, have two children, Mary Katharine, the wife of Jacob 
Shough, and John A., just coming into manhood, and who will soon 
assume thfe cares and responsibility of keeping the old farm up to the 
standard of its merited renown. 

Lyon, Jerome Bonaparte, physician and surgeon. New Straitsville, 
Ohio ; was born October 10, 1853, in Hocking county, Ohio ; son of 
James and Margaret (Shelhammer) Lyon. Was raised a farmer, until 
he was fifteen years of age, when he went to high school in New Lex- 
ington, Ohio, where he spent about four years, during part of which 
time he taught school in Hocking, Perry and Fairfield counties ; in all 
about two 3^ears. At the expiration of this time he began the study of 
medicine with Dr. A. R. Richards of New Lexington, Ohio, and 
studied about four years with him, attending lectures at the Ohio Medi- 
cal College of Cincinnati, graduating with the class of 1879 ^^^ 1880, 
in the old school of medicine, after which he came directly to this place 
and began his practice. Was married April 25, 1881, to Miss Etta R. 
Smith, born August 2, 1861, in Athens county, Ohio; daughter of 
Charles and Susan (King) Smith. 

McBride, William J., Rendville, Ohio; was born October 17, 
1850, in R(jchester, New York. When an infant, his parents moved to 
Ontario, Canada, where he was brought up on a farm, and in his father's 
store. Whilst a youth, he worked two years at cabinet and carpenter 
work. He then attended a school of design eighteen months, after 
which he determined to be a railroader, and became railroad engineer 
in two years after going on the road. In 1878 he came to Gallipolis, O., 
and was boss carpenter in the railroad shops at that place seven months. 
Came to his present residence in Jul}^, 1879. Was married August 4, 
1872, to Miss Eliza, daughter of Michael and Mary (O'Brien) McAleer 
of Canada. They are the parents of nine children, all of whom died 
in infancy, excepting Charles, born March 4, 1877. 

McClean, Alexander, farmer, Monday Creek township, post office, 
McCunesville, Ohio, was born March 25,1823, in county Antrim, Ireland, 
son of John and Margaret (Conle}^) McClean. Mr. McClean came to 
America in 183 1, with his father, who settled in Moyerstown, where 
he lived about one year and was engaged on public works ; about this 
time he died at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. At the age of ten years, 
Alexander, the subject of this sketch, was employed on the Union 
Canal as grogg boss, where he remained about two years, when he 
went to Grant's Hill and was grogg boss about one year, and then 
came to Ohio, via Marietta to Zanesville, on the Ohio and Muskingum 
rivers. From Marietta to Zanesville they started on a boat that was 
pushed by poles, but after ten miles ride they concluded to walk the re- 
mainder of their journey and all the way to New Lexington, near where 
they found Mrs. McClean's father, who had previously come to Ohio. 
Mr. Conley built them a house in his door vard where they lived until 
Mr. McClean bought eight}^ acres of land where he now lives, some 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 467 

years afterward. In the spring after their arrival Mr. McClean was 
employed by Thomas Martin to work on the national pike at $4.00 per 
month during one summer, and was next employed by John McGary 
at same work for $6.00 per month one summer, and the third summer 
by Henry Devlin ; and was employed by a man named Taggart, driv- 
ing oxen at $12 per month one season. Broke gravel about twelve 
miles west of Columbus at $1.00 per rod, where he hired a boy to drive 
at $4.00 per month, making upon this contract about $2.00 per day, 
which employed him about one year, when he came to Jackson town- 
ship and bought eighty acres of land for $175, $35 of which he borrowed 
of Reuben Tharp at 25 per cent, interest ; built a log cabin, into which 
his mother and sister moved, and he returned to work on the pike where 
he remained five months during which time his mother died. Upon 
again returning home he paid the $35 he had borrowed with the 25 per 
cent, interest, and lived upon the farm for two or three years in the log 
cabin, when he hewed logs with his narrow ax for a new dwelling, 
after which of course it was necessary to have a raising, and this is the 
way he tells it. " Of course we had to have a raising, and we had whisky 
in it ; most of the men got drunk and we barely escaped a fight, but 
before nightfall we had the house up to the square, and my neighbors 
had returned home, no accident having occurred. The next day I 
employed a carpenter to complete the job. He measured the width of 
the house, and we cut down the finest stick we could find in the dense 
woodland, sawed it the right length for rafters, split them out and framed 
them, and thought we would have more than an ordinary good roof, 
for those days, but when w^e come to put them up, lo and behold, they 
were too short and would have made the roof too flat, but it was not the 
fault of the carpenter, as the cornermen had not carried their corners 
perpendicularly, causing the top to be wider than the bottom, and we 
lost the work spent on the split rafters, and we had to use sapling rafters ; 
the house is still standing round up the valley 3^onder, a monument of 
bvgone, log cabin raisings." Mr. McClean lived some six or seven 
years in that house when he exchanged it for forty acres near Straits- 
ville with Bazel Gordon, from whom he received $550, as the valued 
difterence between the farms, giving him five years time to pay it in, 
and afterward sold the forty acres for which he exchanged, and bought 
eighty acres of Israel Gordon for $1,050, in Monday Creek township, 
and was obliged to again resume the forty acres upon the failure of the 
purchaser to pay for it. Moved to the eighty acres, to which he added 
fort}' acres at $400, and lived there five years, when he again sold out and 
moved to his present place of abode, where he had purchased one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of land for $2,050, upon which there was a hewed 
log barn and a hewed log house, both of which he has supplanted by 
good frame buildings. Since coming to this place he has increased his 
number of acres to five hundred, and has sold eighty acres to his son 
James. Mr. McClean has been for several years a stock dealer, and 
lie made sheep buying and selling a specialty. Mr. McClean was mar- 
ried September 22, 1840 to Miss Mary, daughter of John F., and Mar- 
garet (Gordon) Hoy, of Monroe township. They are the parents of ten 
living children, viz. : James, Alexander, William, Albert, Charlie, Si- 



468 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

mon, Margaret, Mary, Rosa, SalHe, and two deceased, John and Pat- 
rick. 

McCloy, David E., check weighman, New Straitsville, Ohio. 
Was born March 17, 1842, in Roseville, Muskingum county, son of Wil- 
liam and Ruth ( WorleyjMcClo}'. Mr. McCloy was brought up in New 
Lexington, this county, where his lather moved when David E. was 
a youth, and where he lived until 1872, when he came to this place. 
While in New Lexington he learned the harness maker, saddler 
and painter's trades, which he followed up to June, 1862, when 
he enlisted in Compau}^ I, under Captain L. F. Muzzy, in the One Hun- 
dred and Fourteenth Regiment, O. V. L for three years, or during the 
war, and served until August, 1864, when he was discharged by reason 
of general disability. Was in the following engagements : Chickasaw 
Bluffs, Arkansas Post, Champion Hill, Thompson's Hill, Black River 
Bridge, and Siege of Vicksburg. After receiving his discharge he re- 
turned home, and eighteen months from this time, upon his recovery, 
he again engaged at his former occupation, until 1872, when he came 
to this place and has been employed as follows : Harness making one 
year, when he became weighmaster at W. P. Rend & Co.'s mine, 
which position he held for about five years, when he took his present 
position at the Thomas Coal Company's mine, where he has been for the 
past two years. Mr. McCloy was married the first time November 11, 
1866, to Martha A,, daughter of Asa and Eliza (Plummer) Ball. This 
union was blessed with six children, viz. : Twins, that died in infancy ; 
Minnie May, Charles A., David Worley, and William Asbury. Mrs. 
McCloy died December 9, 1875. Mr. McCloy was married the second 
time, July i, 1877, to Miss Minerva, daughter of John G. and Sarah 
(Ray) Pummell. They are the parents of three children, viz. : Benja- 
min"^F., born March 28, 1878 ; John H., born Jul}^ 2, 1880, died Febru- 
ary 10, 1881, and Lillie M., born Januar}^ 18, 1882. 

McCloud, Benjamin F., mine boss. Corning, Ohio, born January 
16, 1847, in Canawa county, West Virginia, son of David and Mary A. 
(Hagarman) McCloud. At the age of fourteen he began iron moulding 
with his father, which he followed for six years, when he commenced 
mining at Campbell's Creek, near Charleston, West Virginia. In 1875 
he engaged with the Consolidated Coal Company, of Cincinnati, re- 
maining with them six years. He came to his present place in the 
spring of 1880. Mr. McCloud was married June 18, 1867, to Mary A. 
Hall. They are the parents of five children, viz. : William B., Walter 
S., Charles F., (twins), Mary Ellen and Frank. 

McCoKMicK, S. J., merchant, Logan, Ohio. Born in Maxville, 
Perr}^ county, Ohio, December 23, 1835. ^on of William and Elizabeth 
(Johnson) McCormick. His early boyhood was spent iu assisting his 
father in the fine of business, which, at that time, was one of the leading 
industries of southern Perry. In 1861 he opened a store in Maxville, 
and continued to engage in mercantile pursuits until the spring of 1882, 
when, disposing of his stock of goods, he removed to Logan, Hocking 
county, Ohio. Was married April 19, 1866, to Cynthia, daughter of 
Moses and Julia A. (Patterson) Rambo, of South Bloomingville, Hock- 
ing county, Ohio, to whom were born tw^o children, Frank Herbert and 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 469 

Mabel R. By economy and industry Mr. McCormick has secured for 
himself and -family a good home and a competence sufficient to make 
life happy. William McCormick, deceased, father of S. J. McCormick, 
was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, November 12, 1802. He was among 
the pioneers of the State\ and white men were living in but a few locali- 
ties, and Indians and wild beasts were daih' seen. He was married 
July 25, 1833, to Elizabeth Johnson, who was born in Virginia, March 
2, 1809. Eight children were born to them, viz. : James T., S. J., Sarah 
J., John W., Amos G., Francis M., David L., Mary E. Wilham Mc- 
Cormick was among the first to locate in Maxville, and remained one of 
its most influential citizens until his death, which occurred October 11, 
1856. Moses Rambo, deceased, father of Mrs. S.J. McCormick, was born 
in Perry county, Ohio, November 26, 1807. Was married to Julia A. Pat- 
terson September 16, 1830, who was born in Pennsylvania, October 13, 
1805, and came to Perry county, Ohio, at a very earh'- date. They 
were the parents of the following children: Oliver G., George W., 
Cynthia M., Calvin L., Benjamin F. Moses Rambo died in South 
Bioomingville, Ohio, May 10, 1866. Julia A., his wife, died December 
10, 1862, 

McCouRTNKY, Samuel, farmer, was born in Greene county, Penn- 
sylvania, April 8, 1832. Came to this county with his parents in Sep- 
tember, 1834, ^^^ has since lived here. His bo3diood days were spent 
on a farm till the age of twenty, after which he taught school for a time. 
He then engaged in farming and school teaching until 1864. »Since 
then he has followed farming. In 1874 ^^^ ^^^ elected County Surve3'or, 
and held the otfice six 3'ears. Was married in 1861 to Margaret, 
daughter of William and Margaret (Clarke) Pattridge ; they are the 
parents of seven children, viz. • Mary A., Francis L., Maggie A., 
John E., Nettie I., Catharine and Rose. Mr. McCourtney is a son of 
Arthur and Nancy (Gordon) INIcCourtney. Mr. McCourtney's father 
was born in Ireland, near Iniskillan, county of Fermonwaugh, March 
8, 1792, and is still living, on January 4, 1882. The principal part ol 
his life was spent in school teaching. He came to New York in 1817. 
Mr. McCourtney's wife's people are of Irish descent. 

McCrillis, Mathew% dentist, Somerset, Ohio. He was born in 
April, 1856, in Reading township ; is a son of David McCrillis, de- 
ceased, who was a successful and highly appreciated teacher and citi- 
zen. Mathew's mother was Margaret Pence, daughter of the late ven- 
erable Isaac Pence of Perr}-. He was only ten years old when he lost 
both parents, the father's death preceding that of his mother only a few 
months. He has one brother and one sister. He was tenderly and 
faithfull}' reared under the care of his grandparents, on the old Pence 
homestead, until his twenty-first 3^ear, when he went to Findlay, Ohio, 
to study and practice his chosen profession, where he remained several 
years. When 3'et a boy on the farm, he practiced dentistry, and his 
aptitude in these otlices gained for him the name of Dr. McCrillis, and 
presaged the bent of his mind. On his return from California, whither 
he had wandered in search of dental knowledge and experience, he lo- 
cated in Somerset in 1881, and became a partner in dentistry with Dr. 
H. C. Greiner, now serving his second term in the Legislature as a Rep- 
resentative of his county. Dr. McCrilllis has taken full charge of the 



47^ BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

extensive and growing business of the firm during the temporary ab- 
sence of his distinguished partner, and is noted for the correctness of 
his habits, for devotion to his chosen occupation, and that gentle charity 
which makes him a favorite in the best social circles of society, 

McCuLLOUGH, R. N., farmer, Monday Creek township ; post office, 
Maxville, Ohio; was born October 4, 1817, in Fairfield county, Ohio; 
son of William and Nancy (Nelson) McCullough. Mr. McCullough 
was brought up on a farm, and has made agricultural pursuits the busi- 
ness of his life. In 1841, he came to Monda}^ Creek township, and lo- 
cated on his present farm of one hundred and eighty acres of land, 
where he still lives. Mr. McCullough was married, December 8, 1840, 
to Miss Mary, daughter of David S., and Sarah (Larrimer) Haggerty, 
of Fairfield county, Ohio. Unto them were born ten children, viz. : 
William, deceased ; Eliza J., Sarah E., Nancy, John W., James, Rhoda 
L., George S., Mary E., deceased, and Charlie L. 

McDonald, James, farmer. Pleasant township ; post office, Rend- 
ville, Ohio ; born May 27, 1838, in this township, on the farm where he 
now resides. Son of John and Margaret (Farrahey) McDonald. His 
father was born in Kildair countv, Ireland, and his mother in Longford, 
Ireland. His father emigrated to the United States in 1822, and lo- 
cated and died in advanced life on the farm where James now resides. His 
father died September 17, 1854, ^ged sixty-seven ; and his mother died 
April 6, 1881, aged seventy-nine. The subject of this sketch married 
Jane Ann Walpole, of Morgan county, Ohio, November 2, 1858. She 
was of Irish descent. They are the parents of ten children, viz. : Mar- 
garet A., John G., George B., Francis F., Ellen A., Charles, William, 
Richard F., Mary and Joseph. 

McDonald, Adam N., track boss, Corning, Ohio ; was born April 
28, 1840, in Edinburgshire county, Scotland ; son of John and Jennett 
(Riddle) McDonald. Adam N., at the age of twelve, went into the 
mines of Scotland, where he worked until 1870, when he came to Amer- 
ica, and located in Mercer county, Pennsylvania. In 1876, removed to 
Mahoning county, Ohio, and to his present home, March 2, 1880, Mr. 
McDonald was married September 19, 1862, to Miss Robina, daughter 
of Alexander and Isabella Monroe, of Scotland. They are the parents 
of four children, viz. : Jessie. Isabella Jane, Robina and Jane. Mr, 
McDonald has been successful, and does not regret that he and his 
family have cast their lot in this free country. 

McDonald, James S., farmer. Pike township; post office, New 
Lexington, Ohio; was born October 13, 1842, in Muskingum county, 
Ohio ; son of Robert and Mary A, (Starrett) McDonald. Was raised 
a farmer, and has made farming the business of his life. Came to Per- 
ry county, Ohio, at the age of five years, with his father, and Vned in 
Salt Lick township, now Coal township, to the time of his marriage, 
November 22, 1866, to Miss Martha E., daughter of John and Eliza- 
beth (Collins) McKinney, of Hocking county, Ohio. They are the pa- 
rents of six children, viz. : Mary A., Robert L., John W., James E., 
Franklin A., and Elizabeth E. ; all living at home. After his marriage, 
he bought sixty-five acres of land from his father, for one thousand one 
hundred dollars, and afterward sold forty acres of the same for what he 
gave for the whole ; and again bought sixty-five acres of his father for 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 47 1 

one thousand three hundred dollars, and in the course oC one year sold 
all he then had, tor two thousand one hundred dollars ; at which time 
he moved to Pike township, on his father's farm, and cropped one year 
with him, when he bought eight}' acres in Saltlick, and the original 
home farm, for one thousand seven hundred and seventy dollars, where 
he lived four years, during which time he had optioned his farm, and at 
the- expiration of which time it was taken per the option at live thousand 
five hundred dollars, when he bought one hundred acres w^here he now 
lives, for six thousand five hundred dollars. Since coming to this farm 
he has remodeled the dwelling, making it as good as new. Mr. Mc- 
Donald enlisted in the arm}-, in Company K, One Hundred and Twen- 
ty-ninth Regiment, O. V. I., for six months, which he served, and was 
discharged by reason of expiration of term of enlistment. Returned 
home and enlisted in the one hundred days' service in Company A, 
One Hundred and Sixtieth Regiment, O. N. G., and served about four 
months, when he was again discharged by reason of expiration of term 
of enlistment ; and again enlisted in Company G, Twenty-fifth Regi- 
ment, O. V. I., serving to the close of the war, when he was discharged 
by reason of the close of the war. During his last term of service, all 
of his bunk mates v/ere shot but one, who died of disease, and he was 
disabled for life by what is known as varicose veins of the limbs, for 
which he gets a pension of thirty-six dollars per year. 

McDonald, Lewis F., farmer, Shawnee, Ohio ; was born Novem- 
ber 22, 1859, "^^ Sulphur Springs, this township ; son of Lewis and 
Margaret (Wilson) McDonald. Was brougnt up on a farm, and has 
followed agricultural pursuits to this time. Mr. McDonald's father was 
a native of Ohio, and at one time, at Sulphur Springs, kept a store 
which was blown up by an explosion of gunpowder in 1870, killing him 
and one son, Nirum, who was three 3'ears and nine months old. The 
estimated loss of goods and building, was about six thousand dollars, 
with no insurance. Mr. McDonald was married August 28, 1881, to 
Miss Ida M., daughter of Simeon and Elizabeth (Stores) Sanders. In 
1874, with his mother and sister, he moved to Yellow Springs, Ohio, 
where he attended college two years and six months, and afterward 
lived two years in Morrow comity, Ohio, w^hen thev returned to the 
homestead, where they have remained to the present time. 

McGoNAGLE, John A., Clerk of Perry county, Ohio; was born 
June 17, 1851, in Pike township; son of William and Ann (Carr) 
McGonagle. Young McGonagle received his primary education in the 
primitive log school house, and finished his education in this place. At 
the age of nineteen he began teaching, and taught eleven winter terms, 
and worked at the carpenter's trade during the summer. Mr. McGon- 
agle was elected Clerk of the Courts of Perry County, October 11, 
1881. He was married June 23, 1874, ^^ Miss Sarah C., daughter of 
William and Catharine (Donahoe) Forquer. They are the parents of 
two children, viz. : William Charles and Cassie T. 

McGrew, Finley B., blacksmith and contractor, Shawnee, Ohio; 
w^as born April 4, 1846, in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania ; son of 
Jame$ B. and Margaret (Vail) McGrew. Was brought up a farmer, 
until he was fourteen years of age, and then engaged in oil business for 
one year, when he enlisted in Company B, Fifty-third Regiment, O. 



472 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 



V. I., for three years or during the war, serving three montlis, when his 
father took him out of service because of his being under age ; after 
which he remained at home until 1863, when he again enHsted in com- 
pany B, Eighty-sixth Regiment, O. V. I., remaining four months ; again 
returning home, he went to Barnesville, Ohio, aad engaged in tobacco 
raising, but sold the crop in the field, and went as a substitute in Com- 
pany B, One Hundred and Sixty-tirst Regiment, O. N. G., serving four 
months. In 1865 he began the blacksmith trade with George Powell, 
of McConnelsville, Ohio, serving two years and six months as appren- 
tice, after which he worked in the following places : Malta, Ohio, for 
Brown Manufacturing Compan}^ ; superintended oil farm for his father 
and Richard Stanton, for two years and six months ; Canton, Missouri, 
blacksmithing, two months ; Atchison, Missouri, one year six months, 
at trade ; McConnelsville, Ohio, in partnership with Powell, blacksmith- 
ing, thirteen months ; Straitsville, Ohio, for Dannals, smithing, two 
months ; Shawnee, where he has been engaged in blacksmithing and 
contracting lime and iron ore jobs, up to this time. Mr. McGrew came 
to Ohio at the age of eight years, with his father, who served as Audi- 
tor of Morgan count}^ Ohio, about twelve years, and was elected for 
the next ensuing term at the timQ of his death. He was also County 
Surveyor for six years of same count}^ Mr. McGrew, the subject of 
this sketch, was married August ist, 1875, to Ann L. Davis, daughter 
of Samuel and Mary (Keever) Davis. They are the parents of three 
children, viz. : Jasper, Laura and Mary ; all living and at home. 

McKay, Capt. George A., ticket and freight agent of the Ohio 
Central Railroad Company, Corning, Ohio ; was born June 16, 1841, 
in Oswego, New York ; son of Alexander and Rosetta Louisa (Hamil- 
ton) McKay, both of Scotch descent. Alexander McKay was pur- 
veyor of the British Army in Canada in 1837, ^Jut joining the Inde- 
pendents, he lost by confiscation his valuable estate, and was forced to 
leave the country. He located first at Oswego, New York, and subse- 
quently at Cleveland, Ohio.. He died in San Francisco, California, in 
1856. George A. spent his childhood and early youth in his native 
city. He came to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1847, which has been his resi- 
dence to the present time. At the age of eleven he entered the Ohio 
State 'Journal office as a printer's apprentice, and remained about three 
years. April 17, 1861, he enlisted as a private soldier in Company A, 
Seventh O. V. I., and was promoted through every grade to captain. 
He re-enlisted, and was mustered out at the expiration of his term of 
service. While on duty he received nine wounds. At the battle of 
Ringold, Georgia, he was severely wounded in both legs, the left one 
having both bones broken, and the main artery severed. During the 
last eighteen months of service he w^as Inspector General on the stalls 
of Generals Camdy, Gear}^ and Hooker. Captain McKay was married 
December 20, 1865, to Miss Margaret A., daughter of James and Mary 
(Roome) Creech, nadves of Scotland, but now of Cleveland, Ohio. 
They are the parents of four children, viz. : Addison H,, George A., 
Edvvard Creighton and John H. Captain McKay has a business expe- 
rience as chief voucher clerk and charge of a Cleveland special station 
for the Lake Shore Railroad. He was chief clerk for South Shore 
Line, also. In April, 1877, he was elected Inspector of Weights and 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 473 

Measures for Cu3'uhoga county, and Cleveland City, Ohio, and served 
until the latter part of 1881, when he came to his present position on 
the solicitation of Hudson Fitch, General Freight Agent of the Ohio 
Central Railroad. 

McKeevf:r, James, was born May 4, 1804, in New York ; son of 
Archie and Mary (Mullen) McKeever. He was brought up on a 
farm, and followed agricultural pursuits until he was eighteen years of 
age. His mother died when he was nine 3'ears old, and he lived with 
his father until he was fourteen years of age, when he made his home 
with his brother-in-law, Mr. Veil, of Tuscarawas county, Ohio, until 
his eighteenth year. At this time he came to Perry county, Ohio, and 
lived with an uncle until he was twenty-one years of age, during which 
time he probably learned his trade ; after which he moved to a farm 
near Roseville, Muskingum county, Ohio, where he remained about 
one year, when he went West, spending some twelve years in Indiana, 
Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin. He was also in Tennessee, Alabama, 
Mississippi, and spent some length of time in Pennsylvania, and has 
been in most of the States in the Union. After his return from the 
Western tour, he remained about two years at New Lexington, when 
he went to Texas, remaining eighteen months, and again returned to 
New Lexington, where, about seven months afterward, he was mar- 
ried, April 16, 1842, to Marjory, daughter of Alexander and Jane 
(Riley) Brown, of this place. They became the parents of six chil- 
dren, now living, viz. : Franklin, Mary Jane, Callie, Lizzie, Irene, 
Buris Alexander, and four deceased — Sarah Catharine, James, Jose- 
phine and Urila. After his marriage Mr. McKeever lived in and near 
New Lexington, up to the time of his death, which occurred October 
9, 1880, and was buried in New Lexington cemeter}^ 

McKenna, William, druggist, Junction City, Ohio ; son of William 
(deceased) and Charity (Burgoon) McKenna ; was born in 1859 ^^ ^^^^^ 
county ; went to Nebraska in January of 1880 ; stayed one year, then 
returned to Perr}^ county, and went to the Capital City Commercial 
College, Columbus, Ohio, one term, after which he went into the drug 
business in Junction City, where he does a first-class business. Mr. 
McKenna was married November 22, i88i,to Miss Lola, daughter of 
John and Hannah (Koon) Weimer. 

McLaughlin, A. W., physician ; was born in August, 1856, 
near Somerset. His father, H. B. McLaughlin, was born in 1823, in 
Pennsylvania. He was married in 1854 ^^ Miss Mary J. Barber, of 
New JR-eading, this county. She was born in 1833. They are the 
parents of five children. The subject of this sketch is the oldest. He 
began the study of medicine in 1876, under Dr. A. Richard, of New 
Lexington. He graduated from the Ohio Medical College of Cincin- 
nati, when he located in Somerset. His father was Sherift' of this 
county for two terms, beginning January, 1862. 

McMahon, Timothy, M. D., of the firm of McMahon & Wright, 
physicians. New Lexington, Ohio. Dr. McMahon is a native of Wash- 
ington, Rappahannock county, Virginia, son of John and Nancy (John- 
son) McMahon. At the age of ten years he was brought to this county 
by his parents, who located at Rehoboth. About the year 1842, he 

began the study of medicine, and at the age of twenty began practice, 
45 



474 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



and has continued the same to the presenl writing. In 1858 the Dr. 
came to this phice and was married the same year to Miss Julia A., 
daughter ot Ilenry Stallh, of Somerset. They are the parents of one 
child, Mary, married to the junior partner of the above firm. Dr. Mc- 
Mahon is one of the prominent physicians of this place. 

McNuLTY, Henry, attorney-at-law, Dubuque, Iowa, the only survi- 
ving son of Hugh McNulty, who was a native of Ireland ; came to Perry 
county, Ohio, early in the century ; lived for many years on a farm 
in Clayton township, and later in life removed to Somerset where he 
died about i860. The maiden name of Henry's mother was Miss Katha- 
rine McCristal, daughter of Owen McCristal and his wife, who was 
Sarah O'Niel, and both of the county Tyrone, Ireland. About the 
year 1814 they landed in Philadelphia, stayed there one year, and from 
there moved to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, to a farm. 
Here he took a section of turnpike as contractor. Next year moved to 
Brownsville, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, wdiere Mary Martin, the sis- 
ter of Mrs. McNulty, was married to Patrick McCristal. Made a mile 
of the national road there, and the Martin family all moved to Perry 
count}^ except John, who went to New York and died there. This was in 
1817 or 1818. Grandfather Owen Martin lived to the age of eighty-two, 
and his wife to the age of ninety years, and both are buried at St. Jo- 
seph's, the first Roman Catholic church in Ohio. Their sons were 
Thomas, whose son, John, is in San Francisco ; James, wdiose sons were 
Owen and Thomas ; John, whose sons were Edward and Daniel ; and 
Henry, whose sons are Willie, Charles and Harry, and who is also the 
father of ten daughters by the first marriage to Katharine Griflin, and 
the second to Elizabeth Carrol, The children of Katharine and Hugh 
McNulty, were John, now deceased, Henry, now living in Dubuque, 
Iowa, Mrs. Sarah Burns, a widow, living in Somerset, and Ellen, who 
was never married. The children of Mary McCristal were Daniel and 
James, both married and deceased, but leaving children, and Sarah, 
wife of James Creighton, Omaha, Nebraska. The McNulty ancestry, 
except Hugh and a bachelor brother, who died in Maryland, are in Ire- 
land, so that the descendants of Hugh are the only representatives of 
this family in America, and of these only one son, Henry McNulty, 
survives, and a son of Henry named Louis McNulty, of Dubuque, 
Iowa, who has one sister, Katie. The children of Mrs. Burns, sister 
of Henry McNulty, are John Burns, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Mrs. 
Amanda Kuhlman, wife of Samuel Kuhlman, of Somerset, Ohio, who 
has one son, Louis Kuhlman. 

McQueen, Rev. Clayborne S., M. D., post office, Rendville, 
Ohio, was born November 4, 1819, in Culpepper, Virginia, son of 
Robert and Hannah McQiieen. The Dr. was brought up on a farm. 
Began teaching school at sixteen, and taught about eleven years. When 
about twenty-four began reading law but when about ready to be admit- 
ted to the bar, he decided to abandon the legal profession for that of 
medicine, selecting Dr. W. H. Reeves fo^^ preceptor, and attended Co- 
lumbus Medical College. He began practice at Millerstown in June, 
1849, '^"^ remained six years ; practiced at Ringgold nine years, and 
near Wrightstown, Morgan county, where he located on a farm and 
remained until the spring of 1882, when he came to Rendville. Dr. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 475 

McQiieen was married in the spring of 1842 to Miss Mary, daughter 
of Daniel and Catharine McQueen, of Newton township, Muskingum 
county, Ohio. They are the parents of four children, viz. : Frances 
Virginia, married to Josiah H. Coulter; Ellen Thompson, married to 
Joseph Ball, both living in Morgan county; Elizabeth Angeline, and 
Sarah Maria. The Dr., in 1870, was ordained and licensed to preach 
in the Christian Church, called by some, New Lights. During his six 
years connection with this organization he had charge of a district of 
seven counties. About the year 1876 he was licensed to preach by the 
Methodist Episcopal Conference, and continues to preach for this so- 
ciety. 

McShane, Charles, harness and saddlery, New Lexington, Ohio ; 
was born in 1841, in Clayton township, son of Edward and Catharine 
(Mackin) McShane. Young McShane was brought up on the farm 
where he remained till about eighteen when he went to his trade. He 
established his present shop in 1866. Mr. McShane was married in 
November, 1869, to Miss Lucy, daughter of William and Mary (Fitz- 
simons) Bennett, of Pleasant township. They are the parents of seven 
children, viz. : Mary, Catharine, Florence, Cecelia, Lizzie, deceased, 
Luc3^ and an infant, deceased, not named. Mr. McShane's is an old 
established shop, doing a tirst-class business. 

McTeague, NeilT., M.D., of the firm of Dunn & McTeague, 
druggists, Rendville, Ohio, was born June 18, 1856, in Berks county, 
Pennsylvania, son of Hugh and Mary (Flynn) McTeague. When the 
Dr. was six years of age he came to Pike township, Perry county, 
Ohio, where he was brought up. In 1874 taught his first school in the 
Penrod school house, Bearfield township, and continued teaching for 
four years, and in 1878 commenced the study of medicine with Dr. 
Taggart, at New Lexington, Ohio, and was graduated in the spring of 
1882 by the Medical College of Ohio. Dr. McTeague was married 
July I, 1880, to Marv McHugh. They are the parents of one child, 
Thomas Joseph. The Dr. has been successful in his extensive prac- 
tice in Rendville and vicinity. 

Mackin, Edward, provision grocer, corner Main and Broad streets, 
New Lexington, Ohio. Mr. Mackin was born June 23, 1828, in Gross, 
Maglen county, Arma, L-eland ; son of Patrick and Rose Ann (Mc- 
Namee) Mackin. His parents brought him to this county when a child, 
and located in Monday Creek township. When a young man, Mr. 
Mackin learned the carpenter's trade, and followed it until 1859, when 
he established his present business in this place in company with his 
brother, James W. They conducted the business until 1873. Mr. Ed- 
ward Mackin has conducted the business alone. He was married April 
15, 1859, ^^ Miss Catharine, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Schar- 
chel) Kesler. They are the parents of five children, viz. : Rose Ann, 
Margaret Alveda, James Edward, Mary Loretta and Elizabeth Catha- 
rine, deceased. 

Magruder, W. p., editor Somerset Press, -born in 1845, in Somerset. 
He served his apprenticeship as printer in the Democratic Union office 
in Somerset. In December. 1863, he and his brother, C. E. Magruder, 
a lawyer, now dead, purchased the paper. In December, 1864, he 
bought out his brother; in September, 1865, he sold out to C. D. 



476 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Elder, of Somerset ; in Oct, 1866, Mr. Magriider and J. L. Caine started 
the Somerset Advocate ; he sold out in two years to Mr. Kagay ; in 1873 
the Press was started by M. G. Mains, who ran it until 1877, when 
Mr. Magruder became the editor. The political faith of the Press is 
Greenback. Mr. Magruder was married in May, 1877, to Miss Belle 
Johnson, of Somerset ; she was born in 1845. They are the parents of 
one child, Ray. 

Mains, Thomas S., farmer, Pike township, post office New Lexing- 
ton, O., born February 10, 1827, in Reading towaiship, this county ; son of 
George and Hannah {Selb}^) Mains ; was raised a farmer and has fol- 
lowed agricultural pursuits all his life. Frederick, father of George, 
and grandfather of Thomas S. Mains, came from Virginia to Ohio with 
his family, and settled in Reading township, this county, in 18:2, where 
he lived to the time of his death. His son, George, was born in Vir- 
ginia, February 26, 1790, and after his settlement in Reading township, 
remained upon the homestead until 1835, '"^^^^ W'^^ married September 
19, 1815, to Hannah Selby, born July 8, 1794, in Maryland, daughter 
of Eli and Ruth (Shipley) Selb3^ They became the parents of four 
children, viz. : James, who moved to Wisconsin about 1853, where he 
enlisted in the Twenty-seventh Regiment, Wis. V. I., for three years, 
or during the war, and serving until the close of the war, was honorably 
discharged, but upon his way home took sick and died at Washington 
City, in the fall of 1865 ; Isaiah A., lived at home until September 10, 
1845, when he departed this life at the age of twenty-four years and 
four months ; Caroline M., was married December 23, 1847, to Henry 
Brown, son of Robert Brown, of Monroe township, this county. Mr. 
Brown died in the service of his country, at Nashville, Tennessee, in 
the fall of 1862, with lung disease ; Mrs. Brown is now living in Cin- 
cinnati with her son, Isaiah M. Brown. Thomas, the subject of this 
sketch, and the youngest of the family, became the support of his par- 
ents in their declining years. After his marriage, and in 1835, ^e 
moved to Monroe township, and bought one hundred and sixty acres of 
land upon which he lived until 1848, when he sold it, and bought one 
hundred and sixty acres in Saltlick township, where Shawnee now stands, 
and which he sold to his son, James, in 1849, who again sold it to Thomas 
S. Mains in 1850, who increased the farm to three hundred and sixty 
acres, which he sold to the Newark Coal and Iron Company in 1871, 
and bought three hundred and fift}^ acres of land where he now lives, 
and that he now owns, except twenty-two acres he has since sold. 
Since purchasing the home farm his parents made their home with him 
up to the time of their deaths. His father died March 30, 1875, aged 
eighty-five years, one month and four da^s ; his mother died March 16, 
1872, aged seventy-seven years, eight months and eight da^'S. 
August 10, 1862, Mr. Mains, the subject of this sketch, enlisted in Com- 
pany H, Ninetieth Regiment, O.V.I., for three years, or during the war, 
and was honorably discharged June 20, 1865, near Cincinnati, Ohio, by 
reason of the close of the war. Was engaged in the following battles : 
Stone River, Chickamauga, and up to Atlanta, Georgia, from where 
they were sent back to Nashville, Tennessee, and was engaged in the 
battle between Hood and Thomas. During the service he iiad the lung 
fever, which disabled him for duty six months, three months of which 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 477 

time he was in Brigade Hospital. The disease permanently injured his 
health, and at this time he is not able to do any kind of work. While 
living in Saltlick township, he served as township trustee three years, 
and Justice of the Peace three years. Mr. Mains has been a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1855, ^^^^ ^^ ^ trustee in the 
New Lexington Methodist Episcopal Church at this time. He was mar- 
ried May 4, 1851, to Sarah Hazelton, born in 1830, in this county, 
daughter of John and Jane (Traverse) Hazelton. They became the par- 
ents of four children, viz. : Isaiah A., who. was married March 3,1865, 
to Catharine, daughter of William and Amelia (Taylor) Adams ; their 
home is in Crawford county, Iowa, but are at this time with Mr. 
Mains, on account of his ieeble health ; Hannah Jane, married to James 
B., son of Horace and Mary A., (Grimes) Wilson; they are residents 
of Crawford count}^, Iowa; Jno. H., married to Maggie, daughter of 
William and Amelia (Taylor) Adams ; they are residents of Monona 
county, Iowa ; and Marv A., also a resident of Crawford county, Iowa. 
In these two counties each of his children own two hundred acres of 
land. Mrs. Mains departed this life in the year of 1861, aged thirty- 
one years. Mr. Mains. was married the second time December 31, 
1865, to Catharine Richter, born July 5, 1832, in Frederick county, 
Maryland, daughter of John and Catharine (Cookerly) Richter. They 
are the parents of two children, viz. : Florence M. and one infant. 
Mrs. Mains came to Ohio in 1833, with her parents, who settled in Mon- 
roe township, and where she lived at the time of her marriage. Her 
parents lived at the place of their settlement up to the time of their death. 
Her father, Jno. Richter, died September 30, 1881, at the age of eighty- 
four years, five months and twenty days, and was a soldier in the War 
of 1812. Her mother, Catharine (Cookerly) Richter, was born in Mary- 
land, in 1806, and died June 23, 186 j.. Mrs. Mains became the member 
of the Presb3^terian Church, in her eighteenth j^ear, continuing her con- 
nection with that branch of the Christian Church until after her mar- 
riage, when she united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in 1872. 

Marlow, John H., was born in Monday Creek township. Perry 
county, Ohio, in 1837. His parents came from Virginia in 1730, and set- 
tled near Somerset, Perr}^ county, Ohio ; moved thence to near Rush- 
ville, Fairfield count}^ and after a residence of several years, moved to 
a farm near Maxville, Perry count}^ The family consisted of eight 
children, four boys and four girls, seven of whom are now living. The 
fifth child, John H., received his early education at Somerset, after- 
wards attended Denison University, Granville, Ohio ; after leaving the 
Universit}^ he taught school about fourteen years. He was married 
April 24, 1862, to Louisa Larimer. They have two children, Laura 
and Wa3'land. He was a member of the Board of Examiners for this 
county three years ; resigned to take the office of Clerk of the Courts, to 
which he was elected October 1875, and has now served in that office 
two terms. 

Marlow% James P., farmer and merchant, Maxville, Ohio; was 
born December 20, 1844, in Mondav Creek township, this county ; son of 
Her^son and Margaret (Holmes) Marlow. Was raised a farmer, and 
followed agncultural pursuits up to the present time. Has taught school 
one term in Gore, Hocking county, Ohio, and two terms in Monday 



478 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Creek township, this county. Jnly 15, 1881, he came to this place, 
and in partnership with Henson W. Marlow, opened a store of general 
merchandise, and remains to this date. Mr. Marlow was married De- 
cember 3, 1868, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of David and Susannah 
(Welty) Heidlebaugh. They are the parents of fovn" children, viz. : 
Willie B., Charles Sumner, Lawrence, deceased, and Daisy Forest. 
Mr. Mario w's parents came to Ohio about the year 1830, and lived about 
two years near Somerset, and the same length of time in Rush Creek 
township, when they moved to Monday Creek township, where his 
father owned a farm of two hundred and thirty acres at the time of his 
death, which occurred March 5, 1881, in his seventy-eighth year, hav- 
ing lived in the county fifty-two years and in the above township forty- 
eight years. His mother departed this life August 2, 1871, in her sixty- 
fifth year. Mr. Marlow, the subject of this sketch, now owns one-half 
interest in the home farm at this time, which he still farms. 

Martin, Jno. W., clerk, Shawnee, Ohio; was born January 18, 
1844, in Fairview, Guernsey count}^ Ohio ; son of Jacob and Jane 
(Lefevre) Martin. Mr. Martin was raised a farmer and followed agri- 
cultural pursuits until he was twenty-two years of age. He had moved 
to Hocking county, Ohio, with his father, where he was married to 
Phoebe, daughter of James and Nancy (Culp) Carpenter, February 7, 
1867. They are the parents of five children, viz.: Anna B., James, 
Lewis, Jacob and William C, three of whom are dead, James, Lewis 
and Jacob. After his marriage he moved to Shawnee, and built the 
first business house of this place and sold the first goods, keeping a gen- 
eral stock of merchandise, and remained in the business over two years 
when he sold out to one William Huston. From that time to the 
present, he has been employed as clerk in the store. Mr. Mar- 
tin enlisted in 1863, in the late war, and served in the Army of the 
Potomac, with the Sixty-second Regiment, O. V. L, up to the close of 
the war, and was engaged in the battles of Deep Bottom, Hatcher's 
Run, in front of Petersburg, and in many skirmishes ; he was present at 
General Lee's surrender. He was one of the men who were kept in 
Richmond after Johnson's surrender, and was connected with the citi- 
zens' commissary department, when the city was kept by the Govern- 
ment in provisions, and had under his care and supervision four hun- 
dred families, who obtained provision orders from him. 

Martin, Henry M., butcher, post office. New Lexington, Ohio; 
was born May 26, 1851, in Richland township, Fairfield county. He 
came to this county when but two years of age. He is a son of Ellison 
and Sarah B. (McLaughlin) Martin. Henry M. remained on the farm 
where he was brought up until he was elected sheriff' of Perry county, 
in 1878. He served until January, 1881. In December, 1880, the pres- 
ent firm was formed. Sheriff' Martin was married December 22, 1870, 
to Miss Missouri C, daughter of Andrew S. and Eliza (Spenny) Ba- 
ker. They are the parents of two children, viz. : Ellison E. and Emma. 
During Sheriff' Martin's term of office the Corning war occurred, for 
the suppression of which he was compelled to call on the State Guards. 

Mason, John, collier, post ofllce, Shawnee, Ohio ; was born De- 
cember 10, 1826, in Northumberland, England; son of John and Mar- 
garet (Morse) Mason. Was raised in the place of his nativity, where 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 4^9 

he was employed mining, vvitli the exception of one year, during the 
time he remained in Enghmd. Emigrated to America in 1853, hmding 
in New York, from where he went to Pittsburg, at which place he 
remained about live months, from where he went to Columbia, West 
Virginia, and remained two years. Going to Mason City, he remained 
about four months, from where he went to Pomeroy, Ohio, which he 
made his home until 1872, but was about six months in Belleville and 
Danville. In 1872, he spent about two months in Nelsonville, Ohio, 
when he came to Shawnee, Ohio, where he has made his home to the 
present time. Since coming to this place he has made a trip to Vir- 
ginia, and was prospecting in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, for iron ore, 
which he found in paying quantities. Mr. Mason enlisted in Com- 
pany A, 4th Regiment, Va. V. I., in 1861, for three years, or dur- 
ing the war, and served three years and two months, when he was dis- 
charged by reason of expiration of enlistment. Was engaged in the 
following battles : Charleston, Virginia; Vicksburg, and was the first 
to speak about blowing up Vicksburg ; assisted in drifting for that pur- 
pose, but the city was surrendered before the preparations were com- 
pleted ; Jackson, Mississippi ; Mission Ridge, Tuscumbia, and Dallas, 
under fire six days and nights, without cessation, at this place. After 
receiving his discharge he returned home. Mr. Mason was married 
in February, 1846, to Barbara, daughter of Joseph and Barbara (Taie) 
King, of Northumberland, England. They are the parents of seven 
living children, viz. : Joseph, Thomas, Mary Ann, John, Elizabeth, 
William, and Lillie ; and five, deceased, viz.: John, William, Marga- 
ret, and two died in infancy. They have also raised a grandchild — 
Thomas Bailey. 

Mason, Rev. John, minister of Princeton Methodist Church ; was 
borp December 16, 185 1, in Boltingate, county of Cumberland, Eng- 
land, son of William and Jane (Campbell) Mason. Mr. Mason was 
raised in the coal mining districts of Northumberland and Durham 
counties of England. Mines in that region are principally shafts, from 
fifty to one hundred fathoms deep. He was employed until 1877, and 
during the last four years he was what is known in that country as dep- 
uty over a number of men. Came to America at the time he severed 
his connection at these places, in 1877, landing in New York, by the 
Cunard line of steamers, from where he went to the Sequatchie valley, 
Victoria mines, Marion county, Tennessee. Mr. Mason was licensed 
as a local preacher at the earh' age of eighteen 3^ears, and served in 
that station until 1877, at which time he was licensed as a ministerial 
supply, and supplied the following places: In Tennessee, about three 
months ; at Steubenville, Ohio, eight months. Upon account of too 
slack a support at the latter place he again returned to mining, and en- 
gaged at Ram3'"s coalery, where he remained two months, when he was 
called to Niles, Trumbull county, Ohio, as a supply, where he remained 
from December, 1878, to April, 1879, ^^ which time he was licensed as 
a minister on probation and sent to Shawnee, Ohio, where he has re 
mained up to this time. Upon coming to this place he found the church 
in a confused condition, and, by persistent eftbrt, he has advanced the 
numbers from five to forty-five members, who now remain at this 
charge. Qiiite a number have removed from the vicinity, thereby 



480 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

lessenintj the actual numbers taken into the church. Durino- a revival 
of 1 88 1 there were eighty souls converted, and he has taken into church 
connection, since coming to this place, one hundred and seventy-seven 
members. Straitsville w^as taken in by him as a mission charge, and 
has become self-sustaining, employing and supporting its own minister. 
There have been sent out from the Shawnee charge two ministers, viz. : 
Revs. Thomas Large and James Rogers. At the conference of 1880, 
at Tamaqua, Schuylkill county, Penns3dvania, Mr. Mason was accred- 
ited with one year of supply work, as if on probation, on account of 
his decided success in the ministry, which brought him one year sooner 
into full ministerial connection. Rev. Mason was married February 
16, 1872, to Jane, daughter of John and Maria (Maughan) Ayer, of 
Giles, Gatemore, one mile from the city of Durham, England. They 
are the parents of three children, viz. : Jennie, John, Thomas, and Ma- 
rianna, living ; and one, Maria, deceased. 

Mathew^s, James, farmer, post office, Roseville, Muskingum county, 
Ohio ; born in Muskingum count3^, in 1809 ; settled in Perry county 
in 185 1 ; son of George and Anna (Jennings) Mathews; married, in 
1840, to Miss Mary McClain, daughter of Benjamin McClain. They 
have four children, viz. : Anna, Hannah, Parmelia, Jerusha. They 
are all married, one living in Missouri. Mr. Mathews was brought up 
on a farm, which vocation he has always followed. 

Mathews, Franklin, butcher, post office, Rendville, Ohio ; born 
December 25, 1829, near Zanesville, Ohio, son of Reuben H. and 
Mary (Hemrick) Mathews. Brought up on a farm, where he remained 
until twenty-one. He then followed a variety of business until he en- 
gaged in general merchandising, to which he added a meat market ; 
also was engaged in the coal trade, at the same time, with his brother. 
Came to Perry county about the year 187 1, and continued his business 
at New Lexington, until March, 1880, when he established his present 
business at this place. Mr. Mathews was married September 30, 1852, 
to Miss Eliza Horton, whose parents were natives of Virginia. They 
are the parents of six children, viz. : Charles Henry, Lucy Ellen, Clara 
Annie, Lewis Grant ; these four are deceased : William Howard and 
Mary Viola are now living. Mr. Mathews is doing a good business. 

Mautz, W. H., carpenter, post office, Shawnee, Ohio; was born 
February 22, 1856, in Blue Rock, Muskingum count}', Ohio ; son of 
John and Margaret (Udenhoffer) Mautz. Was raised a farmer, and 
followed farming until he was sixteen years of age, when he left home, 
and has been engaged at the following places : Henry county, Ohio, 
working in a saw mill about one year ; Somerset, Ohio, on railroad six 
months ; Garret City, Indiana, on railroad ; while railroading was with 
the Baltimore and Ohio ; Clinton, Iowa, house carpentering six months ; 
Dixon, Illinois, two or three months, carpentering ; Toledo, Ohio, one 
year at trade ; Woodville, six months at trade ; Shawnee, Ohio, at New 
York furnace four months, carpentering ; XX furnace trom that time to 
the present, about three years. Was married May i, 1880, to Mar}^ 
C, daughter of Samuel and Louisa (Lafevre) Snyder, of Athens 
county, Ohio. 

Mechling, Peter, farmer, miller, and carpenter, post office, Glen- 
ford, Ohio ; was born 1827, in Hopewell township ; son of Peter Mech- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 48 1 

ling and grandson of Jacob Mechling, both deceased fn Hopewell 
township. The maiden name of his mother was Mary Downour, who 
died in her seventy-seventh year, while her husband died when his son 
Peter was only five 3'ears of age. Their children were, Sally, wife of 
Jason Canfield, Rochester, Indiana : Katharine, wife of D. C. Shelly, 
Glenford, Ohio; Jacob, deceased, leaving a son, Alfred, Tippecanoe, 
Indiana ; John, deceased ; Eliza Dumbolt, deceased ; Melancthon, 
Rochester, Indiana ; Margaret, wife of George Shelly, Glenford ; and 
Peter, who was married Februar3%'^i855, to Miss Elnora Hardy, daugh- 
ter of Thomas Hardy, deceased, and Sarah his wife, whose maiden 
name was Bagle3^ a native of Virginia. Their children are, Thomas 
Jefferson, merchant, Thurston, Fairfield county, Ohio ; Mary E., Clem- 
ent Layerd, Melancthon, Cordelia, Sarah Aurilla, Fenton, Dillon, 
Cora May, and Edgar Austin. Mr. Mechling is an old-time Lutheran 
and Democrat, and sustains the well earned reputation of his family 
history. He has, besides rearing a family, added to his estate, and, 
like many other Ohioans, looked into Virginia and found her, in the 
present condition, an inviting field for industry, capital, and enterprise. 
Mechling, Bernard, was born 1837, o^ ^ P^^^ o^ the extensive 
homestead now owned by him in Hopewell township. He is a son ot 
Samuel, the youngest son of Jacob Mechling, who came from Pennsyl- 
vania in 1816, and purchased a farm for each of his twelve children. 
His sons were Jacob, Peter, Frederick, John, George and Samuel, all 
of whom lived and died here, except John, who deceased in Sandusky, 
Ohio, and George, who is the only survivor of six brothers. The 
daughters were Hester, wife of William INIechling ; Mary, wife of 
Frederick K. Slife ; Hannah, wife of Peter Cooperider ; Phebe, who 
died young; Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Smith, and Sarah, wife of Rev. 
David Long, who died of cholera in 1833. The mother of these six 
sons and six daughters was, prior to her marriage. Miss Mary Otter- 
man. The wife of Samuel Mechling died, and the mother of Bernard 
was, prior to marriage. Miss Magdalena Poorman, daughter of the late 
venerable Bernard Poorman. She is still living, a venerable widow, 
in separate apartments of the mansion lately erected by her son, Ber- 
nard, in full possession of her faculties. Since the late purchase of the 
ancestral homestead of grandfather Mechling, Bernard Mechling has 
about four hundred acres of splendid land in one bod}", nearly two 
hundred acres being bottom land, in sight of, and one half mile from 
Glenford. He was twice married, first to Miss Margaret Humberger, 
daughter of John Humberger, of Thorn township. The children by 
this marriage are Owen H. and Albert Wesley Mechling. Their 
mother deceased in 1863. The second marriage was to Miss Leah A. 
Zartman, daughter of Isaac, whose wife's maiden name was Rebecca, 
daughter of Peter King. The children of this marriage are Mary 
Estella, now twelve 3"ears of age, Svlvia R., deceased, and Homer 
Calvin, now five years of age. He and his wife have each enjo3'ed 
good opportunities for education ; she in her girlhood having taught 
school and he, in his boyhood, having attended the Somerset Academy, 
under the tuition of that old-time, but most accomplished, teacher and 
gentleman, Charles Nourse. Bernard Mechling is among the ver}' 
foremost farmers of the county, has thoroughlv studied and applied the 

46 



482 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

science of drainage to his lands, and is intelligently devoted to the breed- 
ing and rearing of fine stock. 

Meloy, William T., of the firm of Elder, Wards & Co., dry goods 
and merchant tailoring. Main street, New Lexington, Ohio. Mr. Me- 
loy was born November 13, 1843, in this place ; son of William and 
Sophia (Thompson) Meloy. Yonng Meloy, in early life, clerked in a 
dry goods store and taught school sixteen months. He, subsequently, 
became traveling salesman for a tobacco house, with which he was en- 
gaged five years, also traveling five years in the sale of stoves and 
plows. He v»'as the first man to enlist in Compan}^ I, One Hundred 
and Fourteenth, O. V. I., but was rejected on account of being then 
under size. He worked two 3'ears as a typo in the Herald office of this 
place. In April, 1879, ^^^ became partner in the above firm. Mr. Me- 
loy was married July 5, 1870, to Miss Hattie M., daughter of Charles 
J. and Cornelia (Acker) Brush. They are parents of five children, viz. : 
Iva L., Maggie W., Sophe T., William T. and CalHe Rich. His 
father, Wilham Meloy, met with a fatal accident early one morning 
in October, 1882. He was struck by the cow-catcher of the Ohio Cen- 
tral passenger train, between seven and eight o'clock, Monda}^ morn- 
ing, near the crossing of Rush Creek, close to the water tank, receiv- 
ing such injuries therefrom that he died in about an hour thereafter. 
Mr. Melov was driving a cow, and had just got her across the track, 
when he looked up, saw the train close upon him, threw up his hands, 
but was so dazed or bewildered, that he took no step to get out of dan- 
ger. The whistle sounded and the power of the engine reversed, but it 
was too late. Mr. Meloy was struck by the cow-catcher, and fell in 
such a way as to remain upon it, though the conductor had hold of him 
before the train stopped. A hack was near at hand which was at once 
called, and the unfortunate man taken, in a dying condition, to his 
home on Jackson street, where he soon after expired. There appeared 
to be no broken bones or serious bruises, but the internal injuries were 
such, that there was no reaction, and the injured man remained in an 
unconscious condition from the time of the accident until his death. 
Deceased was about seventy-one years of age. He was a native of 
Pennsylvania, but came to Ohio when quite a young man. He became 
a citizen of New Lexington in 1839, and resided here ever since, with 
the exception of a temporary residence at Somerset, while he was 
County Auditor. He left a wife, three sons and four daughters to 
mourn his sudden departure. His third son, Smallwood A. Meloy, 
died from injuries received upon the same railroad, between this place 
and Moxahala, while acting as brakeman in 1876. He was brought to 
the same house in an unconscious condition, and died within a few hours. 
Mr. Meloy was an intelligent man, a worthy citizen, and had filled 
many positions of public trust with credit to himself and the public. 
He was Justice of the Peace of Pike township about forty 3xars ago, 
and held the same position at the time of his death. As a capable and 
impartial Justice, he was excelled by none in the county. He was a 
number of times Mayor of the town, member of the Board of Educa- 
tion, and was elected County Auditor in 1852, and re-elected in 1854. 
He has also been County Treasurer, by appointment. It is onl}^ justice 
to say that he was faithful and capable in all. When the accident and 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 4^3 

sudden death became known, there was not only horror at the sudden 
and violent taking oft' of an old citizen, but an unfeigned and deep re- 
gret that William Melov was dead. 

Meredith, Thomas, collier, Shawnee Ohio ; was born December 7, 
1842, in Monmouthshire, England. He was raised on a farm until the age 
of ten years. At twelve years of age he lost both his father and mother, 
there being only about seven weeks difference in the time of their deaths. 
After this he began mining at Georhay coal mines, where he remained 
until 1868, when he emigrated to America, setting sail from Liverpool 
on the eighth of April, and landed in New York on the nineteenth of the 
same month, and reached Pomeroy, Ohio, April 22, where he engaged 
in mining until September, 1872, at which time he went to Shawnee, 
Ohio, and since has been in Manly mine six months, when he engaged 
as one of the first miners with the Upton Coal Company, where he has 
remained up to this time. Mr. Meredith was married May 20, 1867, to 
Rachel, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Davis) Slocumbe. They are 
the parents of three children, viz. : Alfred, Amelia and Harriet living, 
and three deceased, viz. : Philip, Sarah Ann and Agnes. 

Meredith, J. P., colHer, Shawnee, Ohio ; was born May 14, 1852, 
in Argo, Monmouthshire, England, son of Philip and Winifred Mere- 
dith. Mr. Meredith was left an orphan at the age of two years, and 
was raised by the senior member of his father's family, who still kept 
house in Argo, where he remained until he was sixteen years of age, 
three years of which time he was engaged in mining. In 1869 he em- 
igrated to America, landing at New York City, from where he went to 
Pomeroy, Meigs county, Ohio, and engaged in mining until 1872, when 
he came to Shawnee, Ohio, and where he remained up to this time, 
having been engaged in mining. Mr. Meredith was married January 
8, 1846, to Sarah E., daughter of Owen and Harriet (Price) Jones. 
They are the parents of three children, viz. : Arthur, Owen and Win- 
ifred. In 1878, Mr. Meredith was elected Corporation Clerk, which 
position he holds at this time. 

Meschenmoser, Rev. Philip, pastor of St. Rose's Church, New 
Lexington, Ohio, was born August 7, 1836, in Augsberg, Bavaria, 
Germany ; son of Philip and Annie (Dietrich) Meschenmoser. He was 
educated at St. Stephen's College, Augsberg, Germany. His philo- 
sophical and theological education was obtained from the Jesuit 
Fathers. He was ordained Priest by the Bishop Martin of Paelerbern. 
He came to America in 1873, and was assistant Priest at Buffalo, New 
York, from 1873 to 1876, in which year he took charge of the St. Rose 
congregation, of this place. Also, at the same time, discharged the of- 
fice of Chaplain of St. Aloysius Academy, near the town. During his 
services here he has built the present "church and residence of the 
priest. 

Metzger, Jacob, farmer, son of Michael and Apolona Metzger, 
was born August 2, 1833, in this county ; has since hved in the county. 
His life has chiefly been spent on the farm ; was married in 1863 to Miss 
Mary E., daughter of Simon and Nancy (Jackson) Snyder. They are 
the parents of nine children, viz. : Manaleta R., Laura R., Michael 
J., Thomas E., Mary M., Robert J., Charles V., William H., Hugh. 
His parents were natives of Germany. 



484 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

MiCKLETHWAiTE, Alfred, village coal operator, Shawnee, Ohio, 
was born in March, 1837, i^ Thornhill, Yorkshire, England, son of 
Joseph and Annie (Lockwood) Micklethwaite. Alfred left England, 
July 4, 1865, and located in Jackson, Maryland, where he remained 
until 1873, when he came to Shawnee. Mr. Micklethwaite was tirst 
married, June I, 1858, to Miss Annie, daughter of George and Annie 
Benson, of Lancashire, England. Thev became the parents of seven 
children, three deceased and four living, viz. : Eliza, married to Harry 
Kear ; Horatio, Joseph and Alfred. Mrs. Micklethwaite died in 187 1. 
Mr. Micklethwaite was again married to Miss Sarah Anne, daughter of 
John and Anne (Ta}lor) Moore, natives of Yorkshire, England. Mr. 
and Mrs. Micklethwaite have an adopted daughter, Mary, whose fath- 
er's name is John Lo3'd. 

MiDDAGH, Enos, born 1835, is a son of Thomas and grandson of 
Major John Middagh, who came from New Jersey in 1807, and was the 
father of Peter, Thomas, Samuel and John Middagh, Mary Fosythe, 
Sarah Shaeffer, Nancy Wright, Matilda Brookhart and Esther Mid- 
dagh. Thomas was married in 183 1 to Margaret Davis. Their chil- 
dren are John, Enos, Athalinda, Sarah Alice, Matilda and David. 
Enos, the subject of this sketch, was married to Melzena, daughter of 
the late venerable Isaac Pence, and owns the ancient Pence homestead, 
now no less distinguished for its hospitalit}^ than in the days of its hon- 
ored proprietor, who rescued it from the wilderness ; and the neat family 
mansion, backed by a well preserved exterior, testify that it has not 
fallen into unworthy hands. Isaac Pence was born in 1794; came to 
Ohio in 1806; enlisted in the War of 1812 at Newark, under Captain 
John Spencer : came back to Somerset to work as a journeyman black- 
smith ; was married in 1816 to Katharine, sister of Judge Heck. His 
father's name was Peter, born in Germany ; his mother's name w^as 
Katharine Godfrey, born in Ireland. Her tirst husband was killed by 
the Indians ; was a member of the United Brethren Church fifty-one years. 
When he first joined church the preacher's circuit was two hundred miles 
round. Enos Middagh was a member of Company K, One Hundred 
and Twenty-sixth Regiment, O. V. I., and became attached to the 
famous Sixth Corps, which, when with Sheridan, always made him feel 
confident of victory. He was wounded at SpottS3dvania by a musket 
ball that passed through his chest, after seven days of hard fighting. 
His companv had fifty-nine men when it crossed the Rapidan, and the 
call of the captain, on the 13th of May, 1864, showed only thirteen left 
to answer. The New Testament he carried when wounded ; the badge 
of his corps, and a fragment or his regimental flag, are treasured as 
sacred relics. His wife and three daughters, with an orphan boy ob- 
tained from the Home in Columbus, constitute his family. 

Miller, Levi, potter bv trade, post ofiice Buckeye Cottage ; born 
in Columbus, Ohio, in 1834 ; came to Perr}- county in 1844 ; son of 
George and Mary (Smithers) Miller. The former died in Miami 
county, Ohio, about the year 1871 ; the latter in 1834. ^^^ ^'^^^ married 
in 1858 to Miss Anna McAntire. They are the parents of nine chil- 
dren, viz.: Josie F., Mar3% Kate, James S., John C, Ida R., Bertha 
A., Blanche M., Georgia E. — one married. Mr. Miller enlisted in the 
War of the Rebellion in 1861, Company G, Thirty-first Regiment, O. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 485 

V. I., Captain Jackson, Army of the Cumberland. He was engaged 
in the following battles, viz. : Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Resaca ; 
also all the principal battles during the Siege of Atlanta. He was a 
veteran, and served till the close of the war, getting an honorable dis- 
charge. Mrs. Miller's grandfather was in the War of 1812. Her 
father was from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. He died in 1872. 

Mii.LER, F. G., shoemaker and sewing machine agent. New Straits- 
ville, Ohio ; was born March 28, 1845, in Hocking count}', Ohio ; son 
of William and vSusan (Judy) Miller. Was raised on a farm to the age 
of ten 3^ears, when his father moved to Logan, Ohio, and engaged at 
his trade of furniture manufacturing. Frank G. lived with his father 
at this place, and at the age of eighteen years went to the shoemaker's 
trade with Joseph Kinley, remaining with him for more than two 
years. After the Rebellion broke out he volunteered his services some 
three different times ; twice was rejected on account of his not being 
large enough to fill the required measure, and the third time, which 
occurred during his apprenticeship, on account of disability. After 
leaving his trade, he went to Geneva, Brush Creek township, Fairfield 
county, Ohio, where he opened and remained in the boot and shoe busi- 
ness about tour years. During his stay at this place he was married 
November 28, 1867, to Miss Nancy Blosser, who was born February 
2, 1844, in F'airfield county, Ohio, daughter of Isaac and Margaret 
(Pepple) Blosser. They are the parents of nine children, viz. : Charles, 
who died at the age of seven years ; William Isaac, Mary Jane, Anna 
Zelia, Charlotte, who died at eleven months of age ; Gertrude, Mar- 
garet, James and Elizabeth. Mr. Miller moved to this place May 22, 
1871, and opened out in the boot ai^d shoe business, in which he has re- 
mained up to this present time. In November, 1881, he took the 
agency of the New Home sewing machine, one of the finest in the 
market, a supply of which he keeps constantly on hand with all the fix- 
tures and attachments thereto. Mr. Miller is one of the oldest citizens 
of New Straitsville, coming here when it was in its ipifancy and onh^ 
seven houses on Front street, and they on the north side, and has seen 
it grow to its present size of about three thousand inhabitants. He 
served two years as a member of Town Council from 1878 to 1880, and 
is a member at this time, being elected in April of 1882. 

MiNAUGH, Jno. D., farmer. New Lexington, Ohio ; was born March 
20, 1846, in this county ; son of John and Bridget (Dougherty) Minaugh. 
He was raised a farmer and has made agricultural pursuits the business 
of his life up to the present time. Mr. Minaugh lived with his father 
until 1870, when he went into business for himself. In connection with 
farming he was engaged about five years in mining iron ore, and also 
assessed this township two 3^ears. He is at this time township trustee. 
Mr. Minaugh's father was born in Ireland in county Cavan, and emi- 
grated to America in his sixteenth year, and settled near Albany, New 
York, where he engaged at blacksmithing with one Simmons, in manu- 
facturing axes, turning them by hand, remaining three 3^ears at this 
place, after which he went to Somerset, this county, where he was em- 
ployed at his trade until 1840, and at this time moved to one mile west 
of Bristol, this count}', wliere he bought eighty acres of land, that is now 
owned by his nephew. General Phil. Sheridan, and where he lived up to 



486 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

the time of his death, which occurred in November, 1876. Mr. Min- 
augh's mother was born in 1824. in or near Bahimore, Mar3dand, and 
came to Ohio with her parents at an earl}- age, and when this country 
was a wilderness, and was raised in Jackson township, this county, 
where her parents settled and which was her home at the time of her 
marriage. Her death occurred in 1858, while she was in her thirty- 
fourth year, Mr. Minaugh, the subject of this sketch, was married 
November i, 1870, to Miss Sarah Dimond, born Februar}' 5, 1845, in 
this. Pike, township, daughter of Daniel and Mar}^ (MacGahan) Di- 
mond. They are the parents of five children, viz. : Joseph F., Mary, 
Rose v., Phil. M. and Francis B. 

Miner, D. L., cooper, Shawnee, Ohio; was born December 20, 
1835, ^^^ Perrv county, Ohio, near Somerset; son of Jacob and Mar}' 
(Ferguson) Miner. Was brought up on a farm, and followed agricul- 
tural pursuits until the age of sixteen or seventeen years, when he 
moved with his father to Brownsville, Licking county, Ohio, where he 
began the cooper trade, serving with his brother one year, after which 
he worked at journey work until the breaking out of the war in 1861. 
He enlisted July 18, 1861, for three years, or during the war, in Com- 
pany C, Twenty-seventh Regiment, O. V. I., and served seven months, 
when he was discharged because of disability. Returning home, he 
followed his trade about two months ; recruiting his health, he re-enlisted 
for three years, or during the war, in Company A, Tenth O.V.C.. about 
the first of May, 1862, and served until the close of the war, and was 
engaged in the battles of Athens, North Carolina : Resaca, Georgia, 
where he was wounded in the thigh, causing him to lose about two 
months from the service, at which time he again joined his company, 
and remained to the close of the war. He was in Sherman's march to 
the sea. Upon again being discharged, he returned home and engaged 
at coopering in the winter season and farming in summer, for about 
three 3-ears. At the end of that time, he came to Shawnee, Ohio, where 
he has been engaged in coal mining till the present time. Mr. Miner 
was married December 14, 1865, to Frances, daughter of Abram and 
Mary (Kasterd) Vreeland. The\^ are the parents of three children, 
viz, : Maudie, Claudius and Mary, all living and at home. 

Mitchell, James L., merchant, Sego. He was born February 
26, 1844, in Bearlield township; is a son of John and Nancy (Wise) 
Mitchell. He was reared on a farm, which vocation he pursued 
until 1862. He enlisted in Company F, Thirtieth Regiment, serving 
three and one-half years. Mr. Mitchell moved to his present residence 
in April, 1866, and in 1870, established his present business. He has a 
well stocked store, keeping a full supply of dry goods, groceries, no- 
tions, etc. He was married December 16, 1868, to Sarah, daughter of 
Philip and Catharine (Mann) Baker. They have three children, viz. : 
Elmer G,, William B,, and Irvin. 

MoNAHAN, James W., baker, grocer, confectioner and wholesale 
dealer in beer, oysters and ice cream, Corning, Ohio ; was born March 
13, 1846, in Union township. Morgan county, Ohio; son of Thomas 
and Margaret (Hale}') Monahan. James W. was brought up on the 
farm, where he remained until nineteen years of age, when he began 
attending school, and clerking in store for about two years. In 1867. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 487 

he established a general merchandising store at Cliapel Hill, Ohio, 
wher.e he remained until 1875, ^'^'l^^'i'i lie moved to New Lexington, Ohio, 
and continued his business there until the spring of i88r, when he came 
to Corning Ohio, and established his present business. Mr. Monahan 
was married Februar}^ 4, 1873. to Miss Tuce, daughter of James J. and 
Jane (Sinclair) Wolford, of Roseville, Muskingum county, Ohio. They 
are the parents of two children, viz. : Jennie Gertrude and John 
Virgil. 

Monahan, Thomas, Pleasant township ; post office, Moxahala, 
Ohio. He has spent the most of his life as an engineer on the railroad, 
but is now a farmer. He was born in Sligo county, Ireland, March 25, 
1848. Son of John and Bridget (O'Garo) Monahan, both natives of 
Ireland. He emigrated to this country in 1867, located in Chicago, and 
worked in a machine shop there. He went on the railroad in 1868, and 
was fireman on an engine ; remained on that road eight months ; was 
then fireman on an engine on the Pan Handle, one year ; then he got 
an engine to run, which position he held until 1873. He then ran a 
yard engine on the Muskingum Valley, and made an occasional trip on 
the road. Then he went on the B. & O. R. R. He took a trip West ; 
was assistant engineer at the furnace of the Normal School of Cook 
county, Illinois ; and subsequently ran the engine at the Chicago stock 
yards, after which he returned to Moxahala and had charge of the iron 
furnace engine there. He married Mrs. Graham in February, 1878. 

Montgomery, J. W., wholesale and retail grocery, Main street, 
New Lexington, Ohio. Mr. Montgomery was born July 7, 1850, in this 
place ; son of Eli and Rachel Ann (Calhoon) Montgomerv. Eli Mont- 
gomery was one of the first settlers of this place, and his father a pio- 
neer of the county. In 1868, J. W. Montgomery went to Zanesville, 
Ohio, and was, for four years, in the employ of the B. & O. R. R. Co. 
there. In 1872 he returned to this place and established his present 
business. He was married January 7, 1875, ^o Miss Mary E., daughter 
of William and Sophia A. (Thompson) Meloy. They are the parents 
of three children', viz. : John Rich, Philip Newton and George. 

MooNEY, James, weighmaster at W. P. Rend & Co.'s mines, Rend- 
ville, Ohio ; born July 6, 1856, in Monroe tow^nship, Perry county, Ohio ; 
son of Hugh, deceased, and Elizabeth (Bennett) Mooney. His lather 
was a native of Ireland, and his mother of America. He w^as brought 
up on the farm until twenty years of age, when he accepted his present 
position. 

Moore, Daniel, farmer; post office, Somerset, Ohio; born, 1813, 
in Somerset county, Pennsylvania ; son of William Moore, who came 
to Perry county in 1817, and deceased in Clayton township, 1819. 
Daniel's mother w^as Elizabeth King, who after the death of her hus- 
band, resided with her son, to the year 1867, when she died at the age 
of eighty-three. She w^as a cousin of Judge King, the first Represen- 
tative of Perry county in the Ohio Legislature, and died in full fellow- 
ship of the Baptist Church. Daniel was married in the 3rear 1837, ^^ 
Miss Maria Kenard, who died in 1840, leaving an only son, Alvah, and 
her husband, who has ever since remained a widower. This family of 
Moores is of Irish-German descent. From his grandfather, Daniel 
Moore, Sr., Daniel, Jr., received in 1821, the mone}- with wdiich to pur- 



488 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

chase the hind from the government, which he occupied near Straits- 
ville, and which was sold in 1870 to T. J. Maginnis, Esq., at $100 per 
acre. Mr. Moore, to encourage the raih^oad, had signed two diiierent 
contracts, donating the undivided hah of the mineral on this one hun- 
dred and sixty acre farm, and so earnest and honest was he in this in- 
tention that he offered to sign a third contract, when it was supposed 
that the previous ones were defective. He sold the land by warranty, 
but held a guarantee from the bu3^er that no recourse would be had on 
the seller because of such contracts, should the}' prove good. In 1863, 
his son, Alvah, married Miss Anzela Pergon, who is now the mother of 
Sarah Maria, Mary Alice, William Henry, and Harmar Lewis Moore, 
all living, and one son decetised. She is a member of the Baptist 
church, and a lady distinguished lor her kindness to the sick, and for 
her neighborlv virtues. Daniel Moore's lirst vote was cast for Martin 
Van Buren in 1836, and has been uniformly Democratic since then. 
He bought the Cay wood farm, near Somerset, and in 1881, aided b}- his 
son, built a splendid brick dwelling. 

Moore, G. W., Justice of the Peace, New Lexington, Ohio ; was 
born May 19, 1822, in Clayton township, this county, son of George 
and Rachel (Guy) Moore. Mr. Moore was raised upon a farm and fol- 
lowed farming until he was eighteen years of age, when he went to 
the wool-carding trade, which he followed for six years ; at first engag- 
ing with Law & Carroll, near New Lexington, with whom he continued 
three years ; was one 3'ear at Oakfield and two years in Hock- 
ing county, Ohio, where he started a carding machine of his 
own, continuing as above stated, when he sold out and again 
went to farming, which he continued four years. In 1850, he 
moved into Harrison township, this county, where he lived two ^^ears 
and was engaged in the stone quarry business ; from there he went to 
Saltillo, where he lived until 1862, engaged in the boot and shoe busi- 
ness. During the time he lived in Clayton township he served nearly 
eighteen years as Justice of the Peace. He moved to Uniontown in 
1862, where he kept hotel two years, and again returned to Saltillo, 
where he lived when he was elected County Recorder, in October of 
1874, and moved to New Lexington in December of same year, where 
he lived until September, of 1882, having been re-elected at the expira- 
tion of his first term of office, and served six years in all. In Septem- 
ber, Qf 1881, he was elected Justice of the Peace in New Lexington, and 
continued in that office until September, 1882, when he moved to with- 
in two miles of that place, on the road leading to Somerset, where he 
purchased eighty acres of land. Mr. Moore was married October 8, 
1845, to Harriet, daughter of Jacob and Catharine (Burley) Richards, 
of Harrison township, this county. They are the parents of seven chil- 
dren, viz. : Rachel Catharine, James Madison, deceased, at eight 
months ; Jacob Richards, Jesse Heber, Edward Elbridge, Alvah 
Franklin and Etta Lizzie. Mr. Moore's father was one of the first settlers 
of Clayton township, he and two of his brothers entering one hundred 
and sixt}' acres of land each in section No. 12, where he lived and died, 
September 20, 1845, at about seventy-two 3'ears of age. When he en- 
tered this land their nearest neighbor, except those brothers in that sec- 
tion, for they all entered at the same time, was five miles distant. He 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNtV. 489 

was a very line marksman, at one time killing forty-seven deer in 
three weeks. At one time, when with his son, G. W., he killed three 
deer without moving from his tracks. At that time, all kind ot game 
was plenty, such as bears, wolves, panthers, wild turkeys, etc. Mr. 
Moore was a very quiet and peaceable citizen, a hearty, rugged fron- 
tiersman, and raised a famih^ of nine children, live bo3\s and four girls, 
the subject of this sketch being the youngest bov. 

Moore, George, merchant ; post office. Buckeye Cottage ; born 
in Perr}^ county, in 1824, son of Robert and Rebecca (Claypool) 
Moore. The former was born in Pennsylvania ; the latter in Virginia. 
The father of the subject of this sketch died in 1832; his mother in 
1878. The subject of this sketch was married in 1852, to Miss Mariah 
Amrine, daughter of John and Martha (Brooks) Amrine. They are the 
parents of six children, viz. : Joseph L., John H., George W., William, 
P. B., Cyrus B. He has been in the mercantile business about twenty- 
two years. 

Moore, W. S., Pike township. New Lexington, Ohio ; farmer and 
wheelwright ; was born October 31, 1827, in Washington county, Penn- 
sylvania ; son of William and Isabelle (Rogers) Moore. Mr. Moore 
was raised a farmer, but learned the wheelwright trade, at which he was 
engaged up to his twenty-fifth year, when he again took up agriculture, 
continuing thereat until the War of the Rebellion broke out, when he en- 
listed in his country's cause, September 4, 1862, for three years, and 
served until February i, 1864, at this date being discharged in New^ 
Orleans, from reason of disability. During his term of enlistment, he 
fought in the battles of Chickasaw Blufis, Arkansas Post, Grand Gulf, 
Thompson Hills, Champion Hills, Big Black, and in the charge upon 
Vicksburg. He was married March 11, 1852, to Rebecca A., daughter 
of James and Nancy (Moore) Adams, of Guernsey county, Ohio. 
Mr. Moore came to Perry county in 183 1, and to New Lexington 
March 2, 1881, where he now lives. 

Moore, James L., farmer ; Bearfield township, McLuney post office ; 
born on the farm where he now resides, in 1834 ' ^^^ ^^ William 
C. and Jane (Bool) Moore, both of Irish descent. His father came to 
this township in 1827, and located on the farm where his son, James L., 
now resides. He moved to Guernsey countv in 1861, and died there. 
The subject of this sketch, in 1869, iTi^i"i"ied Rebecca Forsythe, of Cam- 
bridge, Ohio, daughter of Robert and Sarah (Frame) Forsythe, of Irish 
descent. The}- are the parents of the following named children : L. 
L., born April 20, 1870 ; Sadie L., born September ip, 1871 ; John C, 
born February 28, 1874; Laura J., born May 5, 1876; James C. H., 
born December 25, 1878. 

Moore, John H., farmer, Madison township, post office Sego. 
He was born in this township, June 8, 1842 ; is a son of Calvin and Har- 
riet E. (Ford) Moore. He was brought up on a farm, and has always 
followed farming and stock raising. Mr. Moore enlisted August 13, 
i860, in Compau}^ PI, Ninetieth Regiment, and ser\ed two years, re- 
turning unharmed. October 25, 1867, he was married to Miss Peris- 
cilia Chilcole, daughter of Joshua and Catherine (Shaw) Chilcole. 
Mr. and Mrs. Moore are the parents of five children: Walter S., 
Charles N., Sarah A., Martha H., and Mary E. Mr. Moore owns 
47 



490 lUOGKAPHICAI. SKETCHES. 

one hundred and twenty-eight acres of good hind, which he has in an 
excellent state ot* cultivation. 

Moore, C. G., dealer in hardware, stoves, tinware, shingles, doors, 
sash, lumber, paints and oils, Junction City, Ohio ; son of Andrew and 
Louise (Raynor) Moore; born in this county September 27, 1846; was 
a farmer boy till eighteen 3^ears of age, when he went into the dry goods 
business as clerk, in Maxville, Perry county, then clerk in New Lexing- 
ton with Colonel Free ; was there about a year, then was a contractor on 
the railroad tor four years. He located herein October, 1873, and es- 
tablished his present business, and has the best stock in town and a 
good trade. He was married in February, 1870, to Miss Mary C, 
daughter of Joel D. and Eliza (Vanatta) Elder. They are the parents 
of three children, living, viz. : Keturali B., William H., and Lois 
Viola. Mr. Moore's father was a Captain in the Mexican War, and 
was Captain of home guards for several years. He was presiding officer 
of the guards at the time Work was hung at Somerset, this county, for 
the murder of a boy. He was of German and Irish descent. 

Moore, Alvah F., Chicago, Illinois. Very prominent among 
Perry county's most promising young men stands the name 
of A. F. Moore. Though still young, he has shown an aptitude and 
capacitv for business seldom seen. He is the youngest son of G. W. 
and Harriet (Richards) Moore, both of whom are now living, resi- 
dents of New Lexington. A. F. was born in the village of Saltillo, 
this county, June 10, i860. Giving early promise of aptitude beyond 
his years he attended the village school until fourteen years of age, 
when, his father having been elected to the office of County Recorder, 
he removed with him to New Lexington. At this age he entered the 
high room of the public schools at that place, where he remained until 
he graduated at the age of sixteen, also filling the position of deputy 
under his father during this time. At the age of fourteen he was grant- 
ed a certificate to teach. At the age of seventeen he began teaching,' 
a vocation he followed for three successive winters. In the meantime he 
was employed by the County Commissioners to make a complete record 
and plat of all the towns in the county. This work occupied his time 
for one year, and when completed was pronounced the finest specimen 
of pen work ever placed on record in the county. It is now on record 
in the County Recorder's office, and is a work of which any one should 
feel proud. He then began traveling for a Chicago firm, which he fol- 
lowed for eighteen months, when he returned to New Lexington, form- 
ed a copartnership with Mr. J. W. Dusenbury, and founded the news- 
paper known as The Independent, This enterprise proved a most de- 
cided success, in which he continued tor one year, when he sold his in- 
terest to his partner to accept the management of one of the largest 
publishing houses in Chicago, in which capacity" he is still employed. 
Mr. Moore was married December 6, 1881, to Miss Sack, only daugh- 
ter of William and Elizabeth Martineau, of Roseville, Ohio. 

MoREHEAD, Turner Elias, hardware, tin shop, stoves, etc., Main 
street. New Lexington, Ohio. Mr. Morehead was born September 3, 
1820, in Fauquier county, Virginia ; son of Charles and Susannah (Bar- 
bey) Morehead. His father died when Turner was but eight years old. 
At fifteen, he, with his mother's family, came to Somerset, this county. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 49I 

and he went to the blacksmith trade, and followed it about sixteen years, 
excepting one year's schooling, when about nineteen years of age. In 
1853, he came to this place and followed his trade, until 1856, when he 
established his present business, being the first establishment of the kind 
in the place. Mr. Morehead has been successful in his business, hav- 
ing a fine stock of goods in his line, and a good farm which he also 
oversees near this place. Mr. Morehead was married October 2, 1845, 
to Miss Sarah, daughter of Robert and Nancy (Glassford) Brown. 
They are the parents of seven children, viz. : Owen Robert, Eliza- 
beth, deceased ; Charles Albert, Edward Newton, Otto Turner, de- 
ceased ; Clara Belle and Elmer Grant. Mr. Morehead began life for 
himself, a poor orphan boy, but by honest industry and econom}', he 
has obtained an ample competence. 

Morgan, L?:wis, Shawnee, Ohio ; was born July 14, 1833, in Swan- 
sea, Glamorganshire, Wales ; son of Lewis and Mary (Reese) Morgan. 
Was brought up in his native town, where he remained until he was 
twenty-six years of age, working in coal mines from his seventh year, 
as follows : Plymouth, Ruma, Dowlesc}^ and Aberdare, from where he 
emigrated to America, coming to McKeesport. Pennsylvania, and has 
been employed on the following places : Freeport, Cannelton, Vir- 
ginia, which place he left on account of war troubles, where his life was 
threatened, and where he made good his escape through a window, and 
reached Youngstown, Ohio, in safety, and went to Weathersville, Ma- 
honing county, Ohio, where his famih' joined him, having come from 
Wales. Came then to Coalburg, Trumbull county, Ohio ; and then to 
Hulburt ; and was engaged in winter seasons in Iowa, Missouri, Illi- 
nois and Indiana. Mr. Morgan was married November 21, 1854, *^ 
Mary Ann, daughter of Thomas and Catharine (Thomas) Jones, of 
Pendenlwyn Glamorganshire, Wales. They are the parents of six 
children, living, viz. : Martha, Catharine, Elizabeth, David, Edith, 
and Lewis. Mr. Morgan is engaged in business for himself in this 
place. 

Morgan, William A., Assistant Postmaster, Shawnee, Ohio; was 
born November 9, 1858, in Parkend, Gloucestershire, England ; son of 
Alfred and Mary A. (Simmons) Morgan. While yet a youth, his par- 
ents brought him to America, landing in New York, August 20, 187 1, 
whence they went to Phillipsburg, Pennsylvania, where they remained 
fifteen months, engaged in mining, and from there came direct to Shaw- 
nee, Ohio, arriving December 10, 1872, and has made this his home up 
to the present. Since coming here he has spent one year in Madison 
Academy, Mt. Perry, this county, the school year of 1877 and 1878 ; 
eighteen months at Ohio University, beginning in the fall of 1878 ; one 
year with his father as an iron ore contractor ; and was employed in 
August, 1880, as Assistant Postmaster, where he has remained to this 
time. Mr. Morgan's father moved to Jackson county, Kansas, August, 
1880, where he purchased a farm, and has followed agricultural pursuits 
up to this time. His post office is Holton, Jackson count}^, Kansas. 

MoTz, Michael, proprietor family grocery and bakery. Main street. 
New Lexington, Ohio. Mr. Motz was born November ,6, 1845, in 
Knox county, Ohio, son of Philip and Barbara (Young) Motz, of Ger- 
man descent. In 1867, ^^'- Motz established his business first in Mil- 



492 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

lersburg, Ohio, where he remained one year, when he came to this 
place, where he has continued his business to the present time. Mr. 
Motz was married March 19, 1867, to Miss Magdalena, daughter 
of John and Catharine (Derenberger) Ullman, of German ancestry. 
They are the parents ot five children, viz. : Charles E., deceased; 
Clara, Catharine, James, Arthur, deceased, and Albert William. 

Mullen, William, farmer. Pike township ; post office. New Lex- 
ington, Ohio ; was born August 19, 1804, in count}' Tyrone, Ireland ; 
son of Owen and Sarah (Harvey) Mullen. Mr, Mullen was raised a 
farmer, and has made agricultural pursuits the business of his life, ex- 
cept fourteen years he worked on public works, engaged on the Union 
Canal, and assisted in making the first tunnel that was made in the 
United States of America, on Union Canal, in Lebanon county, Penn- 
sylvania. Came to America in 1823, bringing with him his mother and 
sister, his father having died in Ireland when he was about fourteen 
years of age. Sailed from Belfast to New Brunswick, and from thence 
to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ; from thence went to Lancaster, Penn- 
S3''lvania, where they remained about three years, and he was engaged 
on public works ; one year on Union Canal, eight or nine months on 
Delaware and Peapatch Canal, and remainder of time on turnpike. 
Came to Perrv county, Ohio, in 1826, and settled near Somerset, and 
soon after bought the eighty acres of land upon which he now lives, and 
to which he has since added two hundred and forty acres, owning in all 
three hundred and twenty acres. The first purchase of eighty acres 
was for one hundred dollars, and was relinquished land. Has had all 
of his land optioned at forty-five dollars per acre, as mineral land. The 
first two years he was employed on public works, he received forty cents 
per da}' for his labor. During his employ at tunnel, he received sixty- 
two and one-half cents per day and board. While upon the turnpike, 
the highest w^ages he ever received, was seventy-five cents per day and 
board himself. He also assisted in this State in building the reservoir 
in Fairfield county. Cleared the eighty aci'es he first purchased, and a 
good deal on the balance that he now owns. Was married February, 
1842, to Miss Rosa, daughter of Edward and Catharine (McCafirey) 
McGoldrack, of county Tyrone, Ireland, but lived in Columbus, Ohio, 
at the time of her marriage. They are the parents of two children now 
living, viz. : William Thomas and Mary A., and six deceased, viz. : 
Patrick, John, and four died in infancy. In an early day, Mr. Mullen 
used to pay a six pence per bushel for getting his wheat ground, as they 
would not take toll. Can remember when Rehoboth was much larger 
than New Lexington ; and has seen its streets crowded with six-horse 
teams from Pennsylvania for tobacco. Cows with calves by their sides 
were sold for seven dollars. In purchasing stock, produce was given 
as pay, and money was but little known and used. Coffee was so scarce, 
that it was only used upon the occasion of guests or on Sunday morn- 
ing. Corn was worth twelve and one-half cents, and wheat twenty-five 
cents per bushel. He has really known all of a pioneer'^ life, and is 
one of the few who now live to realize the luxuriant outgrowth of these 
labors and hardships. 

Neil, Thomas, collier, Shawnee, Ohio ; was born October, 1838, 
in county Tyrone, Ireland; son of Edward and Ellen (Menan) Neil, 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 493 

Mr. Neil was raised a farmer, and continued to follow agricultural pur- 
suits until he was fifteen years of age, when he went to White Haven 
Landing, England, and from thence to New Castle, upon the Tyne, 
where he remained about 15 years, engaged as a miner; from whence 
he emigrated to America, in June, 1869, landing in New York, and has 
been engaged as follows : At Circleville, Elk county, Pennsylvania, 
mining, about three months ; Center county, Pennsylvania, one month 
mining on eighteen inch vein of coal ; Powellton, Clearfield count}^ 
Pennsylvania, remaining there until January ist, 1870, mining; Coal 
Valley, on Monongahela River, until he came to Shawnee in October of 
1872, "where he has remained to this time, and is cemetery trustee and 
treasurer at this time. Mr. Neil was married May 12, 1868, to Jane, 
daughter of Andrew and Ann (Witherington) Todd, of county Tyrone, 
Ireland. 

Newman, Thomas, retired farmer. Pleasant township ; post office, 
Oakfield. He was born in 1812, in Brighton, England. He emigrated 
to this countr}' in 1836, and located at Zanesville, and was engaged in 
farming and distilling while there. He came to Perry in 1846, and set- 
tled in this township. He was married in England in 1836, to Martha 
Carter of Hampshire. Their children are as follows : Ellen, born Au- 
gust 12, 1837, died in 1868; Sarah, born in 1840, married a Mr. Curtis, 
a farmer who resides in California ; Charles W., born in 1842, married 
Annie Kelley in 1863. Charles is deceased. George, born in 1844, 
married Olive Conaway, and resides in Oakfield. Annie is at home 
with her parents. Mr. Newman now resides in Oakfield. 

Newman, Mrs. Ann, Pleasant township ; post office, Moxahala. 
She was born September 27, 1838. Daughter of John and Elizabeth 
Kelley. Mr. Kelley was a native of Virginia, and Mrs. Kelley of Penn- 
sylvania ; they came to this State in 1816, and located in Clayton town- 
ship. Mrs. Newman was married June 18, 1863, to Charles W. Newman, 
son of Thomas Newman ; and they moved on the farm where she now 
resides, in October, 1880. Mr. Newman died February, 1881, aged 
thirty-six years. The}' became the parents of the following named 
children: William A., born May 11, 1864; Rose M., December 25, 
1867 ; James C, January 22, 1872, and died in 1873 ; Martha E., Octo- 
ber 9, 1873 ; Joseph B., October 22, 1875. 

Nixon, John S., farmer and breeder of thoroughbred sheep, post 
office, Rehoboth, Clayton township. Perry count}^ ; born in Perry county 
in 1841 ; son of Levi and Mary (Goodlive) Nixon. The former died 
in 1861, the latter in 1878. They were of Scotch and German parent- 
age ; grandson of Robert and Katharine (Sapp) Nixon; grandson of 
Jacob and Mary Goodlive. Grandfather Goodlive was a soldier under 
Napoleon Bonaparte. Mr. Nixon was married in 1861, to Miss Mar- 
garet Wolf, daughter of George and Salvina Wolf. The}' are the 
parents of four children, viz.: Almeda E., died September 22, 1879; 
Mary M., who died February 28, 1879 '• William H., and Clara J. Mr. 
Nixon commenced teaching in the common schools when but sixteen 
years of age, and taught six years. He was nominated in 1881 for 
Countv Treasurer on the Democratic ticket. He has also held the fol- 
lowing township offices : Assessor, Clerk, and Justice of the Peace. 

Nixon, Levi, farmer, post office, Maxville, Ohio ; was born in Moit- 



494 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

day Creek township, January 8, 1855 ; son of Levi and Mary (Goodlive) 
Nixon, Spent his early boyhood days on a farm. Was married Sep- 
tember 21, 1876, to Rebecca M., daughter of James and Magdalene 
(Garlinger) Wilson. They are the parents of four children, viz. : Ger- 
tie May, Mary M., Dora M., and Clara. 

NoE, Andrew J., ticket and freight agent, and telegraph operator, 
at Moxahala, post office, Moxahala, Pleasant township, Ohio ; son of 
William and Isabella (Pugh) Noe. His paternal grandfather came from 
New Jersey in 1813, to Franklin county. Pie was of French descent. 
His maternal grandfather came to Franklin county trom Wales in 1802. 
Mr. A. J. Noe enlisted, in 1864, in the 123d Regiment, O. V. I., and 
remained one year in the service. He then went into the telegraph 
office in Upper Sandusky, and has remained on the railroad ever since. 
He married Miss E. Robinson, of Pennsylvania. She is of German 
descent. They are the parents of two children, Lulu and Frances. 

Noon, Charles, farmer, Clayton township ; born in Donegal county, 
Ireland, about the year 1798 ; emigrated to America in 182 1, and was 
married in 183 1, to Miss Ann Fealty, native of Cumberland county, 
Pennsylvania, daughter of Bernard and Ann (Carr) Fealty, natives of 
Donegal county, Ireland, who emigrated to America in 1802. They 
became the parents of fourteen children, viz. : Peter, Michael, Thomas, 
Mary, married to John Sanders : Catharine, died in infancy ; Ann, 
married to Charles Noon; John, Catharine, married to George Piper; 
Dorothy^ Rose Ann, married to John Prindable ; David, married to 
Catharine McKana ; Morgan, and an infant not named. Charles and 
Ann Noon became the parents of eleven children, viz. : James, de- 
ceased ; John, married to Mary A, Largey, now residing in Audubon 
county, Iowa ; Dennis, who went west some thirty years ago and has 
not been heard of since ; Mar}^ Ann, married to Patrick Coyle, living 
in Shawnee, Ohio; Lydia R., deceased; Charles P., married to Anas- 
tasia P. Hammond, living in Clayton township, this county ; Bernard, 
married to Margaret Bennett, daughter of George C. and Ann (Carroll) 
Bennett. (They are the parents of five children, viz. : George D., 
Charles, James, Mary Ann, and John Paul, and reside in Clayton 
township, this county) ; Morgan, now residing with his father, in Cla}'^- 
ton township ; Philip, married to Josephine Bennett, and resides in 
Rendville, O, ; Albert, attorney at law, New Lexington, Ohio ; and 
David, who died in infancy. The following named brothers and sisters 
of Charles Noon emigrated to America in the following years : James, 
about the year 1815 ; Dennis, about 1820 ; John, 1825 ; Philip, Marga- 
ret, and Ellen, in 1845, and all located in Perry county, Ohio. Charles 
Noon, the subject of this sketch, is now eighty-four years of age, the 
only surviving member of his father's family, and at present enjoys 
good health, living upon the farm where he has resided for the last 
fifty-one years. John Noon, brother of Charles Noon, was born Au- 
gust 10, 1805, and was married April 22, 1830, to Lydia DeLong, born 
May 2, 1809. They became the parents of one child, viz. : Philip 
Dominick, born May 17, 183 1. The Bible record contains the 
following : "P. D. Noon went to St. Joseph's Convent August 14, 1843 ; 
commenced his novitiate May 31,1846 ; made his vows August 22, 1847 ; 
was ordained priest September 28, 1853, and died February 14, 1859." 



HISTORY OF' PERRY COUNTY. 495 

Noon, Philip, of the firm of Bennett & Noon, merchants, post 
office, Rendville, Ohio ; born July 19, 1850, in Clayton township, Perry 
count3% Ohio; son of Charles and Ann (Fealty) Noon. Philip was 
brought up on a farm, where he remained until twenty-one, when he 
began teaching school in the winter seasons and farming in the summer, 
until May, 1881, when he formed a copartnership with Albert Bennett, 
in merchandising, which lasted until the present firm was formed, No- 
vember 21, 1881. This firm is having quite an extensive trade. Mr. 
Noon was married September 6, 1881, to Miss Josephine, daughter of 
George and Anne (McDonald) Bennett, of Bearfield township, Perrv 
county, Ohio. 

Noon, Albert, attorney, New Lexington, Ohio. He was born in 
McLune3% Perry county, Ohio, Januar}- 17, 1854. -^^^ father, Charles 
Noon, was born in Ireland in 1798, and came to America in 182 1, 
After a few years work in Maryland he came to Ohio and bought a 
farm in Cla^'ton township. Perry county, on which he now resides. He 
was married in 1831, to Ann Fealty, who died February 8, 1881. Their 
family consisted of eleven children, eight of whom are still living. 
The youngest son now living, Albert, attended the district school in the 
winter and worked on the farm in summer, until he reached the age of 
fourteen years, when he came to New Lexington, attended the high 
school two years, then commenced teaching district schools, and so 
taught imtil he reached the age of twenty. He then went to Shawnee, 
Perry county, and took charge of the grammar School four years ; com- 
menced 'the study of law in 1876, with Jackson & Ferguson, at New- 
Lexington ; was admitted to the bar September 3, 1878, and formed a 
copartnership with John Ferguson immediately after. 

Noon, Rev. H. D., was born October 10, 1819, in Cambria county, 
Pennsylvania, in the town of Munster ; when about fourteen years of age 
his family removed out of town a few miles, and he engaged at 
work on a farm. Poor as were his opportunities he acquired a goodlv 
knowledge of mathematics, including the theory of surveying; when at 
the age of twenty-four or twenty-five he engaged as an employe on a 
railroad, serving the most of his time as engineer, and thus for ten 3'ears 
prior to his entrance at St. Joseph, he was a laboring man. Here, after six 
or seven years of hard study , he was admitted to the Priesthood and served 
the congregations at McLuney, South Perry and New Lexington. Af- 
terwards he became Procurator at St. Joseph's, in which capacitv he 
served for five years. This office made him Superintendent of the four 
hundred and eighty acres of land there, and when added to his duty of 
purchases and sales, and providing supplies for so large a household, 
and to the sagacious selection of stock herds and seed for planting, the 
magnitude of his work ma}^ be estimated. In 1869 he came to Holy 
Trinit}^ as Priest in charge. Here at Somerset for thirteen years past 
his labors mark the life of the man and of his congregation with mutual 
confidence and afltection which have grown with increasing fervencv- 
He found St. Mary's Convent a heap of neglected ruins, the tower "of 
Holy Trinity but half completed, and these outward signs of material 
condition, looking down wath sorrow upon the ruins of an abandoned 
railroad at their feet, struggling in doubtful effort to vocalize the reign 
of silence and disaster with the voice of regenerating steam and com- 



496 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

merce. Under the energetic ministrations of Father Noon, the church 
tower and spire soon pierced the air one hundred and fifty-seven feet 
above the hill on which it rests, surrounded by the cross, and vocalized 
by a bell weighing" two thousand one hundred and fifty pounds, which 
sends its sound for miles into the sui rounding country. Holy 
Trinity was first built on its present site in 1826, and the new 
building was erected in 1857, thirty-one years later, and greatly en- 
larged. It stands in honor, beauty and comfort a monument to the 
skill and architecture of its time, an ornament to Somerset, and is a cer- 
tificate of the zeal and liberty, and devotion of its builders-. The plas- 
tering, done by Nagle, may challenge the art for a superior in designs, 
in beauty, in ornament, in taste and in durability. The finishing 
touches are now being added b}^ the erection of an altar from Anton 
Kloster, 274 East Twenty-sixth street, New York, at a cost of $2,000. 
What has been said of the plastering may be said also of the aUar ; it 
ranks in the front of all that is beautiful, ornamental and useful, of the 
French and Grecian style. The great work, however, which attests 
the splendid executive ability of Father Noon, as well as the liberality 
and appreciation of the Somerset community, is the rebuilding of St. 
Mary's Academ}^ which was burned in June, 1866, at a time when it 
held the front rank as a Catholic institution of learning in, and enjoyed 
a patronage co-extensive with the United States. It was founded in 
1830, and built opposite Holy Trinity, on a lot purchased from Drury 
Harper, deceased. The Sisters of the Dominican Order, who occupied 
it, went to Columbus, and it was not until 1879, ^^^^^ ^^^^ foundations of 
the new building were laid on the same site of the old, but in propor- 
tions of greater magnitude and elegance of style. This work has now 
progressed (in December 1882) to the third story, but is not yet under 
roof. It has a one hundred and eight feet front, sides fift}' feet, and a 
rear wing seventy-two feet in length and twenty-four feet in width. It 
is provided with ventilating flues ; a cistern is to be erected in the third 
story to supply drinking w^ater to the rooms, the baths, and the water- 
closets below, and there is provision made for additional wings, should 
the future demand them. The baths are to be hot 01 cold, and so con- 
nected with sewerage as to insure the utmost riddance of the premises 
from miasmatic effects, the entire cost reaching nearl}^ $20,000, even 
under the utmost economy and sagacity of Father Noon, who has thus 
inside of thirteen years added improvements which, in cost of material 
and labor, verges near to $26,000 in value. This excellent and devoted 
man keeps no horse or livery. He visits the sick on foot, and it is not 
unusual for him to join in the heaviest work connected with his improve- 
ments, and has been known to walk from Lancaster to Somerset a dis- 
tance of eighteen miles, where the cars were unable to reach the latter 
place on the same night. 

North, J. S., farmer and breeder of thoroughbred Atwood sheep, 
Clayton township, post office New Lexington ; born in Hocking comity, 
Ohio, in 185 1 ; came to Perry county in 1876 ; son of William and Re- 
becca (Randolph) North. The former died in 1876. He is a grandson of 
John and Sarah (Collins) North, and grandson of John and Eliza (McEl- 
hen}^) Randolph. He married, in 1876, Miss Phebe Allen, daughter of 
Richard and Maria (Lanning) Allen. They are the parents of two chil- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 497 

dren, William H, B,, and Grace D, L. Mr. North's people are of English 
descent. The subject of this sketch has in his possession his grand- 
father's Bible, bearing date of 1793. 

NuGANT, John, marshal, New Straitsville ; he was born inLaundee 
Glen, Morganshire, South Wales, January 2, 1857 ; is a son of William 
and Mary Nugant, natives of Ireland. In 1864, he moved to Ireland, 
and after attending school there for seven years, returned to Wales, 
where he remained two years. In 1873, he came to America, locating 
in New Philadelphia, Tuscarawas county, Ohio. In 1877, ^"^^ married 
Mary Devine, whose parents were natives of New York State. Mr. 
Nugant came to New Straitsville in 1877, and engaged in mining coal, 
until Januar}^ 1881, when he was appointed marshal of New Straits- 
ville, the position he occupies at this writing. 

NuNEMAKER, SoLOMON, farmer, Monday Creek township, P.O., Max- 
ville, Ohio ; was born in Hopewell township. Perry county, Ohio ; son 
of Daniel and Christina (Shue) Nunemaker ; was brought upon a farm, 
and came to this township in the spring of 1836, and has resided*here ever 
since. Was married January- 7, 1836, to Sarah, daughter of Nicholas 
and Magdalene (Kister) Strohl ; she was born June 12, 1819. They 
are the parents of eight children, viz. : Henry, Amy, Gilbert, 
Martha J., Sarah A., Louisa, Clara M. and George. Mrs. Nunemaker 
died in 1862. He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1838, and re- 
mained in that office twentj^^-four years ; he was elected Representative 
of the county in 1854, served one term. Mr. Nunemaker is a very 
active man in politics, and was always the champion of right. 

O'Farrell, Michael, M. D., Shawnee, Ohio; was born March 
14, 1852, in Perry county, Ohio ; son of Barnard and Julia (Conway) 
O'Farrell, natives of county Longford, Ireland ; came to Perry county, 
Ohio about the year 1850. Michael was brought up on the farm where 
he remained until 1874. In 1870, began teaching school, and taught 
three terms. Began the stud}- of medicine in 1873, and was graduated 
at Bellevue Plospital Medical "College, New York, in 1876 ; began prac- 
tice at McCuneville, where he remained six months, then came to his 
present location. Dr. O'Farrell was married in 1878, to Miss Ellen, 
daughter of James and Mary Barrett, natives of Ireland, but now resi- 
dents of Shawnee, Ohio. They became the parents of two children, 
Julia Mary and James Bernard. Mrs. O'Farrell died March 20, 1881. 

Ogg, John W., farmer ; Bearfield township, Deavertown post office ; 
born in Clayton township in 1810; son of George and Rachel (Frend) 
Ogg. liis father was of Scotch descent and born in Baltimore, and 
his mother was of English descent. His father emigrated to Ohio in 
the year 1800 and entered land near the town of Somerset ; he died in 
Beartield township in 1832, and his mother diud in 1819. The subject of 
this sketch has always resided in this county, with the exception of the 
four years he was in Hocking county. In 1830 he married Sarah Lat- 
mon, who died in 1831. He was married again in 1833 to Mary Elston, 
of Muskingum county, and they are the parents of the following named 
children : Sylvester, married and lives in Bearheld township ; Sarah J. ; 
George, married and resides in Kansas; Ruth E., who was married 
and her husband died in the army ; Martha ; Wesley, who died in the 
army ; Margaret, who is married and resides in this township. 

48 



498 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Oldroyd, Enoch, collier, Shawnee, Ohio, was born August 10, 
1842, in Thornhill, Yorkshire, England ; son of Thomas and Esther 
(Wilkinson) Oldroyd. Mr. Oldroyd was raised in the town of his na- 
tivity, where he remained initil he was twenty-tive years of age, and 
was engaged in coal mining from the time he was old enough to work 
at the business, probably from nine or ten years of age, after which he 
was employed one year at Beatty and at Ossett six years in mining, 
when he emigrated to America, setting sail from Liverpool March 2d, 
landing in New York March 14, 1870, and went to near Frostbui-g, 
Maryland, where he was engaged as a miner four months, and then 
went to Pennsylvania, on the Monongahela River, where he remained 
until 1873, when he moved to Shawnee, Ohio, where he has since lived 
and been employed as a miner. Mr. Oldroyd was married in March, 
1865, to Patience, daughter of William and Jane (Stubler) Almond. 
They are the parents of nine children, viz. : Joseph, Jeremiah, Hannah, 
Cyrus, Gracie, Patience, Jamie, John, and Esther, living, and one de- 
ceased, Dick. Mr. Oldroyd has served the P. M. Church as local 
preacher, trustee, Sabbath school superintendent, and Sabbath school 
teacher. 

Opperman, Jacob H., Superintendent Licking Iron Company, 
Shawnee, Ohio ; was born January 26, 1845, in Cour Hessa, Germany, 
son of Jacob and Gertrude Opperman. Jacob H. was brought to Amer- 
ica when three years of age by his parents, who located in Armstrong 
county, Pennsylvania, after spending one year in the city of Pittsburgh, 
Pennsylvania. In 1866, Jacob H. came to Steubenville, Ohio, and re- 
mained seven years, then returned to Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, 
and remained until January, 1878, when he took his present charge. 
Mr. Opperman was married November 7, 1867, to Miss Catharine Ellen, 
daughter of John and Margaret (Campbel) Starr, of German ances- 
try. They are the parents of five children, viz. : Annie Mary, Adah 
Gertrude, Margaret Jane, deceased, Minnie Alice and Emma Dean. 

Owens, Hugh, boot and shoe manufacturer, Rendville, Ohio ; born 
about the year 1854, in county Ma3^o, Ireland, son of John and Mary 
(Casey) Owens, now living in Ireland. At about the age of tw^elve 
years Hugh went to his present trade. After its completion he went to 
England and located in London, where he remained two years. Then 
he emigrated to America and located at Washington, Fayette county, 
Ohio. He subsequently resided at Lancaster and New Lexington, 
Ohio, and came to the Sunday Creek Valley in the 3^ear 1880. Mr. 
Owens is a good machanic, being able to make first class pvegged or 
sewed work. 

Owens, Wm. P., clerk in Ohio Central Coal Company's store, Rend- 
ville, Ohio ; was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, son of Wm. P. 
and Jeannette (Black) 0\^ ens. His paternal ancestry was Welsh, and 
maternal, Scotch. William P. first began business as clerk, at Green- 
ock, Pennsylvania. This town was laid out and named by William 
Black, grand father of Mr. Owens, and was named for a town in Scot- 
land, of the same name. Mr. Owens remained at Greenock about tw^o 
years, after which he did business a short time ; subsequently he was en- 
gaged at New Lexington, and Moxahala, Ohio, and came to Rendville, 
Ohio, in February 1880. Mr. Owens was married June 15, 1881, to 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 499 

Miss Eva M., daughter of Jona and Hannah (Davis) Taylor, of Rend- 
ville, Ohio. 

OvERMEYER, Peter, was born August 24, 1799, ^^ Northumber- 
land county, Pennsylvania. His father, also named Peter, and his 
mother, whose maiden name was Eve Henig, came to Ohio in 1801, 
with a family of ten children, Peter being then the youngest. In June 
of that year, while crossing the Ohio River on a ferry boat, the 
wheel horses were drowned and the rear end of the wagon with the bed 
and contents floated down the angry flood. The three front horses, 
with the family, had previously been safely landed, and the front car- 
riage was afterwards found fast under the roots of a tree, but the wagon 
bed and hind carriage, containing the household valuables, were never 
recovered, and Peter himself made a narrow escape. He rested in 
Belmont count}^ with his famil}^ until the next year, when he came to 
Perry county and joined Peter Whitmore in the purchase of section one, 
at two dollars per acre, this being the government price, one-third down, 
one-third in a year, and one-third in two years — no less than one sec- 
tion then being sold by the government. It was a brave heart that 
could settle in the woods, with a loving wife and ten children, de- 
pendent on it for protection against hunger, cold and wild beasts, and 
the last payment on the I'and due while there were no funds left to meet 
the obligation and save even the cabin home from forced sale. The sit- 
uation was relieved by the arrival of Adam Auspach, who fell in love 
with section one, the same on which the widow Fisher resided, now in 
part owned by James Love, Esq., and who bought it by agency of 
Dupler, at five dollars per acre. Peter Overmyer, Sr., then bought 
where Peter, Jr., now has lived seventy-eight years, and Peter Whit- 
more, Sr., bought where Peter, Jr., lived until his death in 1880, Oth- 
er men may grow older, others may live longer, others may rise to high- 
er fame, but what citizen of Ohio has lived over three quarters of a 
century on the same farm, drank water from the same fountain, and 
never missed voting the Democratic ticket at any fall, and only missed 
one spring election since 1820? Peter Overme3'er's grandfather and 
grandmother both died at the residence of their son, Jacob, who then 
lived in Thorn township. His other uncles, beside this same Jacob 
Overmeyer, were John, David and Philip, all of whom, with his broth- 
ers George and Jacob, died in Sandusky, Ohio, at ages varying from 
seventy-two to ninety-five. He had also an uncle George, who is buried 
in New Reading, a town laid out by Peter Overmeyer, Sr., in 1805. This 
venerable citizen died in 1842, at the age of eighty-three years. His first 
wife, and mother of all his children, having preceded him in 1823, and 
his second wife, Sarah Harnet, having also died one week before him. 
Peter Overmeyer was married September 25, 1824, to Miss Rosanna 
Bueb, and are both yet living. This estimable lady was born in Baden, 
on the banks of the Rhine, September, 1804. Her father, John Bueb, 
was one of Napoleon's soldiers, whose chief reward for service and 
valor was found in the wounds which disabled him from pursuing any 
other means of support than that of holding street concerts, both vocal 
and instrumental. His tamous songs were translated into English by 
Rev. Hinkel, and were listened to at one time by General Jackson, who 



500 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

acknowledged his satisfaction by giving one dollar to the crippled sold- 
ier, without a pension. He lived in Riishville about the year 1818. His 
daughter, Rosanna, must have been a beautiful young woman to have 
captured so gallant a lover as Peter Overmeyer, and this opinion is sus- 
tained b)^ the pleasing lines of beauty which still linger in the lines of 
her wrinkled brow and the white teeth which defy time and decav, now 
in the fifty-ninth 5'ear of her married life, the mother of eleven children, 
five of whom died in childhood, and six of whom are yet living. His 
sons are George W., who first married a daughter of Bernard Bowman 
and sister of Joel Bowman, who moved to Allen county in 1850, where 
he became, first. County Auditor, and afterwards Probate Judge. After 
the death of his first wife he married a lady by the name of Barnet. 
The first marriage was productive of six, the last of four children. The 
other son is John B. Overmeyer, born in 1835 ? ''• farmer, who was mar- 
ried in 1856 to Miss Amanda Baker, who deceased in 1862, leaving one 
son, Lewis, residence, Columbus, Ohio, and clerk in a dry goods store. 
In 1868 he was again married to Miss Sarah R. Snyder. The children 
by this marriage are Mary, Endora, Clara, John J., Nancv and Robert 
Overmeyer. John B. Overmeyer was elected, in 1873, to the office of 
County Treasurer, and held it the two terms provided for by law, con- 
fining it to four out of six consecutive years. He invented a time lock 
during his incumbency of the treasurer's office, which has large and re- 
spectable merit, but so surrounded by other claims as to be of no prac- 
tical benefit to the finances of the inventor at the present time. For 
some years prior to this he was trustee of his township, and his popular- 
ity, based on his quiet honesty and sterling capacit}-, continues to make 
him the hope of his partv in any close contest for supremacy in the 
county. He lives in the famih^ mansion where the Overmeyer name 
and ancestry has been known and honored for more than three quar- 
ters of a century. 

Overmeyer, Joel W., hardware, stoves, agricultural implements 
and tin shop. Main street. New Lexington, Ohio. Mr. Overmeyer was 
born September 2, 1829, in Circleville, Pickaway county, Ohio, son of 
Jacob and Mary (Weaver) Overmeyer. Young Overmeyer, at sixteen, 
went to the saddlery and harness trade, and followed it about ten years. 
While traveling as a journeyman he visited fourteen different States and 
worked in the most of them, principall}^ the Southern States. He was 
proprietor of a hotel and United States mail contractor at Somerset, 
this count}', for fifteen ^^ears. In 1867, he moved to Lancaster, Ohio, 
and engaged in the first shovel factor}^ established west of Pittsburgh, 
Pennsylvania, in which he remained about eight years ; came to this 
place in 1875, and established his present business, in which he is suc- 
ceeding very well. Mr. Overmeyer was married September 6, 1853, to 
Miss Eliza, daughter of George and Nancy (Ream) Morris, of this 
county. The}' are the parents of seven children, viz. : Clara, George 
Morris, Mary, Alice Lee, Charles John, Eliza and Nellie. 

Pace, Jacob, farmer and stock raiser, post office, Rehoboth, Clay- 
ton township, Perry county, Ohio. Born in this county in 1823 ; son of 
Jacob and Margaret (Linabarv) Pace. The former emigrated here 
from Pennsylvania about the year 1814 ; he died August 13, 1836. His 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 5OI 

wife, Margaret, died August 7, 1864. The subject of this notice was 
married in 1859 ^^ Miss Cinda Moore. They have three children, viz. : 
Charles E., Elmeda A. and Emma C. 

Pace, Elias ; post othce, Rehoboth, Clayton township. Born in 
Perry county in 1835 ? ^^^^ of Jacob and Mary (Miller) Pace. The 
former died i"^n 1861. .Married in 1865 to Mrs. Martha A. Hiles. They 
have one child, viz. : Finlev. Mr. Pace enlisted in the latewarin 1861, 
Company D, Thirtieth O. V. I., Captain J. W. Fowler. Mr. Pace was 
in the following engagements, viz. : Bull Run, South Mountain, Antie- 
tam, and Siege of Vicksburg. 

Palmer, Josiah, furnace builder and painter, post oflice, Shawnee, 
Ohio; was born May 22, 1832, in Bedford county, Pennsylvania; son 
of John and Esther Ann (Miller) Palmer. Mr. Palmer was raised a 
farmer until he was eleven 3'ears of age, when he went as knife scourer 
and potato peeler on board a steamboat (New England No. i), where 
he remained six months, when he became pantry boy on the same 
steamer, serving seven months, when he became second cook on the 
steamer DeWitt Clinton, remaining about one year, and then went to 
the painter's trade, at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, under William McCure, 
serving two years and six months. At this time he went as second 
mate on the steamer Cheviot, plying on the Ohio and Mississippi Riv- 
ers, as far as to St. Joseph, Missouri, which position he held two sea- 
sons. He next went to Hany of the West furnace, in Mercer county, 
Penns34vania, at lirst driving horse and cart for a short time, and then 
broke stock for six months. He then went to Sharon furnace, and was 
top filler for six months ; then to Middlesex, where he assisted the 
keeper of the furnace four months. Again he returned to the river as 
first mate on the Grand Turk, running from St. Louis to New Orleans, 
remaining about nine months ; then w^as employed at Brier Hill fur- 
nace, Youngstown, Ohio, as keeper, remaining about eighteen months, 
and went to Massillon, Ohio, where he was keeper of Volcano and Old 
Massillon furnace for three years : again returned to Youngstown, Ohio, 
and was manager of the Falcon furnace one year ; thence to Pittsburgh, 
as molder and keeper of the Eliza furnace eighteen months ; thence to 
Steubenville, Ohio, Jefferson count}^, and superintended the building of 
the two Jefferson furnaces, which required about two years. He again 
returned to Eliza furnace, superintending the two furnaces about one 
year, when he went to the Stewardson furnace, in Armstrong county, 
Pennsylvania, superintending that furnace about six months, then en- 
gaged with Dunbar Iron Company as superintendent for that company 
about four years. At this time he became a contractor on section 75 of 
the Pittsburgh and Cumberland Railroad, and lost over nine thousand 
dollars in eight months on his contract. Next he went to Zanesville, 
Ohio, where he superintended the building of the Ohio Iron Compan}''^ 
furnace, requiring two years ; then to Columbus, Ohio, blowing the 
North End furnace for four months, and next to Akron, Ohio, building 
the Eva Lily furnace, for Akron Iron Company-, taking him two years. 
He removed to Shawnee, Ohio, and rebuilt Fannie furnace. No i., 
and superintendetl the building of XX furnace, and also superintended 
the building of New York furnace ; returned to Akron and rebuilt the 
Akron Iron Works ; then built Bessimer furnace, and located the Og- 



502 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

den furnace at Orbiston, the above two in Athens county, Ohio ; drew 
the plan for Fannie furnace No. 2, at Shawnee, all since the iron works 
in about two years; went to Winona furnace, near Logan, Ohio, and 
managed furnace for three months. In Happy Hollow, Athens county, 
he superintended the building of three coke ovens, for testing the Baily 
Run coal for coke ; returned to Winona, and superintended the remod- 
eling of the furnace ; again returned to Shawnee, andblowed Fannie fur- 
nace No. I, and superintended remodeling No. 2, requiring six months ; 
next, he tried coal mining three months at Upson mines, and then re- 
turned to the painting trade, and has continued it up to this time. Mr. 
Palmer was married February 18, 1857, to Catharine, daughter of An- 
drew and Celia (Dominices) Grannan. They are the parents of two 
children, Isabel and Celia, who are married. 

Parkison, Joseph, farmer and carpenter, post office, McCuneville, 
Saltlick township, Ohio ; was born March 24, 1840, in this township ; 
son of John and Catharine (Widderwalt) Parkison. Mr. Parkison was 
raised upon a farm, and has followed agricultural pursuits all his life. 
At the time he was two years of age his father moved into Fairfield 
county, Ohio, where he lived fourteen 3'ears, engaged in farming, and 
then lived in Franklin and Pickaway counties twelve years, where he 
also farmed. From there Joseph, the subject of this sketch, returned 
to within one mile of his birthplace, where he has remained up to this 
date, engaged in farming and working at his trade. Mr. Parkison en- 
listed in the army April 19, 1861, in Company A, 3d Regiment O. V. 
I., under Captain Isaac H. Marrow (who had been a Lieutenant under 
General Bragg in the Mexican War), for three months, but the company 
was reorganized and re-enlisted, at the end of two months, for three 
years or during the war, and he served, in all, three years, two months, 
and nine days. Was in the following engagements : Perryville, Ken- 
tucky, October 8, 1862 ; Chickamauga, Tennessee ; Tullahoma, Ten- 
nessee ; Snow Hill, Tennessee, and Pulaski, Tennessee. Was not off 
of duty during the entire time of his enlistment. Was married March 
3, 1866, to Hannah, daughter of John and Jane (Travers) Hazelton. 
They are the parents of five living children, viz. : Clara Jane, Mary 
Catharine, John Henry, James Perry, Sarah Elizabeth, and one de- 
ceased, William Thomas. 

Payne, Elder J. H. P., was born a slave of the John Brand es- 
tate, at Lexington, Kentucky, on the 22d of October, 1847. At the 
age of sixteen years he ran oft' from his owners and went to Camp Nel- 
son, Kentucky, where he enlisted as a soldier in Company D, of the 
114th Regiment U. S. C. troops, in June, 1864. Having served as a 
private for three years, he was honorably discharged from the service, 
at Louisville, Kentucky, in April, 1867 : he came thence to Greene 
county, Ohio, where he lived and labored, and, in 1868, took up the 
study of law, which he did during late hours at night and spare hours 
during the day. Having practiced law a while, he then joined the 
Christian Church, at Xenia, Ohio, under the administration of Elder 
Rufus Conrad. About four months after his admission to the church, 
having taken such great interest in the church and evinced such great 
knowledge of Christianity, he was urged to go to school, at the expense 
of the church, and prepare for the ministry. His father, Jacob Payne, 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 503 

was in debt for a home he had purchased, and he (Elder Pajaie) pre- 
ferred remaining to help his father out of debt and studying at home, 
which he did. For his faithfulness to his church. First-day school and 
parents, his school and church learned to love him, and ordered Elder 
Kinchem Sledge to ordain him, which he did. Elder Payne lived ten 
years in Greene county, and during all that time taught First-day 
school. He left for Columbus in December, 1876. He stayed in Colum- 
bus to preach for a small congregation of white and colored brethren, 
and read medicine. His eyes becoming too weak, after reading law, 
theology, and medicine, by lights at night in his father's little log 
cabin, he was compelled to temporarily give up the study of medicine. 
Elder Payne was then called to the Christian Church, on the corner of 
Fifth and Illinois streets, Indianapolis, Indiana, where he preached for 
the love of the Divine Master, and labored for a livelihood. It was 
there he met with the honor of being the best and most simple Sunday 
schoolteacher known to the State Sunday-school Secretary in the State. 
On arriving at Columbus he took up the tonsorial profession, which 
enabled him to continue his medical studies, which he had pursued 
for nearly four 3'ears, with S. H. Adams, of Cedarville, Ohio, and Drs. 
McLaughlin and Russell, of Springrield, Ohio. He had not been in 
Columbus long before the colored 3''Oung men started a militar}^ organi- 
zation, of which they elected Elder Payne Second Lieutenant. He 
.lemained with them a year, and having a call from Springfield, 
Ohio, he resigned his commission to go to his medical studies and 
preach, after staying five years in Columbus, Ohio. Mrs. S. E. Al- 
ston, whom he married on the 12th of May, 1880, joined his church, 
and was baptized by Elder Brewer, of the Central Christian Church, of 
Indianapolis, who has assisted since in his Christian, as well as domes- 
tic, affairs. When he had been there nearly a year he found his health 
declining from hard work, preaching, too much study, and change of 
climate, and was advised by Dr. R. N. Todd to leave ofl' so much 
work, and retire to some quieter place. Accordingly he gave up his 
pulpit, sold out his business, and came to New Lexington, where his 
health is improving, and he is preaching occasionally for the churches 
around him, and is well thought of. 

Peart, Jeremiah, collier, post office, Shawnee, Ohio; was born 
December 28, 1850, near Crook, Durham county, England, son of Isaac 
and Hannah (Oats) Peart. Mr. Peart lived in the place of his nativity 
until he was ten years of age, when his father's family moved to Crook, 
where he remained until he emigrated to America, taking ship at Liv- 
erpool September 23d, and landing in New York October 5, 1879, f^'om 
where he went to Coshocton, Ohio, and thence to Shawnee, Ohio, of 
which place he has been a citizen up to this time. While in England he 
was employed as track layer in the mines, and since he came to this 
place he has been employed as track layer by Manley Coal Company. 
Mr. Peart was married April 25, 1871, to Elizabeth, daughter of John 
and Elizabeth (Wanless) Wilson, of county Durham, England, near 
Crook. They are the parents of four children, viz. : Margaret Ann, 
Mary Hannah, Lily, and Elizabeth, living; and two deceased, viz. : 
Isaac and Hannah. Mr. Peart is station steward and trustee of the 



504 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



Primitive Methodist Church of this phice, and owns his phice of resi- 
dence on Tiiird street. 

Penman, Malcom, mine boss at No. 13, Corning, Ohio; was born 
August 15, 1837, i" Scotland; son of James and Jane (Walker) Pen- 
man ; Malcom went into the mines of Scotland when ten 3'ears of age, 
and worked there until 1867, when he came to America, and located in 
Columbiana count}^ Ohio, where he remained about eight years, then 
came to Moxahala, and worked there three 3^ears, and to his present 
residence in the fall of 1880. Mr. Penman was married in August, 1857, 
to Miss Christena, daughter of John and Jennette M. (Cook) Boyd. 
They are the parents of eleven children, viz. : James, Jennette, John, 
Malcom, Robert, Jane, deceased ; Christena, George, Adam, William, 
and Joseph. Mr. Penman has a very general, practical experience as a 
miner. 

Penrod, E[arvs:y, farmer, Beartield township, New Lexington 
post office ; born in 1833, in this township ; son of Samuel and Elizabeth 
(Stalts) Penrod, both of German descent. His father emigrated to this 
State in 1818, and settled in Licking county, remaining there about one 
year, and then moved to this township. In 1850 he married Hannah 
Alexander, daughter of Henr}^ and Sabra Allord, both of Irish descent. 
They are the parents of thirteen children, viz. : Martha J., married ; 
Samuel H., married ; John M., married ; James W., married; Eliza- 
beth E., married ; Thomas J., Abraham L., Sarah P., Charles, de- 
ceased ; Alice M., Ida M., Elmore H., and Etta F. 

Penrod, Samuel H., farmer, Bearfield township. New Lexington 
post office; son of Harvey Penrod. He married Miss E. Holcomb, 
daughter of John M. and Elizabeth (McGinnis) Holcomb. They are 
the parents of three children, viz.: Hattie M., born April i, 1874; 
Florence M., born January 3, 1877, and Ethel B., born May 7, 1880. 

Perkins, John M., barber, Shawnee, Ohio ; was born April 10, 
1847, in Fluvanna county, Virginia ; son of John M. and Esther Perkins ; 
was raised upon a plantation, and was driven as a slave b}^ Nathan H. 
Payne, Virginia, until he was eight or nine years of age, when he was 
taken to Kentucky by a negro-driver, and sold to one Dick Mahundre, 
who again sold him to Jesse McCombs, with whom he remained live or 
six years, when he ran away to Fort Donaldson, May 10, 1863, and en- 
listed in the contraband service, in which service he remained about two 
months ; at this time he went with the Provost Marshal to Cairo, Illi- 
nois, remaining with him at that place and at Olney until the spring of 
1865 directly after which he went to Shelby ville, Indiana attending school 
three months, and from there he went to Columbus, Ohio, where he 
was married, in 1866, to Frances Moore, daughter of William and Jane 
Moore, formerly of Virginia. His wife departed this life April 19, 1868. 
They became tlie parents of live children, viz. : William D., Sarah 
M., Joseph, Williett C, and Daisy, all living. Mr. Perkins was engag- ■ 
ed at barbering in Columbus about six months, and in Groveport about 
three years. His family lived in Columbus until the last two years he 
was in^Groveport, when they lived in that place, and from whence they 
came to Shawnee in 1873, and where he is, at this time, engaged at his 
business, and where he owns his present place of business and a half in- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 505 

teres!; in a barber shop now in the Peart building on Main street. Mr. 
Perkins has certainly proved himself a man of industry and economy, 
and an example to many. 

Pe;tty, Jacob, was born in New Jersey, in 1801. When only eight 
years of age he came to Ohio wath his father, Joseph Petty, and his 
mother, Elizabeth Middagh, sister of Major John Middagh. In 1822, he 
married Millie Barns, sister of Weaver Barns. They lived on the farm 
from May, 1833, till the death of his wife in 1863, and afterwards, till 
his second marriage to the widow of Bernard Bowman, at whose home 
he lived to the time of his demise, a few years since. He was a man of 
stalwart frame ; for man}^ years a trustee of the township ; temperate 
in his habits, and noted for the placidity of his temper. His children 
were Jemima Stine, Harrison, Joel, Josiah, Aaron and John ; also, 
Susannah, deceased, wife of John W. Westall, of Somerset, Ohio, who 
was the mother of Samuel, Frank, and Mary Ann, now wife of Chris- 
tian Lechrone. Also, Margaret, wife of Lewis Stoltz. Joseph, the 
lather of Jacob Petty, was eight-five, and his wife eighty-three years of 
age at their respective deaths. The brothers of Jacob Petty were Moses, 
John, Joseph and Aaron. His sisters were, Peggy Stoltz, Polly Van- 
atta, afterward Angle, and last. Rev. John Lehmon ; Jemima Vanatta, 
mother of Dr. E. Vanatta; Sally Pargen, and Betsy Pepple. 

Petty, Josiah, was a farmer, born July 31, 1833; a son of Jacob 
and grandson of Joseph Petty, a very early settler of Perry county. 
This great ancestor, the father of Jacob, Moses, John, Joseph and 
Aaron Petty, and of their sisters, Peggy Stoltz, Polly Vanatta, wife 
also of Paul Angle and last of Rev. John Lehmon : Jemima, mother of 
Dr. E. Vanetta, and Sally Pargen, and Betsy Pepple, died on the 
homestead where his grandson, Josiah, also died, the latter, July 5, 
1879. ^^^ widow, whose maiden name was Harriet, daughter of Philip 
Coleman, and niece of Jacob, George and David Coleman, remains up- 
on the ancestral acres which have descended to her and to her children. 
These, at present, are all unmarried, and are William H., David O., 
Arminda L., Emma L., Jacob C, and Cora J. Petty. Their father, 
Josiah, was a soldier in the one hundred day service, and was wounded 
on Maryland Heights. He was a citizen farmer of irreproachable 
name, and the home he left his widow and children, is not only that 
around which the earliest recollections of the whole township cling with 
pleasure and respect, but remains the center of those recollections which 
assign to the name of Petty its destinctive recognition among the 
earliest in Perry county history. The post office is Somerset, Ohio. 

Phillips, Thomas, bank boss, Shawnee, Ohio ; was born in 1821, 
in Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England ; son of Thomas and 
Elizabeth (Bethel) Phillips. He has been'a miner since he was about 
ten years of age, at lirst in England at Forest of Dean, and South Staf- 
fordshire, until 1847, when he came to America, landing in Philadelphia, 
Pennsylvania, by a sail ship, making the voyage in seven weeks and 
three days, in company with his brother Ja'mes, whom he lost in Min- 
nesota, on the frontier, where he owned some land, upon, last account ol 
him. Upon arriving in Philadelphia, he started for Northumberland, 
and, upon reaching the bridge at this place, it fell, precipitating eigh- 
teen persons and four horses twent3^-one feet into the river, breaking 
49 



2o6 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

all the ribs of his right side, and killing the man who sat in the seat 
with him, and two of the horses. After staying two days at this place, 
he took the stage for Cuyahoga county, thirty-five miles distant, to an 
uncle's house, where he remained until he recovered, and since then has 
been engaged at the following places : Alleghany connty. Maryland, min- 
ing coal and iron ore; Brownsville, Pennsylvania, a few months, sink- 
ing a coal shaft ; Chattanooga, Tennessee, at an iron furnace, six or 
seven months ; Shelby county, x\labama, mining coal. Leaving there 
in 1861, he was obliged to use strateg}^ to get out of the Southern Con- 
federacy. Again in Maryland, Huntington county, Pennsylvania, 
five or six years mining ; Clearfield county, opening a coal mine for R. 
B. Wickton &Co., and superintending for them until he came to Shaw- 
nee, in April, 1872, where he has been bank boss for the Shawnee Val- 
ley Coal and Iron Company, since he arrived. He was married the 
first time in 1850, to Miss Elizabeth Sanson, of Alleghany count}^ 
Maryland, who died in September, 1875. He was again married Jan- 
uary, 1877, to Elizabeth, daughter of James and Caroline (Watkins) 
Williams. They have three children, viz. : Caroline, WilHam Thomas, 
and an infant. 

Phillips, Frederick, collier, Shawnee, Ohio ; was born January 
I, 1846, in Newport, Monmouthshire, Wales; son of Isaac and Eliza- 
beth (Thomas) Phillips. Was raised in his native town until he was 
eleven years of age, when he changed his place of employment to an- 
other mine, where he remained about fourteen years. At this time he 
emigrated to America, in 1871, setting sail from Liverpool, September 
21, landing in New York twenty-three days afterward ; from there he 
went direct to Coalton, Boyd county, Kentucky, remaining one year 
and nine months ; he returned to England, remaining one year, mining ; 
and again returned to Coalton, and mined about three months ; Irom 
thence to St. Charles, Kentuck}', and engaged in mining about three 
years, and then went to Des Moines, Iowa, mining seven months ; again 
at St. Charles, remaining about one 3'ear, mining ; and lastly, came to 
Shawnee, Ohio, where he has remained to this time, and owns a neat 
frame dwelling house. Was married February 24, 1866, to Margaret, 
daughter of Samuel and Martha (Williams,) Tovey, of Monmouth- 
shire, Wales. They are the parents of three living children, viz. : Wil- 
liam Henry, Isaac and Freddie James ; and one, deceased, Freddie 
James, Sr. 

Pierce, Silas C, Superintendent Union Schools. New Straits- 
ville, Ohio; was born January i, 185 1, in Union township, Morgan 
county, Ohio ; son of Zachariah and Sarah A. (Saylor) Pierce. Mr. 
Pierce was brought up on a farm, and followed agricultural pursuits un- 
til he was eighteen ^^ears of age, attending district school in the winter 
season during that time. At the age mentioned he began to teach school, 
•which business he has followed up to this time, teaching in Morgan coun- 
ty, Ohio, until within the last three years, when he has been employed 
in his present position. Mr. Pierce was married September 11, 1874,10 
Mary Jane, daughter of Johnson and Elizabeth (Dawson) Chappelear. 
They are the parents of two children, viz. : Florence Viola and Wil- 
lard Simpson. 

Pierce, Wesley Simpson, school teacher, Saltlick township ; post 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 5^7 

office, Hemlock, Ohio; was born October 21, 1851, in Morgan county, 
Ohio ; son of Lewis Perry and America (Czarina) Pierce. Was brought 
up on a farm until he was seventeen years of age, when he began teach- 
ing school, and taught in Morgan county until 1878 ; since, to the pres- 
ent time, he has taught in Perry county, farming in the summer, except 
four seasons, which he taught. Mr. Pierce was married November 14, 
1872, to Miss Eliza Ann, daughter of William and Mary (Kirkbride) 
Dawson of Morgan county, Ohio. They are the parents of three living 
children, viz : Benjamin Manley, Riley Matson, Mary, and one de- 
ceased, Bertha Alice. 

PiRT, Thomas, superintendent of teams, feed and teamsters of the 
Ohio Central Coal Company, Corning, Ohio; was born June 5, 1841, 
in the county of Northumberland, Craulington, England ; son of Joseph 
and Anne (Mark) Pirt. At the age of seven and one-half years, Thomas 
went into the mines of England, worked until about twent}' and one- 
half years of age, when he started for America ; but being bound to the 
coal company for one year, he was captured on the ship Louisa Ann, 
and tried for deserting his contract, but was acquitted. He then en- 
gaged in the mines w^here he received a severe injury, which disabled 
him about six months. By a little stratagem. he succeeded in embark- 
ing for America on the same ship from which he had previously been 
captured. When about four days out, the ship was caught in a gale 
and lost her main mast, cabins, bulwarks and eighteen of her crew. 
The passengers were kept in the hold five days. The disabled vessel 
was towed back to Queenstown, where Pirt remained sick one week. 
After his recovery he visited several towns in the county of Cork and 
the city of Cork, from which place he returned to his native home, and 
remained a few months : but the fever of emigration was still burning 
in his mind. He again embarked on the City of London, and landed 
in New York City in July, 1862. He located at Wilksbarre, Pennsyl- 
vania, where he sank a shaft by which he saved $4,800 in less than two 
years. After declaring his intention of becoming a citizen of the United 
States, he returned to England. After visiting at home a few months, 
he took a crew of men to Germany, and sank shafts in Prussia, after 
which he remained in England about two years, then re-embarked for 
America. On his second arrival he resumed work for his old com- 
pany at Wilksbarre, Pennsylvania, and remained about one year. He 
subsequently operated at Steubenville, Ohio, and in Illinois, Indiana, 
and Nelsonville, Ohio, where he remained about three years ; at which 
place he was President of the Miners' Union. He was guard in Ohio 
Penitentiary fifteen months. He resided in Columbus about six 3^ears. 
Took his present position October 24, 1881. Mr. Pirt was married De- 
cember 15, i860, in Hetton, county Durham, England, to Miss Dorotha, 
daughter of Mathew and Margaret (Harker) Cox. They are the par- 
ents of eight children, viz. : Margaret Anne, Sarah Hannah, Eliza- 
beth, Dorothy, born in England, and Joseph Mark, Anne, Mary and 
Thomas, born in America. 

Plank, Nathan, farmer; post office, Chalfants, Perry county, 
Ohio ; born 1840 ; County Commissioner, serving a second term. He 
is the only surviving son of Joseph Plank, born in Hopewell township, 
1807, and grandson of Adam Plank, who settled on the farm now occu- 



508 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

pied and owned by Mr. John M. Clark, as early as 1803 or 1804, and is 
therefore among the few brave and hardy pioneers who first disputed 
the right of wild beasts and savages to full possession of the goodly for- 
ests and the fertile soil of Perry county. This grandfather Plank was 
a native of France, unused to forest life, or to the privations of frontier 
settlement, and the firmness and daring of the man, are, therefore, 
more conspicuous. He was twice married, and outlived both wives. 
He was of the German Baptist belief in religion, and did not depart 
this life until the \^ear 1847, when his township, his county, his State, 
and his church had respectively grown to the front ranks of prosperit}' 
and influence. His son Joseph, the father of Nathan, was born a few 
3'ears after the setdement of his parents, in 1807. His death took place 
in 1846, but his widow still survives and retains dower in the old home- 
stead, hallowed by so many of the recollections of the Plank famih', 
now over three-quarters of a century in time. The sisters of Nathan 
Plank are Hannah, wife of William Schofield, Hilliard, Franklin coun- 
ty, Ohio, who deceased in 1866, leaving four children ; Mary, wife of 
John M. Clark, Glenford, Ohio, who deceased in 1862, leaving two 
children ; and Elvira, wife of Jacob Mack, Brownsville, Ohio. Nathan 
Plank, the onl}^ surviving brother of those sisters, became the husband 
of Miss Martha M. Cowen, in 1861. She was born in Licking county, 
subsequent to the death of her father, Charles Cowen, in the \-ear 1839, 
Excepting a half brother, John Ferguson, post office, Marion, De- 
witt count}', Illinois, her brothers are all called to rest.' The children 
of Nathan and his wife, Martha Plank, are : George, Ida, Joseph 
William, Nancy C, and John D., Carl having died in infancy. Na- 
than began the ownership of land with nearl}^ one hundred acres, span- 
ning the valley of Jonathan's Creek, and fort}'- acres in the northwest 
quarter of section sixteen. These tracts were recently sold, and two 
other farms, comprising more land purchased in section twentv-one, 
near Chalfant's Station, on the N. S. & S. R. R. Nathan Plank is an 
advanced thinker, moderate in his opinions, but firm in his convictions, 
daring to reject error though baptized by the sanction of centuries, and 
bowing to truth, though despised and rejected by the mass of mankind. 

Plant, George, engineer; post office, Rendville, Ohio; was born 
in Keele, England, May 6, 1849; son of George and Dinah (Grocott) 
Plant. At the age of nine years, George commenced working in the 
coal mines in England ; and at the age of eighteen years, took charge 
of a high pressure engine, which he ran until twenty-six years of age ; 
when he sold coal in Michelsfield, England, until 1879, when he came 
to [America, and located at West Jeflerson, Madison county, Ohio, 
where he remained one year; and in 1880, came to Rendville, Ohio, 
and engaged as engineer for the Ohio Central Coal Company at No. 3 
mine ; after which he held the position of mining boss tor the Elmwood 
Coal Company in Tennessee, which he resigned in January, 1882, and 
returned to Rendville, where lie is now engaged as engineer for W. P. 
Rend & Co. Mr. Plant was married in 1870, to Miss Maria Parks, of 
Northwood, England. They are the parents of four children, viz. : 
Dinah A., Charlotte E.. Stephen G. and John D. 

Pletcher, H. a., undertaking and furniture dealer, and sewing 
machine agent, Junction City, Perry county, Ohio ; son of Andrew and 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 5O9 

Rachel (Thomas) Fletcher; born in October, 1847, in Muskingum 
county, Ohio ; lived there till the age of twenty-one, then went to Iowa 
one year and three months ; then came back to his birth place, and 
stayed one year. Was married in April, 1869, to Miss Mary, daughter 
of Lewis and Aima (Longstreth) So\vers ; then went to Morgan count}^ 
staved over two years : followed farming and carpentering ; then came 
here, followed carpentering two years ; then followed the sewing ma- 
chine business till April of 1880, and then commenced "Keeping an un- 
dertaking and furniture establishment ; has a good trade, also a good 
sewing machine trade. Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher have three children : 
Hattie M.. Cornie B., and Ora W. Mr. Fletcher is of German descent ; 
has three brothers and two sisters, viz. : William W., Levi L., John A., 
Susanna, Phoebe A. 

Fletcher, Isaac J., mechanic ; was born in Morgan county, Ohio, 
September 2, 1852 ; son of Wesley A. and Mary C. (Winegarder) 
Fletcher; left there in 1872, and moved to this county, and has lived 
here since, except six months in Fickaway county, and from April to 
September in Lancaster, came to this county in April of 1878, and has 
since lived here; was married twice, first in 1870, to Miss Mary S. 
daughter of Henry and Rebecca (Riley) Dusenberry ; they were the par- 
ents of two children, viz. : William C. and Fhilip H. Was married the sec- 
ond time in 1S79, ^*-' Mrs. Maggie Rorick. By this marriage there 
were two children, Blanche and Charles. 

Poling, Simon, deceased ; was born March 4, 1817, in Fairfield 
count}', Ohio; son of Richard and Elizabeth (Fast) Poling; died 
April 12, 1881. Mr. Poling was raised a farmer, which business he 
followed during his life time. In 1837, ^^^ went to Hocking county, 
Ohio, with his father, where he remained until 1854, when he came to 
Monday Creek township, and located upon the farm now occupied by 
his widow. He w^as married December 20, 1838, to Anna, daughter of 
Jacob and Sophia (Poling) Aurand. She was born December 21, 1820, 
in Jackson township, this county. They become the parents of nine 
children, viz. : Nathan, Jacob, Elijah, Elizabeth, Sophia J., George 
A., Christina, died at ten years of age ; William T., died in infancy, 
and Sarah E. The living children are in different parts of the State, 
holding positions in different occupations. Jacob and Elijah enlisted in 
the Fifty-eighth Regiment, in December, 1861, and were discharged 
b}' reason of disabilitv,in December, 1862. Thev re-enlisted in the Heavy 
Artillery in August, 1863, ^^^ served until the close of the war, when 
they were honorably discharged. Nathan enlisted in September, 1861, 
in the Seventeenth Regiment, and served until the close of the war, 
and received an honorable discharge. 

PooRMAN, Jacob, was born in 1809, in Hopew'ell township ; his fath- 
er was Bernard Poorman, and his mother was Elizabeth Snyder, who 
came with her husband from Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in 1808. 
His grandfather Poorman died at the age of eighty-four, and his grand- 
father Snyder was no known kin to the Sn3'ders of Ferry count}'. His 
mother had one sister, a Mrs. Zeigler, who died in Champaign county, 
Ohio, at the age of ninetv-tbur years. His mother's prayer that she 
should not suffer long on a bed of affliction was answered in her ninetieth 
year, and about seventeen years since ; her husband had preceded her 



5IO BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

to the land of rest in his eightieth 3'ear. The brothers of Jacob were 
Daniel, who died in California, and Peter, who died on the old 
homestead, in Hopewell township. His sisters were, Barbara, 
wife of Rev. John Wagenhals ; Elizabeth, wife of Bernard Bowman; 
Polly, wife of Peter Bowman ; Katharine, second wife of Bernard Bow- 
man ; Magdalena, wife of Samuel Mechling ; Peggy, wife of Samuel 
Swineheart, and Nanc3\ wife of Frederick Fromm. In his twenty- 
hfth year, Jacob was married to Miss Hannah, daughter of Ludwig 
Ridenour, and sister of Noah Ridenour, of Reading township. In 1834, 
he purchased and began life on the farm where he now resides. Here 
all his children were born, and here his wife died, March, 1879, ^^ ^^^ 
sixty-seventh year. Their children were ten in number, three of whom 
died in infancy. Those surviving, are, Noah, post office Larned, 
Kansas ;Charles, of whom a more extended notice is given below, Som- 
erset, Ohio ; Rev. Amos, a Lutheran clergyman of Farmersville, Ohio ; 
Simon, Somerset, Ohio ; Jacob, the namesake of his father, and who 
with his sister, Rachel Poorman, resides on the homestead, com- 
prising one hundred and seventy-six acres of excellent land, well im- 
proved. The only other daughter is Charlotte, wife of Emanuel Lech- 
rone, Silver Lake, Indiana. 

Poorman, Charles, farmer and carpenter; born 1841 ; was mar- 
ried in 1862, to Miss Susannah, daughter of the venerable George 
Smith, of Hopewell ; bought twent}^ acres of land from his father's home- 
stead, which he cultivates. He served as trustee of Reading township, 
and is an excellent citizen. He was reared a Whig, but his first vote 
was cast in 1862 for the Democratic ticket, and he has firmly adhered 
to this ticket ever since. The religion of the Poormans is Lutheran, 
and so is that of Charles also, but his wife is Reform in belief, each ac- 
cording to the other perfect freedom of choice and action without a 
shadow of reserve. They have five children, three sons and two daugh- 
ers. There is an error in the life of Jacob Poorman, which he wishes 
to record as a warning to the coming generations. He, with Peter 
Overmeyer and Bernard Bowman, signed a note in blank for Daniel 
Poorman, pvu-porting to be for $1,500, which the latter desired to bor- 
row of Tom Hood, a banker of Somerset, Ohio. Two or three renew- 
als, or alleged renewals, were signed in the same way. These honest 
indorsers found themselves liable for thousands of dollars, each, and 
jointly. Each signing created a new note, in place of a renewal note, 
and these going into the hands of "innocent purchasers," made them 
liable and convevted them from freemen to slaves in service to others 
with no reward for labor. They, however, paid them and held their farms, 
but not without half a lifetime of labor for nothing. 

Porter, Gib. C, paymaster for the Ohio Central Coiil Company, 
Corning, Ohio ; was born June 1, 1849, ^'^ New Lexington, Ohio ; son 
of James and Elizabeth (Vanatta) Porter. At the age of seventeen 
years, Gib. C, went to the carpenter's trade and followed it four 
or five 3'ears, then served as Deputy- Sheriff' for his father for four 3'ears. 
In Januar3s 1879, he became Deput3^ Warden of the Ohio State Peni- 
tentiar3% and served until May 5, 1880, when he resigned that position 
to take his present one. Mr. Porter was married October 25, 1875, ^o 
Miss Richmond, daughter of Henry and Mar}^ J. (Gheen) Koons, of 



hlSTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 511 

McConnelsville, Morgan county, Ohio. They are the parents of one 
"child, Fred, born June 29. 1877, in New Lexington, Ohio. 

Potter, George H., farmer, Monroe township, post office Corning, 
Ohio ; was born May 25, 1839, in Monroe township, Perry county, 
Ohio ; son of Kalida and Ann Maria (Rogers) Potter. Mr. Potter was 
born and raised on a farm. In 1863. he enhsted in Company K, Sixty- 
ninth Regiment, O. V. I., and served six months, and re-enhsted in 
Compan}' E, One Hundred and Twenty-second Regiment, O. V. I., 
and served until the close of the war. He was engaged in the battles 
of Manasas Gap, Strausburgh, Fisher's Hill, and others, thirteen in all. 
Mr. Potter was married September 4, 1866, to Miss Elcedaney Preist. 
Tiiey are the parents of three children, namely, William M., Huldah 
Estella and Lolie E. Mr. Potter has followed agriculture for a busi- 
ness. When he began business for himself, he had but little means, 
but by honesty and strict economy he has become one of the most suc- 
cessful farmers in the township. 

Potter, William S., Justice of the Peace and notary public. 
Corning, Ohio ; was born March 9, 1846, in Monroe township, Perry 
county, Ohio ; son of William S. and Abigail (Dye) Potter. William 
S. was brought up on a farm. x\t twenty-two years of age he was ap- 
pointed Postmaster at Buchannan, where he established a store, which 
he conducted about six years, after which he engaged in the harness 
business at Millertown, where he remained until May 21,1881, when he 
came to Corning, Ohio. Mr. Potter was elected Justice of the Peace in 
1874, and served three years ; was re-elected in 1881, also appointed 
notary public, which offices he now^ holds. Esq. Potter was married 
January 31, 1872, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Patrick and Mary 
(Mitchell) Fagan. They are the parents of two children, viz. : George 
L., deceased, and Mary C. 

Powell, Daniel J., M. D., Corning, Ohio ; was born December 3, 
1853, in Bishopville, Ohio ; son of Jabez and Abigail (Fuller) Powell. 
Dr. Powell began the study of medicine with Dr. Damford in 1873, and 
was graduated at the Columbus Medical College in the spring of 1876. 
Began practice at Mountville, Morgan county, Ohio, where he remain- 
ed one year, then located in this place in 1878. Dr. Powell was mar- 
ried Januar}^ 9, 1879, ^^ Miss Annie, daughter of William and Hannah 
Murphy, of Mountville, Morgan county, Ohio. They are the parents 
of two children, Claude and Maud. 

Price, C. W., merchant, post office McLuney ; born in Muskingum 
county, Ohio, in June, 1845 : settled in this count}' in 1870; engaged in 
the dry goods and grocery business in 1872, and has continued in that 
business since that time. He was married in December, 1865, to Miss 
Caroline Exline, daughter of Jacob and Cynthia A. Exline ; they have 
one child, Harry L. He volunteered in the war in 1863, in Company 
I, First Ohio Heavy Artillery, under Captain A. Lewis. Mr. Price par- 
ticipated in several prominent engagements. He was mustered out in 

1865. 

Price, T. M., clerk, post office McLuney; born in Muskingum 
county, Ohio, in 1854; came to Perry count}^ in 1879; son of Hiram 
and Nancy (Hopper) Price. He was married in 1875, to Miss Susan 



512 Biographical sketches. 

Swingle, daughter of Samuel and Siisau vSvvingle. They are the par- 
ents of two children, Millie and May. 

PuTERBAUGii, Samuel, farmer, Pike township. New Lexington, 
Ohio ; was born July i8, 1834, ^^^ Perry county, Ohio ; son of James and 
Elizabeth (Foote) Puterbaugh. He was raised a farmer and has been 
engaged in agricultural pursuits up to the present time, and in connec- 
tion with his farming he has been mining for some twenty-six years. 
His leather was a Revolutionary soldier, enlisting at the age of eighteen 
years, and helped to light the battle of Bunker Hill. He was a great Jack- 
sonian in after j^ears, and lived to the ripe age of ninety-six years. Mr. 
Puterbaugh, the subject of this sketch, was married January i, 1861, to 
Mary A., daughter of Robert and Rebecca (Hazelton) Calborn, of this 
county. They are the parents of seven children, viz.: Martha Odell, 
Hrrriet E., Sal Kate, Thos. G., Jas. Hayes, Robert W. and William 
Franklin. 

Pyle, John, Pleasant township, Rendville post office, was born in 
Chester county, Penns_ylvania, October 30th, 1815 ; son of John and 
Elizabeth (Davis) Pyle. His paternal ancestors were English and his 
maternal ancestors were Welsh, and his parents >n^re both natives of 
this country. His family came to Muskingum ccnility in 181 7. The 
subject of this sketch came to this county in the year 1849 and settled 
in Pike township, then moved on a farm south of Oakfield, and then, 
lastly, moved on the farm where he now resides. August 9th, 1840, 
he was married to Miss Nancy A. Tipton, who is of English and 
Welsh descent. They are the parents of the following named chiklren : 
Susan, married to Calvin Latta February 22, 1866, and resides in 
Morgan county ; Nancy, died when three years old ; Tipton, died in 
infancy ; James W., married to Nancy J. Shrigl}-, who is deceased, and 
he afterward married Callie Zinsmaster and resides in Zanesville ; 
Mary E. ; Sarah A., died when eleven years old; William A., died 
when fifteen ; Emma E. 

Pyle, George W., Pleasant township, Moxahala post office ; mer- 
chant, of the firm of Shepperd & Pyle, who do a general dr}- goods 
and grocery business at Moxahala. He also owns a farm of one hun- 
dred and twenty-three acres in the same township. He and Mr. Shep- 
perd are also proprietors of a store in Rendville. The subject of this 
sketch was born in Muskingum count}^ in 1828, and his parents are 
both natives of Pennsylvania. He came to this county in 1854, and 
located on a farm in Pike township, near Whippstown, and followed 
plastering until within a few years. In 1852 he married Eliza A. Lehen, 
and they are the parents of the following named children : Edwin W., 
born December, 1857, and married Adaline McCarty, of this township, 
who reside on his father's farm ; Samuel, married Ett}- Tolbert, of this 
township; and Carrie. Mr. P^de enlisted in the i6oth O. V. I., and 
was in the service one hundred and twenty da3"s. 

Rambo, William, blacksmith ; Pike township, post office. New Lex- 
ington, Ohio, was born January 8, 1812, in Muskingum count}^, Ohio. 
Is a son of George and Mary (Fist) Rambo, formerly of Pennsylvania. 
Mr, Rambo went to the trade of blacksmithing with William Calvin, of 
his native county, in 1825, serving an apprenticeship of five years, and 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 513 

has made this the business of his hfe up to the present time. He went 
as a soldier in the late war and was engaged in the battles of 
Bull Run, South Mountain Gap, and Antietem, participating also in 
several hard marches, which so disabled him that he was discharged 
and returned home, January 29, 1863, having served from Januar}- 2, 
i86t. The Crooks of Zanesville, some of the first settlers, w^ere near 
relatives of Mrs. Rambo. Mr. Rambo was united in matrimony to 
Lovenia, daughter of Samuel and Isabelle (Neal) Patterson, of Vir- 
ginia. March 8, 1832. They are the parents of six living children, 
viz. : Austin, Josiah, Elizabeth. Martha, Emma and Amanda, and 
three deceased, George Nelson, Mar^' Edmonday and Belinaa. Mr. 
Rambo's grandchild, William Rambo, was raised by them, and is now 
about eighteen years old. 

Randolph, Isaiah, deceased; born in Pennsylvania in 1812. Mar- 
ried in 1850 to Miss Maria Ankrom, daughter of John and Nancy 
(Rinehart) Ankrom. They were the parents of five children, viz. : 
Angeline, Creighton, Everett, Lizzie N. and Albert, three of whom 
are married. The subject of this sketch died in 1878. His widow 
still lives on the home farm, enjoying the truits of his early industry. 
Her son Everett was married in 1S78 to Miss Susie Clayton. They 
have two children. 

Randolph, Paul, was born 1827, in Cla^yton township. His father, 
John Randolph, came from Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. He 
was a carpenter by trade. Paul is a farmer, stock raiser and carries on 
coal mining. He was married in 1850 to Mary Barker, daughter of 
Samuel Barker. His sons, Thomas T. and Perry D., Lyman Jackson, 
Edwin M., Frank M. and Samuel C, are all single and living at home. 
His daughters, Eliza J. and Rosa B., also are single and reside at home. 
Paul began life poor; bought twenty-five acres of land, paid for it, and 
by farming, teaming, threshing, stock raising and coal mining, has now 
four hundred and ten acres of land, city and other property. His ex- 
ample is that which may be held up for the emulation of the rising gen- 
eration. His property is clear of mortgages ; he never sued but once, for 
a horse that did not fill the bill, but no trial was had, Paul considering 
it better to pay than to litigate. He is a Methodist in religion and a 
Republican in politics. He thinks the credit business, except on 
land purchases, to be a curse rather than a blessing. 

Randolph, L. H., merchant: Clayton township, post office, Reho- 
both ; born in this county in 1848, son of William and Anna (McEl- 
hany) Randolph, grandson of Joseph and Elizabeth (North) Randolph. 
Married in 1873 to Miss M. E. Teal, daughter of Ephriam and Eliza- 
beth (Brown) Teal. They have one child, Minnie D. 

Rarick, Simon, was born 1838, in Perry count}', Ohio ; was reared 
and bred and still remains a farmer ; the son of Peter Rarick, late of 
Thorn township. His mother's maiden name was Lydia Weimer, sis- 
ter of John, a ibrmer auditor of Perr}' count}'. His grandfather was 
also Peter Rarick, who was among the earliest and bravest of the 
pioneers. Peter, the father of Simon, died in 1880, in his seventy- 
eighth year, and his mother, many years prior to that date. The broth- 
p'rs of Simon are John and Peter, Thornville post office, and his sister 
, i Elizabeth, wife of John C. King, whose dwelling is at Glenford 

50 



5T4 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Station. In October, 1863, Simon Rarick became the husband of Miss 
Eliza, daughter ot' Samuel and sister of Bernard Mechling, and soon 
moved to the delightful home they now occupy, overlooking the valley 
near Glenford, comprising a commodious dwelling, one hundred acres 
of land and other improvements. To this has since been added one 
hundred and fbrty-five acres in section twenty-one, Hopewell. He and 
his wife are Lutheran in religion, both disposed to dispense the most 
kindly hospitality at their home, and they are blessed with two 
sons, Murray and Maurice, who are drilled at home in the German 
language. They are both descendants of old-time, pioneer families, 
and ambitious to sustain the honorable record of those families achieved 
in the past. 

Raybould, Samuel, butcher. New Straitsvslle, Ohio ; was born 
August 30, 1849, ^^ Upper Gornal, Staffordshire, England, son of Wil- 
liam and Hannah (Frier) Raybold. When Samuel was five years of 
age his father moved to Lower Gornal, where they remained until he 
was fourteen years of age, when they moved to Lye Waste, Worcester- 
shire, where his folks still live. After remaining at Lye Waste about 
four years, Samuel went to Spinnemore, county of Durham, where he 
remained about one year, when he returned home and sta^'ed about 
eighteen months, when he emigrated to America, setting sail at Liver- 
pool, and landing in New York, August, 1869, from where he went to 
Bartley, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, and traveled as follows : go- 
ing to Stoneborough, Pennsylvania, Irish Town, Pennsylvania, remain- 
ing onl}^ a short time at each of the above named places, engaged in 
mining. From here he went to St. Louis, Missouri, Murphysboro, Illi- 
nois, and returned to Stoneborough, Pennsylvania, to see his father, who 
came to America to visit his sons. From there he went to Nelson ville, 
Athens county, Ohio, where he bought an interest in a coal mine, re- 
mained one year, sold out, and went to Logan, Ohio, where he was 
married August 19, 1872, to Miss Anna Siddle,born 1849 in Willington, 
county of Durham, England. The}^ are the parents of four children, 
viz. : Samuel, deceased, Emma, Nettie, deceased, and Nettie, now 
living. After his marriage he came direct to this place, where he built 
himself a house and lived until 1874, ^^^^ time of the great miners' 
strike, when he, leaving his family here, went to Charleston, West Vir- 
ginia, returned here and went to Brazil, Indiana, and again to St. Louis, 
Missouri, where his family joined him, and where he remained as fore- 
man of a coal yard for C. Rinecke, at 1700 Clark avenue, for some 
four years, after which he was foreman of the St. Louis Water Works 
one year, when he returned to this place and engaged in butchering for 
about three years. Pie is now proprietor of the I. O. O. F. opera house, 
this city. 

Ream, Tobias, born 1800, in the county of Somerset, Penns3dvania ; 
son of Christian Ream, who came to Perr}'^ county in 1803, and whose 
wife was Margaret Glessner. His children were John, Jacob, Christian, 
Solomon, Henry, Tobias and one daughter, Margaret, deceased, who 
was the wife of Jabez Skinner. They were the parents of John O. Skin- 
ner, the famous sign and ornamental painter. Tobias married Mary 
M. Lidey, sister of the General John Lide}^ of Perry. They purchased 
the ancient homestead, and this famous place is now the property of 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 515 

Daniel C, single, and his brother David, who married Miss Missouri, 
daughter of Asberry Elder, subject to the life estate of their mother, 
yet living, whose father was Daniel Lidey, and whose mother was 
Eve Cramer. Her brothers, the uncles of Mrs. Ream, were George 
and Daniel Cramer, and their sisters were Elizabeth Rush, Rachel Ar- 
nold and Mary Cramer. The name of Ream is linked to the early 
struggles of the new settlement, and that of Lidey is not only thus link- 
ed, also, but is found among the framers of the present Constitution of 
Ohio. 

Ream, S. K., born in 1827, the youngest son of Samuel, Sr,, and 
wife, whose maiden name was Rachel King. This estimable woman 
was a sister of the late Judge Thomas King, hrst Representative of Perry 
county in the Ohio Legislature, the father of no children ; but from a 
Miss Skinner, who was one of his adopted children, it is recorded that 
he and his motherly wife, reared, educated and sent out into the world 
eleven orphans, each of whom got a share of the King estate, or was 
assisted in life's start by the venerable Thomas King and his wife. These 
two childless. Old School Baptist Christians were of the genuine 
nobility. The father of S. K. Ream came to Ohio as a prospector, as 
earl}'- as 1801. Two brothers, uncles of S. K. Ream, whose names ap- 
pear to the church organization papers of Zion Church, in Thorn town- 
ship, in 1805, died there, but no descendant of either now lives in Perry 
county, save one daughter, the wife of Philip Crist. Toby Ream and 
his family are in someway connected with Samuel Ream, Sr., but ex- 
actl3Miow is not known. The Reams of Fairtield, George, and his 
sons, Daniel and Abraham, were also distantly connected. As early as 
1807 or 1808, Samuel Ream pursued a trail, on horse back, to Marietta, 
Ohio, solely to introduce into Perry county the first grafted apples and 
peaches. This happened nine or ten years before Perry county was 
erected, and eighteen or nineteen j^ears prior to the birth of S. K. 
Ream, who inherited the homestead in Madison township, where all 
the latter's children were born, where both his parents died, and where 
the associations of youth and the memories of after life, up to 1882, are 
left to linger in the memories of the past. Mr. S. K. Ream had beau- 
tified his birthplace with elegant buildings, while his wife had added the 
attractions of flowers and evergreens, only secondary to a home, where 
her own presence was the chief delight of its inmates. By death and 
will of his brother, David Ream, who died childless, the not less at- 
tractive adjoining homestead on the pike, became the property of S. K. 
Ream, but to the faithful female servants, whose hands had kindly 
smoothed his tottering steps to the brink of the grave, " Uncle Davy," 
as every body delighted to call him, left a handsome allowance, and 
thus, in his last acts, vindicated a life time of honorable deeds. David 
Ream was a Baptist in belief, sincere and unassuming in his demeanor ; 
a Whig and a Republican in politics, and the most conclusive proof of 
his popularity consists in the fact that he was elected County Commis- 
sioner on the Republican ticket, in a county then largely Democratic. 
The office sought him ; he never sought any office. The other brothers 
of S. K. Ream, besides David, were William Ream, late of this coun- 
t5^ a stock dealer and farmer of distinguished success, and enviable 
prominence as a citizen, and whose sons are still citizens of Perry coun- 



5l6 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

ty ; and Andrew, the oldest, deceased long since, and lamented by all, not 
only because ol his beneficent nature, but because the self-controlling 
forces of that nature were not at all times equal to the temptations 
thrown against it by his business as a distiller of liquors. The wife 
of S. K. Ream was Miss Maria Richey, daughter of the Hon. 
Thomas Richey, late of this county. ' The children of S. K. 
and Maria Ream, are Edward, a hardware merchant, Somer- 
set, Ohio ; Paul, a grocer, and Miss Maria and Robert, who, 
with Paul, reside with their parents in Van Wert, Ohio, since the 
spring of 1882. The Northwestern part of Ohio, included within the 
valley of the Great Maumee, presented to the mind of Mr. Ream at- 
tractions for capital so superior, as to induce him to add to the proceeds 
of the sale of his delightful homestead, in Perry county, the large 
capital theretofore possessed, and move to Van Wert, Ohio, leaving the 
farm, obtained from his brother David, by will, in the hands of a careful 
tenant, and the mansion, in part, to the servants of his brother, where 
they enjoy the favor of the grateful legatee, as they formerlv enjoyed 
that of the benevolent and just testator, who, b}- virtue of militia com- 
mission, was known as Colonel David Ream. The neatness of the 
grounds fronting his dwelling, and the general good order of his farm, 
characteristic of the Ream family, evinced the thrift, the cultivated 
taste and industry for which his brothers are also distinguished ; — traits 
also, which have descended to their sons. 

Ream, David, Jr., farmer; born December 31, 1827 ; son of Wil- 
liam and Eliza (McClure) Ream and is of German-Scotch and Irish ex- 
traction ; a grandson of Samuel Ream. In 1851, April 8th, he was 
married to Miss Cass Ann, daughter of the late William Williams 
and his wife, whose maiden name was Mar\^ Wright. David became a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal church at the age of fourteen, under 
the administration of Rev. E. Muchner and Rev. Joseph Carper, and to 
this day maintains his connection with the same church. From him is 
obtained the very interesting particulars relating to the organization of 
Zion Church. His taxes have grown from $17 up to an average of $250 
per annum. The children of this marriage, are Albert, husband of 
Sarah, the daughter of James Wilson, post office, Somerset, Ohio ; Wil- 
liam W., husband of Miss Mary Guy, daughter of Luther Guy, post 
office, Sego ; Ida, wife of Joseph Hough, post office, Fultonham, Ohio ; 
Miss Emma C, Thomas Wright, Maggie Rachel, and David. Those 
deceased are Harriet and Clara, each less than a vear old at death ; 
Mary and Nora in their fifth year, and Emma C who was fourteen, 
and who, prior to her sickness, had became a dutiful member of the 
Methodist Episcopal church. Though the mother of twelve children, and 
grief stricken by the death of five of them. Mrs. Ream preserves that 
peerless glow of health and native cheerfulness wiu'ch survives earthly 
sorrow, and clings with the freshness of youth to the consolations of 
time and the hopes beyond. David Ream, though a Methodist in be- 
lief, entertains a sentiment of charitv which embraces those of other 
creeds, and exhibits a hospitality which welcomes them to his home, 
and to his benefactions. 

Ream, Samuel, son of the late venerable William Ream, a success- 
ful farmer and cattle dealer. The maiden name of Samuel's mother 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 5^7 

was Eliza McClure. Her children were David, Samuel. William M. 
and John Ream. Samuel was married in 1859, ^° Miss Sarah E., 
daughter of the late Judge William M. Brown, of Perr}- county, and 
grand-daughter of Thonnas McNaughten, of Fairfield county. She died 
in 1881. in Somerset, Ohio, leaving two sons, Owen B. and Luke S. 
Ream. She was a lad}' universally esteemed, and inherited all the 
amiable qualities of her honored ancestry. Her husband, Samuel 
Ream, began hfe for himself in 1855, on a capital of $3,500. He ranks 
among the most successful business men of his county, and is supposed 
to be worth, in real estate and personal property, not far from $100,000. 
He deals in catde. lands, stocks and mineral deposits, carries on the 
famous mills at Somerset, in connection with Noah Karr, late Treasurer 
of the county, and has built one of the very finest residences in Somer- 
set, famous alike for its beauty, its architectural taste and its comfort. 

Reese. Thomas P., collieV, Shawnee, Ohio, was born August 12, 
1830, in Pembrakeshire, South Wales, son of Peter and Dana (Wil- 
liams) Reese. When he was ten years of age he was employed on the 
public works at Myrtha Tydvil, Glamorganshire, where he was en- 
gaged until 1863, and in August 22, set sail from Liverpool for New 
York, landing after fort^'-five days' sailing. After reaching New York 
he started for Pomeroy,'Ohio, going via Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 
Wheeling, Virginia, and upon reaching Parkersburg, Virginia, he was 
obliged to remain nine da3^s, on account of the river not being naviga- 
ble. At this time he purchased an old boat and boated his way down 
the river to his place of destination, reaching it in October, where 
he remained until August 24, 187 1, engaged in mining, and has been 
engaged at the following places : From Pomeroy, Ohio, to Syracuse, 
Ohio, remaining until November, 18, 1874 ' ^^^ Zaleski. Vinton county, 
Ohio, about two years and nine months, when he moved to Shawnee, 
where he now lives and is engaged as a miner at the Shawnee Valley 
mine. Was married December 31, 1853, to Miss Ehzabeth, daughter 
of Samuel and Mary Lewis, of Monmouthshire, England. They are 
the parents of seven living children, viz. : Mary Ann, Thomas, David, 
John, Sarah, Willie and Ellen, and four children deceased, viz. : Wil- 
liam, William, Elizabeth and one died in infancy. Mr. Reese owns 
his own property, a neat frame dw^elling, where he now lives. 

Reese, Roger G., overman and time keeper at New York Furnace, 
Shawnee, Ohio : was born March 30, 1850, in Gwaencaegurwen, 
Glamorganshire Wales, son of David and Mary (Reese) Reese. Was 
raised a collier, beginning at the age of twelve years, and tollowed it 
until October, 1876. Mr. Reese came to this country in 1869, leaving 
Liverpool January 13, and landing in New York January 31, from 
whence he went to Minersville, Meigs county, Ohio, engaging^ as a 
miner, with V. B. Horton, until August, 1872, when he came to Shaw- 
nee, where he mined with the Newark Coal and Iron Company up to 
October, 1876, when he became weighmaster for that company, hold- 
ing that position until September, 1878, and then took charge of the 
burning of iron ore for the New York and Straitsville Coal and Iron 
Company, and soon after assumed his present duties, having charge of 
all the Taboring men, keeping their time. etc. Mr. Reese is a Royal 



515 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Arch Mason, and is at present Chancellor Commander of the Knights 
of Pythias, of Shawnee, Ohio. 

Rei, Philip, of the firm of Rei & Rickett, undertakers, Rendville. 
Ohio, was born December 22, 1842, in Columbiana county, Ohio, 
son of Joseph aud Ann (Rehart) Rei. Mr. Rei was brought up on a 
farm, and volunteered in May, 1861, in the 17th Ohio Regiment: after 
serving three months he re-enlisted in the 9th Ohio Calvary and served 
three years. He was engaged in the battles of Knoxville, Decatur, 
Atlanta, followed John Morgan through Kentucky and was with Gen- 
eral Sherman on his march to the sea. Mr. Rei was married October 
4th, 1872, to Cecelia Bennett, daughter of George and Ann Bennett, 
of Bearheld township, Perry county, Ohio. They are the parents of 
six children, namely: Annie M., George, Ella, Joseph F., Lizzie and 
Thomas R. Mr. Rei efficiently fills the office of trustee of Monroe 
township at this time, and has held the same office a number of terms. 

Retallic, James D., of the firm of Cochran & Retallic, attorneys- 
at-law, New Lexington, Ohio, was born March 17, 1851, in Pike town- 
ship ; son of Francis and Catharine (Fealty) Retallic. At the age of 
seventeen he went to the stone cutting trade which he followed until he 
was twent3'-three, when he began reading law with Colonel Lyman J. 
Jackson, of this place, and was admitted to practice August 16, 1876. 
Mr. Retallic was married October 31, 1876, to Miss Maggie A., daugh- 
ter of Timothy and Mar}^ Laven. They are the parents of one child, 
Mary K. " 

Richards, William, mine boss, wShawnee, Ohio ; was born March 
22, 1836, in Rasay, Brecknockshire. Wales ; son of David and Sarah 
(Prosser) Richards. Mr. Richards was raised in Rasay, and remained 
in that place until 1852, when he emigrated to America with his father's 
family, landing in New York, August 4th, from where they went to 
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and thence to McKeesport, Pennsylvania, 
where they lived about five or six years, engaged in mining. From 
here they went to Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where he remained about 
two years, and then engaged in business for himself, going to Brook- 
field, Trumbull county, Ohio, where he remained about five years, min- 
ing ; and next was employed by D. C. Christy, of Coshocton, Ohio, 
as clerk in store one year ; and then opened what is known as the Mi- 
ami Coal Mine, for Christy, Spangler & Co., of Coshocton, Ohio, and 
remained as mine boss with them until 187 1, at which time he came to 
Shawnee, Ohio,Vhere he is engaged as mine boss at the Fannie Fur- 
nace mine, which position he has held since the first opening of this 
mine, except the first year, when it was run by contract, taken by a com- 
pany of twelve persons, of which he was a member. He has been a 
resident of Shawnee almost from its beginning. Was married Sep- 
tember 4, 1858, to Miss Mary Ann, daughter of David and Catha- 
rine Thomas, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania. They are the parents of 
nine children, viz. : David R., William John, James Alfred, Thomas 
Edmund, Mamie, Celia, Charlie, Elizabeth, deceased, and Charles 
Benjamin, deceased. Mr. Richards is Past Grand of the Kincaid Lodge, 
I. O. O. F., of Shawnee, Ohio. 

Richards, Alva, M. D., New Lexington, Ohio: was born March 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 5I9 

16, 1841, in Muskingum county, Ohio, where he was brought up on a 
farm, until the age of seventeen, when he began the study of medicine 
with Dr. Ream^', now Professor in Ohio Medical College. He gradu- 
ated at the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, in the spring 
of 1862, and immediately thereafter began practice at this place. In 
the fall of the same 3-ear, the Doctor was commissioned Assistant Sur- 
geon of the One Hundred and Twenty-second Regiment, O. V. I. Af- 
ter serving in this capacity two years, he was commissioned Surgeon of 
the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Regiment, O. V. I., and served 
until the close of the war, when he resumed his practice in this place. 
Dr. Richards was married November i, 1866, to Miss Catharine, daugh- 
ter of Hon. R. E. Huston. His mother's maiden name was Sarah 
Ann Comly. They are the parents of three children, viz. : Robert 
Lewis, Clarence Comly, and Hazel Elizabeth. 

RiCHEY, General Thomas, deceased. He was a member of Con- 
gress when he secured a cadetship tor Phil. Sheridan. The General 
must have lived till after the famous ride of Sheridan, in w'hose success 
he was ever most paternally enlisted, calling Sheridan "my bo}^," 
The first new^s from Cedar Creek was bad, and no one mourned the sit- 
uation more sincerely than old General Tom. Riche}^ ; but imagine his 
joy wdien the next day's news brought tidings of Phil's final victory, 
having snatched the stars and stripes from the disaster of the onset by 
a rally of troops already on the retreat, turned defeat into victory, and 
added a new chapter to the annals of warfare ; a chapter which relates 
what was never clone before, the achievement of victory in the evening, 
with troops defeated, demoralized and in full retreat in the morning of 
the same da}'. Richey rejoiced, as if it were his own victory, and a 
final vindication of the sagacity which sent the son of an humble Irish 
constituent to achieve it. '' The}' can't whip that boy of mine,"' he would 
exclaim, as he rode with all haste from the post office to his rural home, 
answering his neighbors without halting his panting steed: " I put 
Sheridan in the army ; Lincoln promotes, and the whole world admires 
him." The father of General Thomas, was James Richey, who came to 
Ohio as a settler in 1815. His mother, and the mother of Gideon, the 
onl}' brother now left in Perry, was Elizabeth Wilson, sister of Thomas 
Wilson, who died near West Rushville, and whose father and brothers 
came to Fairfield county in 1800. Her mother was Hester Fickle, of 
Scotch descent. The grandfather of Thomas and Gideon Richey, was 
also named James, whose brothers were John, Gideon and Thomas, all 
bachelors, and George who w^as married. The only sister w^as Jane 
Richey, who nursed Gideon and Thomas, when children. She died a 
maid. Therefore, of the five sons of grandtather Richey, who was a 
native of Ireland, and his Irish wife, only George and James, ever mar- 
ried ; and the only daughter, Jane, lives unmarried. It is said, on the 
authority of Gideon, that James, his father, was born on the daV his 
grandmother landed in Baltimore, about the year 1757, and as near as 
can be reckoned, grandfather Richey was born in Ireland, 1732, the 
same 3'ear that Washington was born in America. Hence the reader 
may perceive it was the son of one Irishman that aided the son of an- 
other Irishman to a cadetship at West Point. All the Richey famil}'- 
were left in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, when in 1815, James, alone 



520 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

came to Madison township. Perry county — then Musicingum — and set- 
tled on the farm which some years before had been selected by the 
mother of General Richey, on her last visit on horseback from Penn- 
sylvania to her father, William Wilson, then in FairHeld, carrying Gid- 
ion in her arms. This must have been in 1807, as Gideon was born 
November 28, 1806. Grandfather William Wilson, gave to each of his 
nine sons and daughters, one hundred and sixt}' acres of land ; and 
Rachel, the wife of James Richey, and mother of Thomas and Gideon, 
selected her own farm, now occupied by Thomas Williams in Madison 
township. This grandfather, William Wilson, traveled on foot witii 
his faithful rifle on his shoulder, and his dog by his side,, while grand- 
mother Wilson rode horseback, carrying her infant and spinning wheel 
from Maryland into Pennsylvania, through dense forests. The children 
of grandfather, James Richey and his wite, Rachel Wilson, in order of 
birth, were : Mary, wife of Nathan Melick ; Gen. Thomas Richey, 
whose wife was Plenrietta Clemm ; Elizabeth, wife of Robert Wilson ; 
Jane, wife of Thomas Spencer ; Gideon, whose first wife was Jane A. 
Spencer, sister of Captain William, by whom he became father of four 
daughters and one son, James Richey, now of Somerset, and whose 
second wife is Rachel Croskrey, b}^ whom there are four daughters and 
one son, Frank Richey, yet single. Next to Gideon was William Wil- 
son Richey, husband of Mar\^ Coulson, and who died near Rushville, 
leaving two sons and three daughters ; Colonel John Richey, a former 
State Senator of this district, now of Omaha, Nebraska, and husband 
of Elizabeth Ream, who is the mother of two sons and four daughters, 
one of whom is the wife of Hon. Mr. Taft, M. C. ; next were James 
Richey and Rebecca, twins — the former now a farmer near Stewarts- 
ville, Missouri, the latter, widow of the late and much lamented Mardn 
Berkey ; and last, George Richey, who, when last heard of, was in 
Colorado. He has but one child living. General Thomas Richey was 
a farmer, and a man of no ordinarx' mind. Kind, generous and hospi- 
table, he was loved by his friends, and rose to distinction as a mili- 
tary officer in the State militia of his time ; was for many years Treas- 
urer of Perrv county, and served two terms in the Congress of the 
United States, being elected the last time in 1852. In 1854, ^^^ broke 
his connection with the Democratic party, and died a supporter of Lin- 
coln's administration. His children were : Mahala, wife of Dr. An- 
drew McElwee, deceased ; Caroline, wife of John McNutt, deceased ; 
Louisa, wife of Dr. S. Adams, deceased; Maria, wife of S. K. Ream, 
of Van Wert, Ohio ; Dr. James Richey, of Stewardsville, Missouri ; 
Henrietta, wife of Mr. Robinson, of Greenfield, Ohio : and Captain 
George Richey, who served in that rank in the war of 1861, and whose 
post office is Stewardsville, Missouri, whither he removed after the 
peace of Appomattox. General Richey owed much of his physical and 
intellectual vigor to his mother, who was a heroine in rural life, ready 
with a remed}'- for man or beast in sickness ; and Gideon says, '' Cas- 
tile soap and vinegar, simmered to oil, was mother's favorite poultice 
for all sores and wounds." Confidence in parents and honesty, were 
the patrimony of the boys. 

RiCHTER, Charles W., farmer and stock dealer, Monroe town- 
ship ; post office. Corning, Ohio; was born April 13, 1845, in Monroe 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNtV. 521 

township; son of John and Catharine (Cuckerly) Richter. His 
father was a native of Maryland, but became one of the pioneers of 
Ohio. Charles W. was married January 4, 1872, to Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of Joseph and Catharine (Smith) Rodgers, of Monroe township. 

RiCKET, Abel, farmer, who has also worked at some of the me- 
chanical trades ; post office, Moxediala, Pleasant township. Perry county, 
Ohio ; was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1820 ; son of 
John and Sarah (Clark) Ricket. His lather was of German, his 
mother of Welsh and Irish descent. Began work with a millwright 
when fifteen ; remained wnth him one year, and then worked at house 
carpentering until nineteen, in Carroll county. At twenty he came to 
Pleasant township, engaged in teaching school two years, then followed 
the carpenter trade about seven A^ears, and next worked in a machine 
shop in Morgan county. He moved to Morgan county in 1850; re- 
turned and located on the farm where he now resides, but continued to 
work at his trade until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he en- 
listed in the 30th O. V. I., Compan\' D, and remained in the service 
three years. He participated in all the battles the regiment w^as en- 
gaged in until he left it. At'ter the war closed he devoted most of his 
time to the management of his farm. Februar}- 24, 1842, he married 
Harriet Ellison. She was of New England ancestry. She died live 
months after their marriage. In October, 1843, he married Rachel 
Minshel. Their children are Ezra E., married; Sarah F., married; 
Harriet, died in infancy ; Mary E., married ; Emma, Walter S., mar- 
ried ; Enoch H., Albert, deceased ; Charles W., and Bell. 

Ricket, Ezra E., carpenter and undertaker, post office, Rendville, 
Ohio ; was born Julv 13, 1844, in Oakheld, Perry county, Ohio ; son of 
Abel and Rachel Ricket. Abel Ricket was a native of Washington 
county, Penn. Ezra E. w^as brought up on a farm. August 12, 1862, he 
enlisted in Company H^, 90th O. V. I., and was discharged June 23, 
1865. He followed the fortunes of General Sherman's army in fifteen 
general engagements, without being seriously wounded. At the battle 
in front of Kenesaw Mountain he had the skin cut across the back part 
of his neck by a ball from a sharp-shooter. On his return from the 
army he engaged at carpenter work, w^hich he has followed to the pres- 
ent time. He established his present business in this place in January, 
1881. Mr. Ricket was first married March 15, 1866, to Miss Rachel, 
daughter of Samuel and Mary (Straight) Green. They became the 
parents of five children, viz. : Mary Ellen, Annie, Charles C, Samuel 
T., and Leo Parker. Mr. Ricket's second wdfe was Ettie, daughter of 
William and Maria (Tharp) Berrv. They are the parents of two chil- 
dren, viz. : Albert D. and Laura Bell. 

RicKETTS, Daniel, minister of the Gospel and farmer, post office, 
McCuneville, Monda}' Creek township, Ohio ; was born December 28, 
1812, in Randolph county, Virginia ; son of Ignatius and Margaret 
(Poling) Ricketts, both of Maryland. Mr. Ricketts was brought up 
on a farm, and has followed agricultural pursuits up to this time. Mr. 
Ricketts came to Ohio with his father in the fall of 1816, who lived, 
during that winter, near Dresden, Ohio, on Wakatomika Creek. The 
next spring (1817) they moved to near Bremen, Ohio, where they lived 
some two )-ears, in both Fairfield and Perrv counties. At that time 

61 



522 UIOGKAriilCAl. SKKTCHES. 

they mov^ed to the sixteenth section of Jackson township, Perry county, 
where Daniel, the subject of this sketch, lived until he was thirty-three 
years of age, when he moved to the twelfth section of Monday Creek 
township, where he had bought eighty acres of land the previous year, 
and where he lias since lived ; he was obliged to labor, the first year 
after his marriage, to get sufficient goods to set up housekeeping. Upon 
coming to this tarm there were fifteen acres cleared, the remainder he 
cleared up himself; and it took him thirteen years to pay a balance of 
three hundred dollars he owed on the farm. After this he purchased as 
follows : 40 acres in this township, first section, for $450, about the 3''ear 
1850 ; 120 acres in Saltlick township, for $1,500, in 1852 ; 60 acres for 
$700, in 1854 > ^^^ acres for $2,300. in Monday Creek township, about 
1858 or i860 ; 40 acres for $570 ; 40 acres for $700 : 52^ acres in Jack- 
son township, of which he inherited two-fifths and took the three-fifths at 
the appraised valuation of $1,000; 20 acres for $400, about 1865 ; 50 
acres for $1,000, in 1866: 126 acres for $3,000, about 1867 ; 159 acres 
in Hocking count^s Ohio, southwest of Logan, for $4,500 cash, in 1875 ' 
a house and lot in New Straitsville, Ohio, for $500, about the same as 
cash, and at this time owns 539 acres in all. The most of his land is 
near and adjoining the first 80 acres that he bought. Considering the 
mineral wealth, this land is worth $100 per acre. Mr. Ricketts has 
given $450 to each of twelve families starting in life, and has assisted 
in building all the churches in the vicinit}' where he lives. He joined 
the Methodist Episcopal Church in his sixteenth year, and from his 
twenty-second to his twenty-seventh year was class leader. Was 
licensed to exhort by Rev. James Gurley, and afterwards to preach by 
the Rev. M. C. Kellogg, both of the Ohio Conference. Continued as 
local preacher twelve years, when he entered the traveling connection, 
in 1852, and has filled the following appointments : Mt. Pleasant cir- 
cuit, one year ; Nelsonville circuit, one year ; Logan circuit, six months ; 
Nelsonville again, over one year ; New Baltimore, one year ; Fairview 
circuit, two years ; Amesville circuit, one year ; again Nelsonville cir- 
cuit, one year ; again to Amesville circuit, one year ; Plymouth circuit, 
two years ; again at Fairview, two 3'ears ; again at Plymouth, one year ; 
Maxville circuit, his home, one year ; one 3^ear did not travel ; Deaver- 
town circuit, two years ; New Plymouth, Hocking county, one vear ; 
Straitsville circuit, two years, and built the two churches, one in Straits- 
ville and one in Shawnee ; again Mt. Pleasant, one year ; again with- 
out a charge one year ; again New Pl3'^mouth, one year ; again without 
a charge one year ; east end of Straitsville circuit, two years ; Asbury 
circuit, Muskingum count3' ; and this year at home, now Junction Cit3' 
circuit. In this work he probably has taken into membership of the 
church from 3,000 to 4,000 persons. Mr. Ricketts was married Janu- 
ary 31, 1833, to Lucy, daughter of Conrad and Lydia (Wicks) Wick- 
iser. They are the parents of ten children now living, viz. : Benjamin, 
who has been class leader in church some ten or twelve 3'ears ; Jacob 
W., a local preacher; Francis Asbur3% William Cochran, a local 
preacher; Matilda, James S., a traveling preacher; Samuel B., a trav- 
eling preacher ; Thomas M., a traveling preacher ; Sophia Jane, Cyrus 
B. ; six deceased, two of whom lived to manhood, John W., who was 
licensed to exhort, and Daniel W. ; four died in childhood, Stephen 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 5^3 

Hamilton, Lyclia, Levi Bartlett, and an infant. Six of his sons 
were in the army during the late Rebellion — three in the three years' 
service ; John W., who died in the army ; Francis A. and William C. ; 
aqd three in the one hundred days' service, Benjamin, Jacob W., and 
James. He also had two sons-in-law in the army ; one, William A. 
Murphe}', in the three years' service, and one, William Terrell, in the 
hundred da^^s' service. Mr. Ricketts has been a very successful minis- 
ter, and all of his children, w4io lived to manhood and womanhood, 
were converted from nine years to fifteen years of age. He certainly 
has brought up a remarkably useful family, both in the service of the 
church and of their countr^^ They truly have proved to be an exem- 
plary familv. 

RiuENouR, J. M., school teacher, post office, Maxville, Ohio; was 
born April 15, 1854, ^" Jackson township. Perry county, Ohio; son of 
Michael and Salome (Wolf) Ridenour. Mr. Ridenour was brought up 
on a farm until he was seventeen years of age, when he went to New 
Lexington and learned the baker and confectioner trade, after which 
he worked at that business in New Straitsville, Ohio. At twenty-one 
years of age he taught school at Junction Cit}^ In his twenty-second 
year he attended high school in Logan, Ohio, after which he resumed 
the teacher's occupation, which he has followed ever since. Was mar- 
ried April 15, 1879, to Alice, daughter of Eli and Sarah A. (Ashbaugh) 
Bell. They have one child, Samuel Winfield. Mr. Ridenour came 
to Monday Creek township in i860, and located in Maxville, Ohio. 
Was elected assessor in 1881, and re-elected in 1882. 

RiNEHART, Jesse, was born November 26, 1806, in Greene county, 
Pennsylvania ; son of Simon and Ann (Wise) Rinehart. He was brought 
up on a farm and followed farming all his life. He came to Ohio in 
1832 with his father, who bought eighty acres of land where Abraham 
Park now lives, and also owned eighty acres that he afterward bought, 
now joining the Hillis farm, and also owned by A. Parks, but lived on 
the first eight}' acres that he bought up to the time of his death, which 
occurred January i, 1853. In 1832 Mr. Rinehart, the subject of this 
sketch, went into business for himself, buying one hundred acres 
where his family still lives, and adjoining the first eighty acres owned 
by his father, and afterward bought forty acres now owned by Simon 
Keener, and twenty acres now owned by Mary Fickle. There were only 
ten of the one hundred acres cleared when he bought it, and he 
cleared the other ninety acres and supplanted the log house by a neat 
frame dwelling, in which he lived up to the time of his death, March i, 
1880. Mr. Rinehart was married the first time in 1832 to Miss Eliza- 
beth, daughter of Solomon and Ann Hoge. They became the parents 
of two children, viz. : Mary Ann and Nancy, living, and three deceas- 
ed, one infant son, Solomon and Simon. Elizabeth, wife of Jesse Rine- 
hart, died September 20, 1845. Mr. Rinehart was married the second 
time, April 8, 1849, ^^ Miss Sarah, daughter of Nathaniel and Louisa 
(Scott) Short. Mrs. Rinehart was born October 14, 1824, in Dela- 
ware, and came to Ohio in 1840 with her parents, who settled in New 
Lexington, Ohio, and lived in this count}' about eighteen months, when 
the}' moved to Muskingum county. Ohio, where they lived about four 
years and returned to this township, where she was married. By his 



524 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

last marriage he was blessed with eleven children, viz.: Loiiilln, de- 
ceased; Dollie, Jesse, deceased; Charlie Winget, Allie Jackson, Sarah 
Florence, two infant sons, twins, deceased : Todd, deceased ; Nathaniel 
and Horace. 

RiNKEU. Wesley, engineer. Pike township. New Lexington, Ohio ; 
was born February 30, 183 1, in Perry county, Ohio; son of William 
and Sarah (Chillcoat) Rinker. Mr. Rinker was raised an engineer and 
has made this the principal business of his life. He was married in 
April, 1856, to Mary J., daughter of Jefferson and Jane (Bell) Hitch- 
cock, of his native county. They are the parents of eight children, now 
living, viz. : Elizabeth, Benjamin, Caleb F., John, Mary E., Sarah, 
Samuel and Jennie Bell. Mr. Rinker has been a resident of this coun- 
ty all his life, with the exception of two years he soent in Hocking 
county. Ohio, running a saw mill, and has been a resident of New Lex- 
ington for about twenty 3'ears, past fourteen years of this time he ran an 
engine at Arnold's mill. He now owns eight lots in Bastian's addition, 
upon one of which he has built a good dwelling, where he now lives. 
He also owns sixteen acres near the fair ground. Thus he is situated 
to enjoy life. 

RissLKR, Edw'ard T.,of the firm of Huston & Rissler, druggists, 
New Lexington, Ohio, was born January 3, 1831, in Richland town- 
ship, Fairfield county. Ohio ; son of Thomas and Margery (Drily) Riss- 
ler, of English ancestrv. Edward T. was brought up and remained on 
the farm until 1866. He followed teaching school in the winter and 
farming in the summer for about eighteen years. In 1865 Mr. R. 
located in Reading township, this county, and came to this place in 
January, 1876, when the present firm was formed. Mr. Rissler v/as 
Auditor of the county in i87i,and re-elected in 1873. Mr. Rissler 
was married April 14, 1865, to Miss Kate A., daughter of Samuel and 
Emily (Keys) Barbee. The}- are the parents of two children, viz. : 
Thomas Charles and E. Ross. 

Rissler, Thomas J., hardware merchant and agricultural imple- 
ments; born 1835, in Richland township, Fairfield count}- Ohio, resi- 
idence, Thornville, Ohio ; son of Thomas Rissler, a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, who came to Ohio at an early da}-, and died in 1870 in his seven- 
ty-ninth year. His first wife died leaving four children, viz. : Mary, 
wife of L. M. Wilson, Oceola, Iowa ; William, Greenup, Illinois ; John, 
deceased, and James. The second wife was Margary Dail3% who died 
about eleven years after her husband, leaving the following children: 
Dr. Rissler, Newark ; Edward Rissler, New Lexington : C. D. Rissler,- 
Oceola, Iowa ; Louisa, wife of Joshua Linville : Ella, wife of Dr. 
Thomas; Nathaniel, Greenville, Ohio, and Thomas J., who was mar- 
ried in i860 to Melissa A. Martin, daughter of Ellison Martin ; he moved 
to Thornville in 1872, where he engaged in business, which has been 
increasing and profitable. The Rissler name is connected with both 
political parties. Father Thomas Rissler and family were of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. He was distinguished for his honesty and 
the hospitality of his home was proverbial. C. D. and Nathaniel serv- 
ed in the Seventeenth O. V. I. to the end of the war. Thomas J. and 
his w'ife have two sons, Edward, now of age, and Ellison, now thirteen. 
They have also three daughters. Miss Sallie, Miss Bessie and Miss Nellie. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 5*^5 

Roberts, John T., collier, Shawnee, Ohio, was born September 
i8, 1827, in Anglesey, North Wales; son of Thomas and Gwen 
(Ishmall) Roberts. Was married and lived in Anglesey until he was 
eighteen years of age, working in copper mines from the age of nine 
years, after which he was employed as follows : Carmarthenshire, 
working on railroad tunnel three 3'ears ; Myrtha-tidvil Glamorganshire, 
mining iron ore four years. At this time he returned home and was 
married Jul}- 22, 1854, ^*^ Catharine, daughter of Thomas R. and Jane 
(Jones) Thomas. They are the parents of two children, Thomas and 
Jane, deceased. After his marriage he remained in Anglesey about 
three 3'ears. Worked on breakwater at Holly head, that cost $100,000, 
for about twenty vears in building. In Staffordshire, England, about 
fifteen years mining coal, except about two years and six months he 
spent in Liverpool, where he was employed in corporation warehouses. 
At this time he emigrated to America, landing in New York, Decem- 
ber 2g, 1870, and went to Pomeroy, Ohio, where he mined coal seven 
months, when he went to Coalton, Kentucky, mined coal about five 
months and returned to Pomeroy, where he stayed about nine months, 
and then to New Straitsville, mining about eighteen months, when he 
moved to Shawnee, where he has since remained, employed as aminer, 
eight years. In Staffordshire, he was leader of a church choir about 
twelve years and is leader of a choir in the Welch church of this place. 
RocKHOLD, Jesse, farmer and shoemaker, post office, Rehoboth, 
Clayton township ; born in Maryland in 1818. Settled in Perry county 
in 1854; son of Elijah and Rachel (Hitchcock) Rockhold. The form- 
er died about the year 186S ; the latter about the year 1858. Married 
in April, 1854 ^^ Miss Augusta Hitchcock, daughter of Israel and Corne- 
lia Hitchcock. They are the parents of three children, viz. : Luressa 
E., Delilah H., one not named ; two are dead. Mr. Rockhold's father 
was in the War of 181 2. 

RoDGERS, Joseph D., real estate, stock and grain dealer, Corning, 
Ohio: son of Joseph and Catharine (Smith) Rodgers. Joseph Rod- 
gers, Sr., came to Perry count}^ Ohio, from Wheeling, West Virginia, 
about the year 1831, with his father, Joseph Rodgers, and located, first 
on the west side of Monroe township. When Joseph, Sr., married he 
located about one half mile west of Corning, Ohio. The entire town is 
built on lands formerly owned by him. He followed agriculture and 
husbandry, by which he acquired an ample competency. Joseph D. 
Rodgers, the subject of this sketcii, was married February 29, 1872, to 
Miss Adaline, daughter of V. W. and Ellen (Vanferson) Lewis, of 
Muskingum county, Ohio. They are the parents of three children, 
viz. : Chester Allen, Sheldon M. and George Lee. 

Rodgers, Chari.es M., stock dealer, Valle}- Falls, Jefferson county, 
Kansas, was born September 6, 1845, in Monroe township, Peny 
county, Ohio ; son of Joseph and Catharine (Smith) Rodgers. Charles 
M. wasbroughtup on a farm in his native township ; located in Jefferson 
countv, Kansas, in 1878, where he was married March 7, 1878, to Miss 
Florence, daughter of E. H. and Amanda (Law) Watkins. They are 
the parents of two children, Mettie Dell and Everett Garfield. 

Rodgers, Nelson L., Corning, Ohio, was born August 17, 1852, in 
Monroe township. Perry county, Ohio: son of Joseph and Catharine 



526 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

(Smith) Rodgers. Nelson L. was brought up in his native township, 
and was married September 18, 1873, to Miss Margaret, daughter of 
James and Eliza (Nedgar) Cain, of Homer township, Morgan county, 
Ohio, of Scotcli-Irish ancestry. Thev are the parents of three children, 
Granville J., deceased, Lily Viola and Jessie Cloe. 

Rogers, Nelson, retired farmer and stock dealer, Corning, Ohio, 
was born May 6, 1826, in Wheeling, West Virginia, son of Joseph and 
Elizabeth Rogers, who were natives of Fayette county Penns3^1vania. 
Elizabeth Rogers, named above, was daughter of Captain William 
Hane3^ The parents of Nelson Rogers moved to near Rehoboth, 
Clayton township. Perry county, Ohio, when he was but four months 
old. Here they remained three years, then came to Monroe township, 
where Nelson has made his home to the present time, excepting two 
years of his boyhood spent in Alliens county, Ohio. Mr. Rogers' 
early life was spent in real pioneer st3'le. Then the deer, bear, wild 
hog and wild turkey were abundant in the woods of Monroe township. 
Game was so plenty as at times to be killed for sport and not used. 
When young he has gone alone, coon hunting, at night, and caught 
more coons than he could carry home with him. He has lived to see 
those rough and hardy pioneer times and customs change to the mod- 
ern advanced customs and luxuries of the present times. Mr. Rogers 
has given his attention to agriculture and stock dealing, and by honest 
industry and intelligent econom}^ he has obtained an ample competence 
for himself and family. He owns two hundred and forty-six acres of 
the valuable mineral land, situated between Corniug and Rendville, 
Ohio, and eighty acres of equalh' as good mineral land situated about 
one mile from the above tract. Mr. Rogers was married December 
28, 1851, to Miss Miram Elma. daughter of Jesse and Epsey (Batton) 
Sanders. The^^ are the parents of six children, viz. : Sarah Epsey, 
Kelita Austin, Benj. F., Abish Lincol, David Merchant and Ida May. 

Rogers, Kelita Austin, farm.er, Corning, Ohio, was born August 
5, 1855, in Monroe township, Ohio, son of Nelson and Miram Elma 
(Sanders) Rogers. Austin was brought up on the farm, but has 
learned the carpenter's trade and understands coal mining. Mr. 
Rogers was married October 12, 1879, ^^ Miss Hannah, daughter of 
Avery and Sarah (Taggart) West, of Morgan county, Ohio. They 
are the parents of one child, viz. : James Delmer. 

Rose, Ezekiel, Bearfield township, Portersville post office, farmer, 
born in this township October 25, 1818, son of Ezekiel and Sarah 
(Thorp) Rose ; father of English and rfiother of Welsh descent. When 
the subject of this sketch attained manhood he went to Iowa and lived 
at Fort Des Moines several years. He went to California in 1849. 
Worked in the mines one ^^ear, and the rest of the four ^^ears he re- 
mained in California he kept store and a butcher shop. He was 
on the site of Sacramento City, before the first house was 
built there. He then returned to Bearfield township, bought a farm 
and has resided there ever since. June 26, 1855, he married Adaline 
V. Skinner, daughter of Amos and Margaret A. (Murrey) Skinner. 
They are the parents of the following named children: Pleasant A., 
married to James E. Stoneburner, of this township; Sadie M.. school 
teacher: Edward J., school teacher; and two died in infancy. 



HISTORY OF PERKY COUInT\ . 527 

Rowan, E. J., book keeper, school teacher and civil engineer, 
Shawnee, Ohio ; was born December 23, 1830, in count}' Mayo, Ire- 
land, son of Edward and Catharine (Mutowny) Rowan. Was raised 
a farmer and followed agricultural pursuits until 1840, when he emi- 
grated to America, landing at New York October 8, 1840 ; remained 
near Syracuse, New York, about four years and engaged at farming ; 
from there he went to Baltimore, Mar3dand, where he remained two 
years, working and visiting relatives. He next found his way to 
"Pittsburgh, Penns3dvania. April, 1846. remaining with his brother 
about one year, and then went to Rochester, Penns3dvania, where he 
went into partnership in a general merchandise store with his brother, 
wherfe he remained about one year, and went to Steubenville, Ohio, in 
1850, where he practiced engineering on the extension of the Pitts- 
burgh and Cleveland Railroad, and was foreman of the survey, which 
employed him about one 3?ear. After this he returned to Pennsylvania 
and studied surveying with a farmer by the name of Richard D. 
Hudson, working on the farm to pay for his instructions, and remained 
about one year. At this time the same railroad that he had been work- 
ing upon again opened and he was employed as division engineer, with 
the Honorable Israel Linton, of Ravenna, Ohio, where he remained 
two years; thence to locate the railroad from Pittsburgh to Rochester, 
Pennsylvania, taking him six weeks, and then for four months calcu- 
lated tables of quantities. Again at Steubenville, Ohio, working in 
3^ards of what was then the Steubenville and Indiana Railroad, and now 
commonly known as the Pan-Handle Route, about one month ; next he 
went to Xenia, Ohio, clerking and engineering for the Little Miami 
Railroad, from April, 1858, to April, 1859; fi'o^^ thence to Cincinnati, 
Ohio, still keeping books for the same company, regulating their time, 
etc. ; continued about two years, during which time he surveyed a road 
from Richmond, Indiana, to Indianapolis, Indiana, requiring about six 
weeks ; again returned to Xenia, and from that time until 1872 was with 
same road ; and owned property in Xenia. From Xenia he went to 
the tunnel on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, Straitsville Division, as 
watchman, and "from there came to Shawnee where he drew maps of 
the Shawnee Valley mine,* Fannie Furnace mine, platted the cemetery, 
and surveyed the streets and directed their grading of Shawnee. He 
is now teaching a night select school and a class of four students in 
geometry and trigonomety. Was married August 5, 1857 j to Ann 
Jane, daughter of Thomas and Catharine (Bieen) McCoy, of Pitts- 
burgh, Pennsylvania. They become the parents of eight children, 
viz. : Catharine F., Mary Ann, Ellen Agnes, Emily Jane, Edward, 
John Martin, Thomas William, deceased, Anna Jane, deceased. Mrs. 
Rowan died December 27, 1874, '^ged thirt\'-four years, nine months. 

Ruddock, George, farmer, post office Shawnee, Ohio ; was born 
April, 1827, in Halcombe, Somersetshire, England ; son of Solomon 
and Mar}^ (Taylor) Ruddock. Mr. Ruddock lived with his father un- 
til he was eighteen years of age and was emploj-ed in mines at eight 
years of age, working in Holcombe about twelve years and in Norton 
parish ; the balance of the time he remained with his father. At the time 
of leaving his father's home he engaged with a mining company, of 
Monmouthshire, where he remained twenty years and was engaged 



528 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

with Myrtha Coal Company four years, and in mines until 1872, when 
he emigrated -to America, landing in New York in July, 1872, and 
went to Dudley, Huntington county, Pennsylvania, where he engaged 
in mining for John Whitehead and Company, for about two years, 
wiien he came to Shawnee, Ohio, where he mined about one year, and 
since whicli time he has been farming, and now is living in Shawnee, 
where he enjovs his own house, erected in 1881. Was married May, 
1857, to Mary, daughter ot Samuel and Ann (Dore) Green. They 
are the parents of seven children, viz. : Elizabeth Ann, William 
Jonah, Samuel George, Mary Jane. Robert, Martha and Thomas 
Dore, and one deceased, William. 

Russell, W. H., was born in 1841, in Somerset, Oiiio, where he 3et 
resides. His father, William Russell, is a native of New Jersey, and 
lost his father early in life, his mother surviving her husband for some 
years. He came to Ohio a few years prior to 1840, in which year he 
became the husband of Elizabeth, daughter of the late venerable Drurv 
Harper, of Somerset. She had two brothers in the. Mexican War, both 
having contracted disease there which cut short their lives. She has 
one sister, Mrs. Trunnell, now of the State of Missouri. W. H. Rus- 
sell is the eldest of eight sons, all living in Ohio, except Edward, now in 
the vState of Texas. There are two sisters of these sons, one the wife 
of W. H. Walker, and the other of Albert May, both residing in Som- 
erset. W. H. Russell volunteered in Company G, Thirty-tirst Regi- 
ment, O. V. I., in 1861, and ser\ed to the close of the war in 1865. In 
1867, hf! was married to Miss Katharine Murphy, by whom he became 
the father of one son and one daughter. In 1878, this affectionate and 
estimable lady was called hence by death, and Mr. Russell has remain- 
ed a widower since then. His son and daughter lind a pleasant home 
with their grandparents, where also Mr. Russell liimself has established 
his residence, and where two of his younger brothers remain also. In 
the year 1866, in partnership with his brother-in-law, W. H. Walker, 
their business as shoemakers and merchants began on a small capital 
which each had saved up from his earnings, prior to that date, and 
which has now so accumulated that, measured b}^ their taxes, which 
are over $100 a year, certifies their success. « 

RuTTER, Walter, of the firm of Wilson & Rutter, butchers, New 
Lexington, Ohio ; was born March 25, 1828, in Newton township, Mus- 
kingum county, Ohio; son of Benjamin and Sarah (Muse) Rutter, na- 
tives of Maryland. At the age of seventeen Walter came to Clayton 
township, where he followed farming until he vvas fort3'-five years of 
age, when he came to this place and established his j^resent business. 
Mr. Wilson became partner in December, 1881. Mr. Rutter was mar- 
ried in March, 1850, to Miss Jane, daughter ot Samuel and Barzilla 
(Crogs) Croskev. They are the parents of three children, viz. : Sa- 
mantha Alice, and Ida, and May, twins, who died in infancy. 

Ryan, William J., druggist, Junction City, Ohio; son of Roday 
and Mary (Donley) Ryan ; was born August 14, 1831, in this county ; 
began working at the tanning business when sixteen years of age, and 
followed the same until about the age of twenty-one, then attended 
school for one year, after which he went to St. Joseph's College 
one year, then went to Jackson county, Iowa, and followed farming two . 



HISTORY OF PERRY COtjNTV. 5^9 

years, from there to Knox county, Missouri, and then April 20, 1861, 
started for California, driving through with a wagon via Salt Lake. 
Was three months reaching Virginia Cit}^ Nevada ; stayed there for a 
time, and then went to California and stayed two years ; landed therein 
Sacramento City, at the time of the flood ; he engaged in the wood trade 
while there. Then came to Virginia City, and opened a feed stable, in 
partnership with Mathevv Gisborn,and followed it two years ; then went to 
San Francisco, and from there to New York, via the Isthmus, and 
from there to this county: followed farming, and serving nine years aj 
Justice of the Peace; established himself in the drug business in Junc- 
tion Citv, in April, 1876, and has the largest stock of drugs and notions 
in town. He was married in 1854, to Helen, daughter of Levi and Ann 
(Lily) Burgoon ; they are the parents of eleven children, ten living, six 
boys and four girls, viz. : Mary A., Levi L, Thomas A., Elizabeth L., 
John F., Mark^G., Joseph J., Lucy F., Hiram E., Sarah J. Levi is in 
the Lidian Territory. Thomas A. is one of the otlicers at the Insane 
Asylum. Mr. Ryan's father and mother were born in Ireland. 

Ryland, Charles H., Justice of the Peace and farmer, post office 
Roseville, Muskingum countv, Ohio; born in Cumberland, Maryland, 
in 1843 ; came to Perry county, in 1874; ^^^ ^^ Samuel and Mary A. 
Ryland. Married in 1868, to Miss Mattie E. Melick, daughter of Wil- 
liam and Anna Melick. The^^ are the parents of two children, viz. : 
Eva A. and Stephen M. Mr. Ryland is at present serving as Justice of 
the Peace of Harrison township. 

Saffell, Mary R., farmer's wite, Pike township, Lexington, Ohio ; 
was born November 22, 1818, in Frederick county, Marj'land ; daugh- 
ter of Thomas H. and Melinda (Harrison) Miller. Mrs. Saffell was 
raised a farmer's daughter and has lived on a farm all her life. Her 
father brought her with the rest of his famih' to this State in an early 
day, when, there yet remained a few Indians, to be seen occasionally. 
She was married January 11, 1838, to Samuel, son of Amos and Mary 
(Lemon) Saffell, who died and left her a widow. Mrs. Saffell has lived 
in this county since her marriage, and is now living on the Josiah Grimes 
farm, that she is having farmed at this date. She has seventeen chil- 
dren by her only marriage, as follows: Mary J., Martha, Rhoda, 
Jehu, Louisa, Caroline, Reuben, Harriet Ann, William Horace, Char- 
lotte M., (with twin sister, who died in infancy), J«imes C, Samuel 
H., Silas A. and Rebecca E., are living, and Reuben, Jno. Thomas 
and Velinda C. are dead. Mrs. SaffelFs father, Thomas H. Mills, is 
now living with her, and is ninet3"-four years of age, and one of the old- 
est residents in the county. 

Saltsman, Maria, Pike township. New Lexington, Ohio ; was 
born January 26, 1832, in Somerset, this county ; was married in 1851, 
to Andrew Saltsman, of Jefferson count}-, Ohio. They are the parents 
of two children, who are living, Charles Wesley and Nancy Jane. Mrs. 
Saltsman has always been a citizen of her native county, and has lived 
in New Lexington, Ohio, for the last ten years of her life, and lived on 
a farm during her married life previous to her going to this city. Her 
husband enlisted in the three years service during the late Rebellion, 
and died in the hospital of typhoid fever in 1864. Her son enlisted 
some nine years ago, from whom she has not heard up to the present 
52 



530 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

time. By economy she now enjoys a pleasant home of her own on 
Railroad street, where she now lives with her daughter and son-in-law. 
Few can boast of so much patriotism of their family as can Mrs. Salts- 
man, all of her support having been given that could be offered by her. 

Sanders, Benjamin, farmer, Monroe township. Hemlock, Ohio ; 
was born January 5, 1823, in Columbiana county, Ohio; son of Jesse 
and Epsie (Batton; Sanders. He was brought up on a farm and follow- 
ed agricultural pursuits until he was twentv-three or twent^'-four years 
of age, when he went to Ringold, Morgan count}', Ohio, and engaged 
in the mercantile business, in which he remained about five years. Mr. 
Sander's father brought him to this county when he was about seven 
years of age, and bought forty acres, and entered eighty acres of land 
at the same time, but sold out in about six months afterward and went 
to Morgan county, Ohio ; after remaining in Morgan county about eigh- 
teen months he returned to this county, and again took possession of 
the same farm because of the man who purchased it being unable to 
meet the payments. After returning he made this his home as long as 
he lived, and increased his possessions to five hundred acres of land, a 
part of which is now owned by his son, Benjamin, who lived with him 
until he went to Morgan county, Ohio, where he went into the mercan- 
tile business. Sold out in Morgan county in 183 1, and returned to this 
count}-, buying a part of his father's farm ; engaged in agriculture and 
stock dealing, for about twenty years. He then bought the grist mill 
at Sulphur Springs and moved it to Hemlock. Has been the manager 
of a store in Hemlock for the past four years, which he owns. Has also 
been postmaster in Hemlock for the past five years. He now owns 
about three hundred acres in Saltlick and Monroe townships, and form- 
erly owned about five hundred acres, selling part of the same to the 
Ohio Central Coal Company, that Buckingham is now built upon and 
where shaft No. 19 is now being operated. He was married 
to Susanna (Wood) Smith, of Belmont county, Ohio, who was a 
resident of this county at the time of her marriage. They are the par- 
ents of nine living children, viz.: William M., C. T., Spencer S., 
Sarah, Emeline, Elma, Almeda, Viola and Etta, and three dead, Epsie, 
Cynthia and Louvina Alice. 

Sanders, Thomas M., proprietor of drv goods and family grocery 
store, near depot. New Lexington, Ohio. Mr. Sanders was born Feb- 
ruary 28, 1835, ^^ Pike township ; son of John and Mary (Fealty) San- 
ders, natives of Pennsylvania. Thomas M. was brought up on a farm, 
but followed various occupations. He railroaded in Wisconsin and 
Minnesota, being employed in the latter State when she repudiated her 
railroad bonds. Mr. Sanders began his present business in 1873, at 
Rehoboth where he remained about four and one-half years, after which 
he came to his present location, where he is doing a good business. 

Sanders, William Miles, merchant. Hemlock, Ohio ; was born, 
February 25, 1843, in Perry county, Ohio ; son of Benjamin and Susan- 
nah (Smith) Sanders. Was brought up on a farm, and followed agri- 
cultural pursuits until 1861, when he enlisted in Company C, Seven- 
teenth Regiment, O. V. I. ; served his term of enlistment in Virginia, 
and was honorably discharged at Zanesville, Ohio. He then re-enlist- 
ed in Company D, Thirty-first Regiment, O. V. I., for three years or 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 531 

during thfe war, and served until September, 1862, when he enlisted at 
Nashville, Tennessee, in Company M, U. S. Cavalry, for three years, 
from which service he was discharged at San Antonia, Texas, Decem- 
ber 18, 1865. While in O. V. I., he was engaged in the following bat- 
tles : Mill Springs, Siege of Corinth, Perryville, Shepherdsville, Cage's 
Ford, battle of Stone River. While he was in the cavahy service, he 
was in the following engagements : Chickamauga, and was on Sher- 
man's march to the sea; and fell back to Nashville, and was in the 
bat.le between Hood and Thomas; and in Wilson's famous cavalry 
raid. His regiment captured Andersonville, took Wertz, the com- 
mander, prisoner; was captured April 18, and was held a prisoner at 
Libby for six da^'s, when he was paroled, and in about one month re- 
joined his company, with which he remained until he was discharged, 
excepting one month, when he was put on detached duty as escort for 
General Corse, to carry dispatches from Nashville, Tennessee, to a point 
three hundred miles up Red River. Upon his discharge from the ser- 
vice, he returned home and remained four weeks, when he went to New 
Pittsburg, Indiana, where he was married, August 31, 1866, to Miss 
Elizabeth A., daughter of Allen Fowler. They are the parents of four 
children, viz. : Spencer E., Martin L., Rasilla V., and Benjamin A., 
all born in Clark county, Iowa. In the fall of 1866, he went to Clark 
county, Iowa, where he purchased a farm, upon which he lived until 
1877, when he went to Johnson county, Nebraska. In the following 
year he again moved to Rush county, Kansas, remaining until January, 
1880, and returned by wagon to St. Louis, Missouri ; then by boat to 
Cincinnati, from where he drove home in a wagon to the old homestead, 
reaching his destination August, i§8o. In the following September he 
purchased his present store. Mr. Sanders was the Greenback candi- 
date of this county, in the fall of 1881, for Representative. 

Sanders, Spencer Smith, miller. Saltlick township ; post office, 
Hemlock, Ohio ; was born March 18, 1847, in Monroe township, this 
county; son of Benjamin and Susannah (Smith) Sanders. Mr. San- 
ders was brought up on a farm, and followed agricultural pursuits until 
about four years ago, when he took charge of the Hemlock mill, to 
which he has given his attention up to this time. In the fall of 1864, 
Mr. Sanders enlisted in Company G, Twenty-fifth Regiment, O. V. I., 
for one 3'ear, and was in the battle of Honey Hill, where he received a 
flesh wound in the arm, which disabled him for three months, when he was 
in general hospital. Upon his recovery he rejoined his regiment, served 
out his time and was discharged, by reason of expiration of term of en- 
listment, when he returned home and engaged in farming, until as 
above stated. He has served his township as trustee about four years. 
Mr. Sanders was married August 29, 1867, to Victoria, daughter of 
Reuben and Hester Ann (Cannon) Primrose, of this townsWp formerly, 
but was a resident of Nelsonville, Athens count}-, Ohio, at the time of 
her marriage, where she was living with her brother, Isaac P. Prim- 
rose. Thev are the parents of five children, viz. : Anna Laura, Frank- 
Hn Geddis/Edwin L., Ohve Clyde, and Mattie M. 

Sansom, R. C, post master, Shawnee, Ohio; was born December 
21, 1837, ^^ Tredegar, Wales ; son of Richard and Elizabeth (Woods) 
Sansom. Mr. Sansom emigrated to America with his parents in 1840, 



532 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

who first settled in Montreal, Canada, where they abode some three 
years, when they came to the United States of America, settling near 
Cumberland, Alleghany count}', Maryland, living at this place until 
about 1857. At this time he went to Piedmont, Hampshire county. 
West Viiginia, where he learned the machinist's trade, serving three 
years ; and where he was at the time of the breaking out of the Rebel- 
lion, when he enlisted with the Eleventh Regiment, Indiana V. I., and 
served during the three months' service, for which he received no pay ; 
and afterward enlisted with the Second Regiment, Maryland V. I., for 
the term of three years, and served two or three months over his time, 
in the armies of the Potomac and West Virginia, at which time he re- 
ceived an honorable discharge and returned home. Daring this service 
he was once wounded at Snickers Gap, but which left no permanent in- 
jur3^ Yet he contracted a disease, which has since proven to be vari- 
cose veins of the limbs, and it so much disables him. that he is now un- 
able to do much of an}- kind of business. He enlisted as a private, and 
was discharged as first lieutenant. Upon receiving his discharge, he 
returned home, and soon after he moved to Bedford county, Pennsylva- 
nia, where he engaged in farming, for about three years, and then 
moved to Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, and was engaged as clerk 
in a coal company's store, and as weighmaster for about two years and 
six months. At this time he came to Shawnee, Ohio, and employed as 
weighmaster and shipping clerk for the Shawnee Valley Coal and Iron 
Company, from 1873 to 1881, when he was appointed postmaster at this 
place. Was married June 5, 1867, to Mary E., daughter of Samuel 
and Lucinda (Harden) Close. They are the parents of six children, 
viz.: Samuel R. P., Elizabeth H., deceased; George T., Ida M., 
Charles W., and John T. 

Sawyer, Charles H., tonsorial artist, Corning, Ohio: was born 
December 24, 1836, in Gillford count}^ North Carolina ; son of William 
and Merina (Mitchell) Sawyer. Charles H. was brought up on the farm 
until fourteen years of age, when he went to his trade ; and has worked 
at it in most of the principal cities of Indiana and Ohio, also in the city 
of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He came to his present location in May, 
1880. Mr. Saw^^er was married November 25, 1857, to Miss Eva C., 
daughter of William and Mary (Ludington) Townsend, of Oxford, 
Butler county, Ohio. The\^ are the parents of three children, viz. : 
Ida B., Calvin, deceased, and Dora L. 

Sawyer, E. Ogden, M. D., Corning, Ohio; was born November 
29, 1851, in Cincinnati, Ohio; son of Joseph O., and Mary Elizabeth 
(Stephens) Sawyer. The doctor was brought up in St. Louis, Missouri, 
until the age of fourteen, after which time he resided in Cincinnati and 
Columbus, Ohio. He began the study of medicine April i, 1878, with 
Dr. Halderman of Columbus, Ohio, and was graduated at Starling 
Medical College, at Columbus, Ohio, in tiie spring of 1880. Practiced 
first in Richmond, Indiana. Came to this place, January 2, 1882. Dr. 
Sawyer was married April 28, 1S80, to Sarah R. Hall, M. D., of Salem, 
Columbiana county, Ohio. She is a graduate of the Friends' Semi- 
nary at Mt. Pleasant, Ohio ; also attended two courses of lectures at the 
Woman's Medical College at Philadelphia. Pennsylvania ; and is at 
present ph3'sician at the Girls' Industrial Home at Delaware, Ohio, 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 533 

ScALLOisr, Thomas, born 1821, in Washington,' D. C.,- where his 
father, James, and his mother, Mary Scallon, arrived in 1819, from 
Wexford county, Ireland. His mother was a daughter of Patrick Red- 
mond, and the "sister of George Redmond, former Treasurer of Perry 
county, and of John Redmond, for many years a Justice of the Peace 
in Muskingum county. Her sisters are 'Bridget and Ann, now the wife 
of George Brehm, and Catharine, the deceased wife of the late vener- 
able Miles Cluney ; and Peggy, widow of the late John Dittoe. The 
children of Mrs. Scallon are Thomas and Mrs. Mary Ann Echenrode, 
late of this county, and the mother of Thomas and Mary Echenrode, 
her only children. Thomas Scallon was married in 1843, to Miss Mary, 
daughter of John Dittoe. His children are: Mary; James, a plasterer 
by trade, post office, Lancaster ; Rev. Thomas, a Dominican priest at 
St. Joseph's ; Helen, a nun of St. Francis De Sales, Newark, Ohio, 
and known there as sister Genevieve ; Miss Anna, and George, post 
office, Somerset, Ohio. Thomas Scallon came to Perry county in 1829, 
when only eight years of age, and has resided on the same farm over 
fifty years, occupying the ancestral acres of his father, James Scallon, 
who deceased seven years after his settlement thereon, in sight of Som- 
erset. He has improved the old homestead with excellent buildings ; 
served for many 3/ears as township assessor, several times performing 
all the work himself; so that faithfulness in office and to his duties as a 
private citizen, are among the virtues unanimously accorded to him. 

Schneider, Louis, Bearlield township ; post office, Portersville, 
Ohio. He is a farmer now, and followed merchandising thirteen years 
at Portersville. He was born in Baden, Germany, in 1825 ; son of 
Francis P. and Marv (Euhert) Schneider. He emigrated to this coun- 
try in 1854 '■> h)cated at Portersville ; stayed in his brother's store the first 
winter, and then he went into business for himself. Mr. Schneider now 
owns four hundred and ninety-six acres of land, being one of the wealth- 
iest and most successful farmers in the township. In 1855, he married 
Mary C. Reimond. of Deavertown. They are the parents of the fol- 
lowing named children : William F., Annie L., deceased ; Frank J., 
Leo L., George Otto, and Charles Reimond. His wife died in 1872. 
He married Ellen Cunningham, of Muskingum county, in 1873. They 
have one child, Michael A. 

Scott, Martin F.. merchant; born in Ohio county, West Virgin- 
ia, in 1812. Son of Mathew Scott, born in Kilkenney ; and Elizabeth 
Lacy Scott, born in Wicklow county, Ireland ; came to this country in 
1800. His father was an officer in the English Army, and was present 
at the trial of Robert Emmett, an incident of his life to which he ever 
after referred to with emotions of sorrow. He began mercantile life 
in Baltimore, Maryland, and about the year 1808, removed to Wheel- 
ing, West Virginia, bought a farm on the Ohio side of the river, but re- 
sided on the Virginia side, where Martin was born. This careful, 
cautious, honest and successful man was bred to the mercantile life, 
which he yet pursues in his old age. He came to Somerset in 1838, 
after the death of his mother in 1837, intending to go to New Orleans. 
He changed his course to Iowa, intending to purchase land, and turn 
his occupation to that of a farmer. In the Des Moines valley he called at a 
house ; a woman with a child in her arms responded. He inquired of 



534 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

her if there was any land to enter in this beautiful part of the State. ''Are 
you one of those land grabbers ?" was the greeting. " What does that 
mean, madam ?" " One of those speculators who buy large tracts here 
and prevent the settlement of the country." "No," said Mr. Scott, 
" I intend settling here if I buy." And then, eyeing the woman more 
closely, he said, "your name was Johnson and I sold 3'ou 3^our wedding 
dress." "Then your name is Martin Scott," exclaimed the lady, as 
she rushed forward to welcome him. He selected a section of land. 
Nothing but gold and silver and Missouri bank notes would be receiv- 
ed at the land office ; scores of buyers were there waiting for the sales 
to open. Plowing around one acre and la3-ing down four logs made a 
squatter's claim, and many made these claims, sold out and then moved 
on. The land sales were postponed, and Mr. Scott says, "That act of 
Van Buren's administration turned n)y feet back to Somerset, and he 
shall have the blame or the honor of my being here." While yet a 
lad he was sent from Belmont county to St. Joseph's in Perry county, 
to learn his catechism, the distance being over one hundi'ed miles, and 
the road from Somerset to the church, a path cut tiirough the woods. 
He was united in marriage with Cecelia Diitoe, daughter of Peter Dit- 
toe, of Mt. Harrison, May 3, 1S42. Their children are, viz. : Albert, 
bred to the law, and who died at his father's residence, June 5, 1880, 
leaving a widow and a son, Albert, both now in Washington. D. C. ; 
Thomas, commercial traveler, single ; Lewis,-married, residence Chi- 
wa-hua-hua, Mexico, (pronounced Che-wah-wah), merchant, banker 
and miner; Philip, clerk, at home, single. The daughters are, Mary, 
Lizzie and Dora, all single and at home. The family has had excellent 
opportunities for education, and all his sons exhibit commendable 
traits of business. 

Scott, John W., collier, Shawnee, Ohio; was born April 13, i860, 
in Caxhoe, count}^ of Durham, England ; son of George and Isabel 
(Richison) Scott. Mr. Scott was raised in his native count}', and re- 
mained there until he was nineteen years of age, when he emigrated to 
America, landing in New York October 3, 1879, and came direct to 
Shawnee, where he mined eight or nine months, when he went to 
Straitsville, and mined about one year, and from thence to Floodwood, 
remaining a short time, after which he went to Rendville, where he has 
been employed up to the present time, and is now engaged at Beard's 
shaft. His parents still live in Crook, county Duriiam, England. 

Secrist, Alexander, engineer, Shawnee, Ohio; was born July 
12, 1845, at Bloom Furnace, Lawrence county, Ohio; son of George 
and Mar}/ Jane (Woodruff) Secrist; was brought up about a furnace, 
and has made furnace work the business of his life. At the age of nine 
years, he ran an engine at the old Jackson Furnace, Jackson county, 
Ohio, where he was engaged for five years. At this time he enlisted in 
Company L Fifth Regiment Virginia Volunteer Infantry, as fife Major, 
remaining three years, and was taken prisoner between Winchester and 
Bunker Hill, and was taken to Currantstown, above Winchester and 
confined in an old mill, where he remained about six days, when he 
slipped out of a hole, caused by some siding being broken off, unob- 
served by the guard, and went down under the water-wheel, where he 
remained until ten o'clock at night, when he passed out of the camp. 



HISTORY OF PEURY COUNTY. 535 

climbing over some of the sleeping enemy and traveling till near morn- 
ing, when he hid under some hay in a barn. The enemy took hay from 
the same mow that day, but did not discover him. The next night he 
went to a house to get something to eat, when he discovered two Rebel 
officers inside ; he beat a hasty retreat and hid under a sLraw^ stack 
until the next night, and for four days he only had blackberries and 
roasted corn to eat. Upon again traveling, he reached North Moun- 
tain, and wandered night after night, often coming to camps and shun- 
ning them until he reached the Union lines. The tirst meal he got to 
eat, after getting away from the mill, was given to him by a negro 
woman who came to milk near a straw stack where he was hidden. When 
he reacehd North Mountain a bushwhacker showed him the wa}^ across 
the mountain, where he was captured by the Union forces, suspected as 
a Rebel, and imprisoned at Cumberland for some length of time, when 
he was sent to Harper's Ferry, where he remained until a part of his 
compan^r was brought there to receive their discharge, and, as he was 
looking out of the prison window, he was recognized by his old com- 
rades, identified, and discharged with them. Returning home, he 
located at Jackson, in 1866, and has since ran an engine at Jackson, 
Bessimer and Shawnee, where he now remains. Mr. Secrist was mar- 
ried May 2, 1872, to Miss Mary Ann, daughter of Felix and Rebecca 
(Jones) 'Nash. They are the parents of three children, viz. : Edward 
D., Harry Cla}^ deceased, and a infant not named. 

Seckist, William, engineer ; Shawnee, Ohio ; was born January 
10, 1854, in Jackson county, Ohio ; son of George and Mary Jane 
(Woodruff) Secrist ; was brought up in the county of his nativity, where 
he remained to the age of twenty years. While a youth he learned the 
trade of engineering, at first engaging with George Hoop, at Jackson, 
running a grist mill engine eighteen months, and then to Orange Fur- 
nace, in same town, running the engine for three years. Since having 
learned his trade, he has been engaged in the following places : In 
Lawrence county, Ohio, at Olive Furnace, running engine one year; 
Iron Valley Furnace, Vinton county, Ohio, dug ore and ran engine 
eighteen months ; Hocking county, Ohio, mined coal five or six 
months; New Plymouth, Vinton county, Ohio, running portable saw- 
mill engine, one year ; Gore furnace, Hocking county, blacksmithing 
and running engine about three years ; in Straitsville, as furnace top 
filler, three months, and in this place, at Fannie Furnace, since, run- 
ning engine for about three years past, in turn with his brother. He 
was married October 11, 1874, to Eliza, daughter of Jonathan and 
Mary Jane (Decker) Moody. They are the parents of four children, 
viz. : Charles M., Minnie May, George A., and an infant not named. 
Selby, Thomas, farmer, Pike township, P. O. New Lexington, Ohio ; 
was born November 12, 1804, in Anne Arundel count}', Maryland ; son 
Eli and Ruth (Shipley) Selby. Mr. Selb}^ w^as raised a farmer, but 
learned the blacksmith trade with Jacob Knowls, of Somerset, Perry 
county, Ohio, serving four years as an apprentice, which business he 
followed for thirty years, turning b}' forge many an ax, long before the 
introduction of the patent ax. Mr. Selby was united in marriage with 
Julia A., daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Ankney) Wright, Febru- 
ary 10, 1831. They are the parents of the foil wing children, viz. : John 



536 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

N., Eli M., Jeremiah B., Joshua F., Eliza Ann, Margaret M., Harriet 
L., Alpheus B., William Cook, and three dying in infancy. Mr. Sel- 
by came to Perry county in March, 1814, with his father, who set- 
tled in Pike townsiiip, entering three quarter-sections of land, the same 
that is now owned Sy Thomas, the subject of this sketch, and his heirs, 
who own six hundred acres of land. When the settlement was made, 
bears and wolves were plenty, and the land a desolate wilderness. In 
1843, Mr. Selby supplanted his log cabin by a line, large brick man- 
sion, which he now lives in. He has been a successful and an enter- 
prising business man, raising atone time the best sheep that were ever 
raised in Perry county, one that sheared thirty-three pounds of wool sit 
one clipping. He now, in his old age, takes delight in raising thorough- 
bred cattle, and at one time owned a calf ninet}'-five daj^s old, that 
weighs three hundred and eighty-hve pounds, gaining a little over three 
pounds per da}^ 

Selbv, S. F., farmer and stock dealer ; post office. New Lexington, 
Ohio ; born in Pike township, Perry county, in 1837 ; son of Thomas 
and Julia A. (Wright) Selby; grandson of Eli and Ruth (Shipley) Sel- 
by, and Thomas and Margaret (Ankney) Wright. He was married in 
1873, to Miss Elizabeth Koots, daughter of Ephriam and Eliza 
(McKeever) Koots. 

Sellers, H. P., farmer, and breeder of thoroughbred Atwood 
sheep, registered in Vermont Atwood Club. Post office, New Lexing- 
ton ; Clayton township, Perry county, Ohio ; born in Perry county in 
1842 ; son of Jacob and Julia E. (Reem) Sellers, grandson of John and 
Margaret (McMullen) Sellers. Married June 29, 1870, to Miss Har- 
riet Roberts, daughter of H. H. and Carrie Roberts. They have four 
children, viz. : Stilla L., Herbert C, W. L. A., and Whittield. 

wShearer, Samuel, was born in 1815, on the farm where he now 
resides, the place never having been out of the Shearer ownership. It 
lies in sight of Somerset, and the land maintains a reasonable state of 
fertility. At the age of nineteen he went to work at the carpenter 
trade, and in the winter worked at cabinet making, and from there on 
to the age of fort3'-five years pursued this occupation exclusively. At 
the age of forty-two he changed his bachelor life by his marriage to 
Sarah A. Brandt, whose maiden name was Sarah A. Cann, and who 
was the mother of one son, named James Brandt, at the date of her 
second marriage. The children by this marriage are, Emma E., Mary 
C, Laura T., Sallie E., all of whom are living except the tirst named. 
He was never clamorous for the eight hour law when working at his 
trade — he worked from sun to sun. When working by the month his 
wages, after his apprenticeship, ranged from eighteen to twenty-four 
dollars. He was counted a superior workman, and the Moeller corner, 
now the Brown corner, in Somerset, stands a witness to the skill which 
took the wood from the stump and fashioned it therein. After his mar- 
riage he worked on his farm and occasionally at his trade ; the demand 
for his services often withdrawing him from the farm. His cutting box 
costing $6, dispensed with the old rake and knife and cuts by hand, 
utilizing an old scythe for a knife, and one man, in a single hour, can 
easily cut enough hay or fodder to feed three cows for a week. He 
feeds his beeves on chopped feed, and a sorrel mare, now thirty years 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 537 

old, looks and acts so much as if hardly halt' this age, as to testify to the 
value of a good and cheap cutting box on the barn, and to the kindness 
and humanity of her owner. This celebrated animal will not, even 
now, bear a whip, or allow angry, loud words to be spoken to her. 
Mr. Shearer is an honest, honorable citizen, who prefers to speak well 
of others or remain silent. His life and successful management is a 
beautiful eulogy upon the sphere he fills in societv and the institutions 
of his country. From early years, in consequence of sickness, his hear- 
ing is impaired, but not so much as to exclude him from social and 
conversational enjo3'ment. He is a firm friend of education for useful- 
ness, and all his children have enjoyed, or are enjoying, the blessings 
of domestic and literary training. 

Shearer, John FI,, was born in Perry county, Ohio, in the year 
1816, and though trained to life on the farm to the age of nineteen, he 
has, since 1836, devoted his life to the business of printing and publish- 
ing newspapers, comprising a period of forty-six vears, and thus estab- 
lishing his claim to being the oldest printer and editor now living in 
Ohio. He is a son of Daniel Shearer, who emigrated to Ohio as early 
as the year 1805. His mother's maiden name was Martha Miller, who 
dates the citizenship of her father in Ohio back to 1806. In 1836 John 
Shearer began learning his trade as a printer in the Western Post office 
in Somerset, with McAfee as proprietor. In 1839, leaving completed 
his apprenticeship, he became half owner with that gentleman, who, in 
nine months after, sold his half to Alexander Miller, and again, in 1841, 
A. T. M. Filler bought the interest of Miller, which he held until 1844. 
Mr. Shearer then bought out Filler's half and became sole proprietor, 
and so ran the ofiice until 1846, when he rented the establishment to J. 
W. Shirley for three years. In 1849 ^^^"- Shearer resumed sole control 
and changed the name to the Somerset Tost. In 1855 he sold out to 
Mr. E. S Colborn, and the Post became merged with Mr. Colborn's 
paper, and both took the name of the Perry County Aniei'ican. In 
1857 the office passed back to Mr. Shearer, and its name was changed 
to Somerset Reviezv. About this time Mr. Shearer became involved as 
surety for Ottoe H. Miller and others, and sold out the Reviezv to Judge 
R. F. Hickman. All the accumulations of tke previous twent}^ years 
of his young and vigorous manhood were swept away, together with 
real estate that cost him $2,800, sacrificed at $800 to pay bail debts. 
It was a terrible blow, but not to his faith in God or his hope of ultimate 
recovery. In August, 1858, broken in heart and fortune, he visited 
Mar3^sville, Ohio, and bargained for the Tribune office, b}' which he 
bound himself to pay $500 within a year, balance when he could, and 
in October of the same 3'ear took possession, and, after the removal of 
his family, found only $9 left in his pocket-book to start his business 
and face a strange community. Luck, backed with unflagging energy 
and the favor of friends, enabled him to pay $900 on the contract, when 
his old creditors began to grow clamorous. He informed the late Hon. 
C. S. Hamilton of the situation, as he had done at the beginning. This 
gentleman (afterwards killed by an insane son) replied : " Stop paying 
me, and pa}^ your Perry county creditors." These were noble words, 
uttered from a noble heart. John Shearer pulled through, paid all 
claims against him, and became sole owner of the Marvsville Tribtme, 

63 



538 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

which is vahied at $10,000, being the best equipped county office in 
Ohio, and which, added to his real estate and other assets, at a reason- 
able estimate, allows him $27,000 for the last twenty years service, and 
tm-ns the frowns of 1857 and the sacrifices of 1858 into the smiles and 
sunshine of life's afternoon. The first twenty-three years of his print- 
er's life were ended b}' the destruction of his fortune, and the last twen- 
t3'-three have not only recovered all that was lost by the first, but added 
a hundred-fold, and, in the evening of his days, assigned him to the 
front rank as a successful printer and editor, and command his history 
to be preserved in the annals of his native county, and his example to 
cheer all those overtaken b}^ financial reverses. He was first married 
to Miss Matilda Ream, who died in 1S65, leaving one son, Willie O. 
Shearer, and one daughter, Lorietta, now the widow of Dr. A. F. 
Zeigler, Columbus, Ohio. The second marriage was in 1868, to Mrs. 
J. A. Johnson, of Delaware count}^ Ohio, who died in 1881, leaving one 
son, John H. Shearer, Jr., now twelve years of age. 

Sheeran, Thomas, cutter in Peter Dufiey's merchant tailoring room. 
New Lexington, Ohio ; born January 6, 1852, in Pike township ; son 
of James and Mary (Sharkey) Sheeran. Young Sheeran was brought 
up on a farm, where he remained until about fifteen 3^ears old, when he 
learned the plasterer's trade, and followed it about five years, then, in 
company with his brother Frank, establislied a. merchant tailoring store 
at Athens, Ohio, where they remained about one year. He then learned 
his present trade. Came to this .place about the year 1867. He en 
gaged in his present position in 1878. Mr. Sheeran was married Jan- 
uary I, 1878, to Miss Margaret E., daughter of Anthony and Ellen 
(Greene) Daughertv. They are the parents of three children, viz.: 
Frank, deceased ; Mary, and Margaret Ellen. 

Sheern, Pius, farmer, post office. New Lexington, Pike township, 
Perry county, Ohio; was born March 15, 1848, in this township: son 
of James and Mary (Shirkey) Sheern. Was raised a farmer, and fol- 
lowed agricultural pursuits until 1863, in December of which year he 
enlisted in the army, in Company' D, 30th O. V. I., for three years, or 
during the war, and served until June 5, 1865, when he was discharged 
by reason of the close of the v/ar. Was engaged in the following bat- 
tles : Dallas, Georgia; Kenesaw Mountain, Georgia; Nicojack Creek, 
Georgia ; Atlanta, Georgia ; Jonesborough, Georgia ; Savannah, Geor- 
gia ; charge of Fort McAllister, Georgia, under General Hayes, and 
Waynesburg, North Carolina. After being discharged he returned 
home and engaged in farming until 1874, when he went to Colorado, 
and where, in 1875, ^^^ enlisted in the regular army for five years, and 
served three j^ears and four months, being discharged at his own re- 
quest. The hazardous task of carrying a dispatch from Bluff Creek 
to Camp Supply on the frontier became urgent, and as an inducement 
for some one to volunteer, the officer agreed that, to the man who would 
carry it, should be granted any request he might make upon his return. 
Mr. Sheeren performed the feat, and upon his return asked for his dis- 
charge, which was granted. During this service he waited upon Col. 
Lewis at the time he was wounded, who was Colonel commanding the 
19th United States Infantry. Was engaged in the battle of Sand Hill, 
Kansas. Upon going to Colorado he prospected for gold and silver for 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 539 

one year previous to enlisting in the army, but was unsuccessful in His 
undertaking. Upon receiving his discharge iie returned home, in 1879, 
and again engaged in farming, which he has followed up to this time. 
Was married September 23, 1879, to Ellen, daughter of Edward and 
Biddie Maloy, of this township. They are the parents of one child, 
Henry. 

Sheridan, John L., was born in Somerset April 2, 1837, ^^^^ is one 
of the three surviving sons of John and Mary Miner Sheridan. He 
was admitted to the bar in 1866, and the same year united in marriage 
to Miss Katharine Gallin, a daughter of the late venerable and la- 
mented James Gallin, and sister of Mr. John Gallin, now in active and 
successful business in Somerset. He visited Texas and Mexico, im- 
mediately after his marriage, and beheld the setting sun of Maxamilian 
on the west and the rising sun of Reconstructed Union on the east of 
the Rio Grande. He served as register of the land office at Fairpla}-, 
Colorado. Was one of the speakers sent by the Republican State Com- 
mittee of Ohio, in 1868 : Republican candidate for State Senator in 
the district composed of Perr}' and Muskingum counties, and is now 
employed at Fort Supply, Indian Territory, returning home frequently 
to visit his family, consisting now of his mother, wife and two 
daughters. His homeward visits include a call at Chicago, where 
his brothers, General Philip Sheridan and Colonel M. V. Sheridan 
have their headquarters. Eminently social, and sometimes even con- 
vivial, the conversational powers of John L., make him the centre of 
social life, and no son of Somerset is more heartily welcomed to her 
precincts by his friends and acquaintances. 

Sheridan, Gen. Philip H., was born in Somerset, March 6, 1831. 
His parents were Irish, and had recently emigrated from county Cavan, 
in the northern part of their native land. They were members of the 
strong Roman Catholic community that had settled in this vicinity, and 
young Phil was reared in this faith at St. Joseph's Church. He secured 
a fair common school education, and having within him the promise of 
better things than the life of an ordinary villager, he obtained a clerk- 
ship in the hardware store of Mr. Talbot, the best position open to an 
aspiring youth in a small town. He proved energetic, faithful and in- 
telligent, and his leisure moments were occupied with the study of 
mathematic and history, under the kind tutilage of his employer. A 
better position with another storekeeper, Henry Dittoe, was offered him 
and accepted, but the gifted youth aspired to something better than 
selling goods behind the counter of a village store, and faithfully con- 
tinued his studies. A vacancy existed at West Point in the cadetship 
of this district, and Gen. Thomas Ritchey, then Congressman from 
Perry count}'^, received many applications for the position, supported by 
numerous recommendations and testimonials. He finall}^ received a 
simple, straightforward letter, asking that the place be given the writer, 
signed by Phil Sheridan. The Representative knew the sturdy lad and 
gave him the appointment. Phil was seventeen years old when he bade 
farewell to his companions and friends at Somerset and entered West 
Point. He graduated with the class of 1853 in his twenty-third year, 
and was assigned to duty in that year as Brevet Second Lieutenant on 
the frontier of Texas. Until 1861 he served in that State and in Oregon, 



540 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

except a short time wlien he was in the East as recruiting officer. When 
the great civil strife opened, Lieutenant Sheridan, with the impetuous 
eagerness of a young officer, was anxious for the fray, but was quite 
modest in his expectations of promotion. The goal of his ambition he 
cotifides to a friend : " Who knows," he writes, " perhaps I may have 
a chance to earn a Major's commission." From Oregon he was trans- 
ferred to Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, but the duties to which he was 
assigned were civil rather than military in their character, and though 
not conforming to his ardent wishes, were performed with faithfulness 
and zeal. He audited the claims arising from the operations of the 
army in Missouri, and was then sent to Wisconsin to buy horses. In 
May, 1862, he was made Colonel of the Second Michigan Cavalry. 
His first engagement at Booneville with a greatl}^ superior force under 
Gen. Chalmers, in Juh\ 1862, foreshadowed in its brilliant success his 
future renown as a military leader, and won for him a commission of 
Brigadier-General of volunteers. A volume would scarcel}- be sufficient 
to contain his record during the war. His brilliant and rapid career 
and rise to the front rank of the nation's few great chieftains have lifted 
him without the narrow limits of Perr}^ county and made him one of 
the favorite and honored sons of the whole country. His history and 
gallant achievements in the service of his countr}^ are as familar to the 
citizens of California and Maine as to the people of his own county and 
State. At Perryville and at Stone River his vigor and dash was 
strikingly displaj^ed ; his rank as Major-General of Volunteers dates 
'from this latter battle. At Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, and other 
engagements, too numerous even to mention, his wonderful capacity 
was repeatedly revealed, and "Little Phil Sheridan" had gained the 
plaudits of his countrymen, and among the soldiers bore the reputation 
of a capital fighter. It was not till towards the close of the war that his 
greatest success was attained. In March, 1864, he was appointed Com- 
mander of the Cavalry Corps of the Arm}' of the Potomac, and in this 
capacity his military genius shone and made him the greatest Cavalry 
General in the war."^ During the twelve months following, he swept the 
valley of Virginia, capturing within that period more than tw^o hundred 
battle flags, one hundred and seventy field pieces in open fight, and 
war munitions and public property of all kinds captured and destroyed 
to the value of more than $3,000,000. His command fought seventy- 
six battles in eleven months. In August, 1864, he was placed in com- 
mand of the Army of Shenandoah, a position in which his skill in 
handling troops, the combination of caution and audacity, the celerity 
of movement and fertility of resource which he possessed, liad ample 
field for exercise. The crowning achievement of his career was at 
Cedar Creek. He had been called to Washington. October 13, 1864. 
to a military consultation. The enem}-, under Longstreet and Early, 
had arranged to mass their forces and make a desperate effort to crush 
his command. They stealthily approached and fell suddenly upon his 
army, which, after a strong resistance, fell back and was in full retreat 
when met by their commander on his return from the capital . His famous 
ride from Winchester has been immortalized by a distinguished poet. 
Meeting his disorganized and fleeing troops, he realized the disastrous 
situation at a glance. To the first fugitives he exclaimed, "Face the 



HISTORY CXF PERRY COUNTY. 54I 

other way, boys ; face the other way ! We are going to Hck them out 
of their boots ! " His presence restored the confidence of his wearied 
men. and inspired them with an enthusiasm to renew the conflict. Hasti- 
\y reforming the shattered hues, he hurled them against the advancing 
foe and won the most glorious victory of the war. The effect on the 
whole army of the East was such, that in sight of Richmond General 
Grant ordered a salute of one hundred guns in honor of the event. A 
vacanc}^ just then occurring, Shericlan was commissioned Major-Gen- 
eral of the Regular Arm}', the highest military rank then within the 
power of the government to bestow. Subsequently General Sheridan 
was transferred to the Southwest, where order and quiet followed all his 
movements, and later to the Western frontier. When General Grant 
was elected President, and Lieutenant-General Sherman succeeded him 
as Genera], this latter rank fell to Sheridan. In physique he is deep- 
chested, short and stout, and his appearance on horseback is most strik- 
ing. "' Dashing Phil Sheridan," as he was known, is no less popular 
with his men and officers than in society. He was married in 1875. 

Sheriman, D. H., farmer, born in 1843, in Licking county, Ohio, 
post office Thornville ; son of John Sherman, who came to Perr}- county 
when his only child, David H., was six years of age. His grandfather, 
EH Sherman, died in Licking countv, Ohio. His great grandfather 
was Joel Sherman, native of Connecticut, who lost his life at the hands 
of the savage while hunting cows on the border, near Marietta. His 
greatgrandfather, Joel, sleeps in peace in the Marietta cemetery. The 
grandmother of David H. was Peggy Findla}', and his great grand- 
mother, the widow of him killed by Indians, lived to be near one 
hundred vears of age. She married a Mr. Shoeman alter the death ot 
Sherman. The mother of David H. Sherman was Elizabeth Hooper, 
daughter of Rev. James Hooper, of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. She is a grand daughter of Jacob Hooper, who came to Ohio 
earl}'. Rev. James Hooper was a soldier in the War of 1812. His 
brothers were Philip, Samuel, Rev. Jacob, Ezekiel and John 
Hooper. The brothers of Mrs. Sherman (the mother of David H.) 
were Jacob, William and David ; sisters, Elsa Ortman, Fanny Wise- 
man and Mary J, Dunaway. Her mother, the wile of Rev. James 
Hooper, was Polly Swayzie, and her grandmother's maiden name was 
Elsie Milligan. She and her husband are still living in comfort, and 
D, H., their only child does the farm work of the homestead, though 
he owns a farm of his own adjoining it. This son was in the 126th 
Regiment. He became the husband of Miss Clara Cooper, 
daughter of John, of Thorn township. Her mother was Ruth 
Eliza Price, daughter of the venerable Thomas Price, of Hopewell, 
now in his ninetv-first year. Her grandmother was Sarah Freeman. 
The father of Thomas Price fought on the British side, but deserted 
and fought on the side of liberty, and tradition says by so doing for- 
feited not only his life but a large fortune in England. His life was 
spared. He became separated from his brother, Alexander, for many 
years ; by accident they were restored to each other, the accident 
being this: In 1812, Rebecca Hite, of Zanesville, Ohio, took 
care of a soldier, sick with measles. This soldier spoke of one 
Alexander Price, who, it happened, was an uncle of Mrs. Hite, 



542 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

and the lost was found. A good act is never thrown away. This wo- 
man's kindness to a strange sick soldier was rewarded. D. A. 
Sherman and wife have the following named children : William, John, 
Arthur, Alice, Sarah and Ruth — three sons and three daughters. To 
school these children, Mr. Sherman erected a school house on his own 
land and carved a part of the school district out of Fairfield and a part 
out of Perry county. This was a feat in diplomac}' no ordinar}^ mind 
would even undertake, much less accomplish, in Ohio. He is a Dem- 
ocr'at, central committee man of his township, and a ver}^ thorough 
man of affairs — quiet, but ver}- thoughtful. 

Sheeler, Jerry, assistant foundryman, Shawnee, Ohio ; was born 
Ma}^ 27, 1827, in Green county, Kentucky, son of Jacob and Elizabeth 
(Canon) Sheeler. Was brought up on a farm and followed agricul- 
tural pursuits to the age of twenty-one years, when he engaged as 
keeper of the Bellfont furnace, same county, which position he held 
for three years, when he took charge of the farm belonging to this 
furnace, together with its steamboat landing on the Ohio River, and 
held that position some twelve or fifteen years. From here he went to 
Ashland furnace, in Ashland, Greenup, now Boj-d county, Kentucky, 
where he kept furnace for seven years, with the exceptions of four 
months he spent at Nelson furnace, Indiana ; then to Ironton, Ohio, 
where he was keeper of furnace for five months, at same time assisting 
the foundryman. From there he came to Shawnee, Ohio. At first he en- 
gaged at Fannie furnace as foundryman for three months : and was 
there four months on repairs, directly after which he employed with the 
XX as assistant foundryman, which position he now holds and has 
been incumbent of for sixteen months. Mr. Sheeler was married June 
29, 1849, ^° Mary, daughter of John and Rachel Beason, of Fa3^ette 
county, Pennsylvania. They are the parents of tv/o children, viz. : 
Jacob and John. Mrs. Sheeler departed this life June 11, 1854. ^^■• 
Sheeler was enlisted in the army in September, 1864, serving ten 
months, and was engaged in the battle between Hood and Thomas, at 
Nashville, Tennessee. Was mustered out of service in August, 
1865 ; was enlisted in Company H, twenty-sixth Kentucky Regiment, 
first brigade second division, twentj^-third army corps under Generals 
Scofield and Thomas. Mr. Sheeler was again married February 2, 
1856, to Mar}^ Ann, daughter of Aaron and Millie Pickerel, of Greenup 
county, Kentucky. They are the parents of nine children, viz. : Eliza- 
beth, Maggie, Luc}', Edward, Fannie, Henry, Franklin. Minnie and 
Katie. 

Shelly, D. C, was born in Hopewell township. Perry county, 
1817 ; reared here, and was never out of the State but once, and then 
on a visit to relatives in the State of Indiana. He is a successful 
farmer by occupation, but exerts a mechanical genius in v/ood, iron and 
stone, having done the chief part of his own building. His father was 
George Shelly, son of George Shelly, Senior, who came to Hopewell 
township in 1814. D. C.'s father was single then, but soon after was 
married to Miss Margaret Cooperider, who had eleven brothers, and 
Mrs. Shelly alleges that " each brother had a sister," which is true, for 
the reason that she was the only daughter. D. C. Shelly had two 
brothers, John, deceased in Indiana, and George, post office Glenford. 



HISTORY OF PEURY COUNTY. 543 

He had also two sisters, Margaret, wite of Geori^e Deffenbaugh, post 
office Thornville, and Elizabeth, wife of Simon P. Swinehart. His 
mother died in her sixty-first, and his father in his seventy-seventh 
year. D. C. Shelly was married in 1841, to Katharine, daughter of 
Peter and Mary Mechling. He began his married life on his father's 
homestead, and, as he became able, bought out the heirs in the Mech- 
ling homestead, subject to the dower of his mother-in-lrw% Mary 
Mechhng, until 1850, when he removed to it. Their only two living 
children are Elvena, wife of Amos Albert, post office Chalfant's, and 
Jefferson, married to Louisa, daughter of Jacob Cooperider. One 
daughter, Emily is deceased. These kind hearted people also tenderly 
reared and educated three orphan children, John Baichlev and Alfred 
Mechling, both of whom became teachers, and Elkana Bo3^er. The 
grandchildren of U. C. and Katharine Shell}- (the children of Jefferson 
and Louisa Shelly), are Emmit, Dennis, Harvey, Nettie May, 
George and Frank. Daniel C. Shelly is among the foremost in agri- 
cultural pursuits, his farm comprising one hundred and seventy-two 
acres, on part of w^hich the town of Glenfordis built. His an old time 
Lutheran in religion, a Democrat in politics, and firm adherent to what- 
ever he regards as the right. 

ScHENK, William Henry, M. D., Thornville, born 1824, in Fauquier 
county, Virginia ; is a son of John D., and his mother's maiden name 
was Miss Gillian Lloyd. His grandfather, Michael, was also a native 
of Virginia, but his great ancester, the father of Michael Schenk, was 
a native of Germany. The grandfather of Doctor Schenk, on his moth- 
er's side, was George Emory Lloyd, who came with his son-in-law,. 
John D. vSchenk, the father of the doctor, to Ohio in 1834. Grandfather 
Lloyd made his home in the Schenk famih', near Etna, Licking county, 
until his death, at the age of ninety-five. He w^as a Revolutionary sol- 
dier, and Doctor Schenk has often heard him relate the experience and 
trials of those times. The "bare foot" story, he said, was no fiction. 
He had often taken the place of ill clad soldier on sentinel, to keep him 
from suffering. He kept a diary and was tempted to print it, but was 
as often tempted to abandon it. A work on arithmetic was nearly 
ready for the press, but this, too, was allow^ed to go b}^ default. He 
made his own almanacs, and often amused himself wdth women who 
did not like their age to be known, by asking them to tell him the day 
of the week, and the day of what month the}- were born. Having 
thus entraped them, he would laugh and sa}', " now I know your age 
exactly," and the}' w^ould, with equal merriment, chide his supposed 
presumption, until he felt himself forced to vindicate the science of 
numbers and tell them their age with such accuracy as to astonish them 
beyond description. This veteran soldier and arithmetician was a 
Virginian of modern fortune, and while living there, owned a few 
slaves, and after coming to Ohio, persisted in his pro-slavery views. He 
voted for Washington and for every President down to Zachariah 
Taylor, in 1848. John D., the father of Doctor Schenk, lived to his 
eighty-seventh year, and remained a spry old man to that time. The 
brothers of Doctor Schenk are George Emry, post office Fairfield, Illi- 
nois ; Michael A., post office Outville, Ohio ; Theodrick L., Newburg, 
Arkansas. His sisters are Valeria, wife of Rowland White, post office 



544 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Cardington, Ohio; Frances G., wife of Myron Bates, Outvillc, Oiiio. 
Doctor W. H. Schenk read medicine and graduated at Cleveland in 1852, 
in which year he located in Thornville, where he has now been in prac- 
tice for thirty years. In 1854 ^^^ married Miss Melinda, daughter of 
the late venerable Adam Bogenwright, of Thorn, who lived to the re- 
markable age of one hundred years. Doctor Schenk's children were 
six in all, but one died in infancy. The survivors are Valeria K., 
wife of Charles Wilson, Thornville; Miss Francis G., Miss Lilian L. 
and George Emrv Schenk, a dry goods clerk, and Charles E. at 
home. 

Shepperd, T. J., merciiant, Moxahala, of the hrm of Shepperd 
and Pile. The same tirm also own a store at Rendville. Mr. Shepperd 
was born in 1840, in Pleasant township, nearOakfield ; went to Wisconsin 
in 18^8, returned in 1861, enlisted in the Tliirtieth Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry ; remained in that regiment all through the service, four 3'ears. 
Hugh Ewing was his Colonel ; Theodore Jones, Lieutenant-Colonel, 
but Jones was subsequently made Colonel when Ewing was promoted. 
He was in the battles of South Mountain, Antietem, Atlanta, Mission 
Ridge, Vicksburg ; went wath Sherman to the sea, and came out of 
the war having received but a couple of slight wounds. In 1868 he 
married Annie E. Fowler, of Pleasant township, and she died in 1877. 
She became the mother of two children, Addie M. and James W. In 
1878 he married Parthena Ayers, daughter of Thomas x'\yers,of this 
township. They have one child, Annie E., born in 1879. 

Shepperd, George W., farmer, Pleasant township, Moxahala post 
office ; son of Absalom Barney and Sarah (Snelling) Shepperd ; his grand 
father, Nathanial Shepperd, was born in Baltimore count}^ Mar3'land, 
his great-grandtather was a native of England. His mother's ancestry 
was English and Welsh. His father came from Maryland to Musking- 
um count}^ and from there to this township in 183 1, and entered the 
farm where he now resides. In November, 1859, he married Rebecca 
M. Brown, of Pike township, who was of Irish descent. Their children 
are Hester B., Cora and- David E. March 9, 1871, he married Ada- 
line McArtor, of Monroe township, who is of English and Scotch de- 
scent. Their children are, Alice J., William B., Charles S. and two 
who died in infancy. 

Shough, p. a., deceased ; born at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, in 1824 ; 
died in Somerset, Ohio, in 1881. He married Sophia Price, in Virginia, 
and soon removed to Franklin county, Pennsylvania, where he pursued 
his trade, tailoring, and where were born, William, single; George, 
married, painter; Lizzie, single; Jacob, merchant tailor, married; 
Joseph, plasterer, married ; Newton, clerk, single, and McClure, clerk, 
sincrle. In i860, P. H. Shough became messenger in the State De- 
partment under Governor Curtain, of Pennsylvania ; moved to Somer- 
set in 1870 ; was an Odd Fellow, and at his death his widow drew $1,000 
from the Insurance of the Order. 

Shrider, Levi, farmer, carpenter and generally ingenious ; born in 
1831 in Reading township; son of Peter Shrider, a stalwart man still liv- 
incr, six feet and two inches in his stocking feet. Levi resides on section 
20, northeast one-fourth, patented 1805, signed b}' the great Thomas 
Jefferson, President of the United States; and the southwest one-fourth, 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY; 545 

1808, in the name of Andrew Hite, father of Samuel, Isaac and John 
Hite. This farm contains a renowned spring, strong enough to fill a 
tile eight inches in diameter ; was used to run a wheel for churning but- 
ter, for mill purposes, the early resort of hunters, a short distance below 
which was a deer lick. A horse mill and still-house were also erected 
by "Uncle Samm}- Hite." Indian graves were not far distant, but now 
these ancient forms are departed. A pear tree grown from the seed, 
now thirt}^ inches over the stump, is still in bearing vigor, a few rods 
from the big spring, and perhaps on a level twelve feet above it. A 
wood pile was placed surrounding it and the chips and rotten dirt had 
accumulated around it to the depth of two feet or more, when removed 
by Shrider fourteen years ago. This removal exposed some of the 
roots and he was compelled to erect a frame of wood around it and lill 
this frame with muck from the woods. The tree recovered its former 
vigor and yields as high as thirty to forty bushels of pears in one sea- 
son. It has not missed bearing for the last fourteen years, and tradition 
says it never did fail, and the same tradition makes Samuel Hite the 
first settler of Thorn, and Solomon Whitmer the tirst white male child 
born in PerrN' or in that territory which now composes it. Levi Shrider 
was first married April 4, 1855, to Caroline, daughter of John Auspach, 
of Reading township. By this marriage he became the father of six 
children, tive of whom are now living, to-wit : William H., a black- 
smith, in Thornville, Ohio; Samuel C, a farmer; David E., John P., 
post office of all, Thornville; and Levi C. post office, Somerset. The 
second marriage took place to Miss Sarah, daughter of Joseph 
Orr, in 1868. The children of this marriage are, Oswell, Es- 
tella, Lewis H., Daisy S. and Murray Frederick, now three 
years old. He followed wagon making until competition of ma- 
chinerv drove him to carpentering and to farming. He has produced 
fine work in the cabinet line, and the pulpit of the Lutheran Church in 
New Reading attests his skill. He built his own dwelling and barn, 
and these are among the most respectable in beauty and convenience. 
His judgment of land and real estate was complimented by his fellow 
citizens, by election as land appraiser over a very popular opponent of 
the same partv. He owns one hundred acres of the best land with the 
best of improvements in Thorn township, and when he bought it, in 
1868, he went into debt $3,000. The fact that he has paid out and 
erected buildings on the land worth $3,000 more, not only assert the fer- 
tility of the soil, but the best order of financial ability and skill as a far- 
mer. 

Shriver, William I., Treasurer of Perry county ; post office. New 
Lexington. 

SiMoxs, A. P., mine boss. New Straitsville, Ohio ; was born April 
9, 1853, in Washington count}', Ohio ; son of Meigs and Eliza (Hock- 
ing) Simons ; was raised a farmer and continued on the farm until his 
twentierh year, when he went to mining in this place, and was engaged 
at that and la3-ing track until December, 1881, when he took his present 
position with the Straitsville Coal Company. Mr. Simon's great grand- 
father came from Vermont to Marietta with a colony and lived in the 
fort at that place, and was wounded by the Indians while living there, 

and thev were obliged to guard their grain fields from incursions bv the 
54 ' 



546 DIOGKAPHICAI. SKETCHES. 

red men. After the Indians were driven back, he entered land upon 
tlie Muskingum River, in Washington county, Ohio, where he lived un- 
til his death. His grandfather, Hosea Simons, came into possession 
of the home farm and lived there until he raised his famil}^, when he 
moved into Iowa, where he lived until about 1872, when he departed 
this life. His father remained in Washington countv until his death, 
which occurred Februar}' 18, 1859, in his thirty-second year. His mother 
was born and raised in IVLuyland, and came to Ohio with her parents in 
1847, who settled in Washington county, where she lived at the time of 
her marriage. Her father lived with his son vmtil his death in Novem- 
ber, : 860, and was in his eightieth year. Her mother lived to be ninety- 
eight 3'ears of age, and died in October, 1878. Mrs. Simons afterward 
married, January 29, 1854, '^^'- J*^^^" Hammond, of Virginia, and with 
her family moved in that State, where they lived until the spring of 
1866, when they went to Michigan, remaining one year, and then went 
into Missouri, living in Ralls county one year, and Audrain county from 
that time until 1881, owning two dit^erent farms in this count}', one in the 
sovithandone in the northern part of said county, owning them at differ- 
ent times. While in the northern part of this count}^ Mr. Hammond 
came to his death, October i, 1871, at the age of sixty years. Mr. 
Simons, the subject of this sketch, returned to Ohio in 1872, and his 
mother, Mrs. Hammond, in 1881. Mr. Simons was married February 
6, 1877, to Sarah Holt, born August 24, 1855, in Harrison county. West 
Virginia, daughter of William and Catharine (Gray) Holt. They be- 
came the parents of one child, viz. : Arthur. Mrs. Simons died Au- 
gust 2, 1880. Mrs. Hammond and all of her living children are now 
together in the same house in this place. 

Sims, P. R., weighman, Straitsville Coal Company, New Straits- 
ville, Ohio. He was born at Eagleport, Muskingum county, Ohio ; is 
of German parentage; a son of Absalom and Christenia (Hartman) 
Sims. In 1855 ^^^^y I'emoved to Cambridge, Guernsey county, Ohio, 
where P. R. Sims remained with his parents until the breaking out of 
the Rebellion in 1861. His father, at that time, was fifty-nine 3'ears old, 
and after several ineffectual attempts to enlist, dyed his bearde and hair, 
and succeeded. His enlistment was followed b}' his sons Simon, John, 
Isaac, W^illiam and P. R., the last enlisting in the spring of 1862 for 
three years. He remained the entire time, doing good service, and re- 
ceiving two slight wounds, one at Stone River, and one at the charge of 
Mission Ridge, Chattanooga, Tennessee. His Company was A, of 
the Ninety-seventh O. V. I. During the term of enlistment, Mr. Sims 
participated in twenty-one general engagements, his last being the bat- 
tle of Franklin, Tennessee, one of the se\-erest fought battles of the war ; 
Wood's entire army was brought to bear on thirteen thousand men, who 
eventually came off victorious, killing three to one of the enemy. His 
father was killed in the battle of Stone River, Tennessee. His Compa- 
n3^was B, of the Fifteenth Regiment, O. V. I. His brother William, a 
member of Company A, Twenty -second Battery, was killed at the battle 
of Cumberland Gap. His brother, Isaac, a member of Company H, 
Forty-fifth Illinois Regiment, was killed in the forlorn hope charge on 
the blown up redoubt. His brother, Simeon, a member of Company 
B, Fifteenth Regiment, O. V. I., was killed at the battle of Mission 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 547 

Ridge. His brother, John, a member of Company B, Fifteenth Regi- 
ment, O. V. I., was wounded at Munfordville, Kentucky, and dis- 
charged, leaving P. R. the last of six members from one family. In 
consequence of the sacrifice made by this family, P. R, was offered a 
discharge, but declined, preferring to remain and avenge the deaths of 
his father and brothers, and aid in putting down the wicked rebellion, 
which had caused him and his mother such losses. While in the service, 
in 1863, P. R. received a commission as Sergeant of Company A, 
Ninety-seventh Regiment, given for meritorious and gallant conduct, 
signed by Colonel Milton Barnes, Colonel J. Qc Lane, and Adjutant 
Joseph Gossuch, and was always afterwards known as the "boy ser- 
geant." He was only fifteen ^-ears of age when he enlisted, and made 
one of the most gallant records achieved in the late war. After the close, 
P. R. returned home, and remained home with his widowed mother, 
until 1867, when he enlisted in the regular army, and was sent to San 
Francisco, California, where he was assigned to Company A, Ninth 
U. S. I., detailed to the mail service on the route on the Bay of San 
Francisco. The steamer "General McPherson " was plying from the 
city to Angels Island, thence to Alcatrag (bird) Island, thence to Pres- 
ictio, Black Point, Fort Point, Goat Island and return. P. R. remain- 
ed in this service about six months, when an accident occurred, which 
literally tore off the steamer to the water's edge, wounding several of- 
ficers and the Captain, Jones. Several of the officer's ladies were 
aboard the steamer at the time. Nearl}- every man left the steamer but 
P. R. and O. H. Gardner, of Lake Village, New Hampshire, who cared 
for the wounded and ladies until rescue came. For this bravery, 
they were both rewarded. Gardner was detailed to the cit}^ as Ser- 
geant of the Recruiting Department, and Sims as Clerk in the Medical 
Director's office. Department of California. • He remained here until 
within five months of the expiration of his term, when, on request, he 
was transferred to New San Diego, Lower California, in the Qiiarter- 
master's Department, under Captain Cragie. His term expired May 
16, 1870, when he returned to Cambridge,"Ohio, to fill an engagement 
with Minnie Urban, of that place, to whom he was married September 
2d. Her father, Gudlib Urban, was born in Leipsic, Germany ; her 
mother, Catharine (Miller) in Bavaria. They settled in Guernsey 
county about 1858. After his marriage, Mr. Sims removed to New 
Straitsville, where he now resides, being in the employ of the Straits- 
ville Coal Company, as weighman, a position he has filled almost since 
coming here. 

Sines, John, mine boss. Corning, Ohio ; was born February i6, 
1837, in Guernsey county, Ohio ; son of Absalom and Christena (Hart- 
man) Sines. John's first experience in mining was at Black Rock, 
Muskingum county, Ohio, where he went into the mines at six years of 
age and remained" there until thirteen, when he went to Simmons Creek 
and worked in a stone quarry eighteen months. Subsequently he mined 
at Zanesville, Cambridge, Nelsonville and Straitsville, Ohio. He came 
to his present location in 1880. Mr. Sines was married January i, 1856, 
to Miss Hulda ]., daughter of Alexander and Catharine (Hartman) 
Teal, of Guernse}' county, Ohio. They are the parents of seven child- 
ren and one adopted child, viz. : Leonard D., John A., Annie, Flora 



•54S BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

C, Laura C, Herbert, deceased, Etta Dale and Frederick, adopted. 
Mr. Sines has given close attention to mining and is now one of the 
most experienced miners in Perry count}'. 

^Skinner, Amos, farmer, Bearfield township, Portersville post otiice ; 
born in Virginia, May 25, 1802; son of Peter and Sarah (Roberts) 
Skinner : tather of French, and mother of English descent. He emi- 
grated to Ohio in 1835 '^^^*^ settled in Madison township, this county, 
lived there a little over a 3'ear, and resided one year in Clayton town- 
ship before he moved to the farm where he now resides. In 1825, he 
married Margaret A. Murrey, of Virginia, daughter of Thomas Mur- 
re3^ The}- are the parents of the following named children : Ferdi- 
nand F., married to Elizabeth Hearing. He is deceased. Thomas 
P., married to Julia A. Whiley, and resides in Kansas; Amos A., de- 
ceased; Mary E. ; Sarah M., married George W. Murris, resides in 
this township ; Adaline V., married Ezekiel Rose ; John R. married 
Harriet Breece, and resides in Kansas ; Julia A., who married L}man 
Lamb. He is deceased; Rebecca H., married Vv^illiam Ells, of this 
township; Elm3a-a W., married James E. Breece, of this township. 

Skinner, T. P., farmer and stock raiser, post office Bucke3'e Cot- 
tage, Clavton township, Perry county, Ohio ; born in this county in 1834 ? 
son of Lemuel and Lucinda (Birch) Skinner. Grandson of Peter and 
Sa,rah (Roberts) Skinner. Mr. Skinner was married in i860 to Miss 
Harriet Brown, daughter of Isaac and Ellinor (Chinoth) Brown. They 
are the parents of nine children, viz. : Ernest B., Charles E., Frank 
N., William E., Lester R., deceased, Beverly O., Lucy E., Homer 
B. and Anna M. 

Skinner, P. H., Rendville, Perry county, Ohio, was born January 
5, 1852, in Monroe township, Peny count}', Ohio ; son of John and 
Mary (Smith) Skinner. A*t the age of two years his father died leaving 
him, his mother and another brother. They lived on a farm in Union 
township, Morgan county, Ohio, and he and his brother James, two 
years older, attended the district school until he became of age. In 
1878 he attended school at New Lexington and taught his first school in 
Chapel Hill, which profession he has followed ever since. Was married 
January 14, 1881, to Miss Mary Donahoe and located in Rendville in 
1881, where he taught a subscription school, and on May 29, 1882, was 
elected Justice of the Peace, to till the vacancy occasioned by the death 
of George Thompson. 

Smith, Major Thomas J., provision grocer, east side oi Main 
street. New Lexington, Ohio. Major Smith was born, March 16, 1846, 
in this place ; son of James and Eliza Smith. In March, 1862, he en- 
listed in Company G., Sixty-first O. V. I., and veteraned in March. 
1864. The second week after his return from the war he entered school 
andattended about seven months. In April, 1866, established his pres- 
ent business, in which he has been successful. Major Smith was mar- 
ried Februarv 22, 1870, to Miss Madglin, daughter of John and Catha- 
rine (Shorr) Fox. They are the parents of three children, viz. : Mary 
Frances, Thomas J. and Catharine. 

Smith, John D., merchant, Shawnee, Ohio, was born December 29, 
1846, in Limerick, Ireland ; son of David and Ellen (Burke) Smith. 
Mr. Smith was raised a mechanic and emigrated to America about the 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 549' 



rfge of liine years with his mother, a brother and a sister, setthng m Dun- 
kirk, New York. His father died while he was yet quite young and lor 
a few years he was obhged to face the storms of hfe, but he had the 
courage to tell his mother that he could provide for himsell and assist 
her. "He was first employed upon a steamboat plymg on Lake Erie Ironj 
Dunkirk to Toledo. Cleveland. Detroit and Buftalo, where he remained 
nine months, and then went to Pennsylvania "to strike oil," but not be- 
ing successful, he was employed in a brick yard at three dollars pei 
day, in the fall of 1865, remkining during the brick making season ot 
that year, when he returned to Corry, New York, and was employed at 
the A. & G. W. railroad shops. After remaining with them in the 
yards for some time, he learned upholstering with them and remained in 
this place until the fall of 1866, when the shops were moved to 
Franklin Mills, Portage county, now known as Kent, and where he le- 
mained until 1868 ; at this time he became a journeyman, went to Pitts- 
burgh, failed to get employment and there became a peddler, contmumg 
three months. From Pittsburgh he went to Steubenville, Ohio, and w^ts 
employed with Thomas Denmead, master mechanic of the P. C. & bt. 
L R'y. remainino- until the next spring, when he was sent to Den- 
nison, Ohio, where he stayed until Ml and returned to Steubenville, up- 
holstering until 1870, and was then sent to Lancaster Ohio, to take 
charge of the upholstering department of the C. & M V R y shops m 
that place, from where he went, in 1872, to the diamond fields ot Atrica. 
In April of 1872 he received a letter from a Mr. Stickney, a former shop 
mate of that place, asking him how he would like to go on an adven- 
ture to Africa, when he repHed, " Pm your Moses,' and on April 27, 
left Lancaster to join him with a Mr. Hall, of Zanesville. 1 his part}^ 
on May -? left for New York and passed over the Alleghanies at night, 
losincr si^rht of the horse shoe bend, thinking they had lost a great piece 
of natural scenery, but it could not vie with what c^me m their way 
afterward, in the Yorm of mountains. Arriyed at New \ ork May 4, 
where they took the steamer Angeline, of the Anchor Line for 
Glaso-ow, "Scotland, where they arrived May 21. A lew days 
previmis to their arrival. President Grant had made a _ demand 
on the British Government for the Alabama Indemnity, \yhich_ gaye 
them some trouble to get through the Kingdom. They remained in this 
city, Glasgow, two da>s, visiting the Cathedral and other places of note. 
From here they went to Melrose on the Tweed, where they visited Sir 
Walter Scott's residence, Dryburg and Abbey, where this noted bard 
of romance sleeps his last sleep ; also, other places of interest. 1 he 
next day they arrived at Carlisle and stayed one night, and thence to 
London: the greatest city of the world, arriving May 29, and the nex^t 
dav booked for South America on the steamer Norseman, and sailed 
from Southampton, June 10, having remained here for rest and recupe- 
ration, as they had been wonderfully sea sick from New \ ork to Glas- 
gow, .^ailing with high winds and rough sea. The first evemng out 
from Southampton they again were all sick and all the way across the 
Bay of Biscay and until they reached Madeira Island on Sunday, June 
t8 which they all hailed wi\h gladness after eight days sailing in bad 
weather. Smith says it is the most beaudful place in the \yorld 
Funchal City is the 'capital, and here they remained until seven o clock 



55° BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

P. M., visiting churches and objects of interest. The island is so very 
steep that sledges are the only mode of conveyance, many of which 
are models of -convenience and beauty, drawn by oxen."^ At eight 
o'clock they weighed anchor in good spirits from indulgence in wine 
cellars. The next sight of land was the Canary Islands and the peak 
of Tenerifte ; from Teneriffe they sailed seventeen days to the Island 
of St. Helena, where they dropped anchor in Jamestown Bay and land- 
ed on July 4. Here they went up Main street, a shabb}' affair too, where 
they found the Consul building, where all the foreign consuls were to be 
found, each one represented by the flag of his country, which in one 
common breeze floated aloft, and all are equal. Among them there were 
nine Americans, who, when they came to the Stars and Stripes, drop- 
ped their hats and gave three cheers for the Emblem of Liberty. They 
were W. C. Stickney, of Steubenville, Ohio; Ed. Hall, of Zanesville, 
Ohio; William A. Walsh and W. H. Wiley, of Richmond, Virginia; 
John Osborne, of Montana Territory ; William Battenhouse, of New 
York City, and the subject of this sketch. Next they visited the form- 
er residence and the tomb of Napoleon, the First, where they were per- 
mitted to pluck a few geranium leaves in remembrance of the great war- 
rior, and drank refreshing draughts from the very spring that once 
quenched the thirst of the sleeping warrior, whose deeds of valor has 
nerved the arm of many a soldier since. To this place from Jamestown it 
was six miles, but they returned ready to continue the voyage at about sun 
set from the mountainous journey. At eight o'clock "they were again 
sailing, this time for the cape. Their visit at this place'was on July 
4, and having asked the cabin privilege of Captain Coxwell, they, the 
Americans, had pre-arranged to celebrate it by a dinner. " This 
project met with some difliculty upon a British steamer, as the English 
aboard opposed it and began to ridicule America and its celebration of 
that memorable day. They would sing "Rule Britannia" and other songs. 
At length the Americans armed themselves, being determined not to be 
thwarted by such opposition, and then warned the British that if it was 
necessary it would come to the worst. At this the British kept mute. 
Just previous to serving the meal, a Flag Lieutenant of Rear Admiral 
Campbell, who was bound for the cape, looked into the cabin and espied 
that the Stars and Stripes was above the Union Jack in the display ar- 
ranged, and raised objection, complained to Captain Coxwell, that as 
he was carrying English mail it should not be permitted and to save 
trouble, by the Captain's request, they changed the arrangement and 
hung all the ensigns on a line in equal height. Supper was served and 
a good time was enjoyed with three invited guests, officers of the steam- 
er. The next day a dratl of resolutions were drawn, thanking the Cap- 
tain for his kindness, which were handed him. On Julv 13, they land- 
ed at Capetown. The first land seen upon its approach was Table 
Mountain, a distance of one hundred and eighty miles awa}^ The 
mountain stands 4,600 feet above the sea. The voyage was made in 
thirty-three days and a half. Upon landing they found business brisk 
and the streets filled with groups of Kaffirs, Malays, Hindoos, half 
breeds, etc., many of whom were drunk on Cape Smoke whisky. The 
first night came on and they slept upon the vessel and the next morning 
arose at four o'clock to witness one of the grandest of sunrises, which 



HISTORY OF. PEKI^Y COUNTY. 55 ^ 

the}" often saw, even in more grandeur than that, during their four years 
stay in Africa. Notwithstanding tlie beaut}^ mentioned, the barren 
waste of Africa, for four long ^^ears left nothing to be remembered with 
pleasure, only the monotony of a w'aste desert and Karroo remains. 
The reflections of home and the fertile soil of America kept a spirit of 
hope alive in the breast of again, through the kindness of Providence, 
enjoying its scenery and dying amidst its luxuries. On Jul}' 19, they 
started for the diamond fields ; traveled by rail eighty miles to Welling- 
ton, arriving at noon. This is near Bains Kloof, or mountain. 'After 
dinner they took stage and at sun set the}^ reached the summit of the 
mountain. Took a supper at Constable, a poor substitute for American 
luxuries. Constable is a relay station. There were now thirteen pas- 
sengers for the diamond fields. Horses were changed every three or 
four hours. Tra\'eled for six consecutive days by stage, by way of 
Buffalo River, passing river beds every mile or two, but only two had 
any water, those of the Orange and Moder. Next the}^ reached Wor- 
cester at twelve o'clock at night. July 24, they reached Victoria West ; 
here they slept five hours, having onh- two hour's sleep previous to that 
since they started for the fields. At this place they saw the first ostrich- 
es in Africa. Tne next place was Qiieenstown, one of the best towns 
upon the way. They next arrived at Jacobs Noll, on the Moder 
River, and on July 27, arrived upon the fields, having traveled about 
one thousand miles bv stage in seven days and a half. Upon the \^ ay 
the first curious thing that attracted attention was the cape sheep. Its 
tail was so large that it was supported upon a small wagon to enable it 
to go about. The sheep would weigh about seventy-five pounds and 
its tail about thirty-five pounds. The tail of this sheep is used instead 
of butter for their bread, and is the much more valuable part of the 
mutton, wdiich is quite sweet. At one place they took breakfast with a 
Katfir who lived in a long log house with a cane thatched roof, and built 
the fire in the middle of the floor with no stove or fire place or chimney. 
They seemed to live in keeping with their filthy life. July is a winter 
month there, and during their journe}' they had heavy frosts. The 
sight of the fields was something new. Europeans in their native attire 
and Kaffirs in their nudeness standing about in groups. With difficulty 
they obtained lodging for the night. Upon the next morning the}^ 
struck for the American camp, where they Ibund Mr. Fl3'nn, Mr. Lan- 
caster and a Mr. Seiber, all from Chicago, Illinois, of whom the}^ ob- 
tained the use of a small tent, in which eight of the party slept upon a 
small litter of straws for one week, when they purchased tents for them- 
selves. At that time the}^ procured tools for diamond digging. The 
business proved unprofitable for two months, after which they met 
with some success, but what they endured upon the diamond fields was 
an experience worth years of life in some quiet work. The heat, the 
dust storm, the fleas and many pests, would test the hearts of the brav- 
est. Smith found some valuable diamonds. Of the party John Os- 
borne died at Pilgrims Rest, in the Transvoal. Mr. Stickney died in 
May, 1873, on the Bay of Biscay, on his way home. Walsh and Wiley 
returned to Richmond, Virginia, in 1874. Smith returned in June of 
1876, starting on Good Friday in April. Mr. Smith's heart gave thanks 
to Providence for his health and success through the rough and hard 



55^ BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

trials of the diamond fields and set out for his native land, which he now 
fully realized was the land of corn and wine, but- twelve hundred miles 
distant. The journey he was permitted to make in safety by an over- 
land route to Algoa "Bay, from where he took a steamer ; stopping at 
Capetown two da^^s, he sailed for England, via the Island of Madeira ; 
landed in South Hampson, May 21, 1876, and took a railroad train for 
London, May 31, and set sail from Liverpool for Philadelphia, Penn- 
sylvania, arriving in thirteen days and a half b}" the steamer Lord. 
Here he remained six days visiting the Centennial Exposition, and on 
his way back visited Baltimore, Washington and Richmond, Virginia, 
and landed at Lancaster, from whence he started. After his return he 
married Mary Jane Bougher, daughter of Peter and Mary Jane (Burke) 
Bouijher : soon after which he went to Texas. After he had been gone 
four months his wife, w^hom he had left at her father's, died. May 13, 
1877, after seven day's illness, leaving a new born babe which also 
died six weeks after. From this sad scene in life he returned to Lancas- 
ter and worked there until the spring of 1878, when he came to Shaw- 
nee and opened in business, and in May,. 1879, ^'^^ married to Alice, 
daughter of Neil and Ann (Fealty) Coyle, of Perry count}', Ohio. To 
them was born one child, viz. : Nellie Ann. Mr. Smith's mother, who 
was born in Limerick. Ireland, and his brother and sister are living in 
Preston, Iowa. 

Smith, Leonard C, editor, JVcckly Banner, Shawnee, Ohio ; was 
born December 3, 1861, in Licking count}-, Ohio; son of Sidney and 
Annie (Lawrence) Smith. His father was a soldier in the late war, 
and died m the service, soon after Leonard C. was born. The father 
and son never saw each other. Young Smith began the printer's trade 
when thirteen, and at sixteen was editor. He assumed his present charge 
in January, 1881. The paper in his management has rapidly increased 
in popularity, and bids fair to be a success. 

Smock, John M., farmer, Shawnee, Ohio; was born October 24, 
1829, in Greencastle, Fairfield county, Ohio; son of John and Marga- 
ret (Mathews) Smock. Was brought up on a farm, and followed agri- 
cultural pursuits up to 1872, at which time he changed his occupation 
to that of teamster ; teaming at Five Mile Furnace, south of Logan, 
four years ; at XX Furnace, Shawnee, three years. P'urnished iron 
ore by contract, from Iron Ore Point, for the Fannie Furnace, one year ; 
furnishing all the ore the furnace used during that time ; and was en- 
gaged about the furnace until November, 1881, when he took charge of 
the stables which he has controlled up to this time. Mr. Smock was 
married May 13, 1858, to Mary V. Russell, daughter of William and 
Catharine (Wenner) Russell of Uniontown, Muskingum county, Ohio, 
They are the parents of ten children, viz. : William L., Elmer E., 
Sarah C EmmaL., Harriet V., Minnie B., Robert Russell, Ella May, 
John Clarence, and Mary Estella, all living. Mr. Smock served as a 
carpenter in the army during the late Rebellion, enlisting May, 1863, 
and remained until Oc'ober of same year ; and upon his return, he vol- 
unteered with the O. N. G., and served four months in the Shenendoah 
'Valley under General Siegle, when he was honorably discharged and 
returned home to his family. 

Smoot, John, telegraph operator, Shawnee, Ohio ; was born Feb- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUN'fY. 553 

ruary lo, 1856, in FairHeld county, Ohio ; son of Solomon and Rachel 
(Pannebecker) Smoot. Mr, Smoot was brought up on a farm, and fol- 
lowed agricultural pursuits until he was twenty-one years of age, when 
he employed as clerk at Sugar Grove, in the Columbus & Hocking Val- 
le}^ Railroad office, where he remained about one year, after which 
they sent him to Lancaster, Ohio ; Logan, Ohio; and Nelsonville, Ohio, 
as clerk. Came to Shawnee next, where he has been clerking and 
studying telegraphy for six or seven months, and up to this time, and is 
now engaged as operator for the C. & H. V. R. R. 

Snyder, Samuel, was born in 1843, in Clayton township, Perry coun- 
ty, Ohio ; a son of Peter Sn3'der. His mother's maiden name was El- 
len Dean. He was married in 1865, to Miss Margaret, daughter of 
Michael Reynolds. The children are : Mar^-, Ellen, Catharine, Mattie, 
Dora, Maggie and Stephen A. The brothers of Samuel are: Jacob, 
William, Joseph, Austin, Alfred, Thomas and Nicholas. In 1881, Sam- 
uel Snyder became a successful candidate for county commissioner, and 
his hotl}' contested nomination against a field of worthy and formidable 
competitors, was ratified at the following election, and" he is now serv- 
ing the people of his native county with great devotion to the general wel- 
fare. He is a working man, and in partnership with his brothers, car- 
ries on three portable saws and one planing mill. The hands with these 
mills often camp near the saw, do their own cooking, and thus reduce 
the expenses to the minimum, while the profits are kept up to the maxi- 
mum, by judicious purchases of timber, by large contracts of lumber 
to the trade abroad, and the conversion of much suitable luaterial into 
flooring and other forms for building, for bridges, and so on. The ex- 
tortionate rates of freight charged by the B. & O. Railroad, is assigned 
as sufficient reason for removing the planing mill from Somerset to some 
other point, where competition for freight is likelv to insure better 
terms. 

SoPHER. J. H., senior partner of the Corning WecHy Times; was 
born May 12, 1849, i^^ar Pennsville, Morgan county, Ohio; son of J. 
D. and Julia (Newlon) Sopher. Mr. Sopher was removed from his 
place of nativity when a child, to Rosseau, Morgan county, Ohio, where 
he remained until manhood, when he was engaged as a clerk in a store 
for about three or four 3^ears, and then engaged in business for himself, 
selling drugs, medicines, etc., which he continued eighteen months in 
Rosseau, when he moved his business to Ringgold, where he was ap- 
pointed post master. At this place he remained eighteen months, and 
then moved to Junction City, Perry county, Ohio, having previously 
disposed of his goods, but continued as post master, emplo^-nig a deputy 
for nine months, at which time he had the deputy appointedpost mas- 
ter. At Junction City he was employed at various kinds of business ; 
where he remained about two years, when he w^as obliged to leave on 
account of the ill-health of his family. From there he went to near 
Porters ville, Perry count}^ Ohio, where he w^as engaged at various pur- 
suits — publishing. a small amateur monthly known as the Comic Visitor, 
remaining there until November, 1880, then came to this place, where 
he continued the publication of the paper, and in a short time afterward, 
made it a semi-monthly, changing the name to the Corning Times, issu- 
ing it at fifty cents per year. Again, in June, 1881, he changed the is- 

55 



554 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

sue to a weekly, and made it a live-column folio, for one dollar per year ; 
and in December, 1881, took into partnership Mr. George S. Weaver, 
of Columbus, Ohio, which firm continues as Sopher & Weaver. Au- 
gust 31, 1882, they again enlarged the paper to a seven-column folio, 
and issued it at one dollar and tifty cents per year. It was the first, and 
is now the only, paper published in the Sundy Creek valley mining dis- 
tricts, and is neutral in politics. Mr. Sopher was married February 18, 
1875, to Miss Mar}^ F., daughter of Lazarus and Lorena (Shepard) 
Pierce, who lived near Ringgold, Morgan county, Ohio. This union 
has been blessed by two children, viz. : Allie May, and William H. 
Mr. Sopher's father was a former resident of Virginia, and afterward 
of Pennsylvania, but came to Ohio at an early date, and settled in Mor- 
gan county, of which he remained a citizen up to the time of his death, 
which occurred during the late civil war, d3nng April 22, 1862, at Sa- 
vannah, Tennessee, a soldier in his countr3''s cause. His mother also 
came from the eastern States, marrying after she came to Ohio, and is 
still a venerable resident of Rosseau, Ohio. Mrs. Sopher's parents 
came to Ohio from Pennsylvania, during the pioneer period, and were 
married in this State, living near Ringgold, Morgan county, Ohio, up 
to the time of their deaths. Mr. Pierce died in 1862, and Mrs. Pierce 
died in 1874. 

SousLiN, Isaac, farmer; post office, Somerset, Ohio ; born in 1838, 
in Perry county; is a son of Jacob Souslin, and his wife, Sarah E., 
daughter of Michael Lutz. His grandfather, Martin Souslin, was a 
resident of Licking county, Ohio, where he deceased. Isaac was mar- 
ried in 1865, to Miss Nancy Stickel. He enlisted in Company G, Thir- 
ty-first Regiment, O. V. I., and served to the end of the war. He was 
partner in a tan yard for six years, with his brother-in-law, Charles 
Stickel ; farmed rented land two years ; and in 1876, he bought in sec- 
tion 35, Hopewell, of William Parks. He has greatly improved this 
farm, and demonstrated the power of industry and good husbandry in 
production of good crops. The children are: Charles F., John R., 
Laura W., Sarah K., Louisa Ellen, Mar}^ Alice, Bertha Olive, William 
Henry, Daniel Richard, and James A. Garfield Souslin. Mr. and Mrs. 
Souslin are Lutheran in religion, and add to the comforts of home the 
light of the newspapers and the contentment of Christians. 

Sparks, Leroy B., carpenter, Shawnee, Ohio; was born February 
15, 1854, in Bowling Green, Licking county, Ohio ; son of William and 
Elizabeth (Brady) Sparks. Was raised upon a farm to the age of eleven 
years, when his father moved into Browns\'ille, same county, and with 
whom he made his home until he was eighteen years of age, when he 
came to Shawnee, Ohio. He learned the carpenter trade while at home 
with his father. Upon coming to Shawnee, he first emplo3'ed with the 
New York and Straitsville Coal and Iron Compan}^, as a carpenter, and 
worked six months ; and has been employed at that business at the fol- 
lowing places : London, Madison count}^, Ohio, two months ; Upson 
Coal Company, Shawnee, Ohio, one year ; Odd Fellows' Hall, this 
place, for B. Hollenbach, two months. At this time he returned to his 
father's home, and remained three months, during which time he was 
married to Jessie M., daughter of George W. and Alcinda (Fry) Holmes, 
of Brownsville, Licking county, Ohio. They are the parents of two 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 555 

children, viz. : Edward P. and Allie Grace. After his marriage he 
returned to Shawnee, Ohio, where he has remained up to this time, and 
has been employed at his trade upon contracts for Swartz, three months ; 
assisted in building the M. E. Church ; for XX Coal and Iron Com- 
pany, one year ; on contracts with John Campbell, two months ; at Fan- 
nie Furnace, three months ; again at XX Furnace, about one year ; and 
with the New York and Straitsville Coal and Iron Company, up to this 
time. 

Spence, Thomas, mine boss at No. 9, Rendville, Ohio; was born 
June 2, 1840, in England. At eight years of age he went into the mines 
of England, where he worked until 1863, when he came to Allegheny 
county, Pennsylvania, and remained about one year ; then came to Bell- 
aire, Ohio, and was mine boss there about six years. He came to the 
Hocking coal district about 1872, and to his present place in 1879. ^^• 
Spence was married June 19, 1858, to Miss Margaret, daughter of Rob- 
ert and Anne (Maughan) Bickerton, of England. They adopted a 
child, Catharine, married to Mathew Robson, and Elizabeth and Anne. 
Mr. Spence has had an extensive experience in mining, and thoroughly 
understands the business. 

Spencer, Henry W., farmer, Reading township, post office Somer- 
set ; son of William C, and grandson of William Spencer, who was 
born in 1772, and came to Perry county in 1805, his wife being Martha 
Love, a sister of Thompson Love's mother, and of Irish descent. Hen- 
ry's grandfather died in his eighty-eighth year, and his grandmother 
nine years prior to this event. His father was born on the Spencer 
homestead in 1808, and is yet living, while his mother died there in her 
sixty-eighth year. Her maiden name was Weirick. Her sons were 
Horace, shot to death by one Harvey in an altercation in Omaha ; John, 
who resides in Dayton, Ohio ; and Harry, who resides upon the home- 
stead of his ancestry, near Somerset. Her daughters were Louisa 
Cain, Ellen Overmeyer, Martha Law, and Ann Shirle}^ all deceased, 
leaving Henr}^ and John the only survivors. The family is of Old 
School Baptist belief, and Whig, or Republican in politics. Henry was 
in Company E, Seventeenth Ohio, and Company I, One Hundi^ed and 
Fourteenth Ohio, and served as a soldier to the end of the late war. 
He was united in marriage May i, 1866, to Miss Emma Keys, a daugh- 
ter of the late Thomas and Elizabeth Keys, whose maiden name was 
Henderson. The family at present comprises Father Spencer, his 
granddaughter, Henrietta Overmeyer, Miss Belle, the sister of Mrs. 
Henry Spencer, and four children, viz. : Charles, May, Paul and Nellie. 
The Spencer homestead, under the proprietorship of Henry, its present 
chief, maintains its ancient reputation for social hospitality and intelli- 
gence. It has fallen to his lot to live where his grandparents died, 
where his father was born, where his mother bade him a last farewell, 
and where, also, three of his sistei"s returned to receive paternal care in 
their last sickness. It was his uncle, Eli Spencer, who represented 
Perry and Muskingum in the Senate of Ohio, and the public has indi- 
cated its partiality towards Henry also. In the fall of 1880 he was 
elected land appraiser in Reading township b}?^ fifty majority, when 
the party of his worthy opponent carried the township by one hundred 
and forty majority for Hancock. 



556 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Spiece, Philip, born in Prussia, came to America when young and 
settled in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and there married Su- 
sannah Merchant. His sons, Peter and David, were born in Pennsyl- 
vania, and Adam in Reading township ; the latter married Miss Odlin, 
and has one son living in Davton. Philip came to Ohio in 1809, and 
settled where David now lives. Was of the Reformed church, and a 
t'armer. 

Spiece, David, born January 3, 1807, second son of Philip, 
who, with his son Peter, bought the homestead and who then bought 
Peter's share. Married, for his first wife, Mary M. Houtz, b}^ whom 
he had the following living children : Susan, wife of Abner Rarick, a 
farmer, five children ; Daniel, farmer, one son and two daughters ; Solo- 
mon, carpenter, bachelor, Dayton, Ohio ; Lydia, wife of John Price, 
farmer, Paulding county, Ohio ; George, married to Isabel Bowman, 
farmer and miller, has four sons and one daughter, Paulding county , Ohio ; 
Sarah, single, at home ; Peter, married to Cecelia Mitchell, farmer, two 
sons and two daughters, Fairfield county. David, married a second wife, 
Katharine (Voght) Davis in 1848, by which union he had four children ; 
those living are Jane C, Almedea S., wife of Henry Baker, who has 
one son and three daughters, farmer, Reading township ; John W., 
teacher, farmer, single. His taxes, $40 per year now, have been as high 
as $100 during the war. He kept wood fires exclusively to within a 
few 3'ears : has used tobacco fift}' years ; drinks from a hard water 
spring, and has lived on the same place for sevent3^-three years, and 
has voted at the same poll for fifty-three years, the Democratic ticket up 
to 1854, and the Republican ticket since then. He is a member of the 
Methodist Church, and one of the few early settlers. 

Spirer, Daniel, day laborer, Shawnee, Ohio, was born February 
27, 1849, in Fairfield count}^ Ohio, son of Ambrose and Theresa Spirer. 
Mr. Spirer was brought up on a farm and followed agricultural pur- 
suits until he was twenty-one years of age, at which time he engaged 
in huckstering and assisting in a store for two 3^ears, and then moved 
to Shawnee in 1873, where he has been engaged in trimming coal upon 
railroad, digging ore, and hotel business up to this time. He now owns 
eight and one quarter acres of land with a substantial frame dwelling 
upon it, just out of corporation limits of Shawnee. Was married July 
20, 1870, to Regena, daughter of Adam and Frances (Cable) Bock, of 
Fairfield county, Ohio. They are the parents of six children, viz. : 
Theresa Ann, Adam, Cecily, Joseph, William, and Margaret, all living 
at home. 

Springer, Ezekiah, farmer. Saltlick township, post office. Hem- 
lock, Ohio, son of Daniel and Jane (Jones) Springer, was born March 
29, 1823, in Harrison county. Ohio. Mr. Springer was raised a 
farmer, and has followed agricultural pursuits to the present time. 
Lived in his native county until he was thirteen years of age, when, with 
his father, he came to the farm of one hundred and sixty acres, upon 
which he now resides. His father entered this land, paying $1.25 
per acre. He built his cabin, cleared the farm, and lived upon it 
until 1846, when he sold it to his sons Ezekiah and Rezin. Mr. E. 
Springer has added twenty acres to his eight}' acres and much improved 
the farm, having erected a fine farm residence. He also assisted in 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 557 

cutting the logs and building the first cabin upon the farm. ' Mr. 
Springer has been deacon of the Christian or Disciple Church about 
twenty-five years. Was married October 3, 1853, to Catharine, daugh- 
ter of John and Rebecca (Avery) Condon, of Salt Lick township, this 
county. They are the parents often children, viz.: Benjamin F., 
Mary, William, Rebecca. John. Alice, Lewis, Granville, Lillie and 
Annie. 

Springer, Benjamin F., tanner, Saltlick township, post office. 
Hemlock, Ohio, was born in this township ; son of Ezekiah and Eliza- 
beth (Condon) Springer. Was brought up on a farm, and has followed 
agricultural pursuits to the present time. When twenty-one years of age, 
he went to Union county, Ohio, and worked upon a farm three years, 
when he returned home and was married, September i, 1877, to Almira 
J., daughter of Simeon and Elizabeth J. (Storer) Sanders, of what is 
now Coal township. They are the parents of two children, viz. : Alton 
J., and Eflie B. In about one 3^ear after his marriage he moved to 
Clark county,' Iowa, where he remained about three years and six 
months, when he returned and located on his present farm, near Hem- 
lock, Ohio. 

Stallsmith, John S., manufacturer of woolen goods, Hemlock, 
Ohio; born October 19, 1833, in Harrison county, son of George and 
Elizabeth (Springer) Stallsmith. Mr. Stallsmith was brought up on a 
farm and followed farming until he was twenty-three or twenty-four 
years of age, when he began working at the carpenter trade, which he 
followed for about foin- years. He then enlisted in the army, in 
1861, for tliree years, or during the war, and served up to the holidays 
of 1863, when he veteranized for three years, or during the war, and 
served up to August, 1865, when he was discharged by reason of the 
close of the war. Mr. Stallsmith enlisted as a drummer and refused 
two proffered promotions to First and Second Lieutenant, as it would 
have taken him trom his company, but was discharged as First Ser- 
geant. He served in Company A, Thirty-first Regiment, O. V. I., in 
the Army of the Cumberland, First Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, 
and was in the following engagements : Mill Springs, Kentucky, Jan- 
uary'- 19, 1862 ; Siege of Corinth, Mississippi, May, 1862 ; Perryville, 
Kentucky, October 8, 1862 ; Shepperdsville, Kentucky, 1862 ; "Cages 
Ford, Tennessee, November 22, 1862 ; Stone River, December 30, 1882 
to Januar}^ 2, 1863 ; Hoover's Gap, June 26, 1863 ; Tullahoma, June 30, 
1863 ; Chickamauga, Sept. 19 and 20, 1863 ; Mission Ridge, Tennes- 
see, November 25, 1863 ; Resaca, Georgia, Ma}- 14, 1864 ; Tunnel Hill, 
Georgia, May 8, 1864; Dalton, Georgia, May 12, 1864; Dallas Gap, 
Georgia, Mav 27, 1864: Pine Mountain, Georgia, June 19, 1864 ;Ken- 
nesaw Mountains, Georgia, June 24, 1864; Chatahoochie River, Ga., 
July 5, 1864 : Peachtree Creek, Georgia, July 20, 1864; Atlanta, Ga., 
September 2, 1864 ; Jonesboro. Georgia, September i, 1864; Nashville; 
Savannah ; Averysboro, North Carolina, March 16, 1865 ; Bentonville, 
North Carolina, March 19, 1865 ; and on Sherman's March to the Sea. 
Upon returning home he purchased a store in Millersville, which he 
owned about six nionths, when he sold the store and engaged in run- 
ning a saw-mill for about six years, after which he went into the woolen 
manufactorv which he continued up to 1881, when he quit but again re- 



558 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

sumed,and was the cause of Hemlock being built,by the estabHshmentof 
the woolen mill. He is now Justice of the Peace of Saltlick township, 
and has served several terms as township trustee, and as school director. 
Mr Stallsmith was married December 29, 1865, to Hannah, daughter of 
James and Eliza (Veil) Ball, of Coal township. They are the parents 
of four children, viz. : Eva May, Eliza Helena, William Hermon and 
Cora Jane. By his first wife he had three children, viz. : Jacob Geo., 
John W., and Mary Elizabeth. 

Stalter, Joseph, farmer, post office New Lexington, Clayton 
township, Perry county, Ohio ; born in this county in 1848 ; son of John 
and Mary (Stakely) Stalter; the former died in 1880. Mr. Stalter was 
married, in 1869, to Miss Mary Snider, daughter of Peter and Ellen 
(Dean) Snider. They are the parents of seven children, viz. : John 
P., Lucy, deceased; William P., Mary E., Gertrude, Thomas V. and 
Jessie, deceased. 

Stevenson, James, engineer, Rendville, Ohio ; was born August 19, 
1838, in Clarion county, Pennsylvania ; son of Samuel and Susan (Kis- 
singer) Stevenson. When a child his parents moved to Lawrence 
county, Pennsylvania, where he made his home until he became a man, 
after which he made his home in Ohio and Pennsylvania. He came 
to his present residence in 1879. ^^'- Stevenson was married July 7, 
i860, to Miss Eva E., daughter of David and Catharine Kennedy, of 
Lawrence county, Pennsylvania. They are the parents of two chil- 
dren, viz. : George M., married to Anne L George, of Perry county, 
Ohio, and Laura, who died in infancy. 

Stewart, John, born in 1836, in county Donegal, L-eland ; came to 
America in 1852 ; revisited Ireland, England, the isle of Man and Scot- 
land in 1865. His marriage is referred to in the Hammond biography. 
His brothers are James, George, Hugh, Thomas and Gilbreth. His sis- 
ters are Ann, Jane, Mary and Lucy, all in Ireland. His mother's 
maiden name was Nancy Meldrem. After learning the blacksmith trade, 
and visiting different parts of the United States, and meeting with some 
thrilling adventures on the frontier, Mr. Stewart married and settled on 
the Hammond homestead, to which his industry and thrift have added 
many acres and much improvement. He ranks among the foremost 
farmers in enterprise and intelligence, and is the founder of a new 
American house of Stewart. 

Stewart, James, miner. New Straitsville ; he was born in T3n-one 
county, Ireland, September 16, 1842 ; is a son of Hugh and Jane Stew- 
art, natives of Ireland. He came to America in 1859, ^^^ settled in 
Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1861 ; he then 
came to Athens county, Ohio. In 1864, ^e married Mary Duftey, whose 
parents were natives of Ireland. Mr. Stewart came to New Straitsville 
in 187 1, and began mining coal for the, Straitsville Mining Company, 
by whom he is 3'et emplo3'ed. He has, b}- his industr}-, accumulated 
the home where he now resides. 

Stickel, Charles, son of Daniel M. Stickel, who was born in 
Hesse Cassell, Germany in 1798, and died in Somerset, O., in 1861, at 
the age of sixty-three 3'ears : his wife wasKatharine Staffinger. They 
brought with them three children to the State of Virginia, in 1833, where 
they remained about six years. They came to Somerset in 1839. Their 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 559 

sons are John, in Van Wert, Ohio ; Daniel and Charles in Somerset, 
Ohio. The daughters are Emily Parkeson, post office Somerset; 
Catharie Parkeson, of Newark; Maria, of Somerset ; Mary Fromm, of 
Canal Winchester ; Nancy Souslin, near Somerset. Charles Stickel 
was married to Phidelia J. Jones, daughter of Jehu B. Jones. He fin- 
ished work as an apprentice at the tanning trade in 1867, and now owns 
the residence and tanner}^ of his preceptor. He volunteered in Com- 
pan}^ G, Thirty-first Regiment, O.V. I., Captain Jackson in 1861 ; was 
wounded November 25, 1863, at Mission Ridge; re-enlisted and was 
honorably discharged July 25, 1865. He has added theForquair, to the 
Poorman estate and tannery, works three hands, and his leather is 
sought for at home and abroad. He is Lutheran in religion, Republican in 
politics, and his career illustrates the rewards of patriotism, sobriety, in- 
dustr}^ and plodding perseverance. His mother is yet living at the age 
of eight3"-one, to which advance period of life she has arrived without 
the aid of snuft' or tobacco. 

Stillman, T. Spencer, born March 26, 1823, in Weathersfield, 
Hartford county, Connecticut ; son of Deacon Ebenezer Stillman, and 
the youngest of twelve children. His mother's maiden name was Miss 
Rhoda Francis, said to be the most handsome woman in her vicinity. 
The children are Frank, of Hamilton, New York ; Ebenezer, deceased ; 
John, who died in Mobile, and whose sons were in the Rebel service ; 
Henr}^, Hartford, Connecticut ; Lewis, Newark, New Jerse}' ; Thomas 
Spencer, of Somerset ; Mary, widow of John Doubleda}^ and mother 
of Henry S. Doubleday, deceased, of Somerset ; Fanny, widow of Fred- 
erick S. Moors, of the United States Navy; Eliza, died at thirty-two 
3^ears of age ; Anna, still living ; Rhoda, widow of C. W. Badger, New- 
ark, New Jersey, and Caroline, died in infancy. T. Spencer Stillman 
was married November 14, 1850, to Mrs. Swayzie, a young and beauti- 
ful widow, whose maiden name was Miss Sylvia Dawes, cousin of Sen- 
ator Dawes, of Massachusets. At first his father was a shoemaker, but 
soon became owner of several tracts of those rich and beautitul lands 
bordering on the Connecticut River, near Weathersfield. Thomas was 
educated as a dry goods clerk, became a clerk of a steamer, plying be- 
tween Hartford and New York, then a dry goods merchant on his own 
account in Hartford, thence removed his store to Hamburg, South Caro- 
lina, where he was during the Mexican War, becoming acquainted there 
with Brooks and other celebrities of that State ; sold out in 1848 and 
embarked in the produce trade in Springfield, Massachusetts, wiiere he 
was captivated by the charms of his present wife, then became a farmer 
near Weathersfield, whiqh business he followed tor three years, and then 
March 19, 1853, came to Somerset to join W. S. French, a cousin, in 
the sub-contracts on the old Scioto and Hocking Valley Ry., under the 
chief contractors, Seymore, More & Company, who "pegged out," as 
Tom says in his curt reference to those times, "and left me $9,000 short of 
money paid out of m}^ private means for labor, but no man can say I 
owe him a dollar for work done on the railroad.'" He has judgments 
in Licking and Perry Courts vs Seymore, More & Co., amountino* to 
over $50,000, but in those days a laborer had no lien on the road his la- 
bor and his money constructed. Mr. Stillman, and his amiable wife, 
have not been blessed with children, but their hearts and hands are 



1560 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

open to the unfortunate, and though their ship has met with rude butTet- 
ings on the ocean of life they are comfortably moored in its afternoon, 
and Mr. Stillman as notary and pension agent, keeps his bank ac- 
count healthy. 

Stith, John, farmer, post office Rushville : born in 1813 ; is the eld- 
est son of the late Rev. Elder Jesse Stith, of the Baptist Church, and 
his wife, Polly Graham. The Rev. Elder was born in North Carolina, 
and was only in his nineteenth year when his son John was born, on a 
farm bordering on the Reservoir in Walnut township. Elder Stith and 
his wife became Baptists when quite young, and their devotion to the 
church often impelled them to travel on foot from Walnut township to 
the Pleasant Run Church, and carry their children, then too small to be 
left at home. Their sons were John. Henry, James, Jesse and Wil- 
liam Baker Stith ; the daughters were Amy Trovinger, now a widow, 
and Nancy Grey, now dead. The sons are all living except Jesse, who 
volunteered in the army and fell a sacrifice on the bloody field of the 
Wilderness while a member of the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth 
Regiment, and the Sixth Corps, whose gallantr\^ won unlading laurels. 
John was married to Delilah, daughter of the venerable Isaac Hite, Sep- 
tember 6, 1835. H^'" mother was Magdalena, daughter of John and 
sister of the late Henry Bretz, who were of the early settlers, and dis- 
tinguished not only tor their thrift, but for their piet}' and respectability 
in Fairfield county. After six years residence on the "Refugee," Etna 
township, Licking county, John purchased the famous farm where he 
and his dutiful wife now reside, in Richland, Fairfield county, since 
1842. In 1880 their house took fire and burned to the ground, the 'in- 
surance covering onl}^ apart of the loss. In a few da3'S not less than 
twenty teams were in line from Pleasantville loaded with material for 
the grand country structure, which now adorns the premises, and these 
were only twenty testimonials of sympathy for a deserving neigh- 
bor and an honest man. Their children are Mary, wife of Joseph Puft- 
ner, post office Rushville : Isaac, who was last heard from in California, 
whither he went with his uncle Levi Hite : Am}-, wife of Levi Saum, 
post office Rushville ; Katharine, single ; Levi, married to Katharine 
Nagle, Lancaster; William Allen, married to Amanda Louis; Lizzie, 
single, residing with her aunt, Levina Hite ; Phebe, wife of David 
Henderson, post office Salem ; John, married to Ella Spohn ; Nancy, 
single; Levina, wife of John Holliday, Bushe's Station : Jonas, single; 
Jesse, married to Phebe Ann Stoltz, Delphos, and Ruth, wife of Wil- 
liam Bull, of Hickman's Mills, Jackson county, Missouri — fourteen in 
all — the youngest lacking but one year of being of age. This interest- 
ing family is not only remarkable for its size, but also for its robust health, 
not one of whom ever doubted their capacity to paddle his, or her, own 
canoe. Grandfather Stith began to preach before he could read his 
text, but he soon not only could read, but rose to the front rank as a 
speaker in his church, while his sons and daughters all grew to be men 
and women, noted for their success in life and for the generous hospi- 
tality, which kindles happiness around the old Baptist hearthstone. 

Stobbs, Cathbert, miner, New Straitsville ; was born in New 
Castle, North England, January 12, 1847 ; is a son of Ralph and Cath- 
arine (Clark) Stobbs, natives of England. At the age of sixteen he 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 561 

came to America. He was married at Pomeroy, Ohio, November 15, 
1867, to Mary, daughter of Hughey and Esther Williams, natives of 
Wales. They are now the parents of six children, two of whom were 
born in Pomeroy, and four in New Straitsville. 

Stoltz, L?:wis, Jr.. was born in 1843, in Jackson township, a few 
months after the death of his father, Lewis Stoltz, Sr. He had five 
brothers and three sisters. Lewis went into the Forty-sixth Regiment, 
Compan}' F, Captain Henry H. Giesv. Three of his brothers joined 
the One Hundred and Fourteenth Regiment, Company G, Captain 
Ephraim Brown, two of whom lost their lives. He was wounded on 
the same day and at the same battle where General McPherson fell. 
He and his wife, who was Miss Margaret Petty, were married Novem- 
ber 24, 1867, and have succeeded to the ownership of the Petty home- 
stead, where she was born, and where she grew to womanhood; and 
where, surrouiided by the associations of childhood, and blessed with 
a kind husband, their beautiful home maintains the generous welcome 
to its friends, which was so often met there in days of Father Petty. 

Stoneburner, Josiah, farmer; post office, Crooksville ; was born 
in Muskingum county in 1820. Settled in Perry county in i860. Son 
of Jacob and Margaret (Hartsell) Stoneburner. The former died in 
Muskingum county in 1831, the latter in Morgan count}' in 1845. Mr. 
Stoneburner's parents emigrated from Maryland in a very earh' day, 
and settled in Cla^-ton township, Muskingum count}', Ohio. Mr. Stone- 
burner was one of a family of eleven children, six of whom are still 
living. He was married in 1838, to Miss Sarah A. Williams. They 
are the parents of ten children, viz. : N. H., Josiah, deceased ; Mar- 
garet A., deceased; Mary J., deceased ; John W., Augustus, Manda 
C., deceased; Sarah A., Mary C, deceased; Harvey E. Those liv- 
ing are all married and living in this county. Mr. Stoneburner had 
three sons in the late war. Josiah enlisted in i86i,in Company A, 
Sixty-second Regiment, O. V. L, Captain Edwards. He participated 
in the following engagements : Winchester, Virginia ; Port Republic, 
Harrison's Landing, Black Water, Morris Island, Fort Wagner, Peters- 
burg, Virginia ; Signal Hill, Deep Run, Chapman's, Virginia, and 
Darby, V^irginia. John W. enlisted in 1864, in Company H, Thirty- 
first Regiment. N. H. was in Company H, One Hundred and Sixtieth 
Regiment. Mrs. Stoneburner's grandfather was in the Revolutionary- 
War. 

Stoneburner, N. H., farmer and potter : post ofiice, Crooksville ; 
born in Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1839. Came to Perry county in 
1859. ^^^ '^^ Josiah and Sarah A. (Williams) Stoneburner. Mr. 
Stoneburner has been in the pottery business about twenty years. Mar- 
ried in i860, to Miss Clarissa A". Brown, daughter of B. S. Brown. 
They are the parents of three children, viz. : John F., Mary and Ada. 
Mr. Stoneburner enlisted in the war in 1864, Company H, One Hun- 
dred and Sixtieth Regiment. He participated in the following engage- 
ments : Winchester, Virginia, Martinsburgh and Old Town. Dis- 
charged at Zanesville. 

Storer, James L., M. D., Corning, Ohio; was born April 18, 
1830, in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. Son of Ezekiel and Sarah 
(Case) Storer. At the early age of two years, James L. Storer was 

56 



562 lilOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

brought to Ohio by his parents, who settled and lived in Muskingum 
count}^, on a farm, where he was reared to the age of fifteen years, 
when he entered the Muskingum County College, situate at Concord, 
Muskingum county, Ohio ; and in the fall of 185 1, graduated at that 
institution. Immediately after graduating, he began teaching school, 
which he continued for a number of 3'ears, mainly in Kentucky and 
Ohio. In about two years after graduating, he received the degree of 
A. M. from his Alma Mater. In 1855 or 1856, he began the study of 
medicine, and in 1858, he began the practice of medicine, which he con- 
tinued until the breaking out of the late war, when he was engaged in 
the arm}' until the close of the war, at which time he again took up the 
practice of medicine in his former field of practice, at Millertown, 
Perry county, Ohio, where he has continued up to this time. Dr. Storer 
was married June 8, 1854, to Miss Esther, daughter of George B. and 
Mary Jane (Frazier) Passmore, of Perry county, Ohio. The}- are the 
parents of three children, viz.: Edgar A., Jesse and Guy. All at 
home. 

Strouse, S. F., boot and shoemaker. Junction City, Perry county, 
Ohio. Son of John and Leah (Minich) Strouse ; born in Berks county, 
Pennsylvania, September 27, 1850; left there when about eight or nine 
years of age, and went to Pickaway count}', then went to Iowa ; lived 
there five years, then came back to Pickawav ; went to his trade when 
about fourteen. Set up shop for himself in 1869, in Straits ville, this 
county; came to Junction City in the fall of 1872, where he now 
does business. Was married to Miss Rosa, daughter of William 
and Catharine (Darsham) Haine, in 1874. ^^'^ the parents of three 
children, viz. : Lola May, Alice L. G., Vernon F. Mr. Strouse's peo- 
ple are of German descent. 

Sullivan, Frank, wagon maker, Shawnee, Ohio ; was born May 
22, 1850, in Rushville,' Fairfield county, Ohio ; son of John and Hester 
(Williams) Sullivan. Mr. Sullivan was raised a farmer, and has lived 
in the following places, viz. : McConnelsville, Morgan count}', Ohio, 
one year; Amesville, Athens county, Ohio, in all and at different times, 
about ten years ; eighteen months, while engaged on portable saw mill ; 
fourteen months in hotel business ; two years in dry goods business, and 
about five years in wagon making business, after he left his father's 
home ; on a farm near Hartleysville, Putnam county, Ohio, one year ; 
Nelsonville, short time ; in Missouri short time, in hotel business ; one 
winter in Ames township, Athens county, Ohio, where his father packed 
tobacco ; thence to Buffalo, Putnam county, Ohio, two vears, where he 
learned his trade; after which he went to his father's farm, living one 
year; and then, as above stated, in Amesville five years ; in Maxville, 
two years at his trade, when he came to Shawnee, Ohio, one year ago, 
and has engaged at wagon making up to this time. Was married Sep- 
tember 23, 1874, to Eva, daughter of James and Charlotte (Blackburn) 
Evener, of Athens County, Ohio. They are the parents of four chil- 
dren, viz. : Reason, deceased; Austin, deceased ; Sylvia, deceased; 
and Blanche, the only one living, 

SwARTZ, George W., grocer; post office, Thornville, Ohio ; born 
1828, in Reading township, Perry county, Ohio; a son of John Swartz, 
whose wife's maiden name was Susan Jordan, both natives of Rocking- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 563 

ham county, Virginia. One brother, John, lived in Jacksontown, Ohio. 
Another, David, resides in Wyandot county, Ohio ; post office. Fow- 
ler's Station. A sister, now Mrs. Sarah, wife of John Shook, post 
office, Little Sandusky, Ohio, was first the wife of E. Bowers, of the 
One Hundred and Twenty-sixth O. V. I., Sixth Army Corps, who was 
lost in service. Father Svvartz died in his sixty-third year, but Mother 
Swartz is still living, near the age of seventy, with her daughter, Mrs. 
Shook. George W. Swartz first married Matilda, daughter of William 
Clumb, in 1849. -^J ^^'^^ marriage he became the father of Margaret, 
wife of Jefferson Cover, of Thorn, and Sarah J., wife of John Clark, 
Junction City, Ohio, a son of Allen Clark, near there ; a third daugh- 
ter is Miss Susan, at home. After the death of his first wife, he was 
married to Miss Josephine Highland, of Mercer county, Ohio, and by 
this marriage there is one son, Morris Swartz. About six years after 
his last marriage, he became blind, in the fall of 1867. His service in 
the army liad much to do with his misfortune. He was finally placed 
on the pension rolls, and in 1868, he, with onl}^ $2.20 in cash, began 
business in Thornport, as a grocer and retailer of liquors, and has pro- 
vided himself with a neat home, and lives in comfort. His head is 
twenty-four inches ; weight, two hundred and twenty pounds ; and 
height, five feet nine inches in stockings. He is a grandson of Phenus 
Swartz, a native of Germany, and inherits a conk shell that called to 
dinner prior to the Revolution. This grandfather served this country 
in the Revolution, and died near Wooster, Ohio, thirty-five or forty 
years since. His maternal grandfather, Adam Jordan, was also a fifer in 
the Revolutionary War, and drew pension ; his widow drew afterwards, 
and after her marriage to a second husband. An uncle, Silas Swartz, 
served in the Mexican War, from the State of Illinois. An uncle, An- 
drew Svvartz, of Stark, Illinois, is still living. 

Sweeny, John, butcher, Shawnee, Ohio; was born July 22, 1841, 
in Monroe township ; son of Thomas and Bridget (McCabe) Sweeny, 
natives of Ireland. John was brought up on a farm, where he remained 
until twenty-two years of age. He traveled one year on the Muskingum 
River. In 1866 he engaged in merchandising in Monroe township, 
where he remained five years. Came to this place in 1873, and worked 
two years at the carpenter's trade, then engaged in his present business. 
Mr. Sweeny was married February 5, 1867, to Miss Mar}^, daughter of 
Bernard and Julia (Conway) O'Farrell. They are the parents of five 
children, viz. : Julia Anne, Bridget Catharine, Rose Lily, Mary Ellen 
and Theresa. Mr. Sweeny is doing a good business. 

SwiNEHART, Peter, farmer, was born in 1810, in section nineteen, 
Hopewell township ; has been Justice of the Peace twenty-one 3''ears, 
county commissioner six years ; has held every office in his township 
except constable, and has been a resident of this township for seventy- 
two consecutive years. His great grandfather and mother, tradition 
affirms, crossed the ocean from German}- with a large family, and being 
able to pay onlj- the fare of the younger and more helpless of iheir 
children, the older ones were hired to service in America to settle the 
bill. Whether John, the grandfather of Peter Swinehart, was among 
the last named, is not known, but that he lived in Northumberland 
county, Pennsylvania, and there reared a respectable family, among 



564 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

whom was his son John, the father of Petei*, is Certain. Leaving all 
his relatives in Penns3-lvania, John Swinehart and his wife emigrated 
to Perry county in 1807. A few years after, John's father paid him 
a visit, perhaps in 1810, the year Peter was born, and returned the same 
year to Pennsylvania. He must have carried back good news of his 
son John, for in 18 14 two sisters of John, the wives of John Linn and 
Henry Coble, escorted hither b}^ their mother, settled in Perry coun- 
ty. After she had visited her son John, and his wife, and kissed his 
children, born in the forest home, she bade good bye to her two daughters 
and to her son John, mounted one of the horses that had pulled the 
wagon from Pennsylvania, and rode home. She was a small sized, 
sprightly woman, of fearless heart. x\t the same time, or at least the 
same 3'ear, there came Andrew Swinehart. son of him who crossed 
the ocean, uncle of John, and great uncle of John's son Peter. This 
ancient Andrew, who either came with his father over the sea, or was 
soon after born in Pennsylvania, settled as a carpenter and joiner in 
Somerset, where he died. This Andrew was the father of the late ven- 
erable Samuel Swinehart, who died on his farm near Somerset, and 
Jacob, who died at the toll-gate east of Somerset, and of Daniel and 
Peter Swinehart, who lived in Circleville, Ohio, and of George, the 
father of that Samuel who now resides in section thirty-two, Hopewell. 
When Peter was only a few 3^ears of age, his father, John Swinehart, 
moved from section nineteen to section nine, Hopewell, and before his 
cabin was chunked and daubed, and quilts were hung on the wall for 
protection, and while his wife expected soon to be confined in childbed, 
he was drafted into the army, reported at Franklinton, and failing to 
get leave of absence, crossed the Scioto, broke through the ice, and 
after a tedious and perilous journe}- through the woods, reached home, ar- 
ranged for the comfort of his family, returned to military duty, was ar- 
raigned for desertion and bailed b}- Jacob Anspach, afterwards the 
fiither-in-law of Peter, and served until honorably discharged. The 
brothers of Peter are Jacob, Little Sandusk}-, Ohio; Jonathan, Hen- 
derson county, Illinois ; Samuel, deceased in Hopewell township ; 
Daniel, deceased in Fulton county, Indiana ; George, Black Swamp, 
Sandusky count}- , Ohio ; Andrew, Bloomdale, Wood county, Ohio ; 
and his sisters are Sally, deceased wife of George Anspach, Thorn 
township ; Elizabeth, deceased wife of Jacob Cooperider, Thorn town- 
ship ; Katharine, deceased wife of Jerome Stalter, deceased ; and Juda, 
wife of Jacob Lawrence, post office, Upper Sandusk}', Ohio. Peter 
Swinehart was married to Miss Sophia Anspach in 1834. She died in 
1881, in the sixty-seventh 3'ear of her life, and the forty-seventh of her 
marriage. Tiieir children and post offices are Simon P., Glenford, 
married to Elizabeth Shelle}' ; John, Areola, Illinois, married to Susan 
Bowman; George Henry, Linville, Ohio, married to Martha Orr ; 
Elizabeth, wife of Lewis Cooperider, Glenford ; Ann Sophia, wife of 
Emanuel Cooperider, Glenford ; Magdalena, wife of Oliver Cooperider, 
Glenford ; Margaret, wife of George H. Bowers, Gratiot, Ohio ; Nancy 
C, wife of George Hupp, Brownsville, Ohio ; Levina Emeline, wife of 
Joseph H. Orr, Glenford, and Melzena Alice Swinehart. Peter relates 
that an uncle, sometime about the 3'ear 181 2, entered a half section of 
land, made the required down pa3^ment, and failing to meet the back 



HISTORY or PERRY COUNTY. 5^5 

payments, the land reverted to the government. Subsequently the cer- 
tilicates held for such lands were made receivable by act of Congress 
for their face value at anv land office of the United States. In 1830 
Peter apphed one certificate to eighty acres of land ten miles west oi 
Fremont, at the Tiffin, Ohio, land office, for himself, and did the same 
for his father. Fourteen years later he sold his eighty lor $300,^ and 3. 
year later half of it sold for $400, and now the whole eighty is esti- 
mated to be cheap at $4,000. Peter Swineheart weighs one hundred 
and seventy-five pounds, is about five feet ten inches m height, and his 
head measures twenty-three and one-half inches in circumference. He 
has furnished an interesting assortment of facts relating to early days m 
Perry county, which appear in the general history ot Hopewell town- 

^ ^Swingle, L. B., dental surgeon, corner of Main street, New Lex- 
ington, Ohio. Dr. S. was born January 29, 1842 in Deavertown 
Morcran county, Ohio, son of Nicholas J., and Mary M. _ (Leffler) 
Swino-le. Dr. Swingle began the practice of his profession m the lall 
of 1867, in his native town. In May, 1873, he established his office m this 
place where he has built up a good practice. The Dr was married 
June 21, 1881, to Miss Annie, daughter of Thomas and bllen (Cjrimes) 

Uearer. 

Taylor, James, dealer in coal land, projector of railroads and in- 
ventor, and at present a resident of Columbus, Ohio ; born m Perry 
ccuntv in October, 1825, a son of Thomas Taylor, and a grandson ol 
Thom'as Taylor, native of county Down, Ireland. He was editoi- ot 
sundry newspapers, and for three years editor-in-chief of the U/iw 
Slafc Journal. James Tavlor would be a leader in human thought and 
action'in any community. ^ As a writer his style is vigorous, pungent 
and sententious. He was asked " When did your father, Thomas 1 ay- 
lorcometo America?" "He did not come at all," was the reply. 
- How then did he get here? " " He was brought," was the answer. 
"Who brought him and when? " " He was impressed into the british 
service under General Gage to coerce the Colonies, and landed m Bos- 
ton in 1774." " T suppose he deserted the British service after that? 
" No " rephed Mr. Taylor, "he did not; he just left. How could 
a man desert an army 'he never joined? No, sir ; he just left Bos- 
ton wandered into Western Massachusetts, and finally joined the 
Am'erican armv ; was appointed ensign and orderly to James Monroe, 
chief of Washmrnon's staff; served with Monroe while m the army 
and otherwise to die close of the war ; then setded in Fauquier county, 
Viro-inia, on Monroe's farm, where his seven sons and five daughters 
were born." These seven sons were Nathaniel, William, Thomas, 
lohn George, James, deceased young, and Joseph. The daughters 
were KathaVine, Sarah, Mary, Elizabeth and Ellen. Of these seven 
sons, Thomas, Jr.. was the father of James, and had also seven 
sons and five daughters. The names were Joshua O. Taylor, a Justice 
of the Peace in Newton township, Muskingum county, Ohio, for thirty 
years; Thomas Evan Taylor, died in Danville prison ; James; John S., 
in Clayton township. Perry county ; George W., deceased, who was 
justice of the Peace in both Harrison and Clayton townships ; William 
A Columbus, Ohio ; and Albert G., killed at Mission Ridge. The sis- 



5^6 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

ters of James and the daughters of Thomas Taylor were Amelia, 
wife of William Adams, Pike township ; Elizabeth, deceased wife of 
L. D. Gardner ; Sarah, wife of John B. De Long, of Harrison town- 
ship ; Mary, deceased at eighteen ; and Katharine, wife of William 
A. Babbitt, New Lexington, Ohio. By careful and actual count 
more than a company of the Taylor family were in the army on 
the Union side, twenty-one of whom died or were killed in the War of 
the Rebellion. James Taylor was married to Miss Amanda Hatcher, 
of New Lexington, Ohio. Their children are Laura, wife of Judge 
Kelly, of Perry county ; and Miss Stella, of New Lexington. 

Taylor, J. C, furniture dealer, Junction City; born near Bridge- 
port, Belmont count}^ January 21, 1840 ; son of Samuel A. and Hannah 
(Calaughan) Taylor. His mother's parents, James D. and Abagail, 
were from Ireland. His grandparents, John and Mary E. (Yost) Taylor, 
were early setders of Belmont county, from Pennsylvania. Mr. 
Taylor's lot has been cast in many places ; he has lived in seventeen 
States. At the age of two years, his father's family moved to Cincin- 
nati, thence to WheeHng, West Virginia, Bridgeport and Grant county, 
Wisconsin, successively. At the age of seventeen 37ears he began an 
extensive tour as a carpenter, walking from place to place through many 
States, and at twenty-one commenced mercantile life at Barnesville, O., 
as senior member of the dry goods firm of Taylor, Wilson & Co. Later 
he followed farming and other pursuits in that vicinit}', and in August, 
1873, removed to New Lexington, operating a meat and provision store 
until he lost it by a destructive fire, February 23, 1874. After a short 
stay in Zanesville, he came to Junction City, April 20, 1874. He was 
emplo3-ed for several years in the planing mill of Bringardner & Co. ; 
was then salesman in Brown's store, and carpenter until the spring of 
1880, when he formed a partnership with H. A. Pletcher, and has since 
conducted a general furniture and undertaking business. He was mar- 
ried September i, 1864, to Elizabeth J. Neptune, of Barnesville, daughter 
of William H. and Elenor (Barnes) Neptune, who emigrated to Belmont 
count}^ from Loudon county. Virginia. They have had two children, 
Wilbur L., deceased ; and William Walter. 

Teal, Lavvson, Auditor's clerk, New Lexington, Ohio; born in 
April, 1817, in Bearfield township; son of Lloyd and Rachel (Moore) 
Teal. Young Teal was brought up on a farm, and began teaching 
when twenty-three 3'ears old, and taught ten or twelve 37ears, and has 
been Auditor's clerk about fourteen years. Mr. Teal married Alice, 
daughter of Peter and Cynthia (Barnes) Vansickle, of Pike township. 
Thev are the«parents of two children, Edward L., deceased; and Her- 
man A. Mrs. Teal was first married to Stephen Baile3^ The3^ became 
the parents of three children, Orr, Joseph and C3mthia. 

Teal, A. A.. Rendville Ohio; was b^rn in Bearfield township, Feb- 
ruary 28, 1841 ; son of Edward and Nancy (Koons) Teal. Mr. Teal 
was brought up on a farm. In 1861 he volunteered in Compan3r D, 
Thirtieth Regiment, O. V. I., and served until the close of the war. 
He participated in the battles of second Bull Run, South Mountain, 
Antietam, Siege of Vicksburg, and was with Sherman on his march to 
the sea. Mr. Teal was married in April, 1864, to Elizabeth A. Clayton. 
They are the parents of six children, namely: Edward L., Myrde 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 567 

May, Evanna Markie, Ada Ma3^ Harn' Hooker, and Cora Bell. Ed- 
ward L. died when eight A'ears of age, in the State of Illinois. His first . 
residence after marriage was in Pike township, and in 1867 he moved 
to the State of Illinois, where he remained nine years, and in 1876 he 
returned with his family to Perry county, where he did business for 
several insurance companies ; also, sold fruit trees. 

Teaters, James, merchant. New Lexington, Ohio; was born Ma}' 
5, 1833. in Donegal, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania; son of 
Michael and Margaret (Henr}^) Teaters. of German ancestry. In about 
the year 1848 he went to Point Mills, West Virginia, where he followed 
milling. From this place he moved to Roney's Point, and subse- 
quently to Tridelphia, where he was railroad agent, postmaster and 
merchant for four years. April 12, 1870, he came to this place and 
established his present business. Mr. Teaters was married September 
5, 1861, to Miss Mar3^J., daughter of Thomas and Eliza Humes. They 
are the parents of hve children, viz. : William Elsworth, deceased ; 
George Alden. deceased ; Lizzie May, Frank Stewart, and John 
Henry. 

Tedrow^ George, potter ; post office, Crooksville ; born in Mus- 
kingum county in 1840 ; came to Peny count}^ in 1853; son of Moses 
and Mar}^ (Dunifant) Tedrovv. He was married, in 1875, to Miss Clara 
E. Rambo, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Rambo. They are the 
parents of four children, viz. : Blanche, Dora, Charles and Frank. 

Teeter, Thomas B., Corning, Ohio; was born near Linnville, 
Licking count}', Ohio, September 17, 1841 ; son of Curtis and Mary 
(Essford) Teeter. When at the age of ten years, he went to work in the 
woolen mills at Newark, Ohio, where he remained four years ; then 
boated two years on the Ohio Canal, after which he dug coal until the 17th 
of April, 1861, when he enlisted in the Third Ohio three months service, 
and re-enlisted for three years, and was honorably discharged in the 
fall of 1864. He was engaged in the battles of Rich Mountain, Cheat 
Mountain, Green Brier, Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission 
Ridge, and was captured near Cedar Blutfs, Georgia, and held as a 
prisoner at Belle Island, until his exchange at City Point, Virginia. 
When he came to Columbus, Ohio, he immediately joined in pursuit of 
John Morgan, in his raid through Ohio. After his capture, he went 
South and joined the army of the Cumberland, and marched with Gen- 
eral Sherman as far as Kingston, Georgia. Pie returned to Perry 
county at the close of the war, and mined coal. In 1865 he went to 
Haydenville and worked there until the spring of 1871, when he came 
to Straitsville and mined one year. In December, 1872, he purchased a 
lot on the corner of Clark and Railroad streets, in the above town, and 
engaged in the grocery business, and continued there until the sprino- of 
1881, when he came to this place. Mr. Teeter was married Januarv 9, 
1866, to Miss Nancy A. Jiles, by Rev. Cady, near New Lexino-ton, 
Ohio. They are the parents of six children, viz.: Ida, William J., 
Edward, Mary E., Samuel J. and Unis H. 

Terrel, Jesse, farmer, Monday Creek township, Maxville, Ohio; 
was born January 23, 1812, in Harrison county, West Virginia; son of 
Timothy and Elizabeth (Nixon) Terrel. Mr. Terrel's early life was 
spent in hunting, and when game became scarce he went to farming 



568 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

which he has followed to this time, and b\- indiistr}^ and econom}-, has 
gained a handsome fortune. Mr. Torrel was married the first time, Sep- 
tember 19, 1833, to Nancy, daughter of Ralph Webb. Mrs. Terrel died 
October 18, 1864. They became the parents of ten children, viz. : 
Benjamin G., deceased; Leroy S., deceased; Martha J., deceased; 
William, Isaac H., Jerome, Mary Ida, deceased; Clara, deceased; 
Samuel T. and Frank. He was married the second time, February 21, 
1867, to Mariah, daughter of John and Mary (Long) Sykes. Mr. 
Terrel's grandfather, Matthew Terrel, came from England and settled 
in Virginia, and was Drum Major in the Revolutionary War. His ison, 
Timothy, father of the subject of this sketch, was the sixth in number of 
thirteen children born unto him. Timothy came to Ohio in 18 5, m 
search of game, and located in Monda}' Creek township. Mrs. (Webb) 
Terrel's father came to Falls township, Hocking count}^ Ohio, in 1817. 

Thacker, Orrin, Auditor of Perry county ; post ofiice. New Lex- 
ington. 

Tharp, Abisha, miller, Hemlock, Ohio ; was born November 25, 
1855, in Perry county, Ohio ; son of Alfred and Annie (Storrer) Tharp. 
Mr. Tharp was brought up as a miller, and has followed the business up 
to this time, except two years he farmed ; and has been employed as 
stated below : Milling in Buffalo Shoals, Wayne county. West Vir- 
ginia, about ten years with his father ; at this place about live months, 
when he went to Pickaway count}^ Ohio, and farmed about six months ; 
returned to Hemlock, farmed one year, and again went to milling for 
Benjamin Sanders, which he continued about five months, when he, in 
partnership with Spencer S. Sanders, rented the mill and ran it for one 
year, since which he has milled for Spencer S. Sanders up to this time. 
Mr. Tharp was married December 25, 1879, ^'^ Nora Dell, daughter of 
Hezekiah and Sarah Frances (Leffler) Sanders, of this place. They 
are the parents of one child, viz. : Clarence Sebastian. 

Tharp, James M., grocer, Bristol, Pike township, Maholm post 
office, Ohio; was born December 10, 1S57, in Bristol, this county; son 
of James and Elizabeth (Lyons) Tharp. Mr. Tharp remained with his 
father until he was eighteen 3'ears of age, when he began teaching school 
and has taught in the following places : Monday Creek township, Dis- 
trict No. 5, four months; Pike township, District No. 7, two months; 
Pike township, District No. 8, Bristol, four terms, three six months 
terms, and one four months term ; near Somerset, one three months 
term, and between the terms he taught in Bristol. Mr. Tharp's father 
came from Pennsylvania to Ohio when a boy with his parents, whose 
father entered land two miles south of this place, and near Bowman 
Hill iron ore mine, and afterward owned two hundred acres of land now 
owned by Robert Bennett, and was one of the pioneers of the forest. 
His son. James, and the father of the subject of this sketch, once owned 
one hundred and twent}' acres of land where Buckingham now stands, 
and afterward owned fifty-three acres near this place, now owned b}- 
John McCabe. Upon selling this, he moved to Pickaway count}-, Ohio, 
where he lived one year, and then into Fairfield county, living one year, 
when he moved back to this place, where he has since lived. In the 
spring of 1882, James M. Tharp, the subject of this sketch, bought a 
grocery, where he is now engaged in selling family groceries. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 569 

Thomas, Simeon, tarmer, Shawnee, Ohio ; was born July 2, 1842, 
in Saltlick township, this county ; son of Joseph and Jane (Smith) 
Thomas. Mr. Thomas was raised a farmer, and made agricultural pur- 
suits the business of his life until within the last eight years. Farmed 
in Perry count}', Ohio, with the exxeption of two 3xars, when he farmed 
in Pickawa}' county, Ohio. Returned to this county in 1873, and en- 
gaged at Beard's Furnace until fall of 1876, when he came to Shawnee, 
and where he has remained up to this time, engaged at mining, except 
one year, when he assisted in building the New York Furnace. Mr. 
Thomas w^as married August 28, 1862, to Margaret M., daughter of 
John and Elizabeth (Worle}") Wells. They are the parents of three 
children, viz. : Jessie M., Elizabeth Jane, and John A., deceased. Mr. 
Thomas is at this time a trustee of the M. E. Church of this place. Mr. 
Thomas enlisted in Company B, Seventeenth Regiment, O. V. I., 
March 12, 1861, the first company enrolled in this county lor three 
months, and served four montlis ; returned home and followed farming 
until January 12, 1864, when he re-enlisted in Compan}- B, Tenth Reg- 
iment, O. V. C, for three years or during the war; served eighteen 
months, and was discharged in August, 1865, because of close of war. 
Was under fire nearly every day after going into the service, and saw 
the hardest battle at Atlanta, Georgia, where he had his horse shot from 
under him. Was on Sherman's March to the Sea. 

Thompson, George, was born in the county of Armagh, Ireland, 
August 20, 181 1, and died at Corning, Ohio, May 10, 1882, aged sev- 
enty years, nnie months and twenty days. The deceased came to America 
when only ten years old. Nearing the age of manhood, he became an 
apprentice to learn the harness-making trade in New York City. 
June 6, 1834, ^^^ ^^^^ married to Catharine Skinner. Six children were 
born to them, three of whom now survive, viz. : Adam, married to 
Anne Cummiske}^ ; she is now deceased ; John, married to Mar}' A. 
Slevin, and Timothy, married to Jennie A., daughter of Colonel James 
and Catharine (Cook) Dalzell. George Thompson, the subject of this 
sketch, lost by the Morgan Raid property to the value of eight hundred 
dollars ; also lost heavily in prospecting for oil in Perry count}', Ohio. 
During his twenty-one years of service as Justice of the Peace, there 
was never one of his decisions reversed by the higher courts. In 1835 
he came to Ohio, and entered eighty acres of land, and laid out the 
town of Thompsonville ; and, in order to get a post office, the place was 
named Chapel Hill. He donated an acre of ground on which the Cath- 
olic Church and pastor's residence now stands, and afterward united 
with this church, continuing a faithtul member until he departed this 
life. He was appointed postmaster under Pierce's administration, and 
his commission dated January 13, i860, is signed by J. Holt, Postmas- 
ter-General. Having been elected Justice of the Peace for Monroe 
township, he was commissioned' by Governor S. P. Chase, and he was 
continvied in office until his death. 

Tinker, Charles H., Recorder of Perry county, Ohio, was born 
June 21, 1847, in Union township, Morgan county, Ohio ; son of S. and 
Mary A. (Blackstone) Tinker. When Charles 'H. was two years old, 
his parents located on a farm in Monroe township, where he was brought 
up. He followed farming until 1875, when he engaged in merchandis- 
57 



570 BIOGRAPHIC AT. SKETCHES. 

ing at Millertown, where he remained one year; then moved to Junc- 
tion City, and continued his business there two years. Came to this 
phice in 1879, and clerked two years in a dry goods store. He w'as 
elected to his present office in October, 1880. Mr. Tinker was married 
March 7, 1872, to Miss Hannah, daughter of Samuel Morgan, of Mon- 
roe township. The}'^ are the parents of four children, viz. : Frank 
Albert, Lydia Viola, Charles B. and William Lero}-. 

Tracy, T. J., stone mason, Pike townsliip ; post office. New Lex- 
ington, Ohio ; was born November 29, 1850, in Harrison township, this 
county; son of William and Elizabeth (Hitchcock) Tracy. Mr. Tracy 
was raised in New Lexington, Ohio, and has been a resident of that 
place nearly all of his life. Was married December 7, 1871, to Emma, 
daughter of William and Lovenia (Patterson) Rambo, of Grangers' 
Mills, this county. They are the parents of four children, viz. : Lizzie, 
Guy, John and Lovenia, now living. Mr. Tracy has made stone mason- 
ing the business of his life up to this time, and has been a contractor for 
the last eight years, undertaking county contracts at New Lexington, 
for the bridges near Arnold's Mill over Rush Creek, one near C. & M. 
V. depot. Rush Creek, two over Fowler's Run, and one over Yager's 
Run. Out of New Lexington he put in stone work for one near XX 
Furnace, Shawnee, Ohio ; one near George Deffenbaugh's Honey Creek ; 
one on Main street in Corning ; one near Beard's Shaft, same place, 
and now has a contract for one over Fowler's Run at New Lexington, 
Ohio. Mr. Tracy is fourth sergeant in Company A, Seventeenth O. 
N. G., and was in the skirmish at Corning during the miner's strike in 
the fall of 1880. 

Trout, William, farmer and stock grazer by occupation, post office 
Glenford, Ohio ; was born in Hopewell township ; he is a son of George 
Trout and Francis Cowen, w^ho were married in 1822. He and his 
brother, George H. Trout, occupy the ancient homestead in section 
three. The last named was married in 1863, to Miss Ann Maria Wal- 
ser, and are the happy parents of four children, named Sarah Frances, 
John W., George Allen and Martha A. Trout ; of these John W., now 
fourteen, exhibits excellent genius as a draftsman and penman. His 
uncle William has remained unmarried and has a large and comfort- 
able room of his own in the family home, where he enjoys all the com- 
forts of bachelor life, and where all welcome callers are treated to the 
hospitalities of a gentleman. William and George H. are the only sur- 
viving sons of George Trout. The surviving daughters are Susan, wife 
of Samuel Cooperider, and Margaret, wife of George Cooperider, post 
office of both, Brownsville, Ohio. The mother of this family died in 
1852, and the father in i860, in his sixty-second year. When twelve 
5^ears of age he came with his grandfather, Judge Trout, to Somerset, 
Ohio. His brothers, the sons of Judge Trout, were Jacob, a soldier in 
the War of 1812, and went to Fort Wayne ; John, who settled in Han- 
cock county, Ohio, and laid out the village of Van Buren ; Elizabeth, 
wife of Samuel Parkeson, who moved to Miami county, Ohio ; Juliann 
Sophia, wife of Jacob Brunner, of Somerset ; Margaret, wife of Rev. 
Andrew Hinkel, who with his wife died in Germantown, Montgomer}^ 
county, Ohio, and who, though both a Mason and Odd Fellow, was 
buried by the Lutheran Church ; George, the father of William and 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 57 ^ 

George H. Trout, who died in Hopewell township; Henry, who lived 
in Somerset and vicinity and died there ; Philip, who lived and died m 
Perry county, and Michael, the youngest, born in 1809, who resides m 
Germantown, and is yet a practicing physician at the age of seventy- 
three years. Judge George Trout, when yet a resident of Pennsylvania, 
was an inn keeper, as he was also after his removal to Somerset, Ohio. 
He was one of the first Associate Judges of Perry county, helped to lob- 
by the bill to organize the county and to establish the county seat at 
Somerset, donated the ground where the court house now stands, as- 
sisted in the entertainment of General Jackson at the hotel of Ben Eaton 
in Somerset, was a Democrat in politics, and old time Lutheran in re- 
ligion, and an honest man from principle. He died in 1829, in Somer- 
set, universally lamented, in the sixty-seventh year of his life. His 
wife's maiden name was Margaret Zeigler, who survived her husband 
many years and died at the age of eighty-two. The relics of Judge 
Trout, in possession of his grandson, William Trout, in whose posses- 
sion are also the records of the family, are a cane, the gift of a friend on 
his departure from Pennsylvania for Ohio ; a pair of old time shoe buck- 
les, worn by the Judge at the Jackson supper ; a profile likeness, said to 
be a good representation of the forehead, nose, mouth and chin ot the 
Judge, black upon white paper, framed in a circular frame about four 
inches in diameter. The name Sophia came into the farnily from the 
Zeigler side, based upon a legend that Sophia, a sister of Mrs. Trout, 
in the haste and confusion of retreat from hostile Indians, somewhere in 
Carolina, was forgotten, and when her father returned to her rescue, he 
found her hiding behind a door of the cabin, crouching with great fear 
and mute as a mouse, and she was thus saved Irom the massacre that 
drenched the village near by in the blood of innocence. The Trout 
family fled from Alsace when it fell into the power of the French to 
avoid submission to the demands of intolerance upon its Lutheran cit- 
izens, preferring liberty in the wilds of far off America to home and 
country and kindred, and patrimony in France. An ancient mound, 
covering nearly an acre at its base, and rising to a height of perhaps 
twenty-five feet, is found on the Trout farm, section three, Hopewell, 
and a like mound is seen half a mile southwest of the first named, in 
section nine. In size, regularity of shape, and beauty of contour, these 
mounds present an imposing aspect to the eye and the questions arise, 
were they created from natural forces, or by the hands of men? For 
twenty odd years the Trout brothers have devoted themselves to the 
rearing of the best breeds of sheep. They breed from none now that do 
not bear the test of U. S. sheep register, and they are consequently in 
the front ranks of sheep husbandry and they have added one hundred 
and filty-seven acres to the original homestead range for their flocks in 
Licking and Perry. 

Turner, Frank N., merchant, Rendville, Ohio ; was born Septem- 
ber 30, 1852, in Port Carbon, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania ; son of 
Jesse and Ruth T. (Foster) Turner. Mr. Turner was raised in the 
place of his nativity, which remained his home until 1880. Mr. Turner 
attended school at Blair Presbyterian Academy, Blairstown, New Jer- 
sey, from which he graduated"; after which, in June, 1873, he entered 
Lafayette College atEaston, Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in 



572 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

1877. In the fall of 1877 he entered Princeton Theological Seminary, 
remaining until 1878, at which time his health failed him and he was 
obliged to leave oft' his studies, and return home where he remained un- 
til 1880, when he went to Kansas, from w^hence he came to Rendville, 
Ohio, in September of same year, and employed with the Sunday 
Creek Coal Company, remaining with them until April, 1881. He 
afterward bought out Charles Herring, of the firm of Carter & Herring, 
and upon May i, 1881, he formed a co-partnership with Charles Carter 
the firm being Carter & Turner, which partnership continues up to this 
time, and has met with good success. Mr. Carter's father still resides 
upon the homestead in Pennsylvania. 

Turner, Joseph, mine boss, New Straitsville, Ohio. 

TussiNG, L. A., of the firm of Tussing & Donaldson, attorneys at 
law, and Mayor, New Lexington, Ohio ; was born January 2, 185 1, in 
Monday Creek township. Perry county, Ohio ; son of Rev. Samuel C. 
and Juliet ( Mario w) Tussing; Ma3^or Tussing was educated in the 
public schools, and at Denison University, Granville, Ohio. Began 
teaching when about eighteen and taught six 3^ears ; began reading law 
in 1876, was admitted to the bar in 1877, and began practice in this 
placeimmeaiately after his admission. In June, 1878 he formed a partner- 
ship vvithL. J. Burgess, firm name Burgess & Tussing, which was dis- 
solved September, 1880, when the present firm was formed. In April 
of the same year, Mr. Tussing was elected Mayor of New Lexington, 
Ohio. 

UcKER, Jacob, clerk in New York store, Shawnee, Ohio ; was born 
September i, 185 1, in Hocking county, Ohio; son of George and Ther- 
esa (Cabell) Ucker. Was raised a farmer and followed agricultural 
pursuits until he was twenty-two years of age, when he came to Shaw- 
nee in the fall of 1873, and was employed dumping coal one 3^ear, as 
w^eighmaster two years, since which he has been clerking in the store of 
the New York and Straitsville Coal and Iron Compau}-, having been 
with them seven years, in all. Mr. Ucker was married July 2, 1873, to 
Rachel, daughter of Asbury and Edith (Turner) Voris, of Hocking 
county, Ohio. They are the parents of four children, viz. : Ella and 
Jacob Edward, living; Charles and John, dead. 

Vansycle, Stephen A., son of Peter A. and C3aithia (Barns) Van- 
sycle, daughter of Rev. Isaac Barns, and grandson of Andrew, who 
died in New Jerse3' at the age of ninety. Stephen's father arrived in 
Ohio and settled on the farm where he died in 1876, at the age of ninet3'- 
three. He spent over $800 for the monuments and fencing of his burial 
ground, and that of his venerable consort. He reared eleven children 
to the estate of married life. iXmong these are Almira, wife of George 
Pherson, ex-treasurer of the count3' ; Alice, wife of Lawson Teal, Dep- 
uty Auditor, and Stephen A., the subject of this sketch, who was mar- 
ried to Eliza Saffel, deceased, Februar3^ 24, 1880. Their children are 
imes Reuben, Isaac Alfred, Mar3^ Jane Swinehart, L3alia Katherine 
irookhart, now a widow residing with her onh^ child at tht^ home of her 
iather ; John Thomas, William, Calvin, Ellen Brehm, Elizabeth Poland, 
Perry Elmer and Frank, the 3'oungest son. Stephen began life a rent- 
er, in a few years bought forty acres near Bristol, and paid i^ioo on the 
contract, having time to pay the other $300. He alleges this was the 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 573 

hardest money he ever earned, but he got through and kept on .buying 
until he had one hundred and sixty acres in a body. He also is ot the 
opinion that the first $1,000 any man earns,is far the most difticult to ac- 
quire. He can read tolerably, but his learning was chiefly acquired m 
leveling the forest and threshing wheat with a flail. He sold out the 
farm he earned bv hard knocks and economy, and bought one hundred 
and sixtv acres in Reading township, prospered there, bought the ^as- 
sel faiV, and then next to it the beautilul home of the late Judge Wil- 
liam M. Brown, in sight of Somerset, where he now lives m comlort 
and but for the loss of his cherished wife, also in happiness. His first 
tax receipt was $1.08 ; last year he paid over $180, and worked twelve 
davs to pay his road tax. His children generally inherit tne thiift ot 
their ancestors and have nearly all grown to the estate of womanhood 
and manhood. He is of German Baptist extraction, never held, or was 
a candidate for any office, except school director, his church being non- 
combative and non-office holding. He has avoided lawsuits and ex- 
cept the last sickness of his wife, $100 would pay all his bills 101 the 
doctors or medicine, though he has reared a large family. _ 

Vfning, George H., carpenter and contractor, Rendville Ohio , 
was born Tuly 24, 1850, in Logan, Hocking county, Ohio ; son of Henry 
aiKlMarv A (GregorV) Vening. George H. was brought up on a 
Sm n'eai- nJ Lexington, and learned his trade vvith his father ; came 
to his present residence in November, 1879- Mj yenmg was married 
November 4, 1878, to Miss Sophia, daughter of William Newton and 
Susanna (Dixon) Irwin. Thev are the parents of two children, viz. : 
Ethel May and Mary Edna. Mr. Vening has had good success, being 
oneof the" best mechanics of the county. 

Wagner, John, was born June 3, 1823, m Lancaster county, Penn- 
svlvania ; soi of George Wagner and Catharine Ritz ; P^^t ^f^^^i^^;-^;- 
vllle Ohio. The family is of German descent on both sides. Fathei 
Wao-ner came to Ohio in 1831, bought the farm on which he died, in 
18^0 and in the days prior to railroads, kept a regular drove stand and 
hotel. The sons, who came with him from Pennsylvania, were Simon 
Peter and George Washington, and the daughter was Mary Elizabeth, 
wife of Samuel Westall, who died in Lawrence coimty Illinois 1 hose 
born afterwards were Susan Catharine, wife of Joel Pettj- ; He^i)^ M 
who married Miss Leach ; Jacob R., who married Mary Hames ; Anna 
lane, wife of Moses Petty; Matilda, deceased, tormer wife of Daniel 
Berket all of whom reside in Lawrence county, Illinois. April i», 
1844 fohn Wagner was married to Ann Stoltz, who is the mother 
of eight sons and three daughters now living. 1 hese ai^ : George W. 
marded to Jane, daughter of Lewis Combs, post office Rushville ; Si- 
mon Peter, married to Elizabeth, daughter of John Neely ; Henry M., 
m-irried to lessie, daughter of Lucretia Baker, a widow near Lmnville, 
Li'ck m^ cox^nty, bhio?Samuel S., married to Belle, daughter ot Wil- 
hrmR^itherfoi-d, post office Rushville, Ohio; Maiy K., wile ot Wes- 
ley son of Samuel Thomas ; Margaret Ann, wile ot Asa, son ot David 
Dennison. post office Rushville, Ohio, and Matilda Jane, wiie ot Lewis 
A. Gillespie, post office Hancock, Perry county Ohio 1 he chi dren 
y^t single and at home are: John R.,Thaddeus, David Grant and 
Shermcui. The religious connection is ot the Brethren Church. 1 he 



574 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

home of John Wagner, two miles east of Rushville, ranks among the 
foremost in the county both in size and value, and is the fruit of that 
persevering adherance to one occupation, characteristic of the Wagner 
name. 

Walker, Rowland, son of John Walker ; born 1798, in Great Dol- 
by, Leicestershire, England, and grandson of Rowland Skivington 
Walker. In the childhood of John Walker, his father paid for teaching 
him to read and write, twelve cents per week, at the same school where 
the poor were admitted free. The town built the school house. News- 
papers cost six-pence, or twelve cents. John served four years as appren- 
tice to a butcher, getting his board, while his father clothed him and 
paid ten pound ($50) for his tuition. Saturday was the day fixed for 
beef sales and no other day, in Nottingham, was a sale of beef permit- 
ted by retail. As late as 1840 he sold beef, best cuts at fourteen cents 
per povuid, and steak, free from bone, sixteen cents per pound. His 
maternal grandfather, Mawley, gave him twenty guineas to begin 
butchering on his own account, and he said he made money at it, or 
he could not, in 1843, have brought his wife and all the children to the 
United States. In 1821, he married Sarah Dixon, who came with her 
husband and six children to Jefferson county, Pennsylvania. Their 
children were Sarah Ford, who died in Pennsylvania ; Rowland, 
George, Mary, Mrs. Ann Bailey and John, who all came to Perry Co. 
with their parents in 1864, and settled in Pike township, on a farm one 
mile from the N. S. & S. R. R., where his wife died in 1877. This farm 
was sold at $100 per acre, or $16,000, a price due to mineral deposits. 
After this he bought east of Somerset, and in sight of it, a large tract 
which he divided between Mrs. Bailey, a daughter, widowed by the loss 
of her husband in the army, who brought with her from Jefferson coun- 
ty, Pennsylvania, five children; and Rowland, a son who had gone to 
Illinois, but is now here, and with whom his father is spending the eve- 
ning of his life, and who has drawn a pencil portrait, both of his father 
and mother, which do credit to an art taught him in the common schools 
of England. It was the expressed desire of Mother Walker to have the 
following lines, slightly altered in expression, engraved upon her 
tomb : 

Sai-ah Dixon Avas my name, 

England was mv nation, 
America my dwelling place, 

And Christ is my salvation. 
When I am dead and in my grave, 

And all my bones are rotten. 
This inscription testifies, 

That I am not forgotten. 

Walker, John, Jr., farmer, Pike township. New Lexington, Ohio ; 
was born September 23, 1836, in Nottinghamshire, New Bedford. Eng- 
land, and son of John and Sarah (Dixon) Walker. Mr. Walker was 
raised a farmer and followed agricultural pursuits in the summer season 
and the lumber trade in the winter season for about thirteen 3^ears. 
From the time he was twenty-one 3^ears of age until he was twent3'-five 
years of age, he made the handsome sum of $1,700, during the winter 



HISTORY OF PERRV COUNTY. 575 

season alone with his team. He was united in matrimony with Hannah 
M., daughter ot^ John and Catharine (Vansickle) Grimes. They have 
no heirs. Mr. Walker came to the United States with his father in 
May of 1843, who settled in Jetlerson county, Pennsylvania, where he 
lived until 1864, when he came to Perry county, Ohio. John Walker, 
the subject of this sketch, came to Perry county in 1862, and owns two 
hundred and forty acres of land in Bearfield township, and also tour- 
teen acres in New Lexington, where he now hves an acceptable citizen. 
Walker, William H., was born September 3, 1841, in the town of 
Somerset, Ohio. He is the eldest of the sons of Joseph Walker, a na- 
tive of Maryland, who came to Somerset, in company with his family,^ 
in the year 1820, and who, in the year 1836, became the husband ot 
Catharine Miller, daughter of George Miller, the weaver. The father 
of Joseph Walker was" William, a blacksmith, and his mother's maiden 
name was Mary Walters, sister of Jacob Walters, who carried on 
shoemaking in Somerset. Moved to" Zanesville where he died and 
where his wife still survives him. The grandfather of this Jacob was 
also William Walters, a maker of leather breeches, who was murdered 
for his money by a man who confessed the deed on the gallows, and that 
he got only six cents in cash. The father of this murdered man w^as a 
Revolutionary soldier, and lived to the age of one hundred and fourteen 
years. He was a native of Holland. In August, 1862, Wilham Henry 
Walker, subject of this sketch, was united in marriage with Miss Maria 
Russell and the same day departed with Company H, Ninetieth O. V. 
I. for the war. They have five sons and two daughters hving. As 
stated in the sketch''of W. H. Russell, he began business under the 
name of Walker & Russell in 1866, and his success in his chosen occu- 
pation exceeds the average of business men, who start on far greater 
capital, and is due to that care, attention, industry, sobriety and perse- 
verance which have distinguished both the partners. 

Wallace, William, miner, Shawnee, Ohio, was born May, 1846, 
in Edinburgh, Scotland. Son of George and Jane (Wallace) Wallace. 
Was raised in Edinburgh and learned the trade of lamp maker, and 
was also a miner some eight years in Lanarkshire, Scotland. Mr. 
Wallace was married September 10, 1869, to Isabel, daughter of Wil- 
liam and Margaret (Graham) Keay, of Edinburgh, Scotland. They 
are the parents of five children, viz. : George, Margaret, Jane, Wil- 
liam and Alfred. Mr. Wallace came to America in August of 1872, 
leaving his familv in Scotland, but in 1873 he sent for them and they 
arrived in this place on May 14, of the same year. He has made min- 
ing his business since coming to this country, and is now inside bank 
boss in the New York and Straitsville Coal and Iron Company's Mines, 
a position he has held for one year past. 

Watt, Israel, farmer and stock raiser, post office McLuney. 
Born in this county in 1825. Son of Joseph and Mary (Hitchcock) 
Watt. Grandson of Robert Watt. Grandson of Isaac and Susan 
(Fuller) Hitchcock. Married in 1848 to Miss Rebecca Iliff, daughter 
of Thomas and Saloma (Reed) Iliff. They are the parents of five child- 
ren, viz.: John I., Mary S., Thomas, deceased ; J. W. and L. D. 
Mr.' Watt's father was a captain in the War of 181 2. 

Watt, James, farmer, post office, Saltillo. Born in Baltimore 



57^ BIOGRAPHICAT. SKETCHES. 

county, MaryLmd, in 1809. Settled in Perry county in 1837. Son of 
Charles Watt, who died in 1833, ^" Muskingum count}'. Elizabeth 
(Longley), his mother, died in 1825. Mr. Watt is a grandson of Rich- 
ard and Elizabeth Watt, and also grandson of Benjamin and Elizabeth 
Longley. The}* are of German and English descent. Mr. W^att's 
grandfather was married in 1830 to Miss Eliza A. Barnett, daughter of 
Peter and Mary (Owens) Barnett. They are the parents of eight child- 
ren, viz.: Austin G., deceased; Elizabeth, Charles, John W.. Wil- 
liam Fl., John J., deceased; Jonathan, deceased ; and George W., de- 
ceased. Those living are all married. Mr. Watt had three sons in 
the late war. George W. enlisted in 1861 in Company D, Thirty-first 
Regiment, Captain William Free, Army of the Cumberland. He was 
engaged in the following battles, viz. : Hoover's Gap, Chickamauga, 
Mission Ridge and Resaca. Austin G. enlisted in 1861, Compau}- H, 
Sixty-second Regiment, and William H. in Companj' D, Thirty-first 
Regiment. 

Weatherburn, Thomas, mine boss. New Straitsville, Ohio, was 
born April 27, 1846, in Saghill, county of Northumberland, England. 
Son of Thomas and Ann (Robson) Weatherburn. Mr. Weatherburn 
was brought upas a miner in his native count}/, where he lived until he 
emigrated to America, setting sail from Liverpool June i, and landing 
in New York June 17, 1870, from where he went directly to Cambridge, 
Guernsey count}/, Ohio, and was engaged in mining for two vears. 
From Cambridge he came to this place, February 20, 1873, and has 
been engaged as follows : Laying track for one year in what 
was then called the Old Troy mine, now known as the Thomas Coal 
Company mine ; laying track one year in what was then the Patter- 
son Coal Company mine, now W. P. Rend & Company's mine ; 
after which he took his present position of mine superintendent 
for W. P. Rend & Company. Mr. Weatherburn was married Au- 
<^>"ust 14, 1869, to Miss Mary Ann Wilson, born January 2, 1848, in 
West Cramlington, Northumberland, England, daughter of Robertand 
Mary (Farrer) Wilson. They are the parents of five children, viz. : 
Ann, born July 2, 1870, and died August 17, 1872. Mary Hannah, 
born February 5, 1873. Robert William, born August 28, 1875. 
Joseph, born August 7, 1878, and Evelyn, born April 19, 1881. Mr. 
Weatherburn's father was born March 14, 18 19, in England, where he 
still lives. His mother was born June 20, 1822, and is still living. 
Mrs. Weatherburn's father was born May 14, 1823, in England, and is 
now living in this place, where he has resided for the past ten years. 
Her mother was born May 8, 1823, in England, and died February 17, 
1873, in Cambridge, Guernsey county, Ohio. 

Weaver, George C, junior partner of the Corning Weekly Times. 
Was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, November 15, 1835, ^o" of John 
W. and Julia A. (.Sayler) Weaver. Mr. Weaver resided in Virginia 
and Cumberland, Maryland, initil he was seventeen years of age, when 
he came to Columbus, Ohio, in the fall of 1852, and commenced learn- 
ing the printing business in the office "of the O/i/o Siatesman., then 
owned and edited by Samuel Medary. Owing to a strike in the office, 
he was oflered a better position in the Ohio State yoitriial office, which 
he accepted and where he finished a tour years apprenticeship, at which 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUX'TV. 577 

time he joined the Printer's Typographical Union No. 5. In 1S56 he went 
to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he worked at his trade as a jour- 
neyman printer. In 1857 and 1858 he attended school at Washington 
College, Washington, Pennsylvania, but the panic of that year so af- 
fected his father's linancial condition that he was obliged to leave school 
before graduating, and returned to Columbus in 1858. In i860 he 
again went to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he was licensed as a 
local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church, which license has 
been renewed from year to year until the present time. May 23, 1861, 
he was united in marriage to Miss Marv E., daughter of George and 
Rebecca Getz. They are the parents of four children, viz. : Harry 
G., Mar_y E., John Walter, and his first born, Charles Wesley, who de- 
parted this life in September of 1863. Mr. Weaver came to Perry coun- 
t}^ Ohio, Julv 8, 1881, as agent of the Perry county Auxiliary of the 
American Bible Societ}^ and after having spent several months in Mon- 
roe and Harrison townships, the work having been suspended in Octo- 
ber, he returned to Columbus. December 10, 1881, he commenced 
work on the Corning Times, and formed a co-partnership with James 
H. Sopher, including a half interest Januarv i, 1881, which interest he 
still holds. 

Weaver, Jacob C, Shawnee, Ohio, was born July 15, 1845, in 
Deavertown, Morgan county, Ohio: son of John P. and Catharine 
(Lenhart) Weaver. Mr. Weaver's father is a merchant, and 'he was 
raised in Eagle Port, Morgan county, Ohio, until he was thirteen years 
of age, when his father moved to Blue Rock, Muskingum county, 
Ohio, and remained about eight years, where Jacob C. was married, 
August 19, 1865, to Matilda, daughter of Hiram and Matilda (Larrison) 
Lucas. Thev became tlie parents of four children, living, viz. : Har- 
lon C.,Til]ie K., Eva J. and Elcie D. ; and one deceased; Annie C. 
After his marriage he moved to Delcarbo, and from there to Roseville, 
Ohio, where he lived about two years, engaged at mining, and returned 
to Blue Rock, where he remained five ^^ears at farming and then came 
to Shawnee, Ohio, where he has lived np to this time. Since coming 
to this place his first wife died September 26, 1877. Mr. Weaver was 
married again December 18, 1879, ^° Elcedana, daughter of Anthony 
and Delilah (Rusk) Townsend. of Peny county, Ohio. The}' are the 
parents of one child, Mary S. 

Weiland, Joseph, butcher, Main street, New Lexington, Ohio. 
Mr. Weiland was born June 15, 1840, in Hocking count}^ Ohio : son of 
George and Catharine (Shrader) Weiland. Joseph was brought up on 
a farm, where he remained until twent3'-one years of age. When about 
fifteen he began working at the cooper's trade, which he followed during 
the winters and farmed during the summers until he enlisted in Company 
D, Seventeenth O. V. I., in September, 1861, and was discharged in 
July, 1865. He served in the arm}- of the Cumberland and was with 
General Sherman in his ''March to the Sea." On his return he en- 
gaged in his present business at Nelsonville. Ohio, where he remained 
two years and then came to this place in April, 1869. Mr. Weiland 
was married January 11, 1868, to Miss Mary, daughter of James and 
Catharine (Hoodlet) Edington, of Nelsonville, Ohio. They are the 
parents of four children, viz.: Clara Ida, George J., John E. and 

68 



578 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Thomas J. This firm is doing an extensive business in their line, both 
at this place and at Cornitig, where they have a branch shop. 

Wells, David, postmaster, Rendville, Ohio, was born April 3, 
1840, in Leeds, Yorkshire, England ; son of Vv^illiam and Elizabeth 
(Fryers) Wells. David went into the mines of England at the age of 
twelve years, and worked until 1866, when he came to America, and 
located in Bradford county, Penns3dvania, where he remained about fif- 
teen months. Thence he went to Clinton county, Pennsylvania. Came to 
Columbiana count}'-, Ohio, in 1868, where he remained until 1876 when 
he came to Perr}^ county, Ohio, and located at Moxahala and followed 
his accustomed occupation, mining. He came to Rendville in March, 
1880, and was appointed postmaster Januar}' 30, 1882. Mr. Wells 
was married first, January 11, 1862, to Sarah Jane, daughter of John 
and Anne (Frith) D3^son. They became the parents of four children, 
viz. : Anne Elizabeth, married to John Smith ; Mary Anne, married 
to Martin Davidson : Susanna and Caroline. Mrs. Wells died in Sep- 
tember, 1873. Mr. Wells was married the second time, March 22, 
1875, to Mrs. Margaret, daughter of Robert and Mary (Parrot) Bards- 
ley. They are the parents of two children, viz. : William and Robert. 
Mrs. Wells was married first to John Sykes, by whom she had one 
child. Mar}' Anne. 

Wells, Josiah, superintendent S. C. Mining Company; post 
office. New Straitsville. He is a son of Matthew and Jane Wells, of 
the county of Cornwall, England. He was born in Charleston, St. 
Austile, Januar}^ 8, 1842, and when a boy removed with his parents 
about twenty miles east, to Pencilva, near Siskead. . His parents had 
seven children, four of whom died in infancy. The others, the subiect 
of this sketch, and two sisters, are 3'et living. One sister, Elizabeth, 
is in Bunl}^, Lancashire, England ; the other, Grace, is in Adelaide, 
South Australia. Josiah went to work as a miner at the age of four- 
teen. February 15, 1861, his father died, aged fifty-one 3'ears, and 
three years after, he came to America, leaving his mother in England. 
He first went to Lake Superior, Michigan, and in the latter part of 
1866 he came toNelsonville, Ohio. Three 3^ears after, he was married 
to Cornelia Galentine, and in 1870 he came to New Straitsville, when 
there were onl3^ three or four houses erected there. In March, 1875, 
he cast his first vote, and at the same time was elected township and 
corporation clerk. He filled the former office five years. In 1874 ^^^ 
mother died, at the age of seventy-three years. In November, 1880, 
Mr. Wells took charge of the Straitsville Central Mining Company's 
mine as superintendent, which position he still holds. Mr. and Mrs. 
Wells have had nine children, two of whom are dead. Four boys and 
three girls now constitute their family. 

Wells, Frank C, contractor, brick and stone mason, Corning, 
Ohio ; was born November 28, 1849, in Newark, Licking county, Ohio, 
son of David A. and Anne (Cunningham) Wells. From his famil}- 
the town of Wellsburg, West Virginia, derived its name. The Cun- 
ninghams are from the Eastern States, of English ancestry. Frank C. 
was brought up at Hebron, Licking >county ; went to his trade at twen- 
ty-one and has followed it to the present time. He came to Corning, 
Ohio, April 6, 1880. Was married July 30, 1872, to Miss Mary M., 



HISTORY OF PERKY COUNTY. 579 

daughter of Thomas Owen, a native of Wales. They are the par- 
ents of five children, viz.: Mary L., David T., died when about 
seven years old: Leota B., Orville C, deceased and Nellie C, de- 
ceased" Mr. Wells united with the Methodist Episcopal Church when 
about fifteen and is at present an efficient officer in the church and Sun- 
day school. Mrs. Wells has been a faithful member of the Baptist 
Church since she was about sixteen years of age. 

West, J. L., merchant and liver3'^man, New Straitsville, Ohio ; was 
born May 2, 1856, in Perry county, Ohio; son of John T. and Sarah 
(Little) West. Mr. West was raised a farmer and followed agricul- 
tural pursuits until 1874, when he came to this place with his parents 
and attended school about one year, after which he worked at Plum- 
mer Hill coal mine for about two months. He then took charge of and 
superintended a grocery store about one year for his father, at this time 
purchasing the store himself, continuing about six months, and added 
to his business that of general merchandise, which he continues to this 
time. In November, 1881, he bought his brother's liver}^ stable, and in 
April, 1882, bought the livery stable of J. Watkins, who had been in 
the business since the town began its existence. April 28, 1882, he 
bought the livery of Thomas Raybould, and thus controls entirely the 
livery business of New Straitsville : and runs a semi-daily hack and 
mail line to Shawnee and return. March 27, 1879, ^^^ purchased a 
house and lot from Thomas Fuliner for $1,000; May 12, 1882, 
he also purchased a house and lot from Jane Skinner, for the sum of 
$1,000, and owns a lot at Sand Run. Was married January 10, 1881, 
to Charlotte Harper, born September 11, 1861, in Nelsonville, Athens 
county, Ohio, daughter of Benjamin F. and Mary (Spencer) Harper. 
They "^became the parents of one child, viz. : John Clarence, who was 
born December 3, 1881, and died May 23, 1882. Mr. West's parents 
were born in Ireland and emigrated to America in 1837, ^"<^ selded in 
Perry county, Ohio, where his father entered land and cleared the 
place to set his house. He entered eighty acres of land and added to 
it b}^ purchase until he owned three hundred and twenty acres, one 
hundred and sixty acres of which he sold during the coal excitement in 
this vicinity tor $25,000, 3-et owning the remaining one hundred and 
sixty acres, which is among the finest coal lands. He also owns one 
hundred and twenty acres of land in Hocking county, Ohio, and in- 
vested $12,000 in houses and lots in this village. Mrs. Wes's father 
came to Ohio from Virginia at an early day and married Mary Spencer, 
of Nelsonville, Athenscounty, Ohio, and engaged in the business of 
coal operating, which he followed up to the time of his death, in 1875, 
in his sixty-first year. Her mother died in 1866 in her thirty-ninth 
year. In Longstreth's addition to Nelsonville, Ohio, Mrs. West owns 
twenty town lots at this time. 

Westall, John W., was born in Reading township, in November, 
1832, and, excepting his two sons, Samuel and Frank, is the only one 
of this name left in the count3^ save his half brother, residing 
on the homestead, three miles west of Somerset. His great-ancestor, 
George Westall, was born in London, England, and after a 42 days' 
voyage, full of peril, landed in Rockingham county, Virginia, in time 
to serve in the Continental armj' as a drummer. He had three sons — 



580 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

James, who died in Cumberland county, Illinois ; Ambrose, who \vas a 
cripple from an accident in infancy, and Gilderoy, whose children by 
his first wife, Katharine Lidey, sister of Gen. John Lidey, were Samu- 
el, Joseph F., Eliza, Daniel A., John W., Rachel, Mary, Sarah, and 
George W., all of whom, except Rachel and Mar}^, settled in Lawrence 
county, 111., these having settled in Whitney county, Ind. John W. 
Westall was married first in 1855 to Susannah, daughter of Jacob Petty, 
leaving at her death Samuel M., H. Franklin, and Susannah Katha- 
rine, an infant only two weeks old, at the death of her mother in 1861. 
In April, 1865, he moved to Somerset and started in the grocery trade, 
which he wound up in 1876, alter the death of his second wife, who 
was a Miss Berkheimer. His father, Gilderoy, came to Ohio in 1821, 
when 21 years of age, and was noted for his skill as a wrestler, a sport 
not only peculiar to the Virginians, but much practiced in the early 
part of the present century in Ohio. His second marriage was to 
Katharine Montgomery, daughter of Rev. Joshua Montgomery, by 
whom he became the father of fom- sons and three daughters, who with 
their mother reside upon the old hom'estead. 

Whitmore, Peter, son of Peter, Sr., wa^ born in Belmont county, 
Ohio, May i6th,-i8oi, and when 3'et an infant came with his parents to 
Perry county in 1802, and in the following 3'ear moved on the tarm 
where he lived 78 consecutive years, to the date of his death in 1881. 
This period of consecutive residence at one place was not exceeded at 
the date of his death by afiy resident of Ohio known to him or the writer 
in 1879, when the facts and dates of this sketch were obtained directly 
from Peter Whitmore himself, w'hose memor}- was found clear and dis- 
tinct, the intellectual faculties in full play and the naturally mirthful 
temperament radiant with pleasing humor. He had seven brothers, all 
of whom preceded him to the grave. He had then but one sister living, 
a Mrs. Zellinger, in Piqua, Ohio. His mother's name was Mary Mag- 
dalena Overme3'er, an aunt to the venerable Peter Overmeyer. Peter 
Whitmore picked up chestnuts from the ground where the old Court 
House in Somerset now stands, met bears in his path through the 
woods at night when a boy 12 years old, and on one occasion scared 
away this grizzly denizen of the forest by clapping his shoes together. 
The bears were hard on pigs, but the worst wild beast and the most 
uniformly hated was the catamount, or wild cat. He went. to German 
school to one Hartman, and to English school to James Johnson, who 
taught on subscription, about the year 181 2. He never attended a 
free school. The first mill was Shellenbarger's, below Lancaster. His 
brother John nearly froze on one trip there, and would have frozen but 
for the kindly offices of Mrs. Bincklev, the mother of George W. 
Peter Whitmore was the seventh child and the third son. He bovight 140 
acres of the home farm long after his first marriage iind prior to liis 
father's death b}'' bu3'ing out the interests of his brothers and sisters. 
He added 44 acres to this purchase and erected a fine brick house in 
1840. His barn is also a tuperb structure, and his vines and orchard, 
the best in qualit3' and care of selections. In the last few years of his 
life his passions for good fruit led him to buy and plant liberall3^ He 
found for some years past that sheep paid better than wheat, but he had 
not tried the fertilizers now in general use. He was reared a Lutheran ; did 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 58 1 

not believe in close communion or consubstantiation, and, therefore, 
with three brothers left that church and joined the M. E. Church, to 
which, as also his present wife, he continued to adhere. In 1824 he 
voted for Clay, in 1828 for Jackson and other Democratic nominees for 
President and for Pierce in 1852, for Fremont in 1856 and Republican 
candidates since. " My father's tax reached $5.50, and we all thought 
it prodigious. I now pay $65, and we still think it is too much. 
First saw Zanesville in 18 14, when I was twelve 3'ears of age. 
It looked to me then like a big city. Salt was $4.50 per bushel 
in 1807, so a large company was organized to visit the Kanawha 
salt works, in Virginia. It consisted of axmen, huntsmen, pilots 
with compass in hand, horses, pack-saddles, oats bags, camp- 
ing attachments, etc., etc. They cut a trail from here to Logan 
and from there they found one already blazed. The Whitmore 
ancestry came to this country 150 3'ears ago from Switzerland. 
My father, Peter Whitmore, Sr., was born in 1760. He was a soldier 
in the Revolution for three years, and came to Belmont county, Ohio, 
several years prior to his arrival in Perry, 1803." Peter Whit- 
more was first married .to Miss Lizzie Darsham, a sister of the 
late Jacob Darsham, of this count}-, in the 3^ear 1823. Their 
children were Isaac, who married Catharine Stoltz (a daughter of 
Plenr}') and died on the home farm leaving two daughters. Dr. 
Allen, married Lovena Turner, daughter of Joseph Turner, of 
Rushville, and the3' had three sons and two daughters living. 
After the death of this first wife. Dr. Whitmore was married to a daugh- 
ter of David Brown, and has resided in Thornville for near 30 years, 
as a practitioner of medicine. The last marriage produced no children. 
Hannah, the onh' daughter, wife of John Wise, Newark, Ohio. Ben- 
jamin, a grocer of ^Somerset for near 25 years, whose first wife was a 
Miss Thomas, daughter of David Thomas, now of Rushville, to whom 
one daughter, L^ura, was born. The second marriage was to Miss 
Mar3' Kishler, to whom two daughters and one son were born. He is 
ver3' prosperous and successful in business. Michael, died when four 
years old. Adam, married a daughter of Jacob Bugh, and resides in 
Milton Station, Coles count}', Illinois, and a farmer b3' occupation. 
David, who was not heard from for 23 or 24 3'ears. He is now in 
Washington Territor3-. Thomas, was married to a daughter of 
Mr. Andrew Baker, of this count3-, and a sister of ex-sheriff' Martin's 
wife. He is in the hardware trade at Topeka, Kansas. He has five 
children, and was in 55 battles of the Rebellion where his comrades fell. 
Frank, was in the late war from first to last, and went to Arizona, 
where he was killed 133'^ a mine explosion. William, was married to a 
Miss Baltzer, in Miami countN', Ohio. He resides in Topeka, Kansas, 
where he is chief clerk in the post office, at a salary of $85 per month. 
He also saw service in the late war. John, Avas married to a daughter 
of Ellison Martin, and resides on the home farm. ' Th's marriage pro- 
duced two beavitiful twin daughters, now over tweh'e y:ars of age, since 
which one more daughter was born. He was also in the war and the 
only one of six brothers who was wounded. Randolph was married 
in Topeka, Kansas, where he is in service as a freight agent. He was 
also in the war. The second marriage of Peter Wjf itmore was to Miss 



5S2 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

Mary Davis. The children by this marriage ware George, who died 
in his fourth year; Daniel, now married to a Miss Dorris, and devoted 
to agricultural pursuits, and Miss Mary, who with her mother, reside 
in the ancestral home, hallowed by a thousand recollections of the past, 
the beautiful homestead of Peter Whitmore, Sr,, and Peter, jr., whose 
names and memor}- it embalms and commemorates. 

Whitmore, Rev. Samuel, minister in the United Brethren Church ; 
born Novembers, 1821, in Richland township, Fairfield county. He 
is a son of George Whitmore, and a nephew of Peter Whitmore, Jr., 
now deceased. His grandmother was an Overmej-er, a sister of Peter 
Overmeyer, Sr. His mother was Sarah Miller, a native of Pennsylva- 
nia. In 1842, Samuel Whitmore was married to Miss Susannah, daugh- 
ter of George Bowman, the first of this name in Perry count}^ and who 
had a brother, Daniel, the father of Michael Bowman, now of Somer- 
set. The wife of George Bowman, Susannah Rugh, was a sister of Solo- 
mon, Peter and Michael Rugh, of Fairfield count}'-. Samuel had five 
brothers — Andrew, Solomon, Peter, Isaiah and George, and one sister, 
now Mrs. Walmire, of Thorn, formerly Mrs. Jonathan Palmer of Rich- 
land township. His mother was married to a second husband, Mr. John 
Brown, of Richland ; and by this marriage he has two half-sisters, one 
a Mrs. Isabella Yaney, the other a Mrs. Sarah Ann Miller. He and 
his goodh^ wife have but two daughters, a Mrs. Isaac Mechling and a 
Mrs. Daniel Needy, both of Somerset. Rev. Mr. Whitmore has served 
his church in the capacit}-' of Presiding Elder, a dignit}- which he sup- 
ported with satisfaction to his district and superior officers. On the ma- 
ternal side, he traces his ancestry to that of John George Obermeyer, 
who was born in Baden, in 1727, and in testimon}'- of whose " honest 
service and praiseworthy conduct, especial^ in his knowledge of Evan- 
gelical Lutheran religion, the Rev. John Christian Ebersole, pastor of 
Blachenloch, most cheerfull}' certifies," in 1751. After sailing four 
weeks on the Rhine, landing at Amsterdam on June 20, he set sail for 
England, and on the 22d set sail for America. These facts are pre- 
served in German manuscript, kindly translated by Rev. M. Walter, of 
the Lutheran Churcli, now residing in Somerset. 

White, Rev. James, is a native of Muskingum county, Ohio, and 
was born January 17, 1832. He is one of sixteen children — eight sons and 
eight daughters, who all grew to womanhood and manhood. His father, 
John W. White, was a native of Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish descent, 
and came to Ohio in 1802 or '03. His entire family are Presbyterian, 
except one brother. Of the sixteen children, six brothers and six sis- 
ters are still living in 1882 ; all are married, and all have homes of their 
own. Father White was a farmer, and died at the age of sevent^y-seven, 
in Muskingum county. His wife, the mother of Rev. James White, is 
3'et living, at the age of eighty-one 3-ears, and it was on occasion of her 
illness in 1882, that caused a visit from James, all the way from New 
York, to smooth the pillow of her affliction. Growing better in a few 
weeks, he returned to his home, grateful for the restoration of his aged 
parent. Those who know Rev. James White best, need not be told of 
that command w^iich enjoins upon us all to " Honor our parents, that 
our da^'s ma}^ be Jong in the land." The maiden name of this aged 
mother was Hannah Guthrie. The mother of her husband was a Ham- 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 583 

ilton, and a relative of the great Alexander Hamilton, of whom Daniel 
Webster said while speaking of him as the finance minister of Washing- 
ton : " The rod of his genius smote the rock of our dried up resources, 
and forth came floods of revenue." The history of Rev. James White 
begins with his education at Muskingum College, New Concord, Ohio, 
where he also served two years as Professor of Mathematics. He was 
licensed to preach in April, 1861 ; was Chaplain of the One Hundred 
and Sixty-ninth Ohio National Guards; served as pastor of Jonathan 
Creek U. P. Church for eighteen years, near where he founded the 
Madison Academy, of which he served as President during the last ten 
years of his pastorate. This academ}^ still flourishes, and, it is believed, 
will stand as an enduring monument to his memorj-. In 1879, R^v. 
White received a call from the Charles Street U. P. Church, of New 
York Cit}'-. This church has not less than five hundred and twenty 
members, and the}^ pa}^ a salar3'of $2,500, furnish a study, well lighted 
and warmed, and other emoluments, making the station one of the first 
in rank and dignity ; and no man conld fill it more gracefully or ably. 
He celebrated his silver wedding September 21, 1882. His estimable 
wife was, in her maiden days, Miss Amelia A. Wallace, daughter of 
Rev. William Wallace, of Cambridge, Ohio. The children of Rev. 
White by this marriage are, the wife of Mr. Edward Ream, a prosper- 
ous and highly esteemed hardware merchant of Somerset, Ohio, and 
her brother, John P. White, now of New York. 

White, Hamilton, liquor dealer. New Straitsville ; was born in 
1842, in Scotland ; is a son of Hamilton and Margaret White. In 1864 
he came to America, stopping a short time in Pennsylvania. From there 
he went to Illinois, and in Chicago enlisted in the "Ninth Illinois Caval- 
ry. He was mustered out of the service in Selma, Alabama, and re- 
turned to Illinois. In 1872, he came to New Straitsville, and was mar- 
ried to Ann McBride, daughter of John and Ann McBride, natives of 
Ireland. They have one daughter, born June 8, 1877. 

WiGTON, J. H., farmer and stock raiser; post office, Roseville, 
Muskingum county. The father of the subject of this sketch, was born 
in Muskingum county in 181 7. Was married in 1842 to Miss Sarah 
Horner. They had nine children, of whom J. H. is one. Their names 
were : J. H., Elizabeth, Ellen, Mary J., Margaret A., deceased ; Alice 
C, Mattie M., J. C, W. W., deceased; one married. The father 
died in 1873. 

WiLKiNS, John, farmer ; post office. Mount Perry ; was born in 1816, 
in Frederick county, Virginia; son of James, Jr., and grandson of 
James, Sr., who was an English soldier ; and in consequence of a severe 
wound in one of the battles of the Revolution, never again returned to 
his native country, but remained in Virginia, where he married a High- 
land Scotch wife, who became the mother of an only child, James Wil- 
kins, Jr. This James was by tradition (entitled to an estate in England, 
which was lost b}- the slackness of the laws then in force, and the in- 
fancy of the only heir in America, which heir perhaps was entirely un- 
known, on the false supposition that James, Sr., had died without heirs. 
The father of John Wilkins was a soldier in the War of 1812 ; the hus- 
band of Hannah Roberts, whom he married about/ lie beginning of the 
present century ; a superintendent of a large Virj^^inia plantation, at a 



584 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

good salan- for man}- ^-ears ; the owner of a few slaves there, at the 
death of one of whom, John cried bitter]}- as having lost a kind nurse. 
In 1830 the Wilkins famil}' came to Perry county, and a few years later 
to Muskingum county, where James, the father, died, at the age of 
eighty-five years. He was a man of remarkable ph3'sical endurance, 
and in his eightieth 3'ear, could plow, sow and reap. Mother Wilkins 
survived her husband only a few years. Her children were Nancy, the 
wife of Joseph, and the mother of Nathan Plank, who after the death 
of her husband became the wife of Joseph Snj-der, and died as such in 
Flopewell township ; Charles and Mary, of Lawrence count\-, Ohio : 
William, White Cottage, Ohio : Joseph, Lj'tlesburg, Ohio ; Theodore, 
Lima, Ohio; Rev. Llewellyn, of the New Light belief; and two chil- 
dren, deceased, in Muskingum coimt}'. In 1839, J^^^" Wilkins w'as 
married to Mary, daughter of John Bowser. He soon settled where he 
now lives, section thirteen, Hopewell, and where some of the soil on 
his farm has been under cultivation for sixty consecutive 3'ears, and the 
last crop of corn measured over one hundred bushels to the acre. It 
thus supports its fertilit}' by alluvial deposit, and by its natural strength. 

Their children are eight in number, all living, except Mar}-, deceased 
wife of Samuel Bowman, Areola, Illinois ; Leroy, farmer, post office 
same ; James, John T., Eliza, wife of Samuel Bowman, and Abraham, 
post office. Mount Perr}-, Ohio; Ann Maria, wife of Daniel Siberds, 
and Emanuel, post office. North Manchester, Indiana. These sons and 
daughters are all comfortabl}' situated, and some of them growing 
wealthy. Five of the sons weigh 1,160 pounds, the lightest of whom is 
nearh' 200. The mother was a large, handsomel}- sized woman ; the 
father has weighed 180 pounds ; head twenty-two and one-fourth inches, 
health good, habits temperate, but not abstemious from stimulants. At"- 
ter the death of his wife in 1879, ^^^"- Wilkins was married to Mrs. De- 
lilah Stine, in 1881, whose maiden name was Dollings ; of Scotch and 
English parentage, and whose father was a native of Virginia, and 
whose mother was a native of Kentucky. By her first husband, John 
Creighton Stine, she had two sons, both married ; one a teacher and the 
other a potter by occupation. She alleges that her grandfather, Slover, 
was a Tor}' in the Revolution, and that her father fought on the Ameri- 
can side, in 1812. At this second marriage, she and her children were 
welcomed to the Wilkins home bv all of Mr. Wilkins' sons and daugh- 
ters, who reside in the vicinity. 

Williams, John L., was born the i8th of June, 1813, in Berkley 
county, Virginia. His brother, H. T., Hves in Virginia. At the age of 
fifteen he went to the tailoring trade, receiving a freedom suit and his 
boarding and clothing for a term of five years. He attended subscrip- 
tion school, and for those days became a fair scholar in reading, writing 
and arithmetic. About this time his father died and he w^ent home and 
conducted the farm for about two years, when in 1836 he landed in Som- 
erset, Ohio, wdiere he had a brother-in-law by the name of William 
Wright, a saddler, whose sister Mr. Williams had married prior to his 
removal to Ohio. Pie was there married December 19, 1835, to Jane 
Ellen Wright. By this union eight children were born, the eldest, 
Sarah, in Virginia, the others in Somerset, whose names occur accord- 
ing to date of birth : Sarah, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitura, John, 



HISTORY OF l'liUk\ COUNTY* 



585 



Tine and Charles. Of these, only Rebecca and Charles are now living, 
febecca in Somerset, and Charles in Lancaster. He has at this date, 
Seven grandchildren living. On his arrival in Somerset, he began the 
tdlorhif. business, which he carried on to the time ot his appointment as 
po?ma?ter in 1861, which position he has maintained to this date 
fwenU vears or more. Prior to his service as postmaster he was 
e7ec"e\i e^L consecutive vears as clerk of the township, which consid- 
erincr the fact that the township was strongly opposed to Mr. Williams 
noy dcs ex^iibits his popularity and the esteem of his fellow citizens. _ He 
n' s neveTbeaten for this office, and it was not undl he declined being a 
cand'ate that his successor was chosen. He jomecl the Methodis 
CI m-ch 1841 and has maintained his membership ever since. H s 
^,xes an thoJe of his second wife, who was EHzabeth C. Rhodes, stil 
hW amount to $70 a year. His success in hie is c ue to his upright 
eaHm>' hi' sterling honesty , his unflagging industrv , his genteel depon- 
ment !md his inborn politeness and urbanity, which even now, at the 
T<^ of sixtv-eicrht. adheres to his manners. Only two men are now 
H^; n' w o we'e^here when Mr. Williams first came to Somerset^ These 
-xre William Jackson and David Brunner. He has belonged to the 
Masonic fratirnitv since 1839- His son, John, died at Nashville a 
meX of ?he Ninetieth Ohio^egiment. His remains are lymg^in the 
cemete'v in Somerset. He corresponded for the Lancaster (9^^^^^^^^^^ 
while in the army, and his bosom companion, Tom Talbot while beai- 
nfuie colors at' Atlanta, tell a sacrifice on the altar of his country s 
cmse lust this year a Post of the Grand Army ot the Republic was 
hSteii: Somerset under the name of -Pom Talbot Post a fitting 
compliment to the youthful hero, and to the memoiy of daring deeds 

and undvin"" affection. ^, . , j.j ,^ 

WiSi.Ss, Elias David, collier, Shawnee, Ohio ; was born May 
I. i8s6 in Aberystwyth Cardiganshire. Wales; son of David and 
Cathar^n; (Evans/ Williams. Mr. Williams remained m his native 
place work ng in lead mines, until December, 1863, when he enaigrated 
fo America, landing in New York, from whence he went o Pittsbuigh, 
Penn™nia, whefe he remained four years and six mond.s -d thence 
to Irondale, Jefterson county, eighteen months, and then to Coshocton 
Ohio whei'e he superintended the Home Company s coal mine two 
years', and then came to his present locaHty, being the second family 
?hat located in the place, and is now engaged b^' the Upson Coa Com- 
ninv where he has been successful, being one of the tree-holdeis ot the 
^lace" M Williams was married in December, 1855, to Ann, daugh- 
Fei of John and Jane (Rollins) Edwards. They are the parents of eight 
children, viz. : Jane, Kate,' Mary, David, Ann, John Maggie and 
William livincr and seven deceased. Jane is married to Evan O. Jones, 
Kate o Charles E. Davis, both of Shawnee, Ohio; Mary to William 
Davis of Orbiston, Ohio. Mr. Williams is now >aeacon m tne Welsh 
Presbyterian or Calvinisdc Methodist Church. / 

WILLIAMS, Edmond D., collier. Shawnce/Ohio ; vvas born March 
28 18^.7. in Monmouthshire, Wales; son o{ / hmie\ and Ann (Harris) 
Williams; was raised a farmer and follov/ed agricultural pursuits in 
connection with mining undl he was twe/ty-eight years ot age. The 
farm his father rented and upon which he / ^as born, had been rented by 



586 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

the Williams family for ov^er two hundred years, and in his day the rent 
was only half as much as neis^hboring farms. The owner, Windham 
Lewis, said that the rent should not increase while it was rented by the 
Williams family. His great grandfather raised a family of fifteen 
children ; his grandfather a family of twelve children, and his father a 
family of ten children, all upon this farm of three hundred and fifty 
acres, onh' thirt}^ of which are arable, the remainder being pasture land. 
The farm was rented last by his brother Daniel, who lived until Febru- 
ary 25, 1879. ^^^^ ^^^^ farm changed hands some four years previous to 
his death. After being engaged upon the larm he went to Mountain 
Ash, remaining two years as a miner, from whence he came to America 
in June of 1868, and has been engaged at the following places : Youngs- 
town, Ohio, three months, farming; Oak Hill, Mercer county, Pennsyl- 
vania, short time; Orangeville, nine months, mining; Monongahela 
River, mining ; Pan-Handle Railroad, four years, mining ; Illinois, min- 
ing ; S. E. Railroad, mining two years; Springfield, Illlinois, mining; 
Cairo, Arkansas and Texas Railroad, three months, railroading ; 
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, about two years, mining; Pan-Handle Rail- 
road, six months, mining ; Shawnee, where he has been engaged in 
mining to the present time, coming to this place in the fall of 1880. He 
was married September 20, 1881, to Ann, daughter of James and Esther 
(Jenkins) Driver. The}-- became the parents of one child that died in 
infanc3^ 

Williams, John R., blacksmith, Shawnee, Ohio ; was born June 18, 
1837, ^" Llanfachreth parish, count}' of Anglesey, North Wales ; son of 
Robert and Mary (Jones) Williams. At the age of fourteen he went 
into his father's shop to learn his trade. His grandfather was also an 
iron worker. At the age of twentj', John R. came to America and loca- 
ted in Pomeroy, Meigs county, where he remained until 1872, when he 
came to this place, and worked for the Shawnee Valley Coal and Iron 
Company seven years. In 1879 ^^^ established his present shop in 
which he is prepared to do all kinds of general smithing, Mr. Williams 
was married in the spring of 1866, to Miss Mariah, daughter of Henry 
and Anne (Williams) Davis, of Gallia county, Ohio. They are the 
parents of nine children, four of whom are deceased, and five living, 
viz. : Annie, Henry, Robert, Sarah and John. 

Williams, William E., tinner and sheet iron manufacturer, 
Shawnee, Ohio ; was born November 21, 1845, nearLlamll}^ Carmarth- 
inshire, Wales ; son of William and Anne (Evans) Williams. At the 
age of eleven years William E. went to work in the coal mines of Scot- 
land, and worked two years. Then he successively worked in the tin 
shop, foundry and coal mines, until May, 1869, when he sailed for 
America, locating first in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, and followed 
mining there, aiid at the following places : Pomeroy and Shawnee, 
locating here in 187^.; established his present business in 1876. Mr. 
Williams was married KIa\^ 12, 1867, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John 
and Margaret Thomas. They became the parents of three children, 
viz. : Mary and Anne, t eceased, and John, living with Daniel Lewis, 
whom Mr. Williams has employed to care for his son. Mrs. Williams 
died May 26, 1869, and is b riedin the Welsh cemetery, at Minersville, 
near Pomeroy, Ohio. 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY, 587 

Williams, Thomas W., collier, Shawnee, Ohio; wiis born April 
5, 1840, in Carno, Monmouthshire, Wales; son of Thomas and Mary 
(Williams) Williams. Mr. Williams was raised in Carno until he was 
about twelve years of age, when he emigrated to America, landing in 
New York after a seven weeks' voyage, when he went to Pittsbiu^gh, 
Pennsylvania, and remained at Charter's Creek near Pittsburgh about 
nine months, engaged in coal mining, and has been emplo3-ed as fol- 
lows. Weatherheld, Trumbull county, Ohio, until about 1864, coal 
mining while there, and during the time he made that place his home ; 
he was at Minersville, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Mosouri. Was mar- 
ried March i, 1867, to Mary, daughter of William and Marv (Daniels) 
Morgan, of Minersville, Ohio. They are the parents of six children, 
viz.: Mary Ann, Catharine, Hannah, William, deceased; Thomas, 
deceased ; and Lizzie, deceased. After his marriage he has been en- 
gaged as follows : Weatherheld four months ; Brookheld, Ohio, six 
months ; Mason City, Virginia, about three years ; Coalton, Kentucky, 
until 1873 ; Mason City three months, and then moved to Shawnee, 
where his family has remained up to this time, but he was employed a 
short time in mining in Coshocton, Ohio. He owns a neat and comfort- 
able home in this place. 

Williams, David S., mine boss for W. P. Rend and Company, 
Rendville, Ohio ; born August 28, 1840. in Wales ; son of David S. and 
Elizabeth (Roberts) Williams. At the age of seven \-ears he went 
into the mines in Wales and worked there until i860, when he came to 
America and located in Trumbull county. Ohio, and engaged in mining. 
He remained there about fifteen years, then went to Illinois and filled 
the position of mine boss at Streator, Lasalle countv, for two years. 
He then returned to this State and was mine boss for Maple Hi 11 Coal 
Company about three years. He came to Rendville in November, 1881 , 
and took charge, as mine boss, first at number three, then at number 
two, accepting his present position in August, 1881. Mr. Williams was 
married December 23, 1858, to Elizabeth, daughter of William and 
Elizabeth Abram. They are the parents of ten children, viz. : 
Elizabeth, married to Louis S. Howbrie ; William S., Mary Ann, Cath- 
arine, Minnie Jane, David D., Margaret, Thomas, Luc}, deceased; 
and Lewis, deceased. Mr. Williams has had a very extensive experi- 
ence in mining and fully understands the business, having been mine 
boss since he was eighteen years of age. 

Williams, Thomas J., farmer, Madison township, post office Sego. 
He is a son of William and Mary (Wright) Williams, and was born 
August 8, 1828. He is an agriculturalist, which vocation he has always 
followed. He came to this township in 1836, and was married May i, 
1855, to Mary, daughter of William and Mar}^ (Boone) Cullum. 
Thev have four children: Howard IL. Charles A., Mary B. and 
Elmer E. 

Williams, Reese E., mine boss, Sl^.iwnee ; was born December 
4, 1842, in Breconshire, Wales; son of Ip'nomas and Rachel (Williams) 
Williams. Mr. Williams was moved lr> Monmouthshire at the age of 
four 3^ears, where he remained until #ie was twenty-one years of age, 
and was engaged in Wales as follovw : Glamorganshire about five or 
six years, as foreman in a mining sli a"t. At this time he emigrated to 



588 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

America, landing in New York ; and has remained here up to the pres- 
ent, engaged as follows: At Hubbard, Trumbull county, Ohio, three 
months; Thomastown. Summit county, Ohio, where he was attacked 
by typhoid fever, from which he narrowly escaped with his life : mining 
in this place in the winter seas(jn and at ''i"'almage in summer season, 
for about four years. During the time he was engaged at this place he 
was married. July 3. 1871. to Elizabeth, daughter of Philip and 
Sarah (Williams) Thomas. They became the parents of one child, 
viz. : Elizabeth, who only lived fifteen months. Mrs. Williams de- 
parted this life Februar\' 8, 1872, aged nineteen years and a few days. 
In 1872 Mr. Williams came to Shawnee, where he has remained to this 
time, in his present position, which he took in June of 1872. Mr. 
Williams' second marriage took place May 22, 1881, to Mary E., 
daughter of John and Elizabeth (Harris) Harris, of Glamorganshire, 
Wales. They are the parents of one child, viz. : Celia. Mrs. Wil- 
liams was educated in Wales for a school teacher, where like a trades- 
man, they are obliged to serve an apprenticeship of five years before 
they can be emplo3'ed, upon their own application, by a school board. 
After entering upon their appranticeship they can only be released by 
the payment of ten pounds or giving six month's notice. After serving 
out an apprenticeship they are then granted what is known as a 
Qvieen's certificate ; after this still, ther require improvement upon the 
part of teachers, by which they are graded every two years as long as 
they continue to teach, and it would be well also to state that this ap- 
prenticeship includes, " Household and domestic economy, pastry, 
etc." Mrs. Williams taught in Wales eight years and employed her 
vacations in visiting some of the prominent places of interest in Eng- 
land and Ireland. She went across Milford Haven to Waterford and 
Kilkenn}', through Limerick ; to the lakes of Killarney and through 
Cork. 

Wilson, James, farmer and hotel keeper, Maxville, Ohio ; born in 
Hopewell township. Perry countv, Ohio, March 24, 1821, son of Isaac 
and Margaret (Rison) Wilson. Spent early boyhood on a farm, and in 
1838 cane to Monday Creek township with his father, where he has ever 
since resided. Mr. Wilson was among the early settlers of that town- 
ship and has always been one of its most highly respected citizens, 
having served in the capacitv of trustee of that township for two terms. 
He was, at one time, exteusivelv engaged in quarrying and burning 
limestone, but is now quietly residing on his farm and keeping hotel in 
the village of Maxville. lie was married February 8, 1844, ^"^ Eliza, 
daughter of David and Sarah (Larimer) Haggerty, of Fairfield county, 
to whom was born one child, Isaac, who died at the early age of three 
months. Mrs. Wilson died on the anniversary of her marriage, in 1845, 
having l^een a bridt^ but one \ear. Mr. Wilson was married the second 
time to Margaret. daught-T of Ruhert and Margaret (Ray) Larimer, 
Januarv 2. 1850. 

Wilson, Tho>l\s. tannei and stcjck raiser, post othce Roseville, 
Muskingum count\- ; born in Muskingum count}' in 1814 ; came to 
Perry countv in 1828; son of Z^dick and Elizabeth (Stewart) Wilson; 
grandson of Matthew Wilson grandson of Pozy and Prudence 
Stewart. Married in 1842 to Mi s Christie A. Wylie.' daughter of John 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 5^9 

and Hannah (McClain) Wylie. They are the parents of eight chil- 
dren viz. : Harriet, John, deceased : Zadock, George, Marion, de- 
ceased ; Luther, Clara, Thomas. Zadock served in the last war m the 
One Hundred and Fiftv-ninth Ohio Volunteers. 

Wii SON, William,' tbrmerlv of the firm of Wilson and Kutter, 
butchers, New Lexington, Ohio; was born October 11,1841, ^^ Falh> 
township, Hockincr county ; son of Ezra and Elizabeth (Burgess) Wil- 
son William was brought up on the farm and has followed agricul- 
ture, husbandry and butchering to the present time. He came to this 
county about the year 1857, and located in Clayton township, at his 
present residence. The present firm was formed November 5, ibbi. 
Mr Wihon was married March i, 1864, to Miss Rachel C, daughter 
of Georcre White and Harriet (Richards) Moore. They are the parents 
of seven^children, viz. : Sorata Bell, Malcome Everett, deceased ; Ed- 
ward Beecher, Howard Franklin, George Morns, Jesse Heber and 

Valus Wilma. 

Wilson, John, colHer, Shawnee, Ohio; was born Februaiy 21 
1848, in Cockfield, county of Durham, England; son of John and 
Elizabeth (Wanless) Wilson. Mr. Mason's father moved to Crook, 
soon after his birth, where he was raised and employed at brick making 
and mining until he was about the age of twenty years. At nineteen 
years of age he took the position of weighmaster and timekeeper. 
Which he held about five years, and again for three years was employed 
in the mine, and a second time was weighmaster and timekeeper tor 
one year, at which time he emigrated to America, leaving Liverpool 
September 22, and landing in New York October 3, 1879, from where 
he came to this place where he has lived to the present time, and en- 
ioys his own home. Was married June 28, 1873, to Hannah daughter 
of judge and Isabel (Richardson) Scott, in county ot Durham Mr 
Wilson is a local preacher and class leader m the Primitive Methodist 
Church of this place. . , . 

Wlnter W.,post ofiice Crooksville ; merchant; born in Muskin- 
gum county, in 1851. He came to Perry county in 1878 He is a son of 
Wickum Winter, who died in 1856. His mother, Elizabeth, died in 
i8q7 leaving Mr. Winter to do for himself at a very early age. At 
thea'<re of seven he engaged in the pottery business with Sqmre 
Crook, of Crooksville : serving with him till the age of twenty-one years. 
He then went to Iowa, being there some eighteen months. Hetnen 
returned and engaged in shipping stone ware, till he ^^l^g^^^^J;^^ 
present business, that of dry goods and grocery trade Mr Winter 
was married, in 1877, to Miss Sarah McKeeyer, daughter of Samuel 
and Hannah McKeever. They are the parents of three children, viz. : 
Francis A., Samuel G. and Thomas M. , ^ o • at 

WisFMAN, JUDGE josKPH G., was bom December 6, iboi, m Mon- 
roe countv, now West Viririnia ; post ofhce Salem. By occupation in 
early life "'a bricklaver and^ later, a farmer, also. He is a son of Rev. 
John Wiseman, who came to section twenty-nine 1 horn township 
Perrv countv. Ohio, in 1818. and grandson of Isaac Wiseman who died 
in Viro-inia,' at the age of ninety-two. The brothers ot Judoe Wise- 
man were James G..John R., Isaac, Phihp S. and Jacob G. Wiseman : 
a\\ <rone. His sisters were Elizabeth, wife of John Brattin : Mar- 



S^ 



590 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

garet, wife of Aaron Morgan ; and. Ann. wife of George Stinchcomb : 
all gone. His mother's maiden name was Sarah Green, a native of 
Rockingham county, Virginia, and a niece of Hugh McGarey, an 
Indian fighter, of Kentucky, a companion of Daniel Boone. The 
memory of these brave men is preserved in a poem bv Brj-ant. The 
father of Judge Wiseman was with Washington at Valley Forge ; died 
in 1842, in his eight3'-second 3'ear, and rests in the Methodist Episcopal 
cemetery, at Salem. He was a local preaclier, regularly ordained, and 
solemnized marriages. Judge Wiseman was married in 1827 to Miss Su- 
san, daughter of John Manley. Four of her six children still survive. 
In 1844, after the death of his wife, he was married to Mrs. Katharine 
Parr. In 1855, 'i^er the death of his second wife, he was married to 
Miss Nancy J. Melick, sister of Alexander Melick, of Madison town- 
ship. His children are : Louisa, wife of N. H. Crouch, of Newark ; 
Minta S., wife of H. F. Winders, Findla}^ Ohio; J. Manly Wiseman, 
married to Caroline Baker, sister of Andrew Baker, and Katharine, 
wife of Charles Kelsey, post office Salem ; one son aud three daugh- 
ters. His son, Theodore, went into the Seventeenth Ohio Volunteer In- 
fantry at the beginning of the war, lost his health, and died at the age 
of twenty-three. Joseph G. Wiseman became Associate Justice on the 
Common Pleas bench of Perrv county and served six 3^ears. He was 
a Filmore elector in 1856, and a Bell elector in i860, and served six 
years as Justice of the Peace. He supported the war policy of Lincoln 
and has since voted with the Republicans. He has acquired a hand- 
some estate by plodding industry and honest labor, enjo3's a pleasant 
home, and the respect of his neighbors, and except Elijah Kemper and 
•Jonas Groves, has voted longer in Thorn township than any other man. 
He always was a great reader and patronized literature. 

Wolf, Lewis, Superintendent of the German miners at Bucking- 
ham, Ohio ; was born April 22, 1840, in Knox township, Columbiana 
county, Ohio; son of Henry and Margaret (Stofier) Wolf. Was brought 
up on a farm where he remained until twenty-one, when he engaged in 
mining iron ore, at which he worked about five years. He then super- 
intended the mining of iron ore and coal, and prospecting for iron ore 
and coal until 1877, when he came to Moxahala, and in the spring of 
1880 came to his present residence. Mr. Wolf was married in the 
spring of 1861 to Miss Emma, daughter of William McLaughlin, of 
Georgetown, Columbiana county, Ohio. They are the parents of seven 
children, viz. : Luander, William, Emerson, Charles, George, Leora 
and Gertrude. Mr. Wolf has devoted the greater part of his life to 
mining and prospecting tor iron ore and coal, by which he has acquired 
a very useful experience. 

Wolf, George, Jr., dealer in hides, fur, sheep pelts, at Junction 
City, Ohio; son of William D., and Susans (Chidester) Wolf. Was 
born March 10, 1842, in Ewing, Hocking county, Ohio. He sta3'ed on 
the farm till the age of nineteen, after which he went to the saddler 
trade and served three 3^ears apprenticeship ; then worked as journe3'- 
man for a few 3'ears, a part of the time running a shop of his own. 
He started a saddle and harness shop in Junction Citv in 1871, which he 
carried on untili879 ; since that time has been engaged in his present busi- 
ness, dealing in wool in the summer season. Mr. Wolf was married 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY 



59i 



in Januaiy of 187 1, to Catharine, dangliter of John and Christina Fil- 
ing. They are the parents of one child, Lizzie Idela. Spent one winter 
with the Osage Indians, being at that time connected with a trading 
post. 

Wood, J. E., shoemaker, post office, Moxahala, Pleasant township ; 
born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. Left home when eleven 
years old, went to Pittsburgli, obtained work on the boat " Metropolis" 
for five years ; then learned the shoemaker trade at Pittsburgh ; then 
went to New Orleans ; from there to Galveston, Charleston, Augusta, 
Nashville ; then worked in several towns in Kentucky. Then he went 
back to New^ Orleans and through the southwest, Mexico, Texas, and 
the Indian Territory ; lived with the Comanche Indians a while ; res- 
cued a white child from the Comanches, brought it east, and his mother 
raised it. He enlisted in 1861 in the Eighteenth U. S. Infantry; was 
captured at the first Fredericksburg fight, remained a prisoner on 
Bell Island four months ; he was then exchanged, returned to Camp 
Chase and did guard duty for eight months, and was then sent forward 
again and joined his regiment. He was in the battles of Slauo-hter 
Pen, SpottS3dvania, and Cold Harbor; was wounded there and taken 
to Cit}^ Point Hospital ; was then transferred to Emery Hospital ; then 
to Little York, and then discharged. Since then he has made his 
home in Clayton township. 

Woodcock, John W., Sr., of the firm of Woodcock, Son & Co., 
Nefv Lexington, Ohio; was born July 16, 1815, in Licking Creek, 
Bedford county, Pennsylvania ; son of Bancroft and Elizabeth (Giles) 
Woodcock. John Giles, grandfather of Mr. Woodcock, joined the 
British Navy when eleven 3'ears of age, and served eleven years. He 
was in the engagement between the Rodne}^ and De Grace, and re- 
ceived a wound in the leg b}^ a spike which he pulled from the wound 
with his teeth. At the age of sixteen 3^ears John W. went into his 
father's foundry. The first cupola west of the Allegheny Mountains 
was put up by him. The blast was produced by a large bellows, wo'-ked 
by horse power. In 1838 the father and son moved to Wheeling, West 
Virginia, and continued business there until 1849. From there John 
W. came to Brownsville, Licking county, Ohio, where he conducted 
the foundry business until 1873, when he came to this place. Mr. Wood- 
cock made the first coke at Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, produced west 
of the AUeghen}^ Mountains. Bancroft Woodcock was the patentee of 
the celebrated " Self sharpner " plow^ This plow came into use in 
1832, and has continued to be used to the present time. Samuel J., the 
youngest of John W.'s famiW, is the inventor of the mill manufactured 
by the Woodcock firm in this place. This is believed to be the best 
feed grinding mill now in use. Mr. John W. Woodcock, the subject of 
this sketch, was married March 4, 1841, to Miss Mary Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of George and Jane (Miller) Abel, of Belmont county, Ohio. The}^ 
are the parents of the following children, viz. : Jane Elizabeth, George 
B., John C, Irene E., Hattie, deceased, and Samuel J. 

Woodward, Robert Bruce, M. D., was born March 4, 1839, i" 
Newton township, Muskingum county, Ohio ; son of David Woodward, 
a highly respectable farmer, who was a native of Bradford township, 
Chester county, Pennsylvania. His mother's maiden name was Susan 



.t^ \ 



592 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



German, a native ol Hopewell township, Muskingum county, Ohio. Of 
six sons, only Samuel D. and John T. Woodward survive. Two daugh- 
ters, Elizabeth, wile of Timothy Bowden, and Isabel, wife of Loyd F. 
Croft, are living. Evans, Harrison and Amos, brothers of Dr. R. 13. 
Woodward, are deceased. October 14, 1869, the doctor was married 
to Miss Ella, daughter of the late venerable James Combs, of Reading 
township, Perrv county, Ohio. The children b\' this marriage are : 
Robert Edmund, Charles D., and an infant daughter, Adelle. Dr. 
Woodward, when yet in his minority, devoted himself to books, using 
all his spare time from work upon the farm, in acquiring knowledge ; 
became a teacher in the common schools of his native count}* ; read 
medicine with Dr. Cushing, and afterwards with Dr. Beckwith, both of 
Zanesville, Ohio. Graduated Februar}- 14, 1867, at Cleveland iVIedical 
College, at the head of his class of twenty-eight, in anatom}* and mate- 
ria medica ; practiced some time in Zanesville, and March 25, 1869, lo- 
cated in Somerset, where he devoted himself with assiduity to his chosen 
profession. He soon rose in public esteem, not only as a valuable phy- 
sician, but as an exemplar}^ citizen. He was three times elected Maj^or 
of Somerset, and to his faithful service the town owes its tirst delivery 
from the machinations of rowdyism and disorder. He volunteered in 
Company G, One Hundred and Ninety-sixth Regiment, O. V. 1., and 
served to the end of the War of the Rebellion, being honorably dis- 
charged September, 1865. Was Representative to the Grand Lodge of 
Ohio, I. O. O. F., two sessions. His industr}-, devotion to his profes- 
sion, and his scrupulous attention to every duty assigned to his charge, 
has won for him golden honors, and such a share of public conhdence 
as seldom falls to a man of his age. His practice of medicine has be- 
come so extensive as to make large drafts on time, both day and night, 
and its burdens are so great that none but an iron constitution and an 
unflagging energy could equal the demands upon his professional 
service. 

WoRSTALL, Thomas D., cigar mariLlfacturer and tobacconist. New 
Lexington, Ohio ; born June 28, 1859, in Putnam, Ohio ; son of Dudley 
R. and Anne Lucy (Berkshire) Worstall. Young Worstall learned his 
trade with his father, who has been engaged in the same business for 
about thirtv years. Thomas D. established business in this place in 
1881, and is building up an active trade. 

Wright, Jackson, farmer. Pike township ; post oflice. New Lex- 
ington, Ohio ; was born February 2, 1826, in this township, and on the 
farm where he now lives ; son of Thomas and Margaret (Ankney) 
Wright. Mr. Wright was brought up on a farm, and has tbllowed ag- 
ricultural pursuits up to this time. He lived with his father until he was 
twenty-four years of age, when he was married December 26, 1850, to 
Rebecca Groves, born August 16, 1830, in Reading township, this coun- 
ty ; daughter of Lewis and Ellen (Huston) Groves. They are the par- 
ents of six living children, viz. : Burrel B, James Horace, Lewis Al- 
exander, Maggie Caroline, Mary Ellen. Thomas A., and one deceased, 
William Jackson. Soon after this marriage, he moved into the old 
homestead, where his father had bought one hundred and sixty acres of 
land, and lived there for five years, when he moved into the new frame 
dw^elling by which his father had supplanted the log cabin of yore iu 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 593 

1843, where he still lives. Mr. Wright's father came from Somerset 
county, Pennsylvania, to Ohio in 1812, moving by a four-horse wagon. 
It rained upon him every day but one while upon his journey. In 1813 
he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, and soon after that pur- 
chase, entered three hundred and twenty acres ; and as opportunity af- 
forded and fortune blessed him, he bought two farms of one hundred 
and sixty acres each, near New Lexington ; one of one hundred and 
sixty acres, lying just west of the land he had entered ; and one of one 
hundred and sixty acres, where Patrick Sherlock now lives ; owning all 
of this land at one time. He lived to see his eighty-tirst year, and died 
July 1, 1865. His wife survived him, living until March 30, 188 1, and 
was in her ninety-second year at the time of her death. Mr. Wright, 
the subject of this sketch, became the support of his parents in their de- 
aling years, and from the time he moved into his present dwelling until 
they died, he cared for them. His father gave him one hundred and 
seventy-one acres of the home farm, to which he afterward added eighty 
acres, buying forty acres trom his brother-in-law, William Storts, and 
tbrty acres of his brother, Calvin ; also eight acres off of what is now 
the James McDonald farm ; and at his father's death he received sev- 
enty-eight acres by will. He has since sold thirty-one acres to Burrel, 
forty-seven acres to James, and forty acres to Lewis, liis sons, and yet 
owns two hundred and nineteen acres. Mr. Wright has served several 
terms as township trustee, and is a prosperous farmer. 

Yaka, Mrs. Margaret, Pike township ; post office, New Lex- 
ington, Ohio; was born December 21, 1816, in Mansfield, Ohio; 
daughter of Samuel and Drusilla (Creig) Croskrey. At the time of 
Mrs. Yaka's birth there were but few cabins in Mansfield. She was 
married to Henry, son of Mark and Elizabeth (Davidson) Yaka, of Lou- 
don county, Virginia, October 23, 1842. They are the parents of five 
children, viz. : Mary E., Samuel, Wm. B., Catharine, and John Henry. 
They also adopted a child, Sarah J. Two and the adopted child — Mary 
E. and William B., are now li/ing. Mrs. Yaka has lived a farmer's wife 
since her marriage, and now lives near New Lexington in her own 
house. Her grandfather Croskrey came to this State in an early day, 
and entered four quarter sections of land, that is now the present site of 
Mansfield city, and her father built the first house in that city ; but on 
account of her mother's health, he moved from that place, and finally 
settled in Perry county, O., where he lived until his deatli. Mr. Heni-y 
Yaka, husband of the subject of this sketch, died June 11, 1880. 

Yarger, Jacob, Sr., farmer, Clayton township, Perry county; 
post office. New Lexington : born in Huntington countv, Pennsylvania, 
in 1803 ; came to this county with his father in i8n ; son of John and 
Elizabeth (Auker) Yarger ; the former died about the year 1853, the 
latter about the year 1823. Mr. Yarger was married in 1828, to Miss 
Susan Keister, daughter of John and Mary M. (Hunts) Keister. They 
are the parents of el-even children, viz. : John, deceased ; David, Jacob, 
Peter, Daniel, Elizabeth, deceased; Samuel, Adam, Henry, Mary, 
Joshua, are ail deceased. 

Yarger, Jacob, Jr., farmer, Clayton township, Perrv county ; post 
office. New Lexington: son of Jacob and Susannah (Keister) Yarger. 
The latter died in 1864. Grandson of Joiin and Elizabeth (Auker) Yar- 

60 



594 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

ger. Mr. Yarger was married in 1862, to Miss vSaloma, daughter of 
Henry and Saloma (Yarger) Kokensparger. Thev have four children, 
viz. : Jacob H., Mary E., Levi H. Saloma K. 

Yarger, David, farmer; post ofllce, New Lexington, Perry county ; 
born in this county in 1829 ; son of Jacob and Susannah (Keister) Yar- 
ger ; grandson of John and Elizabeth ( Auker) Yarger. The latter died 
in 1864. Mr. Yarger has been twice married; first, in 1857, to Miss 
Sophia Kokensparger. This union was blessed with seven children, 
viz.: William H., Frederick D., Sarah A., Samuel, Noah E., John, 
Charles. Mr. Yarger was married again in 1 871, to Miss Mary Barker, 
daughter of William Barker. They have one child, viz. : Allie. 

YouNKER, John L., blacksmith, Maxville, Ohio ; born in the King- 
dom of Wurtemberg, Germany, November 16, 1838 ; son of Leonard 
and Christina (Wittman) Younker. His father was ver}^ desirous that 
his son should become master of the sciences, and in early boyhood he at- 
tended school atLimbach, Germany ; and at the age of 14 ^^ears entered 
Temple Hof Academy in the same kingdom, and made such progress, 
that at eighteen years of age, he was permitted to enter the famous Er- 
langen University, in the Kingdom of Bavaria. He had only remained 
here two years, when the death of his parents threv/ him upon his own 
resources, and he was compelled to give up his college life, and at once 
emigrated to America, landing in New York City, September 21, 1858, 
and at once went to Circleville, Pickawa}'- county, Ohio, and apprenticed 
himself to the machinist trade, and continued to apply himself at this 
trade for about eighteen months, when he also began to work at the 
blacksmith trade. On the 31st day of March, 1862, he enlisted in Com- 
pany A, Twelfth Regiment, United States Infantry, serving as corporal, 
and participated in all the battles of the Army of the Potomac, until he 
was taken prisoner at Coal Harbor, Virginia, June 11, 1863. He was 
at once taken to Richmond, and from there to Andersonville, Georgia, 
where he endured all the tortures and sufferings of that infernal rebel 
prison ; was taken from Andersonville to Florence, thence to Charleston, 
South Carolina, where he was paroled December 11, 1864, having been 
a prisoner exactly eighteen months. After being paroled, he returned 
to Annapolis, Maryland, and rejoined the army, and served until the 
expiration of his term of enlistment as hospital steward. He was hon- 
orably discharged from the army at Fort Hamilton, New York Harbor, 
March 31, 1865, and immediately returned to his home in Circleville, 
Ohio, and resumed the trade of blacksmithing, which employment 
he has ever since followed. In the autumn of 1877, he removed to Webb 
Summit, Hocking county, and remained three years, removing to Max- 
ville, Perry county, Ohio, in 1880, where he has ever since resided. In 
the spring of 1881 he was elected Justice of the Peace, which otfice he 
still continues to hold. Was married in Circleville. Ohio. December 9, 
i860, to Loisa, daughter of George and Phoebe Schlicher, of Perry 
county, Ohio, to whom were born six children, viz.: Frank, Mary, 
Emma, Rose, Maggie and Philip M. ; the oldest, Frank, died in infancy. 
Mr. Younker is considered one of the best read men of the township in 
which he resides, and is a first-class mechanic and a good citizen. 

YouNKiN, E. P.. Pleasant township, Moxahala, carpenter, born 
September, 1842, in Bearfield township ; son of John and Margaret 
(Trout) Younkin, both natives of Pennsylvania. His father came to 



HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY. 595 

this State in 1818, entered a farm in Bearfield township and became one 
of the wealtliiest formers in that township. He was in the War of 181 2, 
and, died July 12, 1881, aged 90 years. When the subject of this sketch 
grew up to manhood he went to Illinois, remained there nineteen months 
and the rest of the three years he spent in the west he lived in Iowa ; he 
then returned to Perry where he remained one year, then came back to 
Moxahala, where he still resides. June 7, 1873, he married Miss Agnes 
McCall, daughter of Matthew and Levina (Gaddis) McCall, of Morgan 
county, and of Scotch descent. 

Yost, A. R., dealer in general hardware and agricultural imple- 
ments, Somerset. He was born in 1839, in this county. His father, 
Isaac Yost, was born in 1807 in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania. They 
came to this county in 1808, settling in Reading township. John, grand- 
father of A. R. Yost, died in 1854 ; his grandmother, in 1859. They 
were the parents of seven children. The father of the subject of this sketch 
was the oldest. He was married in 1834 to Miss Elizabeth Pherson, ot 
Clayton township. She was born in 1815. He removed to Clayton 
township in 1834 and lived there until his death. May loth, 1881. His 
wife died in 1874. They were the parents of eight children. A. R. Yost 
is the third. He was married in 1864, to Miss Olivia Leiter, of Stark 
county. She was born in 1841 in Mansfield, Richland county. They 
are the parents of three children, Charlie, Mary and Laura. In 1869116 
came from the farm and engaged in the dry goods line with his brother 
Albert. Went out of that in 1876. Began the hardware business in 
1878, buying an entire new stock. He is, also, the patentee of an axle 
oiler. 

Zartman, William F., was born in 1845, on the ancient homestead of 
Peter Zartman, his grandfather, and of Peter, his father, section 24, 
Thorn. ^ The mother of William F. Zartman was, in her maidenhood, 
named Sarah Binckley, daughter of Jacob, who now lives with her, 
aged ninety-three years, and a grand-daughter of Christian Binckley. 
His three sons, who came with him from Pennsylvania the same 
year, were John, Adam and Henry, all dead and all among the early 
pioneers. The grandmother's maiden name was Elizabeth Reid. 
The great ancestor, Mr. Peter Zartman, must have come into Thorn 
township in 1805, or thereabout. He was prosperous, and gave homes 
to his six sons, Samuel, Solomon, David, Franklin, Washington and 
Jackson, who all moved to Miami county, Indiana, and to his three 
daughters. Sally, wife of David Mohler; Polly, wife of John Shrover, 
Palmetto, Kansas, and Mary Ann, wife of A. Springer, Neptune, Ohio!' 
Peter Zartman, the father of William F., is the only son, and Mrs. 
Mohler the only daughter that remained in Perrv county, of this large 
and influential family, and Peter died in 1882^ at an%idvanced ag^, 
leaving but one child behind him as his survivor. The onlv brother^of 
William F., was Levi Franklin, who joined the Seventeenth Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry, and gave up his life in the service of his country. 
The religion is Lutheran. William Francis Zartman was married "in 
1864, to Miss Clara, daughter of Valentine Weirick, the name being of 
English extraction, while that of Zartman is German. The surviving 
children of this marriage are Elmer, Lizzie and Elsie. The tirst born, 
Laura, is dead. 



59^ JJIOGRAI'HICAL SKETCHES. ""/^ 

Addenda. — The following sketches were received too late for inser- 
tion in their proper places : 

Carter, CHARUi:s, merchant, Rendville, Ohio ; was born Novem- 
ber lo, 1852, in Pleasant township, Perry county, Ohio ; son of Charles 
and Rachel (Tharp) Carter. Mr. Carter was brought up on a farm and 
followed agricultural pursuits until he was twenty years of age, at which 
time he went to school ; attending the New Lexington high school one 
year; one summer at Granville, Ohio, and one summer at Lebanon, 
Ohio, graduating in a business course at the latter place. During the 
years he was attending school, he taught in the winter season and for 
five 3'ears afterward followed teaching. In March of 1881, he opened 
a store of general merchandise, in partnership with Charles Herring, 
at Rendville, Ohio, which partnership only continued about one month 
under the firm name of Carter & Herring, when Herring sold out to 
Frank N. Turner, and the firm of Carter & Turner was established, 
and has continued up to this time, meeting with good success. Mr. 
Carter was married September 22, 1876, to Miss Mary, daughter of 
James and Sarah (Horner) Wigton. They are the parents of two chil- 
dren, viz. : James and Sarah. 

Hammond, William, farmer. Pike township, New Lexington, O. ; 
was born February 15, 1843, in Clayton township. Perry county, Ohio ; 
son of Nicholas and Susan (Davidson) Hammond. Mr. Hammond was 
raised a farmer, and has made agricultural pursuits, together with fine 
sheep breeding of the Merino stock, his business up to this time. The 
mines of the Nuget Coal Company are excavations of his farm. He 
was married October 15, 1872. to Margaret, daughter of Thomas and Ju- 
lia (Wright) Selby. 

Klipstine, Philip, tarmer, Corning, Ohio; was born on the [2th 
day of August, 1820, in Greene county, Pennsylvania ; son of William 
Klipstine and Nancy (Sherman). Was raised on a farm ; lived in Ty- 
ler count3\Va.. and when 22 years of age came to Monroe township. 



Errata. — On page 46, eighth line from the top, in place of "'John 
Dodds," read "George Dodds." 

On page 48, second line, from bottom, in place ot "Jermiah Lovell,'" 
read "Josiah Lovell." 

On page 104, nineteenth line from the bottom, in place of -'Poin 
Isabel," read "Point Isabel." 

On page 159, second line from the bottom, in phice ot "bread," 
read "bred." 

On page 220, twenty-fourth line from the bottom, in jjlace of "•1874,"' 
read "1774." 

On page 226, sixth line Irom the toji, in die place of '-Wur of the 
Revolution," read "War of 1812." 

On page 418, the biography of Grimes, H. C, should read G?<kiner. 
H. C. ' 

[Since Mr. Ctjlborn's history was printed, reliable information de- 
velops the fact that the first settlement in the county was as early as 1801, 
instead of 1805, as he has given it ; also, that the first Lutheran Church 
at Overmyertown, now New Reading (a log building), was erected in 
1805, which was, no doubt, the first public house of worship in v/hat is 
now Perry county.] — The Publisher. 



H28 75 



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